Top 10 Food Myths

Food is an important part of life, and because of this, we can't avoid food myths; they're everywhere. It's important to know whether commonly held beliefs about food have any basis in fact. Although some common beliefs about food are true, the top ten food myths are all false.

Food Myth #1. Soy is good for everyone.

Soy has many benefits, but it's not for everyone. Studies about its potential risks have yielded contradictory results, but what isn't in dispute is that some people are sensitive or even allergic to soy. In fact, soy allergies are common in children, and although many outgrow this condition, it is becoming more common in adults as well.

Food Myth #2. You have to drink milk to get enough calcium.

Milk is a good source of calcium, but it's far from the only one. Other dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, and yogurt provide good amounts of calcium. In addition, sardines, navy beans, collard greens, and calcium-fortified products such as cereal and orange juice are good sources.

Food Myth #3. If the nutrition label says "0 g" per serving, it must be true.

That depends. Look more closely to see whether an asterisk is pointing you to the fine print. If so, it means that the product contains very little. Manufacturers are currently allowed to use a zero if the amount is considered negligible. Just remember that negligible amounts add up over the course of the day.

Food Myth #4. Microwaving food in plastic containers is dangerous because it releases dioxins.

The prevalent belief is that when plastic is heated in the microwave, it releases harmful dioxins. The problem with this food myth is that the plastic used for foods doesn't contain dioxins. There are other chemicals in the plastic, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has determined that they are safe. Not all plastics are meant for microwave use, so if you're reheating something in your own plastic container instead of one that came with the food, check to make sure it's safe.

Food Myth #5. Raw vegetables are healthier than cooked vegetables.

That depends on the vegetable, how it's cooked, and which healthful properties you're concerned about. Cooking increases the amount of lycopene in tomatoes, as well as the antioxidants in asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, and many other veggies. However, it decreases the vitamin C content in vegetables. As for cooking methods, boiling vegetables preserves the most health benefits.

Food Myth #6. Eating carrots will improve your vision.

Carrots are a good source of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin is essential to eye health, and a deficiency is the leading cause of blindness. However, eating carrots won't allow you to regain 20/20 vision and throw away your glasses.

Food Myth #7. It's safe to eat dropped food as long as you pick it up within 5 seconds.

The 5-second rule is one of the biggest food myths around. The reality is that food picks up bacteria from the second it hits another surface. One study at Clemson University found that food acquired 1800 bacteria after just 5 seconds.

Food Myth #8. Brown eggs are more nutritious than white eggs.

The breed of chicken determines the color of the eggshell, but that has nothing to do with its nutritional value. White eggs are every bit as nutritious as brown eggs.

Food Myth #9. Turkey can be thawed overnight on the kitchen counter.

Yes, you can thaw turkey overnight on the counter, but it's not safe. Thawing poultry at room temperature risks infecting the bird with salmonella and other harmful bacteria, which will then be passed on to anyone who eats it. The safest way to thaw poultry is inside the refrigerator.

Food Myth #10. Hot food shouldn't be refrigerated; it has to cool off first.

Food that hasn't been cooled properly is a major risk of food poisoning. Instead of leaving it out, make sure you refrigerate it right away, preferably in small containers that allow it to cool down quickly.

Sources:

Myths About Vision and Eyes
Fact or Fiction: Raw Veggies Are Healthier Than Cooked Ones
Mixing Plastic and Food: An Urban Legend?
Food Myths
Calcium Sources
Soy Allergy
11 Most Absurd Myths About Food
Top 10 Diet and Nutrition Myths
Reading Food Labels