Food Fads and Fallacies

If it sounds too good to be true…

If you hear some claim which promises miraculous results, or belittles the medical profession or normal foods, or appeals to your emotions; you should question its usefulness.

The promotion of nutrition misinformation has become a multi-billion dollar business. There's almost no end to the nutrition tests and treatments, special foods and food supplements, pills, gadgets, diets, books and magazines that are produced daily to take advantage of the public's new health and fitness awareness.

Health quacks capitalize on people's fears: that they're being poisoned by food additives and pollution... and fears that their diets are being adversely affected by modern processing methods. These quacks capitalize on people's hopes; hopes of looking and feeling young forever; of being free from illness, and of performing at exceptional levels. Health quacks seem to have all the answers. "Super nutrition" is the "magic cure" for all problems.

Let's try to burst some of the bubbles of common food myths...

Athletes need more protein than the average person.

False—exercise increases the need for calories, or energy, not protein. Muscles increase in size with stimulation, not excess protein.

If small amounts of a vitamin are good for you, then large amounts are even better.

False—taking more vitamins than your body needs does not provide a benefit. Extra amounts of water-soluble vitamins, B complex and vitamin C are excreted. Too much of fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E or K can be toxic.

Are "natural" foods—those without chemical additives—better for you than foods containing additives?

No—foods packaged without additives or preservatives are no more healthful than others. Additives must now pass extensive tests before they can be used to help maintain the quality and safety of a product. Research doesn't support claims that additives cause hyperactivity in children. Treatment should be directed by a physician.

If you hear some claim which promises miraculous results, or belittles the medical profession or normal foods, or appeals to your emotions; you should question its usefulness. It may cost you money but won't make you more healthy.

For more information on food fads and fallacies contact your local county Extension office.