Eat Your Water?!

Eat Your Water:

The Top 5 Health Rules You Should Break

By Hajer Ibrahim

Doctors and health specialists have advised people to follow a number of rules on a daily basis. However, recent studies have proved that many of these so called ‘rules’ are nothing but mere fiction. Here is a list of the top 5 health rules you should break today:

1. Do Not Eat Before You Sleep

Nutritionists have continuously warned against eating right before going to bed, claiming that this will result in sudden weight gain. You might have found yourself in this position before, where your only solution might have been to just go to bed hungry. However, new studies have proven this to be a mere assumption. According to Men’s Health Magazine, Men’s Health fitness expert Ray Klerck states that there are no studies that show that eating right before going to bed is wrong for you. Nevertheless, even though eating before you sleep will not have a direct effect on your weight, the type of food that you consume will. As long as what you eat before you sleep does not include refined starches, such as pastas, or saturated fats, such as those found in fried chicken, you are safe; instead, settle for some steamed vegetables and light dairy products to kill those “late night cravings.”

Then: Do not eat before you sleep.

Now: Eat lightly before you sleep.

2. Red Meat is Bad for You

Research has shown that red meat increases your risks of getting heart disease and even cancer. To avoid getting sick, you might have been hesitant to order a juicy steak.Well, there is good news; recent studies have shown that red meat is actually beneficial for one’s health. According to the online medical website, WebMD, red meat includes a high percentage of iron. Females, particularly teenage girls and young women, lack high percentages of iron in their bodies. Therefore, they are advised to consume reasonable daily amounts of red meat. Red meat also contains zinc (immune system booster), vitamin B12 (necessary for red blood cells), and protein (a source of muscle growth and a bone strengthener).That said, it is important to assert that an excess of red meat is definitely ‘bad’ for you.One should keep in mind that moderation is key in everything. So do not freak out, according to the British news site, the Daily Mail Online, there is no evidence that red meat, when eaten in moderation, is bad for you. So the next time you go to a restaurant, go ahead and treat yourself to that steak you have been craving.

Then: Do not eat red meat.

Now: Eat red meat in moderation.

3. Do Not Consume Caffeine

It has always been assumed that drinking anything containing caffeine is harmful for you. Many people feel guilty just drinking their morning cup of coffee. However, research has shown that caffeine is not only harm-free, but is also beneficial for you. According to BBC News online, caffeine helps lower your risks of getting Alzheimer's disease. Not only that, but caffeine also helps lower your cholesterol levels and decreases your chances of getting heart disease. Coffee, for example is known to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes. According to a study available on WebMD, people who drink between 6 to 7 cups of coffee a day are 35% less likely to have Type 2 Diabetes than those who drink 2 or fewer cups of coffee a day. However, this healthy ‘drug’ is best consumed in ‘plain’ drinks, meaning that you should avoid drinking your cup of coffee with any of the following additives: cream, sugar, and/or milk. That said, this does not mean that all caffeinated drinks are good for you. Studies have shown that caffeinated drinks like sodas and energy drinks contain an abundance of sugar and other harmful chemicals.So, the good news is that yes, you can enjoy your morning coffee, but just make sure that you avoid mixing it with these poisonous additives!

Then: Do not drink caffeine-containing substances.

Now: Drink sugar-free tea or plain coffee and avoid sodas and energy drinks.

4. Avoid Eating Chocolate

Health specialists have deemed chocolate as ‘junk food’ years and years ago. Many adults have refrained from it, and have tried to keep this ‘candy’ away from their children too. However, studies have shown that chocolate—especially dark chocolate—is actually good for you. According to BBC News online, dark chocolate contains catechins,

a chemical known to lower one’s risk of getting heart disease. Not only that, but according to the online British news site Healthspan, dark chocolate is a ‘feel good’ food that contains many antioxidants (helps the metabolism fight off pollutants in the body) and polyphenols (a heart protectant). So, the next time you feel guilty about craving chocolate, think again, for you can reach for a 120 grams guilt-free serving of dark chocolate. So give your kid some chocolate, and treat yourself to some too, because “a little chocolate a day keeps the doctor at bay.”

Then: Do not eat chocolate.

Now: Dark chocolate, in moderation, is good for your heart.

5. The 8-8 Water Rule

The ‘golden rule’ is to drink 8 glasses of water per day. However, many people have always struggled with trying to consume this amount and many feel guilty if they do not. Good news! This ‘golden rule’ is now nothing but a ‘golden myth.’ According to The Water Secret, by Howard Murad, MD, water can already be found in a variety of foods, such as tomatoes, oranges, beans, and even cooked rice. Moreover, drinks—other than water—can act as substitutes to water.  So to sum it all up, you are advised to “eat your water,” rather than drink it. Nevertheless, do not strictly abide by this rule and make sure you maintain a balance between drinking and eating your water. The next time you feel that you do not drink enough water, ask yourself “did I eat enough water?”

Then: Drink 8 glasses of water a day.

Now:“Eat your water.” 

I hope you enjoyed this article I wrote! More posts soon!

Hajer :)