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Cutting through the clutter: Getting the straight story on food and health
If you are confused about nutrition information in the news, don't worry. You're not alone. Instead, applaud yourself for being interested!
The simple fact that you are interested and aware means you're concerned about your health and you want to eat healthy nutritious foods.
"I know consumers can become confused and I understand," says Sheah Rarback, a Miami registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "You hear debatable claims and quick-fix solutions along with solid scientific studies and reliable information.
"The best advice I can give consumers who want the straight story is to consult with a registered dietitian. They are the health professionals who can help you cut through the clutter and provide sound information that is science based and right for you," Rarback says.
"That means it is never too early -- or too late -- to begin making a commitment to good nutrition and health," Rarback says. "Get the straight story and put the information to work for yourself and your family."
Rarback offers suggestions for helping make sense of the never-ending stream of nutrition information:
Read past the headline. It is designed to attract your attention but may not contain the full story.
Does the information provide specific figures or other hard facts?
Is a particular study published in a well-established, peer-reviewed journal?
Was the study or trial conducted on human volunteers, rather than animals?
If a study is sponsored, does the sponsor have a vested interest in the outcome?
If you are confused about nutrition information in the news, don't worry. You're not alone. Instead, applaud yourself for being interested!
The simple fact that you are interested and aware means you're concerned about your health and you want to eat healthy nutritious foods.
"I know consumers can become confused and I understand," says Sheah Rarback, a Miami registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. "You hear debatable claims and quick-fix solutions along with solid scientific studies and reliable information.
"The best advice I can give consumers who want the straight story is to consult with a registered dietitian. They are the health professionals who can help you cut through the clutter and provide sound information that is science based and right for you," Rarback says.
"That means it is never too early -- or too late -- to begin making a commitment to good nutrition and health," Rarback says. "Get the straight story and put the information to work for yourself and your family."
Rarback offers suggestions for helping make sense of the never-ending stream of nutrition information:
Read past the headline. It is designed to attract your attention but may not contain the full story.
Does the information provide specific figures or other hard facts?
Is a particular study published in a well-established, peer-reviewed journal?
Was the study or trial conducted on human volunteers, rather than animals?
If a study is sponsored, does the sponsor have a vested interest in the outcome?