There’s no shortage of misinformation when it comes to food. From diets to nutrition to eating habits, there are countless food myths swirling around that are more fiction than fact. In reality, following these myths may do more harm than good.

Here are 30 outrageous food myths that you should ignore:.

Myth #1: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day

While eating breakfast is certainly important, it’s not necessarily the “most important meal of the day.” What’s more important is eating a balanced diet overall.

Some people may prefer skipping breakfast altogether or having it later in the day. The key is finding what works best for your body and schedule.

Myth #2: Fasting is dangerous

Many people believe that fasting is unhealthy or dangerous. However, intermittent fasting has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including weight loss and improved blood sugar control.

It’s important to do research and consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any fasting regimen.

Myth #3: Carbs are bad for you

Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet. They provide energy and nutrients that are necessary for proper bodily function.

The key is choosing the right kinds of carbs, such as whole grains and fruits, and moderating intake of processed or sugary carbs.

Myth #4: Cooking vegetables destroys their nutrients

Cooking can actually enhance the nutrient content of vegetables. Some nutrients, such as lycopene in tomatoes, are more readily absorbed by the body when the vegetable is cooked.

While overcooking can reduce some nutrients, consuming a variety of cooked and raw vegetables can provide a well-rounded nutrient profile.

Myth #5: Detox diets are necessary

The idea of detoxing or cleansing the body through extreme diets or cleansing products is unsupported by scientific evidence.

Our bodies have natural detoxification mechanisms, such as the liver and kidneys, that are constantly working to eliminate toxins. A healthy diet and lifestyle can support these mechanisms without the need for extreme measures.

Myth #6: Vegetarians and vegans can’t get enough protein

Plant-based diets can easily provide adequate protein through sources such as beans, nuts, and tofu. It’s important for vegetarians and vegans to ensure they are getting enough protein, but it’s not as difficult as some may believe.

Myth #7: All calories are created equal

While calorie intake is important for weight management, not all calories are created equal. Different foods can have varying effects on hunger, metabolism, and overall health.

Consuming a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods is the best approach for maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Myth #8: Eating before bed causes weight gain

It’s not when you eat, but what you eat that matters. Consuming a large, high-calorie meal before bed may contribute to weight gain, but having a light snack or meal is unlikely to cause harm.

It’s important to listen to your body and consume food when you’re hungry.

Myth #9: Coconut oil is a miracle food

Coconut oil has been praised for its health benefits, but the science doesn’t support the hype. While it may have some benefits, such as promoting weight loss, it’s still a high-calorie fat that should be consumed in moderation.

Myth #10: Raw food diets are better for you

While consuming raw fruits and vegetables can provide benefits, an exclusively raw food diet isn’t necessary or healthy for everyone. Cooking can enhance the nutrient content of some foods and can make them easier to digest.

Myth #11: Brown eggs are more nutritious than white eggs

The color of an egg shell has no impact on the nutritional content of the egg. The breed of the chicken determines the color of the egg.

Myth #12: You need dairy for strong bones

While dairy products are a good source of calcium, they aren’t the only source. Calcium can be obtained from a variety of foods, including leafy greens, fish, and fortified products.

It’s important to consume a balanced diet with an adequate amount of calcium.

Myth #13: Juicing is a healthy way to cleanse the body

While consuming fruits and vegetables in juice form can provide some benefits, it’s not a necessary or healthy way to cleanse the body. Juicing can strip away fiber and other important nutrients.

Eating a balanced diet with whole fruits and vegetables is the best approach to maintaining a healthy body.

Myth #14: Gluten-free diets are always healthier

While a gluten-free diet is necessary for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it may not be healthier for everyone.

Many gluten-free products are highly processed and often contain more sugar and fat than their gluten-containing counterparts. A balanced diet is the best approach for overall health.

Myth #15: Low-fat diets are the best for weight loss

Low-fat diets may be effective for some people, but they aren’t necessary for weight loss. Consuming a balanced diet with a moderate amount of healthy fats can actually help with weight loss and appetite control.

It’s important to choose healthy sources of fat, such as avocado and nuts.

Myth #16: Organic food is always healthier

Organic food can be a healthy choice, but it’s not always necessary or healthier than conventionally grown food. It’s important to focus on nutrient-rich foods regardless of whether they are organic or not.

Myth #17: Eating sugar causes diabetes

While consuming excess sugar can contribute to weight gain and other health issues, it doesn’t directly cause diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, while type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and lifestyle choices.

Myth #18: Eating fat makes you fat

While it may seem counterintuitive, consuming fat doesn’t necessarily lead to weight gain. Overconsumption of any macronutrient, including fat, can lead to weight gain. The key is choosing healthy sources of fat and consuming them in moderation.

Myth #19: Sea salt is a healthier alternative to table salt

While sea salt may seem like a healthier alternative to table salt, they’re both essentially the same. Sea salt may contain trace amounts of minerals, but in general, the difference is minimal.

It’s important to limit overall sodium intake regardless of the source.

Myth #20: Red meat is unhealthy

Red meat can certainly be part of a healthy diet. It’s a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients. It’s important to choose lean cuts and consume red meat in moderation.

Myth #21: Eating celery burns more calories than it provides

While celery is low in calories, the idea that it burns more calories than it provides is a myth. No food burns more calories digesting than it provides.

Myth #22: Eating every few hours boosts metabolism

Eating frequency may have some impact on metabolism, but it’s not a magic bullet for weight loss. Consuming a balanced diet with an appropriate number of calories is the best approach for maintaining a healthy metabolism and weight.

Myth #23: Drinking water with meals dilutes stomach acid

While drinking water with meals may make you feel fuller and aid in digestion, it doesn’t dilute stomach acid to the point where it negatively impacts nutrient absorption.

Myth #24: Drinking milk causes mucus production

This myth has been circulating for decades, but there’s no scientific evidence to support it. Drinking milk doesn’t increase mucus production in the body.

Myth #25: Eating late at night causes nightmares

There’s no evidence to support the idea that consuming food before bed causes nightmares.

Myth #26: MSG is unhealthy

While some people may have an intolerance to monosodium glutamate (MSG), it’s considered safe for most people.

It’s a common ingredient in many foods, including Chinese cuisine, and is a naturally occurring substance in some foods, such as tomatoes and cheese.

Myth #27: Eggs are bad for your cholesterol

For most people, consuming eggs in moderation as part of a balanced diet isn’t harmful to cholesterol levels. In fact, eggs contain nutrients that can benefit heart health.

Myth #28: Diet soda is a healthy alternative to regular soda

Diet soda may be lower in calories, but it’s still highly processed and may contain artificial sweeteners that have been linked to negative health effects. It’s best to limit intake of all types of soda.

Myth #29: Eating spicy foods causes ulcers

Eating spicy foods may irritate an existing ulcer, but it doesn’t directly cause ulcers. Ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection or long-term use of NSAIDs.

Spicy foods can have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.

Myth #30: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight

Skipping meals can lead to overconsumption later in the day and can have negative effects on metabolism and overall health. Consuming a balanced diet with an appropriate number of calories is the best approach to weight loss.