Nutrition: Who Should I Believe?

04/13/2011

Through books, movies, news articles and myriad information sources available today, consumers are being bombarded with conflicting messages about healthy eating. Many of them cite studies and references that would appear to provide scientific justification for their arguments.

One of our readers mentioned three books in particular – The Food Revolution, The China Study and The Omega Diet. We asked Connie Diekman, RD, Director of University Nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis and past president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, for her thoughts.

Click below to listen to Connie’s thoughts.

Summarizing Connie Diekman:

There are a variety of publications available to the public today that are causing people to think about what they eat, which is good, but they sometimes cause confusion for consumers.
Look for references that reflect the general views on health and nutrition from science-based organizations such as the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association or the 2010 Federal Dietary Guidelines.
If the views expressed are totally removed from the body of evidence supported by science-based organizations, this should be a flag that the information may be personal opinion.
People should meet their nutritional needs by choosing foods they enjoy, including lean meat, fish, poultry, and low-fat/fat-free dairy. However, two-thirds of the diet should come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

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