Prevention.com recently listed eleven myths about food, health and exercising.
1. Are vegetables preserved in bleach? No, but many are cleaned with it to kill bacteria.
2. Does working out on an empty stomach burn more calories? Yes, but not by much.
3. Does drinking water help to lose weight? Only if replaces calories.
4. Does eating too much sugar cause diabetes? Not directly but becoming overweight can contribute.
5. Can spicy foods boost metabolism? Nope, only weight, age, gender, genetics, activities determine metabolism.
6. Is white flour bleached with dangerous chemicals? The amount of a controversial chemical is miniscule in the bleaching process.
7. Is it safe to follow the “5 second” rule for food falling on the floor? The touching of food to any surface with bacteria allows transfer regardless of the time involved.
8. Is soy safe for women to eat? Foods that naturally have soy in them are safe. The problem is soy additives and supplements since the amount of soy ingested is variable.
9. Will eating after 9 p.m. cause weight gain? It is not the time of eating, even though your metabolism slows while sleeping, but rather the amount of calories ingested over the day.
10. Is soda bad for your kidneys? Yes, drinking 16 or more ounces doubles your chances for kidney disease.
11. Does double dipping a chip spread germs? Absolutely, thousands of saliva germs are transferred back to the dip and some may be picked up by someone else on their chip.