The biggest diet myths debunked in 2020, from the alkaline diet to 'loaded' fat loss tea

Gabby LandsverkDec 9, 2020, 22:22 IST

Eva-Katalin/Getty Images

2020 was just as full of diet myths and bad nutrition advice as any other.
This year, evidence has emerged against claims about immune-boosting superfoods, fat-loss teas, and celebrity diets.
New research has also complicated previous hot topics like intermittent fasting, vegan diets, and whether coffee is healthy.
These are the top diet and nutrition myths that were disproven in 2020.

Nutrition advice is constantly changing, with competing, and even contradictory, recommendations appearing from reputable sources.

Even in the midst of a global pandemic, this year was no exception. Nutrition advice took on a new urgency in 2020 as people tried to find the best diet to protect against the coronavirus (spoiler alert: there isn't one). New fad diets like the Mayr Method also emerged, and old ones like the alkaline diet resurfaced.

At the same time, new research has changed what we thought we knew about ongoing trends like intermittent fasting and veganism, as well as never-ending debates about dietary standbys like coffee, alcohol, and sugar.

Here are the top diet myths Insider debunked in 2020.

Myth: You have to eat meat to build muscle.

Vegan bodybuilders show it's possible to make big gains on an plant-based diet. Techflora

Myth: Alcohol is taboo in a healthy lifestyle.

In moderation, a pint of beer won't necessarily offset your progress in the gym. Vyacheslav Dumchev/Getty Images

Myth: You should eat 'alkaline' foods for health.

The alkaline diet can be healthy, but not because of any special pH powers - it's just high in fruits, veggies, and nuts. bit245 via Getty Images

Myth: Diets 'boost' your immune system or completely prevent disease.

Not even a truckload of oranges will stop you from getting sick if you're exposed to a contagious virus. Paulo Whitaker/Reuters

Myth: Zero-calorie sweeteners are a good substitute for sugar.

Drinks sweetened with sugar or substitutes just aren't good for health, research shows. OcusFocus/

Myth: You should cut out coffee to lose weight and be healthier.

Good news for coffee drinkers - you don't have to kick the habit to stay healthy (but do enjoy your brew in moderation). cglow

Myth: 'Loaded' teas are good for energy and weight loss.

'Loaded' teas advertising fat loss or an energy boost aren't worth the hype, according to dietitians. Gabby Landsverk

Myth: There's a 'best time' to eat for weight loss.

There's no evidence against having a midnight snack. AJ_Watt/Getty Images

Myth: The Mayr Method is an effective new celebrity diet.

Rebel Wilson reportedly lost weight on the Mayr Method, but dietitians don't recommend it. Getty/Mike Marsland

1. Myth: Intermittent fasting is the best way to lose weight.

Intermittent fasting, or limiting food intake to a certain time period, is one of the hottest recent diet trends, but it may not live up to all the hype. Crystal Cox/Business Insider

The worst TikTok health trends of 2020

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