Separating Fact from Fiction During National Nutrition Month

Americans are adrift in a sea of misinformation — junk science, as some call it — and nowhere is this more the case than with issues related to nutrition and health.

Many of us are bombarded every day with information through news, through e-mails and even through text messaging offering all sorts of information — some true, some entirely baseless — about everything from trendy diets to miracle supplements.

Who to believe? What to believe? For many us, it’s all a confusing welter of information.

The American Dietetic Association is encouraging Americans to look beyond nutrition myths and focus on the facts — the reason why they’ve chosen “Nutrition: It’s a Matter of Fact” as this year’s National Nutrition Month theme.

“As hard as it often may seem to many of us, it is possible to separate fact from fiction,” says Kajuandra Harris Huntley, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System foods and nutrition specialist.

The important thing is to focus only on information that is grounded on solid scientific research, she says.

Still, for many consumers that’s not so easy. Sifting through all of the scientific research not only is confusing but time consuming — the reason why Huntley advises them to work with their local Alabama Extension agent or registered dietitian who not only can help them interpret these findings but also tailor them to their own specific nutritional and health needs.

“Cooperative Extension agents and registered dietitians are trained to help their clients put this research, some of which may seem contradictory, into a larger, clearer picture that they can understand,” she says.

Indeed, nutritional and health needs may vary from person to person depending on their age, physical conditions and other needs, Huntley says. Some nutritional advice that may be perfectly applicable to some people may be potentially harmful to others, she says.

In the meantime, the American Dietetic Association urges American consumers to pay close attention to these 10 basic nutritional facts:

1. Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Use Mypyramid.gov to develop a personalized plan for lifelong health.

2. The best nutrition advice is based on science. Before adopting any changes to your diet, be sure the information is based in scientific fact.

3. Get your food and nutrition facts from the expert: a registered dietitian. RDs are uniquely qualified to translate the science of nutrition into reliable advice you can use every day.
4. Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness.

5. Think nutrient-rich rather than "good" or "bad" foods. The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients - and lower in calories.

6. Look at the big picture: No single food or meal makes or breaks a healthful diet. Your total diet is the most important focus for healthful eating.

7. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep you and your family safe from food-borne illness.

8. Don’t fall prey to food myths and misinformation that may harm rather than benefit your health.

9. Read food labels to get nutrition facts that help you make smart food choices quickly and easily.

10. Find the healthy fats when making food choices. By choosing polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, you can keep your saturated fats, trans fats and
cholesterol low.

Begun in 1973, National Nutrition Month was developed by the American Dietetic Association to promote practical nutrition guidance and force attention on the need for Americans to make sound nutritional and dietary choices and to adopt exercises as a regular facet of daily life.

National Nutrition Month, celebrated each March, also serves as a reminder of the important role dietitians can play in helping Americans make informed lifestyle choices.

With more than 67,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. To locate a registered dietitian in your area, visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at March 4, 2008 04:20 PM