Government advisory panel finally rejects bad science and gets with the times.
With so many unhealthy food choices available these days, it can be hard to stick to a healthy diet. The problem is made worse when the so-called “authorities” and “experts” issue bad advice that steers people away from foods that are actually perfectly healthy.
For example, Americans spent two generations restricting their consumption of eggs and meat products because the official government stance indicated that these foods were too high in fats and cholesterol to be healthy. This position pushed many Americans straight into the arms of carbs. One study showed that over the past 50 years we cut fat by 25 percent but increased carbs by 30 percent. A high-carb diet actually increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease more than a high fat, high cholesterol diet would, potentially leaving those who followed the government’s nutritional guidelines worse off than those who ignored them.
Why did this happen? How did those we rely on as experts get duped? Lobbyists from different sectors of the food industry no doubt helped to confuse matters, but the biggest problem was that nutritional science has a history of basing conclusions on observational studies, which are by their very nature limited. Observational studies can only show association, not causation. In other words, they can show that a given food is associated with a given outcome, but they cannot prove one caused the other.
The good news is that it looks like the government nutritional “experts” have finally gotten with the times in some respects. Last fall, the advisory panel that develops our country’s dietary guidelines announced that they have recommended that the long-standing restrictions on eggs and fats be lifted.
The Truth About Dietary Fat
You should definitely not be afraid to include fat in your diet. In fact, dietary fat is actually necessary for the healthy functioning of your body. Without this fat, you may struggle with a lack of energy and you may also become deficient in certain vital fat-soluble vitamins. The key is you need to eat the right type of fat, and you need to eat it in moderation to prevent weight gain. Unhealthy fats like saturated fat and trans fat should be avoided, while unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids should be embraced as vital nutrients.
A Better Way to Manage Cholesterol
New research has shown that there is no appreciable relationship between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol. This means that instead of limiting your intake of delicious, formerly banned foods like eggs and shrimp, you need to approach cholesterol problems from a different angle. Specifically, you need to eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise, as this will help keep your weight under control. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for high levels of “bad” cholesterol.
Need Nutritional Advice You Can Count On?
With so many different opinions about diet and nutrition out there, it can be very difficult to know who to trust. Fortunately, you can get up-to-date, science-based advice you can rely on by contacting Renew Man™. We’ll be happy to set up an appointment for you to talk with our nutritionists.