Sheldon’s Corner: 13 Foods That Are Mistakenly Believed to Be Poor Dietary Choices

How often have you been stopped by your mother during a meal for adding too much salt, or received a questionable glance from her for taking extra dollops of butter? What if we told you that these foods (and several others) are not as bad as they are thought to be?

Certain foods have been demonized by health watchdogs, calling them perpetrators of slow death. But are they actually? Let’s take a look at all the foods that have earned themselves a bad name, but aren’t nearly as bad dietary options as they seem to be.

Fizzy Water

In grocery stores, you will find aisles upon aisles with all kinds of fizzy flavored water. While some people find it refreshing, there are others who fear that consumption of this water will lead to kidney stones. They are also thought to strip your teeth of enamel and suck calcium out of your bones. These are some serious accusations for a harmless drink! But luckily for you, there is no truth to them. The fizz is not all that bad for your body; in fact, it can actually be as good as drinking plain water, experts explain. Carbonated water contains carbonic acid that is created by breaking down carbon dioxide in water. This process adds only the bubbly stuff you see in the fizzy water, not calories or caffeine. Some types of carbonated water, such as tonic, mineral water or club soda, may add vitamins, sweeteners, or sodium. Be sure to read the labels before buying.

Gluten

Gluten-free has become the buzzword in the world of fad diets. But most people, before hopping on the bandwagon, often wonder if there is really such a thing as gluten intolerance. According to experts, only 1% people around the world suffer from a genetic condition, also known as celiac disease, that makes them gluten intolerant. You are most likely just following a craze without knowing its health implications. Whole grains are healthful and supply you with necessary nutrients. By taking grains out of your diet, you are depriving your body of essential vitamins and micronutrients that strengthen your body. If you don’t have celiac disease, you could be doing more harm than good by avoiding gluten.

Caffeine

Caffeine is often believed to damage your health in the long run and even restrict your physical development. However, experts say that an average adult can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine every day. Each cup of coffee usually contains no more than 120 mg. So if you are staying within this limit, caffeine will not do you any harm.

Eggs

The yoke in eggs is believed to have a huge amount of cholesterol that can choke your veins. However, despite the high levels of cholesterol found in eggs, eating them will not increase the levels in your body. According to expert nutritionists, it is not harmful to include eggs in your daily diet. The cholesterol present in eggs is not enough to be a health risk.

Artificial Sweeteners

Some artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. However, the Food & Drug Administration has examined many studies on popular sugar-free brands and they are all believed to be safe. However, this does not mean that the foods containing artificial sweeteners are always healthy.

Cheese

There have been plenty of news publications that liken cheese to crack, calling it as addictive as drugs. However, the study that was supposedly the basis of this claim did not actually find anything associated with cheese being addictive like a drug. In fact, according to a survey conducted by University of Michigan researchers, cheese landed in the middle when people were asked what they find the hardest to give up or cut out of their diet. Pizza ranked high on the list, hence the speculation that cheese is the problem. Some even suggested that consumption of cheese breaks down a protein in our bodies that makes it addictive. However, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever to prove this claim. But cheese is high in calories and will keep you on the treadmill longer.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

It has been reported often that GMOs are not only bad for the environment, but also bad for our bodies. However, according to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, GMO crops do not pose any more danger to the environment than any other crop. There is also no scientific evidence to back the claim that they are unsafe to eat compared to non-GMO foods.

Fatty Foods

Healthy fats found in foods like avocado, nuts, and olive oil supposedly make you gain weight. This myth is unfounded because there is not have any scientific evidence to prove this concept. In fact, if recent studies are any indication, experts suggest that incorporating healthy fats into your diet can actually keep you thin, as opposed to making you fat. One should eat moderate amounts of fish and nuts to keep their metabolism fired up and actually lose weight, and not the other way round.

Carbohydrates

There is no other food as crucified as carbs in the world of dieting. Carbohydrates include bread, cereal, rice, and potatoes that are believed to be the real reason for your weight gain. Even though it cannot be disputed that limiting your carb intake, especially the white processed kind like rice, pasta, and bread, can actually be a good thing, not all carbs are bad. Some carbs, such as potatoes, are actually healthy. They are a rich source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Similarly, whole grains are also a source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your body. Eliminating carbs from your diet can do you more harm than good. Though this does not mean you should eat pasta every night.

Fish

Fish, they say, has high mercury content that can be bad for your health. Mercury is indeed present in fish, but it is present mainly in large predators like sharks and marlin. It is not found in high amounts in in smaller fish. If mercury is still a concern for you, then consider consulting the list of guidelines prepared by the FDA to get a clear understanding of the mercury levels in different seafood. According to the FDA, oysters, mackerel, salmon, trout, herring, and sardines are all thought to be low-mercury options.

Salt

Salt is considered one of the leading causes of heart problems and weight gain. The jury is still out on this claim, as there is no scientific evidence that proves this myth. In fact, a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension involving 6,000 participants found no link between reduced intake of salt and reduced risk of heart attacks. The study included participants who had high blood pressure, disproving that link as well. While the key is to consume in moderation, there is no compelling evidence that proves that salt is bad altogether.

Butter

Butter is one of those foods that people are quick to cut out of their diet. It is often believed that consuming butter is a leading cause of obesity and heart diseases. However, butter contains fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, E, and K2. While vitamins A and E are already present in most of the foods you eat, it is K2 that is worth a mention here.

K2 is a vitamin that not many know about, but is actually quite good for the body. In addition, butter also contains healthy saturated fats. If recent studies are to be believed, there is no correlation between saturated fat and cardiovascular conditions. But most importantly, contrary to popular belief, butter actually reduces your risk of obesity. Believe it or not, eating high-fat dairy products does not make you fat.

Wine

A lot has been said and written about wine. Some experts say that wine increases your risk of cancer, while others say that it is good for your health. However, the latest studies are in favor of wine consumption, albeit in moderation. Consuming two four-ounce glass every day is actually good for your body. Wine has noted benefits in reducing the risk of heart attack and type 2 diabetes.

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