For some time I have been mulling over how better to communicate to others the value and health benefits of good nutrition versus empty calories. This morning part of the solution hit me like a ton of bricks. Most people are in confusion on the subject of nutrition.
\nPart of the reason for this confusion is lack of explanatory labels.
\nYou cannot call two completely different things by the same name and not be confused!
\nOne fat is not the same as any other fat.
\nA trans fat can be deadly whereas coconut oil can be life saving.
\nOne carbohydrate is not the same as any other carbohydrate.
\nSugar is deadly whereas broccoli is nourishing and cancer fighting.
\nThis is like calling a go-kart and a semi-trailer by the same name – vehicle. True but woefully inadequate to full understanding.
\nThis is why some people have taken to calling carbs either bad\\simple (bread, sugar, grains) or good\\complex (vegetables, fruits).
\nAnother reason for the confusion is the absence of all the data. We have the term “macro nutrients” to describe protein, fat, fibre and carbs and it’s those that are on food labels and on which we partially base our purchasing choices. But there is no labelling requirement for the nutrients present in foods below the level of macro nutrients, so it’s that on which the consumer focuses.
\nWe have the label “micro nutrients” under which we lump vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals but many have never even heard of phytochemicals let alone the fact that food labels tell you diddly squat about them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For some time I have been mulling over how better to communicate to others the value and health benefits of good nutrition versus empty calories. This morning part of the solution hit me like a ton of bricks. Most people are in confusion on the subject of nutrition. Part of the reason for this confusion … <\/p>\n