You could go crazy trying to keep track of all the health trends and conflicting diet tips out there.
In fact, many people are really confused about what foods are best for their bodies. In an effort to help you get past all those titbits of information, we will take a look at three health myths you should just forget.
Myth #1: I will gain weight if I eat potatoes.
Believe it or not, potatoes are not really a fattening food on their own. In fact, all potatoes are rich in nutrients, so whether you prefer white potatoes or sweet potatoes, they are good for you. It just boils down to the choices you make. For example, you might want to steer clear of a loaded baked potato complete with sour cream, butter, cheese, and bacon, although that does not mean you cannot enjoy one every now and then!
When it comes to eating potatoes, you need to pay attention to a couple of factors, the first of which is the size of the potato. Larger potatoes contain more calories, even when they are cooked plain. However, potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering up plenty of vitamin B6, vitamin C, protein, potassium, and iron. When you eat them, be sure to keep the portion size small and eat the skin – it has the most nutrients and fibre.
Myth #2: Red meat is not good for my heart.
For many years, red meat has been getting a bad rap. This mostly stems from fatty cuts of beef and huge portions. Like potatoes, if you make healthy choices, red meat can be really good for you. Lean red meat has a lot less saturated fat. When shopping, if you can see the fat on the edge or throughout the meat, opt for a different cut that is leaner. Red meat provides us with essential protein and iron.
Remember when choosing red meat that going organic is not necessarily enough to make it a healthier option. What you should seek out is grass-fed beef. If you select organic beef, the cows may have eaten only organic grain and no grass at all. Grass-fed beef is not only healthier for you, but it is also tastier!
Myth #3: Red wine is really good for my heart.
Although some studies have shown that red wine is rich in antioxidants, you must remember that red wine is not a health food. This means that if you do not already enjoy a glass of red wine here and there, you do not need to add it to your diet for its health benefits.
If you are already inclined to consume red wine, always be sure to pay attention to the portion size and frequency. While having a glass or two of red wine on occasion is perfectly acceptable, high consumption of alcoholic beverages has been closely linked to a number of health risks.
Just remember that there are lots of health myths out there. If you are not sure if you are making the right dietary choices, never hesitate to talk to your nutritionist or doctor.
