8 Nutrition Myths We’re Going to Finally Set Straight For You

MYTH: Cholesterol is bad for you

The myth that cholesterol leads to heart disease couldn't be farther from the truth, according to Dr. Joseph Mercola. "Not only is cholesterol most likely not going to destroy your health (as you have been led to believe), but it is also not the cause of heart disease," Dr. Mercola wrote. Dr. Mercola also goes on to dispute the myth that there are "good" (LDL) and "bad" (HDL) forms of cholesterol. "Notice please that LDL and HDL are lipoproteins — fats combined with proteins. There is only one cholesterol. There is no such thing as "good" or "bad" cholesterol. Cholesterol is just cholesterol."

In fact, if your body's cholesterol levels are too low, your body would have trouble producing hormones, vitamin D and substances that help you digest foods.

MYTH: Dark breads are healthier than white breads

Here's a quick trick to remember when you're at the grocery store! Some wheat bread isn't whole wheat bread. The first ingredient listed should be "100 percent whole wheat" or another grain like barley or oats. You'll want to avoid bread that lists "enriched wheat flour"; that just means that many vitamins and most of the bread's fiber and protein have been removed.

MYTH: All calories are created equal

Different foods help your body in different ways. For example, you might lose weight by eating 1,400 calories a day in Pop-Tarts, but the lack of nutrition in those empty calories will cause your body to suffer big time. Different foods follow different metabolic pathways and have varying effects on hunger levels, hormones and fat burning.

MYTH: Red meat increases the risk of heart-related diseases

We've all heard this one, and we probably all know someone who is cutting red meat from their diet. Here's the skinny: Processed meat is linked to heart disease and diabetes, not all red meat.

MYTH: Diet sodas help keep you slim

The artificial sweeteners in diet soda (aspartame and sucralose) actually lead to unhealthy cravings later in the day. In fact, a University of Texas study found that those who consume three diet sodas per week were more than 40 percent more likely to be obese.

MYTH: Potatoes are empty carbs and have next to no nutritional value

Potatoes contain more potassium than a banana and are excellent sources of vitamins C and B6. They're even high in antioxidants! These guys get a bad rap. Michelle Dudash, an Arizona-based nutritionist said, "If you keep portion sizes in check—no more than one medium potato in a given meal—and eat the fiber-rich skin, potatoes make a satisfying, low-cal, nutrient-rich side dish."

MYTH: You crave certain foods because that is what your body needs.

Unfortunately, this is not true. If so, people would be ravenously craving the vitamins and nutrients in provided by fruits and vegetables. So why do we crave that piece of chocolate cake or bag of salty chips? Fattening and nutritionally deficient foods are often times satisfying an emotional need. These foods trigger mood enhancing compounds in the brain in times of stress, anxiety or hormonal shifts that can become addictive. Once you placate a stressful situation with food, your body will want it again and again, almost like a drug.

MYTH: Certain foods can speed up your metabolism

Hot peppers and and green teas are usually the first two foods you think of when you think of speeding up your metabolism. This claim is false—as there are no foods that can speed up your metabolism. Recent studies have shown that extremely spicy foods can speed up your metabolism, but that boost won't last more than 30 minutes. After that, it resumes to its normal rate. Still interested in that 30 minute spike? Don't be, the metabolic process wouldn't speed up enough to influence weight loss.