“Drinking coffee is bad for your health.” – this is what we sometimes read on Facebook, we like the post and then we decide to kick this “bad” habit and stop drinking 3-4 cups a day. But should we? Scientists have shown that 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of developing dementia and 5 cups a day protects you from Alzheimer’s disease.
We should not believe all the advice we read on the Internet because it is not always based on scientific research. Here are 5 myths about good nutrition that many people believe due to its popularity.
We collected the most popular misconceptions. Each of them has been verified by scientists and proven wrong.
Healthy Eating and Diet Myths
Myth № 1. All Diets Are Evil
Statement: A diet is a regimented eating schedule that is not good for your body.
Fact: Study results show that not all diets are harmful: for example, the Mediterranean diet is effective. This diet is based on vegetables, fruits, seafood, beans, and olive oil. This type of nutrition can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 10%, breast cancer by 15%, and colon cancer by 25%.
Another diet that has been scientifically proven to be healthy is the Nordic diet. It is based on fish, vegetables, and cereals. There are some limitations when it comes to eating desserts and meats.
Scientists also recommend that doctors encourage their patients to follow these diets because this is one way for people to reduce their chances of developing heart disease. Not all diets are bad. Just be sure to base your chosen diet on scientific research.
Myth № 2. Milk Makes Bones And Teeth Stronger
Statement: Milk contains calcium, which strengthens teeth and bones. And it helps prevent bone fractures.
Fact: For 20 years, scientists have been doing a study with 1.2 million people and came to this conclusion: if you drink milk every day, it does not affect your bone density, it does not decrease the risk of it breaking, and it doesn’t prevent osteoporosis.
To prevent osteoporosis, you must add 800-1000 mg of vitamin D to your diet. Vitamins are more effective for bones than milk.
Myth № 3. Drinking Too Much Coffee Is Harmful
Statement: Drinking too much coffee is unhealthy because it dehydrates the body.
Fact: 3 cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of developing dementia by 25% and 5 cups a day protects you from Alzheimer’s. Caffeine has neuroprotective functions: it reduces anxiety and improves memory.
Scientists have also learned that coffee does not dehydrate. You can drink up to 4 cups of coffee a day and still maintain a fluid balance in the body. In fact, coffee helps the brain to function better and stay healthy.
Myth № 4. Spicy Foods Only Hurt The Stomach
Statement: Spicy foods harm the stomach and should be avoided.
Fact: The hot pepper reduces mortality by 13%. Spices increase the digestion of fats, which protects the body from obesity, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
Spices also improve the microflora of the intestines, reduce inflammation, and act as antioxidants. Spicy foods are good for the stomach. Of course, this does not mean that you can eat a pound of pepper a day.
Myth № 5. Popcorn Is Unhealthy Fast Food
Statement: Popcorn is just “empty calories.” They are the same fries.
Fact: Plain popcorn without supplements is a whole-wheat product. It is rich in polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant. Protects the body against atherosclerosis, diabetes and prevents cholesterol levels from rising. Popcorn contains more antioxidants than vegetables and fruits.
Which of these facts did you find the most interesting? Let us know in the comment section below!
