Busting 5 Food Related Myths

1. Eating Gluten-Free Foods is Good for Everyone!

You can find the “Gluten-Free” version of many popular foods in the supermarkets, and given the many discussions of the negative effects of gluten in the main-stream media many people assume that gluten-free is the healthier option of a given food. In reality however, gluten free products and a gluten free diet is primarily intended for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune is an autoimmune condition in which the body can’t digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley; it’s marked by damage to the small intestine that leads to deficiencies because nutrients can’t be absorbed. A blood test is used to diagnose celiac disease. Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, may be diagnosed when abdominal distress, and sometimes fatigue, regularly occurs after consuming gluten—and celiac disease has been ruled out. If you don’t have a medical reason for following a gluten-free diet, “there’s probably no benefit,” says Tricia Thompson, R.D., a Massachusetts-based dietitian and founder of glutenfreedietitian.com.

2. Radiation From Microwaves Creates Dangerous Compounds in Your Food

Microwaves, radio waves and the energy waves that we perceive as visual light all are forms of radiation, so, too, are X-rays and gamma rays—which do pose health concerns. The microwaves we use today to cook or reheat foods are many, many times weaker

3. Consuming Less Carbohydrates Makes you Healthier

There’s no question that loading up on sugary and refined-carbohydrate-rich foods, such as white bread, pasta and doughnuts, can raise your risk of developing health problems like heart disease and diabetes. But if you cut out so-called “good-carb” foods, such as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, you’re missing out on your body’s main source of fuel as well as vital nutrients and fiber. At least seven major studies show that women and men who eat whole grains have 20 to 30 percent less heart disease. Separately, in a 2010 study of more than 13,000 adults, those who ate the most servings of whole grains had lower body weight.

4. Cranberry Juice Can Cure a Urinary Tract Infection

Sure enough we have all heard that cranberry juice can help cure UTIs or Bladder Infections, however, there’s no scientific proof that cranberry juice can treat an infection. A study form 2012 has in fact concluded that “Cranberry juice does not appear to have a significant benefit in preventing UTIs and may be unacceptable to consume in the long term. Cranberry products (such as tablets or capsules) were also ineffective (although had the same effect as taking antibiotics), possibly due to lack of potency of the ‘active ingredient’.” Despite this evidence, drinking cranberry juice will not harm the person with UTI, and can be beneficial in that it will provide hydration to the person.

5. Frozen and Canned Fruits and Veggies are Less Nutritious Than Fresh Ones

This is yet another myth that many of us continue to accept as a fact! The nutrient content of canned and frozen fruits and vegetables is generally equal to fresh fruits and vegetables. If there is any loss of nutrients than it is usually in such small amounts that it does not make a significant difference for our consumption. Depending on the produce item, canning and freezing may preserve some of the nutrient value better, and given the frozen state of the fruit those highly nutritious fruits and vegetables can be available during off-season times and provide important nutrients to the body despite of the season. Using a combinationof frozen, canned, and fresh fruits and vegetables contributes to a healthy diet.

Sources Used:

http://www.eatingwell.com/article/16296/the-13-biggest-nutrition-and-food-myths-busted/

http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/eat-healthier-food-myths-you-still-think-are-true//

http://http://www.cochrane.org/CD001321/RENAL_cranberries-for-preventing-urinary-tract-infections

http://www.frozenfoodfacts.org/research/new-study-reinforces-nutritional-benefits-frozen-fruits-and-vegetables

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/frozen-and-canned-fruits-and-vegetables-vs-fresh