It’s not uncommon for people to believe certain health myths. Those myths could lead to a healthy lifestyle while others just raise questions about their authenticity.  Whether they are true or not, most myths will cause you to re-evaluate your own health choices.

Health Myth One: Milk Does Wonders

Dr. T. Colin Campbell PhD., a respected nutrition and health researcher, has discovered the truth about the effects of protein in our milk. According to his research in ‘The China Study,’ Dr. Campbell found that the main protein found in milk, Casein, (found in 87% of cow’s milk) “…promoted all stages of the Cancer process.”  Results indicated that abstaining from consuming milk and any form of animal protein halted the growth of cancerous tumors.

Health Myth Two: Herbs are the way to go!

Some herbs are great and many people think that because a product contains herbs it is harmless.  However, don’t be fooled by this idea. Only recently have problems with herbs started to arise. Kava, known to reduce anxiety, has been shown to be toxic to the liver.  Other herbs, such as Ginkgo Leaf Extracts, are known to cause headaches rather than improve mental clarity, or working to treat dementia and peripheral vascular disease. St John’s Wart, Echinacea, German Chamoile and Ginkgo biloba have been reported to cause allergic reactions. It would be smart to consult your physician on natural products or supplements to see if they fit your health needs.

Health Myth Three: Constricting Calories will help weight loss

Though it is important to moderate your calorie intake, it is much more essential to watch your sugar intake. Minimizing your glucose intake will significantly aid in your weight loss battle. An excess of glucose is the major cause of fat storage. By moderating your glucose levels, weight loss will be a breeze. Make sure to also engage in weight training and moderate periods of cardio. This is an effective way to burn fat.

Health Myth Four: Fresh fruits and vegetables are more nutritious than canned or frozen

This depends on two different factors: how long the fruit or vegetables have been in th fridge, and how long they’ve been cut and out on the counter.  Leaving fruits and vegetables in the fridge for long periods of time causes them to lose vitamins.  In this case, fresh produce might not have the same nutritional value as canned or frozen. Also, leaving cut up fruits or vegetables out on the kitchen counter for more than 20 minutes results in vitamin loss due to air exposure.  As a result, canned or frozen fruits can be just as vitamin-rich as fresh fruits.

Health Myth Five: The road to perfect skin is through washing and moisturizing!

Taking care of your skin is important however, there is a direct connection between the food you digest and the condition of your skin.  An unhealthy lifestyle will cause more of a strain on your liver and kidney. Because the skin is also an organ used to eliminate waste, these results will be apparent on your skin.  Cleaning regimes are not always as important as the food which is consumed; the food can later cause blemishes on your face.