10 nutrition myths debunked
We all want to live healthier lives, but with so much nutritional information online and on social media, how can we separate the facts from the fiction? Jenna Farmer chats to the experts to debunk the myths around healthy eating, and shares their top tips for a healthier you
The myth: Going gluten-free will improve your gut health The reality: Unless you have an allergy or intolerance, a glutenfree diet really is no healthier than one with gluten in it. “For the majority of people, going glutenfree is not going to improve gut health. However for the 1% of the population who have coeliac disease it is of course essential,” explains Dr Sammie Gill, a dietitian who specialises in gut health. If you suspect gluten is a problem for you, ask your GP to test you for coeliac disease, but don’t cut out any food group without medical advice. But what about those food intolerance tests we see on social media? Registered nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness urges her clients to be wary. “Many allergy tests have no scientific basis, and can be harmful when multiple foods are excluded without reason – not to mention a waste of money!” Laura advises any testing should always be done under medical supervision with the support of a dietitian. 64 • happiful.com • March 2020
The myth: Carbohydrates cause you to gain weight The reality: We’ve all heard the mantra ‘no carbs before Marbs’, but is it true that tucking into carbohydrates can cause weight gain? Absolutely not. The NHS advises that there’s very little
evidence that ditching carbs can help with weight loss, and that tucking into healthier whole grain carbohydrates, like brown pasta and rye bread, actually offers a whole host of benefits.
