5 food myths passed down through the generations

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If you swallow a watermelon seed, a watermelon will start growing in your stomach.

Seriously, come on..I mean how could that EVER be possible! If you are anything like me (i.e. completely gullible), you may well have fallen for many of these gastronomic urban legends. From the absolute ridiculous (see above) to those with a degree of plausibility, kids must grow up thinking they will be the next generation of superheroes.

  • Almonds make you clever Almonds make you clever If only it were that easy! Unfortunately, there are no foods, which will transform you or your kids into child geniuses. Almonds do however, contain essential fatty acids like Omega-3 along with Vitamin E, which provides nourishment for the nervous system and can delay cognitive decline with age.
  • Carrots help you see in the dark Carrots help you see in the dark A glass of carrot juice a day will help you see in the dark. Hmm...although carrot night vision is a little far fetched, carrots are linked to better eye health. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is essential for making Vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency is linked to eye health issues from dryness to macular degeneration, a leading source of blindness. So, you will not get 20-20 vision by pumping carrots into your system, but they do promote good eye health, through the formation of Vitamin A.
  • Microwaving zaps nutrients Microwaving zaps nutrients A total myth designed to make us feel guilty for taking shortcuts in the kitchen! In fact, microwaving cooking is said to be one of the best ways to minimize nutrient loss. The most effective way to preserve nutrients, when cooking vegetables is to use a method, which exposes heat to food for the smallest time, uses minimal liquid and cooks quickly. Microwaving does this. Just ensure not to overcook and use microwave safe containers.
  • Organic foods are more nutritious than regular foods Organic foods are more nutritious than regular foods Organic foods were developed for environmental reasons to promote sustainable farming. Nutritionally, the difference is negligible, with the exception of certain fatty acids in organic milk. Organic food is said to have 30% less pesticide contamination but remember, pesticide levels in conventional produce also have to meet food standard regulations and are therefore not deemed unsafe to eat.
  • Brown sugar is healthier than white sugar Brown sugar is healthier than white sugar Brown sugar and white sugar is made from the refinement process of raw sugar. Brown sugar is basically white sugar, but with molasses having been reintroduced to it. All granulated sugars contain more or less the same nutritional value, so I hate too burst the bubble, but brown or white, it makes little difference.

     

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