Eggs increase cholesterol and olive oil shouldn't be heated: Dietitian debunks the biggest food myths of 2021 you shouldn't believe

  • Australian dietitian Susie Burrell has busted the most common food myths 
  • Online she said eggs don't increase cholesterol and olive oil doesn't burn 
  • Other beliefs included avoiding fruit because of the high sugar levels 
  • Susie aims to help others by shedding light on the numerous health myths 

By Carina Stathis For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A leading dietitian has debunked some of the common food myths that are often misconstrued or deemed to be nutritional facts.

Susie Burrell, from Sydney, looked at some of the misconceptions that are not necessarily true for all individuals, including that eggs increase cholesterol and fruits should be avoided because it's high in sugar.

'Despite the influx of nutrition information, there remains several beliefs out there that are simply not true,' she wrote on her website.

Susie Burrell, from Sydney, (pictured) listed the common myths and revealed how eggs don't increase cholesterol and fruit should not be avoided simply due to containing sugar

Susie Burrell, from Sydney, (pictured) listed the common myths and revealed how eggs don't increase cholesterol and fruit should not be avoided simply due to containing sugar

Myth: Eggs increase cholesterol

Susie addressed potentially the number one nutritional myth that eggs increase cholesterol levels, which she says is not true. 

She explained how you can continue to enjoy an egg or two for your morning breakfast or lunch without impacting your cholesterol.

'Rather it is our dietary fat balance, calorie intake along with individual genetics that will determine if you have high cholesterol,' she said. 

Susie addressed potentially the number one nutritional myth that eggs increase cholesterol levels, which she says is not true (stock image)

Susie addressed potentially the number one nutritional myth that eggs increase cholesterol levels, which she says is not true (stock image)

Myth: Fruit is high in sugar and should be avoided

While fruit is known to be a healthy type of food that should be consumed daily, some have a tendency to reduce their fruit intake due to the high levels of sugar.

Susie said there are more benefits from eating fruit than removing this key source of vitamins and fibre from your diet.

What's more, eating fruit regularly is commonly linked to weight loss.

'While fruit does contain the sugar fructose, it also contains plenty of fibre and key nutrients and many thousands of years consumption would tell us that a couple of pieces of fruit a day will do no harm,' she said.

Myth: Olive oil should not be heated

Susie said olive oil is a great choice to use when cooking as the antioxidants present prevent the oil from burning.

Particularly extra virgin olive oil is a perfect healthy oil that provides benefits for the brain, heart, joints and muscles.

Olive oil is also deemed to be a healthier and better option compared to sunflower oil and vegetable oil.

Susie said olive oil is a great choice to use when cooking and the antioxidants present prevent the oil from burning (stock image)

Susie said olive oil is a great choice to use when cooking and the antioxidants present prevent the oil from burning (stock image)

Myth: Nut milk is better than dairy milk

Nut-based milks are a perfect solution for those who are dairy intolerant, but others who deliberately choose not to consume dairy milk are likely missing out on key nutrients the body needs.

'The key nutrients we get from milk are protein and calcium and it is important to remember that almond milk contains literally none of either of these,' Susie said.

'Some non-dairy milks have a little calcium added, but again it is much smaller amounts than is found in dairy, or soy milks for that matter so if you do choose nut milk, make sure you get your calcium from somewhere else.' 

How much protein do we need? 

The recommended dietary allowance for protein suggest that individuals should focus on getting at least 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. 

This may increase depending on variables such as activity level, age, gender, the rest of your diet composition and how you digest and utilise protein.  

A dietary intake of 1.0-1.6g of protein per kg of body weight per day is recommended for those participating in minimal to intense activity, respectively. 

Source: JS Health 

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