Top myths about food that harm your health - Doctor's list
What statements about food are myths (photo: Freepik)
Erroneous beliefs about food hinder people from properly organizing their diet and thus maintaining their health. So take into account the myths about nutrition listed below and stop believing in them.
Here are the five biggest myths about food according to Ukrainian gastroenterologist Yevheniia Belinska.
You cannot eat fruits in the evening if you want to lose weight
"Fruits can be eaten at any time of the day, but not as a snack, but as a dessert or along with the main meal to avoid provoking a sharp insulin spike. To lose weight, you need a calorie deficit, not a timer for consuming specific foods. But indeed, the last meal should be three hours before bedtime," says the doctor.
You cannot drink water with food because it dilutes stomach acid
"Considering the anatomy of the stomach and the pathophysiological mechanisms, water does not mix with gastric contents but drains into the duodenum. It takes approximately 5-15 minutes for a glass of water. Moreover, vegetables and fruits contain water, as do first courses," explains Belinska.
She adds that water can be drunk when feeling thirsty. Water helps moisten the food bolus and its movement through the esophagus.
Carbohydrates are enemy number one
"Complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are an important source of energy and nutrients," says the gastroenterologist.
Balanced healthy eating is expensive
"No one forces you to consume salmon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes every day. Herring and mackerel are also excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. Beets, carrots, cabbage, legumes, and cereals won't burden your wallet," emphasizes Belinska.
Fasting is beneficial because it promotes body cleansing and weight loss
"Long-term fasting can cause serious health problems, including muscle loss, hypovitaminosis, and mental disorders. Having three hairs on your head and hysterical behavior, albeit being thin – in my opinion, is not a standard of beauty and health," says the doctor.
She adds that the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, skin, intestines, and lungs are responsible for the metabolism of substances.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
