“Feed a cold, starve a fever”—& Other Food Myths

Artist extraordinaire James Grasdal is putting the finishing touches on the 13^th book in the Superman Duffy comic series—MYTHCONCEPTIONS. Which, you may have guessed has a little something to do with common “myths.” I love myths! So for this year’s A to Z Blogging Challenge, I’m going to “bust” as many of them as I can—every day (except Sundays) on the blog, throughout April.

Not familiar with the A to Z Challenge? Get the details here, and then hang on, because I’m about to blow your mind with my myth-inspired posts. (PS – Comment on the blogs throughout the month for a chance to WIN a complete set of the Superman Duffy comics, including lucky #13, MYTHCONCEPTIONS.)

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MYTH: Feed a cold, starve a fever.

Am I the only one that’s relieved this is a myth? According to research, there’s no medical reason to limit foods when you’re feverish. In fact, you should eat what you can tolerate, especially since when you’re sick, you need to eat more to keep up with your increased metabolism.

That’s GREAT news! I love food—and since I’m an athlete, I need to make sure I’m eating healthy…as much as I can. So, I dug up a few food myths for today’s #AtoZChallenge post that I thought you’d be interested in too.

Like…

MYTH: Eating celery burns more calories than it contains.

Okay, so celery doesn’t really have “negative” calories, but with less than 10 per serving, it’s not a bad snack option. (I like it with peanut butter which certainly will add kilocalories!)

MYTH: Eggs are high in cholesterol.

Not true. Studies show that eggs don’t contribute to high cholesterol at all. I’ll take mine scrambled, please!

MYTH: Those with diabetes have to give up sweets.

My grandpa has diabetes, so I know first-hand that this is a myth. It’s true he has to eat sweets in moderation (which is hard since my grandma is an amazing cook), but just like everyone else, the key to his health is through a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and whole fruits are certainly part of this eating plan.

MYTH: Raw carrots are more nutritious than cooked.

Sadly, this is a myth—cooking actually increases the nutritional value of carrots. (I much prefer them raw!)

MYTH: Canola oil is unhealthy.

You might think this is bias because my grandparents own a canola farm, but real science demonstrates that although all oils contain the same amount of fat and calories, canola oil has one of the lowest levels of saturated fat (the bad stuff) and the highest levels of the healthier fats like  omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids.

Hey, if you’re looking for some ways to put all of these ingredients together, check out TASTING MY STORY. Part recipe book, part adventure mystery, I know you’ll love this Superman Duffy comic. 

Okay, gotta jet—but I’ll be back tomorrow with some important GROWING myths, perfect for the Spring season. And obviously, check out the other blogs taking part in the #AtoZChallenge!

~ Chase Superman Duffy

PS – Comment on this post, or share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for a chance to WIN a complete set of the Superman Duffy comics. A winner will be chosen at random on May 1.