Nutrition: Myth or Fact

Fresh fruits and vegetables are always healthier than canned or frozen.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

Fresh veggies often taste the best, especially if the vegetable is in season. But the good news is that the nutritional value of a vegetable isn't reduced during either the canning or freezing process — making canned or frozen veggies just as healthy as fresh ones

Carrots are more nutritious when they are cooked.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

Your body has an easier time absorbing the carotene (rich in vitamin A) carrots if you eat them cooked rather than raw. Cooking breaks down the vegetable's cell walls, making its nutrients more available. Steaming, sauteing, or roasting is best.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

All fat is bad.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

Saturated fat, found mainly in meat and dairy foods, contributes to clogged arteries and cardiovascular disease. But monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in plants and healthful oils, actually protect your health by improving your cholesterol profile.

Foods labeled "natural" are better for you.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

“Natural” and “all-natural” are not regulated. So-called “natural” foods could contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup, foods treated with pesticides, or genetically engineered products.

Until the label “natural” is better regulated, reading nutritional labels carefully is the best way to ensure the foods you eat are healthy. Never assume that an “all-natural” food has any particular nutritional benefit or superior qualities.

Some foods have high levels of desirable nutrients, may promote personal health, and may prevent disease and sickness.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

Yes! Sometimes called superfoods, foods high in certain nutrients are considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.

Each superfood has different nutritional properties, but overall, they’re associated with:

Heart health.

A strong immune system.

Cancer prevention.

Reduced inflammation.

Lower cholesterol.

Fruit has too much sugar.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

The sugars naturally found in fruit come tied up with fiber, which fills you up and blunts the impact the sugar has on your body. Plus, you'll get valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. When you remove the fiber (i.e., orange juice versus a whole orange), it's a completely different story.

Brown eggs are healthier than white.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

Eggs come in many colors, depending on the breed of chicken. However, there's no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. In the end, the only real difference is shell color and maybe the price.

Chocolate isn’t healthy.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

The antioxidants in dark chocolate have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart, thus lowering the risks of stroke, coronary heart disease, and death from heart disease.

Dark chocolate has many health benefits and can definitely be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. There are many healthy ways to incorporate chocolate into your diet.

All smoothies and juices are healthy.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

Smoothies can be rich in fiber and protein and keep you full longer, while those made with fruits and vegetables increase your daily vegetable servings. As long as you are drinking smoothies made from a variety of fruits and vegetables and low in refined sugar, they can be healthful. Watch for those high in added sugars.

You Should Never Eat Fast Food.

• Fact

• Myth

Answer explanation

A review of studies on fast food and heart health found having fast food more than once a week was linked to a higher risk of obesity while eating fast food more than twice a week was associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and death from coronary heart disease. It's not very healthful, but everything in moderation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4