10 Nutrition Related Myths

1. Taking Vitamin C helps prevent colds. There isn't any research to show that taking vitamin C helps ward off a "Cold" virus. However, studies have shown that taking it may shorten the duration of a cold.



2. Consuming more protein builds bigger muscles. Daily protein requirements are based on individual weight. A balanced daily diet can give most people the protein they need. If you exceed the recommended daily allowance for protein you run the risk that it will be converted to and stored as fat.



3. 2% Milk is 98% fat free. In reality, the 2% refers to the relative weight of fat in the product. The often overlooked fact is that a cup of milk contains 35% fat calories (42.3 calories of the total 121 calories)


4. Eating low-fat foods will stop you from gaining weight. "Low-Fat" and "Fat-free" foods still contain calories and can be high in sugar and calories. What you take in for calories compared to what you expend in calories is the determining factor in weight management.


5. If eating a particular healthy food or nutrient is good for me. Then taking more of it must be better..right ? As with protein, anything you take in must be in line with your daily recommended needs as an individual. Exceeding the proper amounts can lead to toxic situations... "more is not always better"..even with the good stuff !


6. Antioxidants can prevent cancer. To date, no conclusive evidence has been found to support this theory.
7. Hamburger is safe to eat if the meat is no longer pink. When cooking hamburgers the temperature of the meat needs to reach 160 degrees to be safe. Although the risk is relatively small. A slow cooked burger at a temp lower than 160 can still make someone seriously ill.
8. A high-fiber diet helps prevent colon cancer. There are benefits to increasing the amount of fiber in your diet. However, there is not sufficient information to show that it lowers your risk to colon cancer.
9. "Natural" and "herbal" foods are good for you. As with everything else you've read here, marketing plays a role in feeding on our perceptions. Think about the fact that Cocaine & nicotine are "natural" plant by- products.
10. Healthy eating brings and end to the foods that taste good. Healthy eating is more about managing how you prepare your foods, portion size and how you manage dining out when it occurs. It's not about being perfect but being healthy !

Don't let marketing fool you !

Mark Travers

Taurean Training & Wellness

References: ACSM Health & Fitness Journal, J. Peterson