Myths and Misconceptions about Healthy Eating

I’ve started to list some of the more popular myths and misconceptions below.

Avoiding sources of misinformation will help you steer clear of erroneous nutrition and health information.  You can find some popular sources of misinformation at these links:

Popular Myths & Misconceptions

Detox or Cleansing Diets Are Effective
Almond Milk is Nutritious

healthyhypealmondmilkMost of the health claims for almond milk relate to the low calorie content, low saturated fat content, the benefits of almonds, or the added vitamins and minerals. If you delve deeper into the internet (not recommended!), you’ll find claims from preventing Alzheimer’s (because it has Vitamin D), to improving vision, or increasing muscle growth and healing. And, quite concerning is the claim that almond milk is a suitable substitute for infants (it definitely isn’t).

The term “almond milk” is misleading in terms of nutrition, because it doesn’t contain large amounts of the nutrients in almonds or milk (and technically “milk” should come from a mammary gland).  Many of the claims for almond milk relate to the health benefits of consuming almonds: given the meager amount of almonds in almond milk (about 4 almonds in 1 cup of almond milk), these health benefits are doubtful.  The beneficial nutrients that some almond milks boast on their labels (e.g., high in vitamin E, rich in calcium) are vitamins and minerals added during processing.

More Reading:

Carbohydrates Make Us Fat

Although some people successfully lose weight by restricting their carbohydrates, it is not carbohydrate intake that makes people fat.  The insulin-carbohydrate theory of obesity (suggesting that insulin drives fat storage and that eating low-carb helps people “burn” more fat than eating higher carb) is often cited as if it is fact, while there is considerable debate and new evidence suggesting that it is incorrect.

One problem with the “low carb” craze is lumping all carbohydrates into one category, equating legumes to candy. Low carb proponents claim that dietary guidelines promoted increased carbohydrate intake and “made people fat,” but there is no good evidence to support this claim.

Carbs Not Equal

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Canola Oil is Bad for You

Myths about canola oil abound, including claims that is it toxic, unfit to eat, or damages the heart. This is fearmongering and not evidence-based.

Dairy/Milk is Pro-Inflammatory

milk_MSThough milk is not necessary for a healthy diet, there is a fair bit of pseudoscience surrounding claims that dairy is bad for us.  One such claim is that dairy is “pro-inflammatory.” A study just published in the journal Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition investigated evidence for the dairy-inflammation link.  Researchers reviewed 52 clinical trials conducted in humans, and found that consumption of dairy products, particular fermented products, is associated with anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that dairy consumption potentially reduces chronic inflammation and could benefit health.

Skim / Lowfat Milk is bad for you

The fat in dairy products is mostly saturated, and decades of research link high saturated fat intakes to type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease.  Though new research suggests that dairy fat might not be as harmful as once thought, we still have much to learn about the influence of various types of fats on health. If you are someone who consumes a lot of dairy, choosing only full-fat options means the saturated fat and calorie intake can add up quite a bit; and that’s in addition to the saturated fats you’re getting from meat and other foods. That’s a lot of calories that a person might not need, and calories that aren’t providing much nutrition, and potential harm.  If it’s “healthy” fats you are interested in, look for those whose health effects are backed by solid scientific evidence from a variety of studies: these are the fats found vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish.

Contrary to some beliefs, nonfat milk is healthy and there is nothing in process that makes it unhealthy (the fat is spun out in a centrifuge).

Fat In Milks Kealey

 

 

Dietary Guidelines Are Making Us Fat and Sick

A common theme in many internet posts is how the dietary guidelines are outdated, and are making people fat or sick. Common criticisms include that the guidelines . . .

“caused the obesity and/or type 2 diabetes epidemic,”
“are not based on scientific evidence,”
“recommend carbohydrates/grains and they are the cause of obesity,”
“recommend a low-fat diet, and this made people fat,”
“made people replace fat with carbs, and they got fat.”
What’s lacking in these anti-guideline statements is good science.

A critical piece that is ignored in these claims is that most people weren’t following dietary guidelines. Read More >>

Gluten/Wheat/Grains are Bad for You

Slice of bread with Gluten text - Gluten Free diet concept
Slice of bread with Gluten text – Gluten Free diet concept

The gluten-free trend is a popular one, and many people have hopped on the bandwagon thinking it might improve their health, digestion, and athletic performance. People with celiac disease (about 1% of the population) need to absolutely avoid gluten because it damages their intestines; others believe they are “gluten sensitive,” which is a debatable condition that recent studies have called into question. Read More >>

More Reading:

“Natural” Sweeteners are Healthier Than Sugar

Health Halo Donut SmallThe health impact of consuming too much sugar is big news, and many people are looking for alternatives. What about so-called “natural” sweeteners? Food marketers want you to think they are healthier, and labels boasting terms like “naturally sweetened” or “honey-sweetened” are a common fixture.

This line of thinking has made its way into cookbooks, recipe blogs, and many home kitchens. One of my cake recipes wasn’t “healthy,” a reader commented, because it used sugar instead of a more “natural” sweetener like honey.

Despite marketing claims and labels that suggest otherwise, “natural” sweeteners are not better for you than refined sugar. Most people would be better off consuming less sugar from all sources, “natural” and refined.  Use “natural” sweeteners because you like their flavour or they work well in your cooking/baking.  But they are not better for you  nor will they improve your health.  Treat them as you would sugar and consume judiciously.  Read more >>

Saturated Fat is Good For You

butter photoYears of research have associated saturated fat with heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes.  But recent studies suggest that some types of saturated fats, such as “medium chain triglycerides” (MCTs) may not be as harmful to the heart as once thought. However, the evidence isn’t solid, and MCT’s influence on heart disease remains unclear.  Most of the research in question deals with saturated fat and heart health, and not the links between saturated fat and other chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes and cancer). Interpretation of the research can be challenging, as it’s impossible to look at saturated fat (or other nutrients) in isolation:  a diet that is low in saturated fat can be quite unhealthy if it contains too many refined starches and sugars.  We need more research, and keep in mind that just because something is not as bad as once thought, doesn’t mean it’s beneficial, especially in copious amounts.

Also, the most health protective diets (according to years of research) include vegetarian diets, the DASH diet,  and the Mediterranean diet, which are all low in saturated fat.

More Reading:

Foods or Food Avoidance with Questionable Health Claims

This list includes popular foods or supplements that don’t necessarily stand up to the hype or health claims behind them. This doesn’t mean they can’t be part of an overall healthy diet, but keep this in mind if you’re purchasing the items for health benefits.

Dubious Health Claims/Practices

Healthy or Hype Series

Other Questionable Health Claims . . .

Microwaves

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Page updated February 8,  2017

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