4 food myths popularized during the COVID-19 pandemic

The current situation in connection with the global COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced certain food myths. In this Nutrition Month's article, we will review with you four questions based on nutritional myths that we hear a lot today.

1. Can diet strengthen our immune systems and protect us from COVID-19?

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that our immune systems can be strengthened by our food. However, several nutrients play a role in our immune system. Therefore, it is recommended to eat in a healthy and balanced way in the current context as at all times. * Indeed, a healthy diet allows our body to have all the nutrients it needs to function properly. When our body is functioning optimally, so is our immune system.

* See the previous article where we covered "5 tips for a healthy and SIMPLE diet!" to adopt healthy eating habits: https://kinatex360.ac-page.com/nutritionarticle-3mars-2021en

2. Do detox diets improve our health?

With COVID-19 circulating, many people want to optimize their health so that they are "ready" to face the virus if they ever do contract it. Some opt for a detox. However, healthcare professionals do not recommend this type of diet. First, the benefits of detox diets are not scientifically proven. In addition, most of them involve limiting calorie and protein intake. Foods that can be consumed are often restricted, which affects the variability of the food consumed. This diet may therefore not meet your calorie, protein, vitamin, and mineral needs. In the context of a pandemic (or not), it is recommended to meet the nutritional needs so that our body is well nourished, and thus, in good health.

3. Are frozen or canned fruits and vegetables less nutritious than fresh vegetables?

No. Frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, fresh vegetables that are not eaten within days of purchase can lose their nutritional quality. The canned or frozen version can be stored for several months or even years. This therefore helps to avoid waste while minimizing our trips to the grocery store during this period when trips are to be limited.

4. Can high doses of vitamin C protect us from colds or other such seasonal illnesses?

Unfortunately, it is impossible to say that vitamin C, even when ingested in large doses, protects us from the common cold or any other seasonal illness. Indeed, scientific data shows that taking doses of vitamin C higher than the recommended dose does not protect us from colds or cure us of a cold. In addition, it is important to take into consideration that our body does not store vitamin C. Thus, the excess vitamin C that we ingest is flushed out through the urine. Adult vitamin C requirements are 75mg for women and 90mg for men. These needs are easily met when consuming daily sources of vitamin C such as citrus fruits, red peppers, strawberries, kiwis, broccoli, vegetable juice, etc. So, don't waste your money on supplements containing huge doses of vitamin C and instead focus your efforts on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Kinatex makes sure to provide quality service to its customers. Therefore, a nutritionist is among their team of professionals.

References

-Dietitians of Canada. Conseils pour le public au sujet de la VOCID-19 / du coronavirus. 24 mars 2020. Repéré à https://www.dietitians.ca/News/2020/Advice-for-the-general-public-about-COVID-19

-Extenso. La vitamine C prévient-elle le rhume? 19 janvier 2017. Repéré à https://extenso.org/article/la-vitamine-c-previent-elle-le-rhume/

-Extenso. Micronutriments - vitamine C. 2012. Repéré à https://extenso.org/article/vitamine-c/