Myths and facts about food safety and nutrition
We all are in the rat race of healthy eating and healthy living. But, how many of us keep a check on the nutritional value of our diet and food safety? While incomplete and false information and unawareness are partially responsible for this gap, experts feel that overdose of information is equally responsible for confusing us and makes us wonder, what is actually good for our health? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently shared a series of tweets on ‘Myths and Facts on Food Safety & Nutrition’ that focused on incorrect information and false claims that we have been living with for years. Here are those 7 common myths about food safety and nutrition that we need to stop believing and start afresh. (Image: istock)
Myth 1:Eating low calorie diets and skipping meals is the only way to lose weight
Fact: A balanced diet, eating small portions at defined regular intervals and regular exercise is the key to weight loss. By low-calorie diets/skipping meals you may be missing out on essential nutrients. (Image: istock)
Myth 2: If a food label indicates 'DIET FOODS', then it is healthy
Fact: Foods claiming to be LOW FAT may be high in sugar, salt and even invisible fat. It is thus advisable to read the ingredient list to find out any hidden sources of salt, sugar or fat. (Image: istock)
Myth 3: Plant-based diets are deficient in protein
Fact: Plant-based rich sources of protein like legumes, nuts, seeds, soy-products, millets and some vegetables are also high in fiber and low in fat. The quality of protein can also be increased when cereals and pulses are consumed in combination. (Image: istock)
Myth 4: Cooked food can't cause food-borne illness and can be kept at room temperature
Fact: There are plenty of ways that cooked food can become contaminated after cooking, making it just as unsafe to eat. This can happen when-Food isn't stored properly. All cooked and leftover foods need to be refrigerated (below 5degree Celsius) within 2 hours.Food is prepared on a contaminated surface or equipment or stored in non-food grade utensils. Food handlers don't practice good personal hygiene. Cross-contamination with raw food. (Image: istock)
Myth 5: Oil provides empty calories with no nutrients
Fact: Human body cannot synthesize prime Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, which are called Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3 (m-3) and Omega 6 (n-6) fatty acids and hence they have to be obtained from the diet. Essential fatty acids reduce risk of heart disease, improve cognition, and reduce inflammation and joint pain. To reap maximum benefits, the right combination of cooking oils should be used. (Image: istock)
Myth 6: Children can eat high-calories, high sugar foods as much as they want
Fact: Nutrient requirements are high during the growing years. Good nutrition improves the child's physical well-being as well as cognitive development. Excess sugar consumption at a young age has been associated with the risk of obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart diseases. We need to encourage intake of a balanced diet with all food groups in appropriate amounts. (Image: istock)
Myth 7: If it looks fine and smells fine, it's probably safe to eat
Fact: Although a bad smell or taste are signs that food has 'gone off', these signs often are not caused by bacteria that give you food poisoning. Always check use by/best before/expiry dates, storage instructions and temperature on the packet. (Image: istock)
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