The Myths, Fads and Quackery in Nutrition
By: Autumn Singer, Office of Recreation and Wellness

We've all heard rumors about nutrition and health, ranging from what the best diets are to being able to take medication to prevent aging. Often, myths are perpetuated by word of mouth or the Internet. While myths do not involve monetary gain, fads arise out of a need for a quick answer to a complicated problem (and usually involve a monetary gain to the person promoting the fad). Here are some examples of each:

Myth #1 - A person must drink 64 ounces of water every day.

Reality - While a person does need 64 ounces of fluid a day, fluids can include water, milk, coffee, tea and other foods that we eat. Having too much fluid can have the opposite effect and may be detrimental to one's health.

Myth #2 - Aspartame causes brain tumors

Reality - Aspartame (the sugar substitute Equal) has been on the market for over 20 years, and the Centers for Disease Control has found no problems in double blind placebo studies.

Myth #3 - If it is all natural, it is good for you.

Reality - Everything is all natural. Cocaine and heroin are natural but that doesn't mean they good for you. An example of something that is natural but may be dangerous is Ma huang. In reality, it is an amphetamine-like substance that can kill you.

Fad #1 - Quick Weight Loss Schemes.

Reality - People who desire to lose weight are most susceptible to fad diets because they promise a quick fix to a complicated problem. It is important to remember that if someone has really found the answer to the world's biggest health problem, he or she would not be selling books in Barnes and Nobles.

Fad #2 - Soy Products

Reality - When incorporated into a healthful diet, soy can be beneficial. However, it will not solve everyone's health issues and one needs 25 grams of soy a day to help lower cholesterol. It is important to not depend on one food in the diet and to have a variety.

Source: Personal Fitness Professional, Ginger Patterson, PhD, RD.
January 2003