One of the biggest dilemmas for dieters is sorting fact from fiction when it comes to nutrition claims. So, get ready to set a few more of those urban, nutrition-myths straight.
1. Eggs are high in cholesterol
Even though eggs are high in cholesterol, the cholesterol in food has very little bearing on your blood cholesterol. Your liver manufactures cholesterol from saturated fat. So continue to enjoy your eggs knowing that they are highly nutritious, but forego the fatty bacon, chipolatas and hash browns.
2. If you are lactose intolerant you can not consume any dairy products
Lactose is the sugar found naturally in dairy foods. Our bodies break it down with the presence of the enzyme lactase. Some people, particularly of Asian background, are unable to digest lactose, and consequently avoid all dairy foods, increasing their risk of inadequate calcium intake. However, there are dairy foods that most lactose intolerant individuals are able to consume such as most cheeses and yogurts containing live cultures (L. acidophilius, Bifidus and L. casei (aBc bacteria)). These healthy bacteria help break down the lactose.
3. Consuming carbohydrates after 6pm will make you gain weight
Weight gain is due to consuming more kilojoules (energy) than you expend throughout the day. Carbohydrate rich foods, such as bread, pasta, rice, starchy vegetables and fruit, provide the body with energy, to help you function optimally. We tend to use less energy at night; nevertheless there is no research to show that carbohydrate night-time eating will lead to weight gain. Carbohydrate intake should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure energy levels are maintained and hunger is prevented.
4. Carrots help you see in the dark
In most cases this is true. Carrots are one of the richest sources of vitamin A. This ‘vision vitamin’ helps prevent night blindness. In fact, during World War II, the British developed some high vitamin A containing carrots so that their pilots would be able to see better at night. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of blindness in young children.
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