Nutritional Tips - Nutritional Misconceptions

Myth Frozen and Canned Vegetables have No Nutritional Value.
Fact Frozen vegetables often have more vitamins than fresh. Vegetables are often frozen immediately after harvest at their nutritional peak, and the freezing process locks in their nutrients. Canned vegetables, may lose some vitamins, especially Vitamin C, (during the high temperature canning process. They still contain fiber and other nutrients, so all is not lost. *Fresh Vegetables are best FRESH – try to buy local produce and cook your vegetables the same day or within 3 days of purchase.

Myth Honey is better than white sugar because it is natural.
Fact Chemically there is no significant nutritional difference. “Naturally occurring sugars” are all treated the same during Digestion; sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), fructose (fruit sugar) and other carbohydrates such as starches break down into simple sugars. They are then released into the blood stream to various muscles and organs where they provide energy and are stored for future use. The trick is, to learn to control the amount of sugar intake so that your body doesn’t store too much.

Myth Certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup, can burn fat and help you to lose weight.
Fact No foods can burn fat. Some foods with caffeine may speed up your metabolism (the way your body uses energy, or calories) for a short time, but they do not cause weight loss. The best way to burn fat is to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day and exercise. This keeps your metabolism active so that your body works more efficiently all day long and it staves off the hunger pains.

Myth Nuts are fattening and you shouldn't eat them if you want to lose weight
Fact Although high in calories and fat, most (but not all) types of nuts have low amounts of saturated fat. Saturated fat is the kind of fat that can lead to high blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Nuts are a good source of protein and fiber, and they do not have any dietary cholesterol. In small amounts, nuts can be part of a healthy weight-loss program. (A 1-ounce serving of mixed nuts, which is about 1/3 cup, has 170 calories.)

Myth Eggs Are Bad For You.
Fact Don’t feel so guilty about enjoying eggs. It is true they contain cholesterol, they also contain plenty of nutrients too, like B vitamins, folic acid and protein. Research has found that by eating an egg a day, there is no greater risk of developing heart disease or stroke than someone who eats just one egg a week. Keep in mind, though, that different people cope with cholesterol differently, so if you have a medical condition like diabetes, it's a good idea to check with your doctor.


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