Posts for the Topic Nutrition

A site to house links to external sites providing information on health and well being.

Myth: It’s hard to avoid food waste

Truth: We all have good intentions at the grocery store - nobody likes to throw away food that didn't get used in time. Yet almost half of all food waste generated in Canada originates from individual households. This mainly comes from food items we purchase with every intention of using but never do. Food waste costs the average Canadian household $1456 per year or $364 per person.

Myth: Pink Himalayan sea salt is better for you than table salt

Truth: This trendy gourmet salt derived from ancient sea beds is everywhere. And so is the hype about its benefits, including that it is rich in health-promoting trace minerals and "vibrational energy."  Despite its inviting signature pale pink-coral colour that is the result of a smidgeon of trace minerals (and possible contaminants), there is no truth to any of the pseudoscience claiming it is a healthier seasoning option.

Myth: Eating disorders affect mainly teenage girls

Truth: This is one of the many myths about eating disorders. While some people may be at higher risk, these serious and complex illnesses can affect anyone - they occur across genders, all ages, cultures and socioeconomic groups. Eating disorders are life threatening and have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. They are treatable and full recovery is possible, but getting help is extremely important.

Myth: Eating after a certain time will make you gain weight

Truth: Eating in the evening can lead to weight gain, but it's not due to the time on the clock. Large evening meals or late night snacking can add more calories than your body needs in a day, especially if you're mindlessly munching on sugary, salty or high fat treats or drink sweetened beverages. Eating too much at night can also disrupt sleep or give you heartburn. Before you automatically head to the kitchen for a snack when you're relaxing, watching a show or studying, stop to consider if you are truly hungry or, instead, are bored, tired or stressed. 

Myth: Plant-based milk alternatives are better for you than cow’s milk

Fact: Cow's milk contains 16 essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B 12, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and protein.

Myth: Drinking cranberry juice prevents urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Fact: Proanthocyanidins are thought to be the active ingredient in cranberries that helps prevent UTI-causing bacteria from adhering to the cells that line the urinary tract. A 2012 systematic review of 24 studies concluded that cranberry's preventative role is less effective than previously found in a 2008 review, although some small studies demonstrated a limited benefit for women with recurrent UTIs.  

Myth: Rinse raw meat, fish or poultry to reduce your risk of food poisoning

Fact: While it might seem like a good idea, rinsing raw meat, fish or poultry before cooking won't remove bacteria that have the potential to make you sick. In fact, it can actually do the opposite, so save yourself this messy step! Rinsing these raw foods can cause cross-contamination by spreading bacteria as juices splash onto your sink, counters and anything else nearby like clean dishes or raw veggies.

Myth: Drinking kombucha tea has proven health benefits

Fact: This trendy, effervescent, fermented drink is made with black tea, sugar, yeast and bacteria. Kombucha tea enthusiasts claim that it has a wide range of health benefits such as aiding digestion, improving energy, strengthening immunity, preventing cancer and improving liver function. It is available commercially or can be brewed at home using a kombucha culture which is added to tea and allowed to ferment. 

Myth: Processed foods aren't healthy and should be avoided at all costs

Truth: A recent study commissioned by Heart and Stroke Canada found that Canadians consume more ultra-processed foods and drinks than any other country in the world except for the United States. In fact, nearly half of the average Canadian's daily calories come from foods and beverages that contain very little intact, wholesome food.

Myth: If you're busy, meal replacement drinks are a good solution

Fact: While they promise "complete nutrition" and may be OK for healthy adults to use in a pinch, meal replacements don't provide the same health benefits of whole foods. These drinks, whose composition is controlled by Health Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations, are made of water, sweeteners such as corn syrup solids and/or sugar, a source of protein (typically from milk and/or soy), oil, vitamins, minerals, emulsifiers and flavouring.

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