The Fashion Dolls: Food - Facts or Myths (Part I)

As people become more health conscious, demand grows for information about the nutrient content and health impact of foods eaten in the diet. Most people would know about the good foods, the fruits and vegetables that are beneficial to the body.

In response to this, nutrition information on packaging is becomingly increasingly common. How do consumers process this information? How much of this information do consumers believe? More information may not always be a good thing and lead consumers to leads a better choice; consumers were sometimes unsure how to separate facts from unfounded claims.

Facts and Myths

Avocados
Myth: Avocados aren't a healthy choice as it high in fat.

Fact: Yes, they are high in fat for a fruit; however, most of this is the healthier unsaturated fact (mono-unsaturated fats) that has a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels. It is perhaps the only fruit with monounsaturated fat and avocados are free of cholesterol and provide vitamin E which is very good for the heart, folic acid and potassium.

However, just don’t go overboard; one avocado has about 340 calories and eating too much can lead to weight gain if the energy isn't used up through physical activity. A recommended serving will be 2 table spoons which equivalent to 5 grams of fat and 55 calories.

Chocolates
Myth: Chocolate is bad!

Fact: Everyone's favorite food. Eating the chocolate will help the body to release feel-good endorphin chemicals in the brain (No wonder we always come back for more =P ). Chocolate contain antioxidants (in the cocoa) and antioxidants prevent heart attack, stroke, dementia and hypertension.

It is also rich in iron (needed for the synthesis of haemoglobin (the red pigment in blood which carries oxygen to all the body's cells)) and magnesium. A 1999 research at Harvard University even discovered that chocolate consumers live almost one year more than those who do not eat chocolate.

Despite all the benefits of chocolate, we all know that chocolates are rich in fat and sugar, leading one to gain weight.

“Low fats” or “reduced fats” = ‘Healthy’?
Myth: Low fact is low in energy (calories).

Fact: 'Low' or 'reduced-fat' foods may not be necessarily lower in calories as it foods that are low in fat are high in sugar, which may result it extra calories and may cause wide swings in blood sugar level. This will cause one to gain weight and lose energy and raise the risk of several diseases.

One may tag "low-fat" means "Eat all you want." As a result, it leads to the use more of a reduced-fat product than one would of the full-fat version. One might end up having the same, or even more, fat and energy.

Skipping breakfast – No Problem?
Myth: Breakfast is not an important meal.

Fact: It’s actually the opposite. Breakfast is actually a great way to start the day and studies have shown that people who regularly eat breakfast enjoy a more positive attitude, are slimmer and concentrate better.

Better Concentration – The carbohydrates and vitamins taken during breakfast such as bread, cereals and grains help to boost brain glucose level and alertness. The evidence has led to a number of schools setting up breakfast clubs which provide both childcare and food for children before the school day begins.

Slimmer – People who has skip breakfast tend to be hungry by mid-morning and as a result, they will take food which is high in sugar or fat to end the hunger pang. Moreover, people who skip breakfast will tend to eat more thinking that they have skip a meal.