Ten Most Common Questions to a Dietitian About Nutrition: What We Are Hesitant to Ask

Dietitian Suzy Burrell notes that she is often asked many questions about nutrition, but many of them are repetitive. She decided to answer the most popular ones again, as well as debunk myths and established opinions that hinder us from maintaining good physical shape.

How many eggs can I eat daily?

This question is often asked by people with high cholesterol levels. In fact, although eggs contain cholesterol, their consumption does not lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is safe to eat one to two eggs a day.

Is whole milk healthier than skim milk?

Animal milk contains natural sugar — lactose. There is a belief that sugar is added during the processing of skim milk, making it less healthy. However, during the production of skim milk, the processing is minimal, no sugar is added, and the content of natural lactose is lower. Thus, it is a less calorie-dense and sugary option.

Is chicken healthier than red meat?

Lean red meat contains more zinc and iron than chicken breast. While chicken breast is a good source of protein, other parts of the chicken, such as wings and thighs, contain more fat. It is better to choose lean meat — in this case, beef will be more nutritious than chicken.

Should I avoid gluten?

This is necessary only in the case of confirmed gluten intolerance. A gluten-free diet can lead to deficiencies in iron, zinc, magnesium, dietary fiber, as well as vitamins B and D.

Are vitamin supplements necessary?

If your diet is balanced and complete, then supplements do not make much sense — all necessary substances are better absorbed from food. If tests show a deficiency of certain vitamins, focus on the appropriate foods.

What alcohol is the least harmful?

Any alcohol is considered a toxin. Therefore, it is best to avoid its consumption — there is no beneficial alcohol.

What oil is best for cooking?

For dressing salads and cold dishes, it is recommended to use olive oil. For frying, grape seed oil is suitable.

Should I avoid fruits?

Fruits contain carbohydrates that turn into fuel for muscles and the brain. All fresh fruits are rich in natural sucrose, which, when consumed in moderation, is no better or worse than any other sugar. Therefore, eat fresh fruits — juices and dried fruits contain much more sugar and calories.

Is honey healthier than sugar?

No, because both honey and sugar ultimately break down into simple molecules and are processed by the body in a similar way. Therefore, it cannot be claimed that honey is significantly better than sugar.

Is it true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Yes, the expert states. Breakfast helps shift calorie consumption to the first half of the day and prevents snacking that may occur due to skipping the first meal.