After the ‘eat, drink and be merry’ year-end festivities, January, February, and March often hit hard with the need to commit to your resolutions, especially when it comes to your health.
Not all that you’ve read or heard about keeping fit and healthy are true though.
Here are some common myths that nutritional experts have now set right.
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Wine is Healthier than Beer
Not true. ALL alcoholic drinks raise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL)- the good cholesterol- in your body and HDL can be a good thing, as it roams in the bloodstream and protects the heart by removing a plaque build-up that may lead to a heart attack or stroke.
However, this is not a green light to splurge on the drinks.
The body reaps the positive effects of HDL only when alcohol is consumed in moderation. So once again, moderation and balance prove to be the building blocks for good health.
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Carbs are Bad
For most of us, gaining pounds and putting on those unsightly bulges is a nightmare come true and often, carbohydrates bear the brunt of the blame.
However, not all carbs are bad for you- natural carbohydrates (the sort found in vegetables and whole grains) are actually essential to physical well-being as they provide the energy your body needs to function properly.
It’s bringing on sweetened, processed carb-rich food that is a big no-no.
So, don’t dodge carbohydrates altogether; just remember that the trick is in keeping the quality and quantity of your carb intake in check.
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Eating Late Makes You Fat
It is commonly believed that if you stuff yourself silly before hitting the sack, your body will turn all that food into fat.
The truth is, metabolism does not come to a complete halt when you sleep; come bedtime, your body still continues processing food.
The metabolism rate, however, does slow down during sleep.
So for the most part, it helps to practice a healthy lifestyle- eat balanced and nutritious meals at regular times and get a good workout by hitting the gym or just break a sweat exercising at home.
As for that late night snack, go ahead and indulge from time to time, but remember that moderation is key.
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Dairy Equals Calcium
Think calcium, think dairy?
Think again!
When on the topic of calcium, dairy products do tend to be the first to come to mind, but did you know that leafy vegetables are just as loaded with this nutrient?
In fact, when it comes to bone health, experts say you need more than just calcium and Vitamin D, as previously believed.
Recent studies show that Vitamin K, and add beans nuts, potatoes, brown rice and whole wheat bread to your diet for a good dose of magnesium.
