17 things you really need to know about nutrition

1. In the field of nutrition and health there are really a lot of myths circulating. Because of this it sometimes seems as if all advice contradicts itself and there is a good chance that you can no longer see the wood for the trees.

2. There are really a lot of myths in the field of nutrition and health. As a result, it sometimes seems as if all advice contradicts itself and there is a good chance that you can no longer see the wood for the trees.

1. And while it can all be quite confusing, health and nutrition is actually not that difficult to understand. In fact, in order to make the right choices when it comes to healthy food, you just need to acquire some basic knowledge. In the following article, I'll go through no fewer than 17 things you probably didn't know about nutrition - but that are definitely worth knowing!

2. And while it can all be quite confusing, health and nutrition is actually not that difficult to understand. In fact, in order to make the right choices when it comes to healthy nutrition, you just need to acquire some basic knowledge. In the following article, I'll go through no fewer than 17 things you probably didn't know about nutrition - but that are definitely worth knowing!

1. Let's get started….

2. Let's get startedâ €!.

1. Meat doesn't rot in your intestines

1. Several years ago, it was claimed online that the only way your body can break down meat is to let it rot in your intestines. However, this is nonsense, because your stomach acid is well able to break down meat and your body can also make full use of all nutrients. This is not to say that your diet should contain a lot of meat, because that is also not healthy, but you do not have to worry about a piece of meat going to rot in your body.

2. Several years ago, it was claimed online that the only way your body can break down meat is to let it rot in your intestines. However, this is total nonsense, because your stomach acid is well able to break down meat and your body can also make full use of all nutrients. This is not to say that your diet should contain a lot of meat, because that is also not healthy, but you do not have to worry about a piece of meat going to rot in your body.

1. Fibers from plants, however, remain longer in your intestines because your intestinal flora feeds on them. This is of course positive, because a well-nourished intestinal flora ensures a strong immune system.

2. Processed food is the cause of all diseases

1. This may sound extreme, but it is true. In traditional cultures (take the Japanese for example) where people only consume natural and unprocessed food, there is hardly anyone who suffers from obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc.

2. This may sound extreme, but it is true. In traditional cultures (take the Japanese for example) where people consume only natural and unprocessed food, there is hardly anyone who suffers from obesity, diabetes, cancer, etc.

1. We often hear conflicting reports about exactly what to eat, but different cultures have lived on different foods (be it rice or fish) and have always been healthy. Only with the introduction of processed food did we all become unhealthier. So the moral of the story is as long as you eat unprocessed food from Mother Nature, you're always in the right place.

3. The media is by no means always telling the truth

1. Before taking anything the media tells you to be true, even if they claim it is based on large studies, it is better to do your own research. News broadcasters are mostly known for taking everything out of context.

1. Most people still believe that news stations cannot tell anything that is not based on truth. However, this is not the case at all. You see every day in the news that things are completely taken out of context and that a whole new twist is given to the story. This is also the case with news related to new studies on nutrition and health. So take everything with a grain of salt and do your own research!

4. Refined oil is really bad for you

1. Oil such as corn oil or sunflower oil is very unhealthy. For example, these fats contain an unhealthy balance of omega-6 fats, are full of trans fats, and quickly turn rancid because they were exposed to such a high temperature.

1. Olive oil (if in moderation) is then a much better choice, but make sure it is also real extra virgin olive oil, which brings us to the next point…

5. Many expensive brands of extra virgin olive oil are full of cheap oils

1. It is a widely recognized fact that many companies do anything to maximize their profits, even when doing so puts their integrity at stake. This is also the case with many producers of extra virgin olive oil, because a few years ago it came to light that some manufacturers of expensive olive oil mixed their product with cheap soy or sunflower oil in order to make more profit.

1. For the consumer this is very bad news, because if you think you are just getting something healthy, you are consuming something that is very harmful to your health! So here too you have to be doubly on your guard.

6. Fat doesn't make you fat

1. Certain fats are essential for your health. Unsaturated fats, such as you find them in nuts and avocado for example, are not only tasty, but also very good for you. In fact, numerous studies have shown that nuts and seeds extend your life and help you lose weight because they are so satiating.

2. Certain fats are essential for your health. Unsaturated fats, such as you find them in nuts and avocado for example, are not only tasty, but also very good for you. In fact, numerous studies have shown that nuts and seeds can extend your life and help you lose weight because they are so satiating.

1. Ultimately, it's still about calories. If you eat more than you consume, only then will you store extra fat, no matter where those calories come from!

7. Carbohydrates don't make you fat either!

1. Although the advocates of low-carb diets would like you to believe that carbohydrates are the source of all evil, this is not true either. Just like fat, we also need carbohydrates to function optimally. In addition, unprocessed carbohydrates are preferred by the body, as they efficiently provide your body with energy.

