Myths and reality (food that you need to know if harm or not) part 2

Myth: Diabetics have to give up sweet desserts

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, there is no need for people with diabetes to cut out sugar entirely.  An occasional sweet treat is fine

Myth: hair analysis cannot determine nutritional deficiencies-any such claim is worthless.

Reality: scientific analysis of hair can confirm the presence of certain toxic elements-even years later, (hair analysis was used 150 years after Napoleon’s death to confirm that he suffered chronic arsenic poisoning)

Myth: Propolis is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria.

Reality: there is only on true use for propolis, the resinous substance collected by bees from certain plants: To seal holes in a bee’s honeycomb and prevent intruder from entering the hive.  Propolis consists of dozens of compounds, including fatty acids and flavonoids, which have antifungal and antibacterial effects.  But there is little  evidence to justify claims that propolis has antibacterial effects superior to antibiotics, or that propolis stimulates the immune sstem.  Some people recommend using propolis to treat ulcers and skin problems caused by fungi.  Studies have shown that the mild antimicrobial effects of propolis may be due. in part, to the residue of solvents used to extract the active ingredients.  There is no evidence to suggest that propolis is effective in treating any human condition.

Myth: people with kidney stones should cut down on calcium-rich foods.

Reality: There is recent evidence that adequate calcium intake actually reduces the risk of calcium oxalate stones because calcium combines with oxalate in the digestive tract and prevent oxalate from being absorbed.

Myth: Chromium supplements build muscle and burn fat

Reality: Found in trace amounts in most foods, chromium acts like a key to unlock insulin.  Without it, insulin has a hard time controlling blood sugar and building protein.  Researchers have spent 20 years studying chromium and now believe it does not have any effect on weight loss, through there is still no consensus on whether supplements have any effect on the muscles.

Myth: A nectarine is a cross between a peach and a plum

Reality: Nectarines originated as a genetic variant of a peach.  When peach trees are crossed or even self-pollinated they may produce some fruit whose seeds will grow into nectarine trees and others that will be peach trees.  Amazingly, nectarines will sometimes grow on peach trees, and peaches on nectarine trees!

Myth: black cohosh, red clover, and chaste berry can help osteoporosis.

Reality: While many women try these herbal remedies to relieve menopausal symptoms, there is no evidence that black cohosh, red clover, chaste berry or any other herbal preparation has any effect on calcium metabolism related to bone loss.

Myth: kelp tablets, spirulina, chlorella, and other seaweed supplements are energy boosters.  Some alternative practitioners also claim that they boost the immune system.

Reality: none of these claims has ever been proved.  In fact, some seaweed supplements can cause health problems.  High doses of kelp tablets can set off an outbreak of acne.  The high iodine content can cause thyroid disorders; and varieties containing iron an provoke iron overload.

Myth: Add a pinch of baking soda during cooking to produce a bright green color in the vegetable.

Reality: Although baking soda does keep the vegetables green, it also breaks down the plant tissues, making the texture mushy and destroying many of the vitamins.

Source: foods that harm foods that heal by Reader’s Digest