One of my BIG bug bears is the fact there is so much nutrition confusion generated out there. Just take a look at this email update I received (this is no reflection on Nutrition News – whom I respect):
from Nutrition News (FNIC Nutrition News fnic@ars.usda.gov)
- Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Food and Nutrition, Second Edition
- Healthy Literacy, Nutrition Education, and Food Literacy
- From Reflection to Action…
- Nutrition, Exercise, and Behaviour, Second Edition
- Perceived Importance of Dietary Protein to Prevent Weight Gain: A National Survey among Midlife Women
- Is food truly addictive? New journal series investigates
- Mango’s Potential Health-Affirming Properties Explored
- New Data Show That White Potatoes Increase Intake Of Potassium
- The Benefits Of Eggs, Even For Those At Cardiovascular Risk
- Calorie Intake Reduced When Menu Labels Display Amount Of Exercise Needed To Burn Calories
- One Soda A Day Can Increase Diabetes Risk By 22%
- Vitamin E May Alleviate Symptoms Of Liver Disease Brought On By Obesity
- Study Suggests Increasing Complexity Of Gut Effect On Health
- Roundworm quells obesity and related metabolic disorders
- Gut bacteria byproduct predicts heart attack and stroke
- Drinking one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened soft drink a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22 percent, study suggests
- Eggs, Too, May Provoke Bacteria to Raise Heart Risk
- Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Food and Nutrition, Second Edition
No wonder the public just give up!
My opinion is there will always be foods that are problematic to some and not others. Also it will depend on an individual’s health and susceptibility.
The dangers with a lot of studies about health is that they rarely relate to daily living or the wider public. They may be focussing on a specific group, in a certain situation however the headline result may give the impression that it applies generally. It isn’t until the whole article is read that the context is identified, therefore highlighting that it is a niche study and not applicable to all.
My feeling is follow your doctor’s advice regarding food and your condition. After that read these studies, become informed and discuss with him whether it’s relevant to you, if concerned.
Remember, there are as usually as many studies confirming something as disproving it. All information should be viewed with an open and curious mind.
Then be your own judge as to whether it’s for you.