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Coffee
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MISCONCEPTION: It only keeps you awake.
TRUTH: Arizona researchers recently discovered that caffeinated coffee helps improve memory in older adults. Plus, regular coffee drinking lowers the risk for type 2 diabetes. A new report finds that people who drink a daily four to six cups have a 28 percent lower risk of developing this illness, which is fast becoming an epidemic in this country, than folks who drink less than two cups each day.
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Eggs
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MISCONCEPTION: High in cholesterol.
TRUTH: Eggs are inexpensive, contain the highest-quality protein on the planet and are loaded with small amounts of a variety of vital nutrients, including folate, riboflavin, selenium, B12 and choline. At 75 calories apiece, eggs are also a nutrient-dense food that makes a smart and low-calorie contribution to any menu.
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Peanut Butter
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MISCONCEPTION: High in fat and calories.
TRUTH: Five major studies confirm that eating peanuts (and by extension, peanut butter) can lower risk for coronary heart disease. Even better, these health benefits seem to occur without promoting weight gain, since a tablespoon or two of peanut butter is all it takes to satisfy hunger among study participants.
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Avocados
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MISCONCEPTION: High in fat.
TRUTH: Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. They are loaded with antioxidants, including disease-fighting compounds such as lutein, beta-carotene and vitamin E. They also help the body absorb nutrients from other foods. Researchers from Ohio State University recently reported that pairing avocados with salsa or salad allows for better absorption of antioxidants in those foods
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Mushrooms
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MISCONCEPTION: A low-calorie food with little nutrition.
TRUTH: They may be 90 percent water and have only 18 calories per cup, but mushrooms are getting serious scientific attention. Compounds in mushrooms may do everything from bolster immune function to suppress certain cancers to decrease tumor size. They also contain significant amounts of the blood pressure-lowering mineral potassium -- more than in oranges.
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