The Biggest PCOS Food Myths Busted

Let’s face it. There’s an overwhelming amount of nutrition information for PCOS on the internet. Some of the available information is accurate and based on sound science, but other information is not nearly as trustworthy. Here’s the truth about the biggest nutrition myths for PCOS:

Myth: No Fruit Allowed

Diet fads have led people to believe that all forms of carbohydrates are bad, but this is not necessarily the case for fruits. Fruits provide important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that offer numerous benefits to women with PCOS. These benefits include lowering blood pressure, insulin, and cholesterol levels, and even cancer prevention.

Choose fruits with the skin on them (such as apples, blueberries, and strawberries) which tend to have a lower glycemic index than fruits eaten without the skin (such as pineapple and watermelon). Remember that fruits are carbohydrates, and should be spread out evenly throughout the day. Pair fruit with a protein source (apple and peanut butter) to help stabilize glucose and insulin levels. Be sure to avoid fruit juice altogether, as this will quickly spike insulin levels.

Myth: You Must Eat Gluten-Free to Shed Pounds

Although many women with PCOS think eating gluten-free will help them lose weight, there is no scientific evidence to support it. Although some women do find they lose weight by avoiding gluten, it could really be due to eating fewer calories overall (no more bread basket at a restaurant).

A small percentage of women may have a gluten sensitivity or Crohn's (celiac) disease. For those women, removing gluten from the diet will reduce symptoms and ultimately help them feel better overall. But certainly, not all women with PCOS who follow a gluten-free diet find it helps them lose weight or improve their symptoms.

Instead, focus on eating sensible portions of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods that have been proven to help balance out blood sugar, reduce the risk for disease, and help with weight management.

Myth: You Must Avoid All Dairy

Milk is a rich source of calcium and protein and is also considered a carbohydrate due to its high lactose content. An article in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics showed a positive link between dairy consumption and acne. This report showed evidence that milk, in particular, nonfat milk, can contribute to increased androgen and insulin levels. For these reasons, it may be advisable for women with PCOS to limit their dairy intake coming from yogurt or milk to two or fewer servings per day. You may not need to completely eliminate dairy, though, unless you have a milk allergy or are highly sensitive to it.

Myth: You Can’t Eat Any Sugar

While desserts and other sugary foods aren’t great for PCOS and should be limited, they can be part of a healthy PCOS diet if enjoyed in moderation. A square or two of chocolate, especially dark chocolate containing 70 percent or higher cocoa, contains helpful antioxidants and can satisfy a craving.

Sometimes being too restrictive with sweets can backfire in a big way with episodes of binge eating. So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth from time to time, but focus on whole foods in sensible portions the majority of your day.