It might be challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction given the lack of information. And, it does not help when people are spreading myths about food.
People want to eat healthy to stay healthy, have more energy, and feel better overall. But, one has to start developing some positive behaviours and follow them to achieve this. Yets, despite your best attempts to do what is best for your bodies, there are times when old customs and unsubstantial beliefs guide you for better or for worse.
So, here are some myths about food that are widely believed in Nepal.
1. Avoid eggs to control cholesterol content
Eggs have an unjustified poor reputation for increasing cholesterol. A 2018 study published in the journal, Nutrients, revealed eggs do not truly cause high cholesterol. But, actually, eggs are a cheap source of a variety of nutrients, including zinc, iron, the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin D, and brain-booster choline.
Do not overdo it, though, as the science around eggs has been inconclusive at times over the years. According to the American Heart Association, a balanced diet can include one whole egg or two egg whites each day. By watching your intake of saturated fat, you can lower your cholesterol.
2. The fewer carbs, the healthier you are
This is one of the biggest myths about food in Nepal as the country’s staple food–dal bhat tarkari–has a lot of carbohydrates.
Of course, your well-being is dependent on choosing the best carbohydrates, particularly whole grains. Major studies, such as this one published in the British Medical Journal in 2016, show that eating whole grains decreases the risk of heart disease by 20 to 30 per cent in both men and women. Researchers discovered that consuming more whole grains is associated with a decreased risk of getting chronic diseases and dying young.
According to research, low-carbohydrate diets boost your metabolism more than high-carbohydrate diets, which may help you lose more weight.
3. Consuming sugar causes diabetes
Another major team among the myths about food in Nepal because diabetes develops when the body absorbs a considerable quantity of blood sugar. The pancreas generates extra insulin to help blood sugar enter cells. Cells ultimately stop responding to all of that insulin and develop insulin resistance. To boost cell responsiveness, the pancreas continues to manufacture insulin.
When the pancreas can no longer keep up, blood sugar levels increase. However, this may be balanced by eating meals and snacks that contain a variety of carbs, lipids, and proteins, which are essential for maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels. You should also utilise exercise and medicine to keep your blood sugar levels under control. In moderation, a sweet treat is okay.
4. Consuming salt causes blood pressure
This is another of the myths about food that is very commonly believed. But, the idea is that when you overeat salt, the excess water in your blood causes extra pressure on your blood vessel walls, which raises your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, eating too much salt can increase it even more and may cause any blood pressure medications you are taking to perform less effectively.
Cutting less on salt is one of the simplest strategies to decrease your blood pressure and will show results immediately, even within weeks. Salt does not increase your blood pressure, however, too much salt can result in health issues, which might include other ailments and bodily discomforts.
5. You do not get gastric when you do not eat on time
Skipping meals and fasting for an extended period can cause gastric fluids to irritate the stomach lining. Furthermore, when you are really hungry, you tend to overeat, which can cause the digestive system to become highly sensitive. Eat five to six modest meals every day and appreciate what is on your plate. When you skip only one meal, your blood sugar levels plunge.
Researchers have busted many myths about food, and this is one of them. It was discovered that missing meals during the day and having one large meal in the evening resulted in higher fasting glucose levels and a delayed insulin response, both of which can contribute to diabetes in the long term, in a study published in the medical journal Metabolism.
6. Vitamin C can keep you from catching a cold
It is believed that vitamin C can keep you from catching a cold. But that is not true; it is just one of those myths about food you keep on hearing. Regardless, it can build up your immunity.
If you have vitamin C after having the cold symptoms, it will not be effective as you anticipated. It might decrease the time you fight your illness, but that has not been supported by evidence. Vitamin C may not generally prevent colds, according to research, but studies have suggested that it may be beneficial for those who engage in vigorous exercise.
