Top 10 food myths – Busted!

Food myths are like UFOs, you always hear about them but nobody really knows whether there is any truth to them!

There is no shortage of food myths floating around on the web. We got an experts’ view on the most common food myths we could find! Have more? Ask us!

Top 10 food myths – Busted!

Myth #1: Drinking water in between your meals will mess up your digestion

This one been passed down from generations. While drinking water will fill you up, it certainly will not damage your digestive process. Heck! It might even do your system a world of good. So keep that glass nearby and ensure you are drinking enough through the day.

Myth #2: Having fruits immediately after a meal is not good for you 

Surprise surprise! There is actually some truth to it. Experts say having fruits immediately after a meal may cause digestive problems like gas and acidity. Fruits also hamper with the digestion of certain nutrients which is why it’s advisable to wait an hour before reaching for that fruit bowl after a heavy meal.

Myth #3: Papaya should be avoided during pregnancies

This one is extremely common in India. While raw papaya or even a semi ripe one has been known to trigger uterine contractions, a completely ripe papaya is rich in vitamins and minerals which are actually beneficial for pregnant women. However, if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before including papaya in your diet.

Myth #4:The skin of an apple contains no nutrients 

This, by far has to be the most ludicrous one! The apple peel in fact, is known to have a higher concentration of antioxidants than the flesh! So bite into that crunchy and fresh apple without giving it a second thought. Read more about why apples are so nutritious here.

Myth #5:Eating after 7 pm will make you fat

Experts say that its not when you eat that can make you fat. What you eat and the amount of calories you consume makes you fat. The only thing late night eating does is promote unhealthy snacking and hamper with your sleeping pattern. Click here to read more about healthy midnight snacks.

Myth #6:Having milk immediately after eating fish 

Some believe that the combination makes you sick while some believe it makes spots appear on your skin. Rest assured, there is no scientific reason why you cannot have milk and fish together. In fact, there are many wonderful and healthy recipes around which combine the goodness of fish and milk.

Myth #7: You should not swim/shower immediately after a meal

The myth says that blood flows to your stomach during digestion, reducing blood flow to other muscles which may lead to cramps and drowning. Experts maintain that it’s not just swimming which makes you feel uncomfortable, any intense work out immediately after eating may induce vomiting and cramps. So if you’re out for a leisurely dip after a me

Myth #8: Having chocolate causes acne

Again, a myth which is so common that most teenagers and their parents believe it! There has been no conclusive scientific to prove this claim. Experts maintain that different foods may cause your skin to breakout into pimples and for some people that food just may be chocolate. Read our tips to help soothe acne prone skin.

Myth #9: Having kesar (saffron) during pregnancy makes your baby fair

Even though milk and saffron is good for you, it’s not going to help your baby become fairer. The skin colour of the baby depends solely on the parents genes.

Myth #10: If you swallow a chewing gum, it stays in your stomach for seven years before it gets digested 

While it is true that your body cannot digest a chewing gum, it certainly does not take seven years to pass through your body! It goes through your system, intact and is excreted quite normally. A word of caution though, if you’re going to swallow large amounts of chewing gum, it may result in intestinal blockage.