3. Food Myth: Microwaved food is unsafe.
There is a perception that if you microwave your food, the radiation from the microwave can create dangerous compounds to become present in your food. When food is prepared in a microwave, this is the energy that travels in waves and spreads out as your food heats up.
Food Truth: Unlike X-rays and gamma rays which can cause health concerns, microwaves send much weaker waves than these radiation devices. If a change does occur in the food when microwaved, it comes from the heat that’s generated inside the food, not within the microwave itself. Microwave cooking isn’t much different than other cooking methods we use to apply heat to food. However, if you are using a microwave to heat up your food, make sure you are not using plastics, but instead, you should use containers that are microwave-safe.
4. Food Myth: Drinking tea will make you dehydrated.
Since some teas have caffeine, it is often thought that tea will make you feel dehydrated. But, tea has very low levels of caffeine.
Food Truth: Even if you drink strong tea, it will not dehydrate you. Tea is 99.5% water and is considered part of your fluid intake for the day. Drinking tea will have the opposite effect and help you to stay hydrated.
5. Food Myth: Fruit has too much sugar.
Fruit contains sugar, but it is a healthier form of sugar. And, fruit offers other numerous benefits as well. Because of its fiber, vitamins and minerals fruit is an essential part of you being healthy.
Food Truth: Since fruit has sugar that is naturally sweetened, it helps you maintain your weight and decreases the chances of you getting a chronic disease.
6. Food Myth: Eliminating gluten-free food is better for your diet.
If you suffer from being intolerant to gluten or have celiac disease, then being gluten free is a better choice for you. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder which happens where ingestion of gluten causes damages in the small intestines. However, some gluten-free products have more sugar, fat and are higher in calories than gluten containing items do.
Food Truth: If you are looking to eat healthier whole grains, there are several options. Bulger, barley, brown rice, amaranth and quinoa are some choices. Since they are minimally processed containing nutrients and minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, they are healthy options for you.
7. Food Myth: Healthy food is expensive.
I have heard this one and I’m sure you have as well. Some hold the perception that it’s difficult to eat healthy food because it’s expensive. But this is simply not true.
Food Truth: If you budget accordingly, you can still buy food that is healthy and affordable. You can often save by purchasing the store brand for your food items, but is less expensive versus the major name brand. Additionally, flours, whole grains, produce which is in season along with beans, eggs, and fruits and fish are affordable and healthier options for you to eat. You can also purchase fruits and veggies at local farmers markets. Remember, eating healthier food offsets the increased medical costs you can have if you don’t eat healthily.
Knowing these food truths will help you stay healthy and remain on the right nutritional path. Happy eating!
7 Popular Food Myths Busted was originally published on blackdoctor.org
