The cliché is true: You are what you eat. And as we age, diet has an even greater impact on health and quality of life.
But like anything else, the rules around what constitutes healthy eating change as researchers learn more. As a consequence, some of the adages we once considered gospel are no longer words to live by.
Myth #1: Vitamin C Will Keep You from Getting Sick
The common cold accounts for about 40% of missed work by the American workforce. No wonder nearly 30% of Americans take vitamin C. Afterall, you were always told it prevents colds, right?
Well…not exactly.
Because vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, it can help your body to combat viruses like the flu and the common cold once they get past your body’s first-line defenses.
And that may be reason enough to keep taking vitamin C. While it won’t keep you from getting sick in the first place…it might help you to recover faster and with fewer symptoms.
Myth #2: Fat Is Bad for You
Fat-free and low-fat diets? The 80s called…they want their outdated science back.
Few food groups have been as universally vilified as fats have been. As with most things, the truth about fats is far more nuanced.
The reality is that fats are necessary for good health. In particular, they contribute to healthy cell membranes and cell growth, and they help your body to absorb nutrients.
Having said that, there are some fats that are bad. Stay away from unhealthy fats like vegetable oil. Instead, stick with fats that are good for you like coconut oil and olive oil.
Myth #3: Unprocessed Sugar Is Better for You
Apologies if you are a “raw” sugar fan…but sugar is sugar. And it’s all bad for you.
Unrefined sugar may contain a few beneficial minerals, but apart from that it goes on the bad-for-you pile with all the other sugar.
And as long as we’re talking about sweet stuff…
Myth #4: “Diet” Drinks Help You Lose Weight
You would think that a drink containing zero calories would be OK, right?
Not necessarily. It depends on whether or not that zero calorie drink is sweetened with an artificial sweetener.
It turns out that artificial sweeteners can actually cause weight gain. They can also cause:
- A higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome and diabetes
- Reduced kidney function
- Increased heart disease risk
- A larger waist size
It’s best to avoid diet sodas and other artificially sweetened beverages.
Live by Food Facts, Not Myths
In addition to providing hormone replacement therapy, Renew Youth can help you to make fact-based lifestyle choices. To learn more, call us at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to schedule your free 30-minute consultation.