7 Nutrition Myths That You Don’t Have To Be Afraid Of This Halloween
October 24, 2017
MYTH #1: SKIP PUMPKIN PIE IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT
TRUTH: Pumpkin pie is a Halloween tradition, no way should you skip this delicious treat because you’re dieting! There are plenty of recipes on how to make a healthy pumpkin pie. Using pumpkin as an ingredient is not only embracing the holiday spirit but pumpkin is high in nutrients like fiber, protein, and vitamins! Check out this recipe on Kitchen Stewardship. There are tons of healthy recipes you can find online. With a little research, you can have a delicious dessert and not feel bad about it!
MYTH #2: SUGAR-FREE CANDY IS THE BEST FOR YOU!
TRUTH: As mentioned in previous blogs, sugar-free is not always the healthiest choice. These sugar-free candies can be loaded on carbohydrates, saturated fats, artificial sweeteners, and lots of calories. If you want to buy sugar-free candy, make sure you read the labels carefully because sugar-free does not mean fat-free. Also, some sugar-free candies are made with the low-calorie sugar, lycasin. Beware of how much you consume at once- it has been proven this form of sugar acts as a laxative and it will disrupt your digestive system.
MYTH #3: HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IS WORSE THAN REAL SUGAR
TRUTH: This has been studied for quite some time now, so, is HFCS worse on your health? It turns out they’re equal. Studies have shown consuming HFCS over real sugar has no change in blood levels of glucose, insulin, or lipids. Clearly, the type of added sugar you consume isn’t what your focus should be on, but instead limiting your added sugars intake altogether. When you overconsume added sugars, the health risks involve greater risk of fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and of course, weight gain.
MYTH #4: A GLASS OF WINE AND DARK CHOCOLATE IS A BAD COMBO
TRUTH: More like a fabulous combo! Studies have shown that wine has cardiac benefits. A rise in HDL cholesterol, reduction in the formation of blood clots, assistance in preventing artery damage and a change in blood pressure. So, what’s chocolate gotta do with anything? Well, the main ingredient in wine is called resveratrol, which works as an antioxidant that helps improve circulation throughout the body. Guess what else has this ingredient? Dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is also known for its fiber content and assistance with lowering blood pressure.
MYTH #5: POP ROCKS & SODA/ MENTOS & SODA LEAD TO A STOMACH EXPLOSION
TRUTH: Mothers, don’t be afraid. Pop rocks, mentos and soda do not create an explosion in anyone’s stomach. Eating pop rocks while drinking soda might create a buildup of carbon dioxide but nothing will happen. As for mentos and soda, there will be a lot of foaming due to the physical reaction of the soda touching the mento but no hurt will come from it.
MYTH #6: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS HEALTHY CANDY
TRUTH: Bet you wouldn’t have thought a cup of candy corn is fewer calories than a cup of raisins. There are healthy candy choices out there, you just have to pay attention to the labels! Most candy canes, lollipops, and gummies are low in calories and cholesterol. There are many options that are fat-free, sugar-free or low-calorie. You just have to do some research and pick what’s best for you and remember, moderation is key!
MYTH #7: CANDY CORN IS MADE FROM REAL CORN
TRUTH: This one was just to be funny. Of course, everyone knows candy corn isn’t a derivative of actual corn. The only thing they have in common is the name and somewhat of the appearance. To totally not waste your time reading this myth, here is a fun fact about candy corn: it’s fat-free.
Hopefully, the truth made you feel a little bit better about your indulgences over this holiday. Have a Happy Halloween from your friends at Superfit Foods!