Dispelling Myths Regarding Packaged Foods

Believe it or not, there are numerous nutrition fallacies that circulate in email chains and WhatsApp groups, as we have all seen firsthand. So much so that we begin to accept them as the unquestionable truth. And some are embraced by so many people that it is impossible to ignore them. We all know that processed sweets are detrimental for our teeth and general health, yet people are always looking for healthier alternatives. And there are still certain established myths about eating that affect us all.

Are you one of those people who thinks that all packaged goods are unhealthy? Find the genuine truth by paying close attention. It’s time to purge the food myths from your refrigerator and replace them with the actual facts about the food we eat. Let’s dispel these prevalent misconceptions.

MYTH: Eating raw food is always better than eating processed food

FACT

Vegetables can have varying amounts of nutrients depending on a number of factors, including how long you store them and how you prepare them. In some cases, cooking might boost the body’s access to nutrients. This rumor is untrue. Fruits and some vegetables are best consumed raw, but many other meals can be consumed with little to no processing. Natural foods that have undergone minimal processing include drying, crushing, grinding, powdering, boiling, pasteurization, etc. before being put in containers or vacuum sealed. These procedures aid in preparing them to be safe for storage, edible, or both. For example, Sheela Krishnaswamy, nutrition and wellness expert and member of the superfoods valley scientific board, cites roasted channa, powdered coffee beans, and frozen peas.

Myth: Not every processed food is nutrient-dense.

FACT

Whether it’s with your morning tea or as an evening snack, eating packaged food is now a daily habit. Even staples like wheat flour, milk, and legumes are packaged goods. While the market is filled with ultra-processed meals containing unhealthy elements like excessive salt, sugar, fat, and additives, there are also conscientious producers who provide customers with nutrient-dense packaged food options. According to Amarpreet Singh Anand, creator of Superfoods Valley, “Food authority in India (FSSAI) assures that every packaged food label has a nutrition table and ingredient list given which might be your guide to picking superior products.” For instance, a packed 100% fruit juice from brand X is preferable to one from brand Y because, according to the nutrition table, the former has just 6g of total sugar per 100ml while the latter has 16g.

MYTH: Eating as much dark chocolate as you like is possible.

FACT

The antioxidants known as polyphenols found in cocoa beans, which are the source of cocoa, are used to make chocolate. Antioxidants are found in cocoa, and typically, the more cocoa a product contains, the more antioxidants it contains. Because of this, dark chocolate is a healthier alternative. Despite its advantages, dark chocolate still has a high fat and sugar content and should only be consumed occasionally as a treat. This implies that if you feel like indulging, use a modest amount of premium chocolate and enjoy every bite.