Originally published June 9 2005
Eating healthy hindered by shifting food facts
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
As more Americans try to watch what they eat, they are often tripped up by whatever latest report is stating what is good for you and what isn't. Norma Flood, registered dietitian and nutrition educator for the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, says the information is changed as more is learned about food, nutrition and their effect on our bodies. A few dieticians attribute the changing food facts to media and lobbyist hype. What's a health-conscious consumer to do? "The key is moderation," says Flood, adding that nobody should eat too much of any food.
It's difficult to keep track of what a food can do to and for your body, when the story keeps changing.
That's why new information is coming out every year, and it's always changing," says Norma Flood, registered dietitian and nutrition educator for the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine.
Don't eat more than once a week.
Latest news: Eggs are only moderate in saturated fat, the main culprit in rising cholesterol levels.
Bottom line: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, so an egg a day can be part of a healthy diet.
Just beware of the egg's breakfast buddies -- butter, bacon and sausage.
Old news: With about 90 percent of their calories coming from fat, say "nuts" to nuts.
Latest news: Nuts contain good fats that lower bad cholesterol (LDL), along with other heart-protecting nutrients.
Avocados do have fat but it's the heart-healthy kind.
Avocados also contain vitamin E and other nutrients that can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Old news: All fish is good for you.
Latest news: While fish is high in protein, low in saturated fat and contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, it also has varying levels of mercury.
Bottom line: Because all fish has some mercury, eat it no more than three times a week and choose fish lowest in mercury levels -- shrimp, salmon, cod, mahi mahi or catfish, are examples.
Limit your intake of artificially sweetened products and substitute fresh fruits, vegetables and water.
Latest news: It's true that breads made of white flour and sugars are empty calories with no nutritional benefits.
Old news: All oils are bad for your cholesterol.
Old news: Soy can make you look and feel young and healthy.
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