Who hasn’t heard about the benefits of giving up sweets and the need to drink two liters of water a day? We suggest saying goodbye to these and other popular misconceptions about healthy eating.
Myth #1: Eating carbohydrates causes excess weight.
Eliminating carbohydrates from your diet can lead to short-term weight loss, but at the same time, moderate consumption of them does not lead to weight gain. Of course, uncontrolled consumption of sweets has nothing to do with a healthy lifestyle, but a complete rejection of carbohydrates (which do not necessarily come from sweets) is an idea that your body will definitely not appreciate.
Myth #2: You need to drink 2 liters of water a day
To avoid dehydration, it is necessary to replenish fluid losses. We lose moisture not only through sweating and going to the toilet, but also, for example, during breathing. The body does not measure the norm in glasses, so everyone has their own, and it is also inconsistent. Sitting in a humid room with air conditioning will deplete your reserves to a lesser extent than if you spend a hot day at the stadium.
Myth #3: Eating extra protein will lead to muscle gain.
It makes sense to lean on protein if you are doing intense strength training. A protein bar or shake alone will not lead to muscle gain. However, excessive amounts of protein can be harmful, so any deviations from a balanced diet plan should only be made after consulting a specialist.
Myth #4: A love of sweets leads to diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin – this process is not associated with excessive consumption of sweets, as is type 2 diabetes, which affects overweight people. Obesity can occur due to an addiction to confectionery, but slim sweet tooths who adhere to the principles of proper nutrition have nothing to worry about.
Myth #5: Alcohol is extremely harmful in any quantity
Did you know that there are standards for alcohol consumption that are set by both the WHO and the Ministry of Health? According to the domestic department, a safe amount for men is no more than 30 grams of pure alcohol per day, and for women – no more than 20 grams. The formula for calculating the permissible amount of alcohol can be easily found on the Internet. In no case do we encourage drinking alcohol, but if you are ready to listen to the recommendations and not overdo it with drinking, it will definitely not be worse.
Myth #6: Eating eggs increases blood cholesterol levels
Egg yolks are the highest in cholesterol among foods, but that doesn’t make eggs unambiguously bad for you. Research shows that eating one egg a day doesn’t raise your cholesterol levels. They’re also known to be a great source of nutrients, and they don’t contain enough cholesterol to pose a real health risk for those who eat in moderation.
Myth #7: Brown sugar is much healthier than white sugar.
If you break it down into its components, unrefined cane sugar is indeed healthier. It has more vitamins and microelements. But here’s the problem: overindulgence in brown sugar, like white sugar, is dangerous to your health, so eating kilograms of it for the sake of vitamins won’t work, and in small quantities it won’t have a beneficial effect on your body. Not to mention colored refined sugar.