8 Myths About Food You've Been Getting Wrong All Your Life

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Happy National Food Day!

Food is one of life’s many necessities that can also be a beautiful luxury in many ways. It’s a known fact that while some people live to eat, others just eat to live. Neither way is as fun as simply enjoying a balanced diet and adding a little fun in the mix every now and then. Ironically, when it comes to something as personal as the food we put in our mouths, we often believe whatever someone tells us.

But in honor of NFD, let’s debunk some of those lifelong lies we’ve been believing about food. Hit the flip to see if you’ve sometimes bitten off more than you can chew.

Salads Are Good For You

Truth: Salads aren’t always the healthiest choice.  With all the toppings and dressing we usually add to a simple salad, it becomes high in saturated in fats and calories. Did we mention that dressing could be up to 100, by itself?

If You Swallow Gum, It Takes Seven Years For It To Digest In Your Body

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Though your stomach can’t break down a piece of gum the same way it breaks down other food, your digestive system can move it along through normal intestinal activity. And it doesn’t stick to your stomach.

Ginger Ale Cures Stomachaches

Ginger by itself has helped many people overcome occasional nausea and vomiting. But Ginger Ale doesn’t have enough Ginger to really do anything for the body. But it does have loads of sugar, which is dehydrating.

Washing Chicken Cleans Off All Harmful Bacteria

Truth: According to Food Science Matters, Water alone cannot kill harmful bacteria. Washing a chicken can actually increase the chance of spreading bacteria by contaminating surrounding surfaces. Instead of washing it, make sure the chicken is properly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165° F.

Diet Soda Aids In Weight Loss

Truth:Diet soda is loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals that can be harmful to your body. Which actually does the opposite of helping you lose weight.

Fasting For Long Periods Of Time Is Essential For Good Health

Truth: According to Healthline, the liver and the kidneys are designed to cleanse the body of toxins. Fasting for multiple days without medical supervision can prove harmful.

All Preservatives Are Bad For You

Some preservatives (e.g., salt, citric acid, and various herbs) are natural and can help protect the body from harmful bacteria and food-borne illnesses.

Eating Healthy Is Expensive 

There are PLENTY of cost efficient ways to start eating healthier. Planning meals ahead is one way to budget better. And if you look at the bigger picture, paying a little more fan an apple than you would a hot dog will be way less expensive in the long wrong, when it comes to visits to the doctor.

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