Nowadays, it seems most people have strong opinions on how to eat, which diet is best or what is considered healthy or not healthy when it comes to food and nutrition. The reality is that nutrition is a nuanced topic. What might work for some, does not work for others. That said, experts do agree there are several food myths and misconceptions that persist.

Debunking Common Nutrition Myths

To clear up any confusion for those who are trying to eat healthier, Yahoo Life reached out to eight dietitians — aka food experts focused on science — and asked them what pervasive nutrition myths they would like to debunk and squash for good. Here’s what they said.

Myth #1: Only shop the perimeter of the grocery store

The perimeter of a grocery store is often praised for offering fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy and fortified non-dairy products, while some suggest avoiding the middle aisles because of processed and prepackaged foods on those shelves.

Myth #2: Low calorie and low fat means healthier

“Opting for the lowest calorie options possible will usually leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied, causing you to eventually overeat,” Alyssa Pacheco, dietitian and founder of the PCOS Nutritionist Alyssa, tells Yahoo Life. “Additionally, not eating enough calories can backfire in the long run because it can lower your metabolic rate.”

Myth #3: Natural sugars are healthier than table sugar

While both honey and maple syrup have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, they do not offer much nutrition and aren’t necessarily healthier than table sugar. This also applies to other natural sweeteners, such as date sugar, agave nectar and brown rice syrup.

Myth #4: Sea salt is healthier than table salt

Just like for sugars, sea salt and Himalayan salt are ultimately salt, and contain about 40% sodium, similar to table salt. Sea salt is minimally processed and may contain trace amounts of minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium, while table salt is more processed to remove impurities, and typically fortified with iodine for thyroid health.

Myth #5: Eggs are bad for you and raise your cholesterol

For years, reports steered people away from eggs because of their high dietary cholesterol. However, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines eliminated the daily upper limit of 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day as more research started showing that saturated fat, not dietary cholesterol, may increase risk of heart disease.

Myth #6: Don’t eat after 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. (or when the sun has set)

“Your body doesn’t have an internal clock that yells to your cells, ‘It’s 6 p.m., time to store this food for weight gain!’ Energy is energy no matter when it is consumed,” Katie Schimmelpfenning, founder of Eat Swim Win, tells Yahoo Life.

Myth #7: Coffee is a meal

Many people can’t start the day without a cup of coffee. But it is by no means a replacement for breakfast or any meal. A cup of brewed black coffee may be antioxidant-rich, but it only has about 5 calories and no protein, fat or carbohydrates.

Consider the context

While these myths may be widespread, it's important to consider the context in which they arise. Nutrition is a complex and individualized topic, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist can help you navigate the often-confusing world of food and nutrition.