“Food is full of myths and fake news that confuses consumers.” Assertion Rocío, Iriarte Rodríguez and Gemma Rodriguez It is included in the book Molecules We Eat edited by Catarata and the Higher Council for Scientific Research (China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation).
Isabel VarelaPhD in biochemistry of Galician origin and one of the editors perfect uruelaexplains, “The idea for this work was born on the occasion of Women and Girls Investigator Day in February. That year, a girl named Aurora won the Junior MasterChef Award. When asked When asked what she wanted to do when she grew up, she answered biochemistry. We thought maybe we could combine the world of recipes with biochemistry, because cooking is a chemical reaction. What we want is to provide information and develop girls into science careers Industry.”
So in addition to myth-busting, they also offer food experiments in the kitchen for primary and secondary school students. Here are a few urban legends they discarded:
Is a detox diet good?
In the book, the authors state that such treatments “promise to cleanse the body through the intake of foods with antioxidant properties. Scientific research does not support them” because “they may pose health risks due to their high oxalic acid content.” They state in the book The Mayo Clinic website warns that “too much oxalate in the urine can cause serious problems,” such as an increased risk of kidney stones. The book also warns about the risks of hypocaloric or free diets (elimination of one or more foods).
Do superfoods have super healing powers?
Quinoa, spirulina, goji berries or chia seeds are some of the superfoods that have become trendy. They are believed to have miraculous healing properties, but in Molecules We Eat they emphasize that “there is no scientific research to support them. In fact, the term ‘superfood’ came not from the scientific community but from marketing campaigns.” They “Misuse of them may cause health problems,” the warning states.
Are there risks with genetically modified foods?
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)—modifying DNA by introducing one or more genes from another species to produce varieties with certain characteristics—have been a concern for years. CSIC and Catarata’s book states, “There is no scientific evidence that these foods have a negative impact on our health and the environment. On the contrary, pest-resistant GMOs can reduce pesticide poisoning.”
Does bread make you fat?
The author of the book states that “all foods provide energy. Bread provides an average of 250 kcal per 100 grams, which means that the caloric content is moderate. Therefore, if added to other foods we eat every day, no more than we need total caloric intake, we wouldn’t have to eliminate it from the diet.”
Is milk only suitable for children?
In Molecules We Eat, they describe as “hoaxes” statements that “lack scientific evidence” such as “milk makes you fat,” “milk is only for children,” or “lactose-free milk is better.” They emphasize that milk “is a very nutritionally complete food; in addition to containing vitamins, proteins and minerals needed for our development, it is the main source of calcium.” For this reason, Isabel Varela said, “It is not recommended for adults. Milk is a fad”. There is a lot of marketing going on in the food world. The reality is that humans have survived longer than other species by producing a genetic mutation that allows them to digest milk, although some people do not have this gene, but only a small percentage in Europe. ”
Will eating eggs every day increase cholesterol?
“This statement is incorrect,” they respond in the book. “Research shows that eating one egg a day, combined with a varied diet, does not have negative health effects.”
Are free-range eggs more nutritious?
It’s an “urban legend” to claim that free-range eggs are more nutritious than free-range eggs. This statement is incorrect,” the book states. Isabel Varela clarifies, “It’s not that they are healthier or unhealthy, but that no difference has been found in nutritional studies of the ingredients. We must distinguish between perception and data. ”
Should gluten be eliminated from the diet?
They responded in the CSIC volume, “There is no scientific evidence to recommend its elimination except in patients with celiac disease. Gluten-free diets in healthy people may result in iron and calcium deficiencies due to the absence of fiber-containing foods.” ” What’s more, they ask to be “cautious” of foods that say “gluten-free” on the label because “their nutritional content is poor and contain high amounts of sugar and fat to compensate for the appearance, flavor or texture. ”
Will eating fruit after a meal make you gain weight?
The answer is no. “Fruit provides the same amount of calories before or after a meal. If you eat them last, their nutrient absorption will be worse because your intestines will be saturated, and you will likely gain less weight than if you were fasting.”
Does chocolate promote acne?
“This statement is also a false myth. Acne has nothing to do with the types of food we eat and everything to do with hormonal changes in our bodies,” the book states.