Expert: Stop Fearing These Foods—They’re Healthy
A nutrition expert is debunking common food myths. Many items wrongly vilified are, in fact, beneficial for your health when properly incorporated into your diet. This new perspective encourages a more informed approach to eating and nutrition.
Foods to Reconsider
Nutrition and weight loss expert Shweta Chhabra recently took to social media to challenge prevalent misconceptions. She identified several foods often considered unhealthy as actually valuable additions to a balanced diet. She emphasized the importance of understanding the role these foods play rather than needlessly excluding them.
Chhabra stated that these frequently misunderstood foods are not detrimental; the issue is a lack of correct information. She urged people to avoid diet fallacies and to understand their food choices better.
Ghee, Eggs, and Mangoes: More Than You Think
Chhabra highlighted ghee, often associated with weight gain, as a supporter of digestion and immunity, rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. She suggested using it sparingly.
“1 tsp/day in cooking or on hot dal or rice. It enhances taste and nutrient absorption,”
—Shweta Chhabra
Whole eggs, including the yolk, are packed with essential nutrients such as choline, vitamin D, B12, and healthy fats crucial for brain function and hormone regulation. She proposed eating 1-2 whole eggs with vegetables for a complete meal.
Even mangoes, though high in natural sugar, provide fiber, vitamin A, C, and digestive enzymes. Chhabra advised eating one small mango before the evening meal, preferably after a meal or as a snack. Despite the general guidance, research shows that only 1 in 10 adults get enough fruits and vegetables daily (CDC 2023).
White Rice and Potatoes: Smart Choices
White rice, frequently viewed as fattening, is, in reality, a gluten-free, readily digestible carbohydrate providing quick energy. Chhabra recommended combining it with protein sources like dal or curd for a balanced meal.
Shweta noted that potatoes don’t cause weight gain; improper preparation methods do. She pointed out that boiled or baked potatoes, especially with their skin, offer potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. They are best consumed after a workout or as a nutritious lunch with protein.
Why These Foods Are Misunderstood
According to Shweta, the misunderstandings stem from misinformation from social media and fad diets, the tendency to blame natural foods for overeating, and confusion between natural and processed versions. The expert also shared how to incorporate these foods smartly: Use ghee in moderation, combine rice or potatoes with protein, enjoy mango in the first half of the day, and eat whole eggs.
This advice promotes a balanced diet. It encourages mindful eating and dispels myths surrounding common foods.
