Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Money/Health

Organic food is always more nutritious.

Myth. Few studies have compared organic and conventionally grown foods, according to food toxicologist Carl Winter, director of the FoodSafe program at the University of California at Davis. Some evidence suggests that organic produce may be higher in certain antioxidants, but there appears to be no nutritional advantage to organic milk and meat, he said. The descriptor refers to the practices on the farm and not the nutritional content of the final product. When it comes to the snack aisle, don't assume that "organic" gives you the green light to load up. An organic cheese puff is still a cheese puff.

Fasting helps rid the body of toxins.

Myth. A fast may give you the perception of "cleaning out" your body's impurities but there is no scientific evidence that this is true, Zied said. Our body is pretty self-sufficient. We have our own "detox" system that filters out harmful products on a daily basis. You don't need to deprive your body of food to make that happen.

Nor will fasting keep weight off. The promise of losing "eight pounds overnight" may be alluring, but this is water weight, not fat, and it likely will be regained just as quickly. Remember: easy off, easy on. Plus, long-term fasting could be risky.

Calories eaten at night are more fattening.

Myth. It is total calories that count, not the time of day you eat them. Many diet books may warn against eating after 8 p.m., but there is no "witching hour" that makes food more likely to adhere to your hips.

That said, avoiding late-night eating may be a smart strategy to help you eat less, said dietitian Elisa Zied of New York City. People who don't eat all day and then come home and devour everything in sight are probably eating more than they think. So space your meals throughout the day and keep track of total calories, not the clock

Frozen vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh.

Fact. Just-picked vegetables do have more vitamins and minerals, but the nutrient levels can drop the longer that produce is stored. Frozen vegetables are flash-frozen soon after picking to lock in nutrients. You can limit the loss of nutrients by steaming or microwaving with a little water or stir-frying with a bit of oil.

-Source: Chicago Tribune

Health Myths Exposed! is a bi-weekly feature highlighting common health and fitness misconceptions compiled by Money/Health editor Tara Bannow.

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