Are You Confused About Conflicting Dietary News?

Hardly a day goes by without another news report on a diet and dietary practises, sometimes it appears in complete contrast to the day before.

This can be very confusing, and the reader can be forgiven for giving up on it all to the detriment of their long term health.

Take these latest two news articles for example, both published in Wednesday’s NZ Herald:

1. Diet that cuts out fat may lead to an early death
2. Five-a-day fruit and vegetable theory debunked

Often the science is correct but the news editors have re-written the data in a new context to make it more newsworthy. And of course, they need a headline!

All you need to do is come here for the latest information, curated for your benefit. You are most welcome!

Let’s take these two stories for example:

1. Reducing fat intake may lead to an early death

The Canadian research across 18 countries, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Barcelona, found that consuming high levels of fats cut mortality by up to 23 per cent.

The researchers said, “Our data suggests that low-fat diets put populations at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.” Those on low fat diets tend to eat too much stodgy food like bread, pasta and rice while missing out on vital nutrient, the experts said.

They said “getting the balance of fats and carbohydrates right was about achieving a ‘sweet spot’ which was best for health”.

I’ve highlighted the word balance as that is the Meno-Me® philosophy of health, starting with a woman’s hormones. We’re all about happy, healthy hormones. Our Shake It Off^® Weight Management Guide has four principles, and one of them is:

2. Five-a-day fruit and vegetable theory debunked

When reading the headline of the second article, “Five-a-day fruit and vegetable theory debunked” you could be forgiven for wondering; “Wow, shouldn’t I eat fruit and vegetables then. I am so confused!”

Actually, all it says is that the evidence shows that eating four serves (80g per serve) gives you the same benefit as eating 5+ serves a day. For public health messages to mass populations of people of varying education the messaging has to be very plain, simple and clear.

The 5+ a day campaign has been very successful at communicating the importance of eating fruit and vegetables.

It cleverly uses a hand, with five fingers (ok, four and a thumb then!) to communicate so that even children get it. But sadly it seems that many families cannot afford five serves of fruit and veges a day. Not to worry, because four could be enough – well at least statistically five gave no more benefit over four in this study.

For more on this topic stay tuned next week as we launch the Shake It Off^® Weight Management Guide.