8 Healthy Eating Beliefs That Are Actually Untrue

Myth: chocolate gives you spots

Acne is mostly caused by hormones and the effect they have on sebaceous glands in the skin – not by a person's diet.

Myth: you shouldn't chew  gum

Good news, gum lovers – you can continue to get your minty fix without impacting your health.

Myth: spinach is the ultimate iron powerhouse

When scientists first analysed the nutritional value of spinach, they made a mistake, overestimating the quantity of iron it contained.

Myth: only water hydrates you properly

It's not just pure water that will keep you hydrated; the water in tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices will do the job, too, as will the fluid contained in high-water foods like fruit and vegetables.

Myth: coffee is bad for you

In fact, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research, the phytochemicals present in coffee may help reduce the risk of cancer.

Myth: sugar makes kids hyperactive

It's hard to believe this one isn't true – after all, most of us have paid witness to children bouncing off the walls at parties.

Myth: vitamin C will help to prevent a cold

Unfortunately, taking vitamin C supplements won't help to prevent most people from catching colds.

Myth: MSG is an unhealthy food additive

While MSG (monosodium glutamate) shouldn't necessarily be needed in well-cooked, flavour-packed dishes, there’s no evidence that it causes so-called 'Chinese restaurant syndrome'.

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