With an abundance of information on the nutritional value of  specific foods it can sometime be tricky to distinguish the good from the bad.  So, we’ve some digging and sifted through the facts and figures to debunk some of the most common food myths to find out which foods are actually better for you than you think.

1. Eggs

Why you might think it’s bad

Eggs have a bit of a bad rep, especially the yolks. As a rich source of cholesterol they strike fear into the clogged up hearts of many.

Why it’s actually good

A recent study by Harvard University found that the amount of cholesterol in the diet actually has very little impact on blood cholesterol levels. Eggs are a rich source of protein, and also contain loads of great stuff from Vitamin D to phosphorous so there’s really no downside. It turns out that good things sometimes do come in small packages.

2. Avocados

Why you might think it’s bad

With 21 grams of fat in a small avocado it’s understandable why you might be cautious with your avo portion control.

Why it’s actually good

Unlike quarter pound burgers or buttery croissants, the majority of the fat in avocados is of the healthy-for-the-heart variety. Avocados can also help stop food cravings for 3-4 hours after a meal so it might be worth popping one into your next packed lunch.

3. Peanut Butter

Why you might think it’s bad

“It’s fine on a pb ‘n’  j for the kids but should be avoided if your over 50”, seems to be the general consensus when it comes to peanut butter due to it’s high fat content.

Why it’s actually good

Just like the trusty avocado, peanut butter (and peanuts) are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and also contain loads of protein making them especially great for vegetarians and vegans. 

4. Butter

Why you might think it’s bad 

It has long been believed that butter is the most fattening and artery clogging of all foods. So, when grandma made you sandwiches with more butter than filling, it was rather rather difficult to ignore the thought that the blood in your veins would soon be replaced with oily rivers.

Why it’s actually good

In fact, it’s much healthier to cook with butter from grass-fed cows than it is with oil. This is because once you heat up an oil the molecular structure changes, producing aldehydes and lipid peroxides, butter on the other hand doesn’t do this. With butter also being full of vitamin A, D, E and K2, lecithin, selenium, iodine and fatty acids, we know which one we’d rather cook our eggs in. Sorry grandma, now we know which side our bread is buttered. 

5. Red meat

Why you might think it’s bad

It’s believed by many that red meat can increase the risk of heart disease because it is high in saturated fat.

Why it’s actually good

There is no evidence that implicitly proves that eating red meat puts you at higher risk. High in vitamins B12 and D, iron, zinc, and, of course, protein there’s nothing wrong with having a steak once in a while. Again, moderation is always best.