Debunking Nutrition Myths: Episode 2
Finding Reliable Information in a World Full of Pseudoscience
Welcome to Episode 2 of my ‘Debunking Nutritional Myths’ series, where I tackle a couple of common nutrition myths and set the record straight! In the previous episode, we tackled the confusion around carbohydrates and detox diets so if you would are interested in this do go and find the first blog post and give it a read! Today, we are going to delve into two more common misconceptions: fat and the popular ‘superfoods’.
With so much misinformation circulating in the world of nutrition, it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed. So let’s break down these myths and get to the facts.
Myth 1: Fats are bad for you
Over the years fat has received a bad reputation, particularly during the 1940’s and 50’s when the medical industry linked diets high in saturated fat to elevated cholesterol levels and heart disease. This led to the marketing of ‘low-fat’ products. Still, all too often fat is demonised, often blamed for weight gain and a host of other health issues. The result of this? Many people cutting out fats entirely or still reaching for ‘low-fat’ products, thinking they are doing their body a favour.
The truth: Not all fats are created equal! While certain types of fat, such as trans fats and excessive amounts of saturated fats, can negatively impact our health, there are plenty of fats that are not only healthy but also essential for our body to function properly.
Fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, play a key role in brain function, hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These “good” fats can be found in foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and olive oil. They help keep our heart healthy, our skin glowing, and even support our immune system. Instead of avoiding fat altogether, focus on incorporating more healthy fats into your diet and try to reduce processed, trans-fat-heavy foods (baked goods, fried foods)
Myth 2: Superfoods are the magic bullet!
The term “superfood” has been used in marketing for years now. From chia seeds to goji berries to kale, we’ve been told these foods hold magical powers that can transform our health overnight. But is there really such a thing as a “superfood”?
The truth: While superfoods are generally nutrient-dense and provide a variety of health benefits, there’s no single food that can offer all the nutrients your body needs or magically cure any health issues. Nutrition doesn’t come down to a single food; it’s about your overall diet and lifestyle.
Yes, foods like blueberries, spinach, and chia seeds are great for you, but they should be part of a varied and balanced diet. The real “superpower” comes from eating a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats — not just focusing on a few ‘fashionable’ ingredients.
Top Tip: Many foods considered superfoods are not unique in their nutritional value. For example, while goji berries are high in antioxidants, so are more common (and affordable) options like strawberries, red peppers, or spinach!
If you have made it this far, thank you for reading this blog and I hope you found it interesting or helpful. It’s easy to get caught up in nutritional myths, especially when we’re bombarded with conflicting advice from the media, influencers, and product marketing.
If you’re feeling confused by all the mixed messages, you’re not alone. My goal is to navigate through the noise with evidence-based advice you can trust. Come back for Episode 3, where we’ll be debunking more common myths. If you’d like more personalised guidance, feel free to reach out — I’d love to support you in finding the right approach for your unique body.
