Nutrition is essential to our health. However, we encounter so many nutrition “tips” it’s difficult to know what’s fact and what’s fiction. Some of these myths may seem harmless but in fact, they can be quite detrimental to your health. Today we’re busting five nutrition myths commonly believed to be true by most people. 

Myth #1 High-Fat Foods are Unhealthy

The term high-fat misleads many to believe these foods are unhealthy to consume and lead to weight gain. Actually, higher fat diets have been proven to be as effective in encouraging weight loss as other healthy diets. In contrast, low-fat diets are linked to a higher risk of health problems including metabolic disorder and an increase in insulin resistance and triglyceride levels, which are also risk factors for heart disease. Dietary fat is essential for optimal health and should not be avoided. 

Myth #2 Non-Nutritive Sweeteners are Healthy

You know the sweeteners we’re talking about. Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are not just as unhealthy as consuming sugar, they may be even more unhealthy than the real deal. Non-nutritive sweeteners may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by leading to negative shifts in gut bacteria and by promoting blood sugar dysregulation. Regular use of non-nutritive sweeteners are also linked to overall unhealthy lifestyle patterns.

Myth #3 White Potatoes are Unhealthy

White potatoes have gotten a bad (and unfair) rep over the years for being the unhealthy potato. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Though consuming too much of any food can lead to weight gain and other unhealthy consequences, white potatoes are chock-full of nutrients your body needs. White potatoes are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, and they are more filling than other carb sources like rice. Just be sure to enjoy your potatoes baked or roasted instead of fried. 

Myth #4 Low-Fat and Diet Foods are Healthy Alternatives

Grocery shoppers on a diet often flaunt to foods labeled “low-fat”, “fat-free”, “diet”, or “light.” The truth is, those very foods could be the reason the dieter can’t lose weight. Foods with these labels are typically higher in sugar and salt than their regular counterparts. Instead of opting for foods with these labels, choose smaller amounts of foods like full-fat yogurt, cheese, and nut butters. 

Myth #5 High Cholesterol Foods are Bad for You

Thanks to common misconceptions about cholesterol and heart disease, high-cholesterol foods have also received a bad rep over the years. It’s true that some people are more sensitive to high-cholesterol foods than others, but overall, nutrient-dense, cholesterol-rich foods are okay to include in a healthy diet. In fact, some of these foods may boost your health and weight loss efforts by enhancing feelings of fullness and providing important nutrients your body needs to thrive. 

Now that you know the truth behind these myths, it’s time to apply the facts to your diet. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new diet. To speak to your EliteCare provider, drop by our clinic anytime during regular hours.