Nutrition facts and myths

By Katelyn Acton Hogan

Nowadays, social media is so evident in all our lives. It is hard to get away from it and the misleading information that comes with it. Alongside social media, other sources like magazines, radio, popular websites all give out false evidence on Nutrition and Health.

There are many consequences from food myths being spread in the incorrect way, to just mention a few: Lack of nutrients in the diet, obesity, malnutrition, patterns being filtered down by generation, confusion, poor dietary food choices, and mistrust in the professionals in the Nutrition sector.

What are false advertisement myths?​

A piece of information given to an audience with or without any determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation.

High cholesterol foods are bad

Not all high cholesterol foods e.g., eggs are a great source of protein

High fats are unhealthy

Many high fat foods are nutritious and filling helping to maintain weight e.g., avocados

Frozen or canned foods are less nutritious

Protein is essential in every diet as it helps the body to grow and repair itself

Protein is for males to become strong

Not all high cholesterol foods e.g., eggs are a great source of protein

Supplements are necessary

If supplements are not medically subscribed by health professionals, they tend to do more harm than good in the body

All smoothies and juices are highly nutritious in the diet

Some smoothies and juices are extremely healthy in the diet, but majority are full of sugars and are highly calorized

Eating disorders only affect the female population

Eating disorders are commonly found in both male and female populations

Carbohydrates make you gain weight

Carbohydrates do not make us fat and act as a filling food in the diet e.g., pasta

Unfortunately, the surrounding world of Nutrition and Public Health is rampant, with misleading myths being broadcasted afar.

Although it must be said, these Nutrition myths are likely to stay, until as a population we educate ourselves by separating fact from fiction when its Nutrition related. By doing so may lead to a sense of accomplishment and help you feel more empowered to develop a nutritious and sustainable dietary pattern in everyday life.

In today’s world with misleading information coupled with mistrust of health professionals and poor dietary choices, it is crucial to keep up to date by educating ourselves with facts for us as a generation to make a sustainable dietary pattern for later.