Debunking Five Unreliable Diet Myths
Are non-fried foods healthier than fried ones?
Using instant noodles as an example, fried instant noodles require the noodle cake to be dried by deep-frying, while non-fried instant noodles are dried directly by hot air. Experts emphasize that "non-fried" is just a marketing gimmick and is far less healthy than one might imagine.
First, regardless of the manufacturing process, both fried and non-fried starchy foods contain the carcinogen acrylamide. Experts point out that no higher levels of acrylamide have been found in fried instant noodles compared to non-fried ones.
Second, whether fried or not, puffed snacks are loaded with large amounts of seasonings, including sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG), salt, and more. Just salt alone, when consumed in excess over the long term, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, leavening agents like potassium aluminum sulfate or ammonium aluminum sulfate added to these foods can lead to excessive aluminum accumulation in the body with long-term consumption, inducing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and osteomalacia.
Is chicken powder more natural than MSG?
In fact, the main ingredient in chicken powder is still MSG. MSG is a single compound of sodium glutamate, whereas chicken powder is a composite seasoning with around 40% sodium glutamate. Besides MSG, chicken powder also contains starch (to form granules), flavor-enhancing nucleotides (to boost the taste of MSG), sugar, and other spices. In this regard, chicken powder is not healthier than MSG.
Do natural foods not lose their color?
Some people believe that a red apple doesn't lose its color no matter how many times it's washed, so natural foods don't lose their color. In reality, natural foods can also lose color. However, each food contains different pigments and thus has different properties. Experiments have shown that natural black sesame seeds, purple rice, and peanuts will all color the washing water, and damaged strawberries will also turn the water red. This does not mean they have been artificially colored.
Are cherry tomatoes genetically modified?
There has been recent online speculation that cherry tomatoes are genetically modified and may have adverse effects on the human body. Cherry tomatoes are not genetically modified and can be eaten with confidence. Cherry tomatoes belong to the tomato family and were introduced from Taiwan. The first introduced variety was named "Sheng Nü" (Holy Girl), which is why all small tomatoes later came to be called "cherry tomatoes."
Are sugar-free foods healthier than sugary ones?
Sugar-free foods cannot contain sucrose or sugars derived from starch hydrolysates. However, they must contain sugar substitutes. If sugar alcohols and oligosaccharides were used, the cost would be relatively high. Therefore, most products in our country have turned to high-intensity sweeteners such as acesulfame, saccharin, and cyclamate. These substances can spike blood sugar just like sugar and are just as likely to cause weight gain.