1. Watch out for processed carbohydrates! These make your blood sugar rise faster, so that your body stores fat faster. Moreover, they do not contain any other nutrients your body needs and thus only provide empty calories.

8. Protein in the fight against pounds

1. Several studies have shown that not fat, not carbohydrates, but protein is the most effective in the fight against pounds. While we don't need too much protein, and an excess can actually be harmful to your kidneys, a serving of protein with every meal is ideal for controlling your hunger pangs.

1. Protein is not only highly satiating, but also burns more during digestion than both carbohydrates and fats. Good sources of protein include legumes, nuts (in moderation) fish and broccoli.

9. Sugar is addictive

1. It is true that sugar consists of carbohydrates and therefore contains fewer calories than fats. However, sugar also promotes dopamine production in your brain, making you want to eat sugar over and over again. It actually works in the same way as smoking or drugs. So the repetitive dopamine stimulation actually breeds dependence and keeps you craving sugar.

1. That is why it is so difficult to eat just a piece of candy or cake. Sugar is best avoided completely if you are a sugar addict.

10. No diet is the healthiest for everyone

1. Followers of a low-carbohydrate diet will tell you this is the healthiest, followers of a low-fat diet will tell you the same thing; namely that their diet is the healthiest. In the history of mankind, however, there have been many societies that have lived on both low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets. What is best for you depends on many different factors and no one is the same.

1. Before you take someone's word for it, try it out for yourself. See how you feel on the diet you've chosen and give it at least a month to give your body a chance to adjust. If you feel good on a low-fat diet, don't let anyone tell you this is unhealthy for everyone (unless of course you only live on junk food ...)!

11. Never trust what is on nutrition labels

1. As you could have read under point 5, you cannot always trust what is on the ingredient list of certain products. For example, certain breakfast cereals say they are low in fat, which automatically makes consumers think they are healthy. What they don't mention is that it is low in fat, but the fat in it is trans fat, the unhealthiest fat there is. So don't be fooled!

1. It is of course even better to only buy products from Mother Nature, as they have no label!

12. Calories DO matter

1. Nearly every well-controlled weight loss study has shown that calories do matter, even if advocates of a well-known low-carb diet would have you believe it doesn't. The only way to lose weight is to limit your energy intake and that is precisely why a low-carbohydrate diet is so effective: it ensures more satiety in certain people (probably due to higher amounts of protein) so that you automatically eat less .

13. Low-fat products are usually unhealthy

1. A low-fat diet can be very healthy, but low-fat products generally are not. As described earlier, these products often contain trans fats (even if only a little). In addition, however, the taste has to come from somewhere, and if there is no fat in it, manufacturers often compensate for this by using more sugar. And as you now know, sugar really is white poison!

14. Due to a high meat consumption you unwittingly also kill your intestinal flora

1. If you still buy regular meat instead of organic meat from grazing cows, you will get a lot of antibiotics. Slaughter animals are increasingly being treated with antibiotics to fat them, and because they become more and more ill in the poor living conditions. Antibiotics settle in the cells and thus enter you.

1. This medicine is prescribed by doctors for a bacterial infection and kills both bad and good bacteria that are part of your intestinal flora. This weakens your intestinal flora and your immune system deteriorates, making you more susceptible to infections, diseases and even obesity! So only consume organic meat and try to limit your meat consumption to two to three times a week.

15. Regular milk is not a good choice for your health

1. Regular milk contains antibiotics, just like the meat we just talked about. The way in which the milk is processed, with the help of enormous heat, causes the proteins in the milk to become denatured. Studies have shown that the consumption of denatured proteins increases the risk of cancer, among other things. Therefore, better buy organic pasteurized milk!

16. Grate your own cheese

1. Did you know that ready-to-eat grated cheese often contains ground wood fibers? Manufacturers use this to keep the graters from sticking. Although it is a 'natural' product, it is far from suitable for consumption. So choose a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

17. Natural products are always the best choice

1. Did you know that producers genetically modify vegetables for use in a can of soup? This so that the vegetable retains its actual shape during the processing process. This process would destroy natural vegetables. A can of soup or a pot of tomato sauce may look harmless, but it often contains more junk than you can imagine. Instead, always opt for natural fruits and vegetables to make sure you know what you're getting!

Finally ...

1. Nowadays it is difficult to have a healthy diet without having to spend hours in the kitchen making everything yourself. While most ready-to-eat and canned products are often worse for you than they look, that doesn't mean you can't trust anything anymore.

1. Reform affairs are still the best choice, even if they are a bit more expensive. Of course, everything from your own kitchen is still the best. And that extra time investment is more than worth it. Your health is and will remain your greatest asset.