What should we eat to stay healthy? Why experts actually have no idea

http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2014/08/11/what-should-we-eat-to-stay-healthy-why-experts-actually-have-no-idea/

by testrun • 12 years ago

5 4 12 years ago

blogs.reuters.com

jamesbritt• 12 years ago

A large part of the issue comes down to funding, and a lack of resources to do the kinds of studies that would help answer some of our most pressing questions. Our insistence on making recommendations — without having the proper research to back them up — has unintended, harmful effects.

This seems sort of crazy. Properly understanding what makes for a healthy diet would go a long way in reducing health issues.

I imagine that nutrition research just isn't as sexy as, say, mapping the human brain.

leepowers• 12 years ago

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that a consensus among dieticians and nutritionist has been reached: consume the right number of calories, eat less sugar and exercise regularly. The #1 nutrition-related health issue in the U.S. is obesity - a condition caused not so much by what you eat, but by how much you consume. (Bearing in mind that it's easier to overeat when consuming fatty, sugary, calorie-dense foods).

If we're talking about dietary recommendations like "eat an antioxidant-rich diet to reduce your chances of developing cancer by %15" - well, I've always considered those to be a little ridiculous. I should modify my otherwise healthy diet in order to slightly tip the odds in my favor for one specific disease? Nonsense.

collyw• 12 years ago

Less processed crap works for me.

I noticed as a student, that it was cheaper to cook my own stuff fresh, and miraculously I got less spots and fewer colds.

robodale• 12 years ago

I've heard it summed up in one sentence: Eat less, mostly vegetables, and only lean meats.

What should we eat to stay healthy? Why experts actually have no idea

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