Food And Nutrition Myth Busters by Mindy Hermann, R.D. (NAPSA)—It is easy to find out almost anything about food and nutrition on the Internet; unfortu- nately, the information is not always accurate. Here are a few common food and nutrition myths and truths: Myth: Foods made from whole grain do not taste good. Truth: “Foods made with whole grain flours, like cereals, breads and pastas, taste great becauseoftheir rich, nutty flavor,” says ; Christine Werner, Hermann Ph.D., R.D., an as- sistant professor at St. Louis University. “Also, whole grain foods are easier to find.” Myth: Avoid vegetables because they may be contaminated. Truth: “Vegetables and fruits are essential elements of a healthy diet. Use proper food handling and cleaning techniques and rinse all your vegetables and fruits in running water,” advises Dr. Werner. Remember to rinse melons and other produce with skin or rinds to prevent contami- nation from bacteria on the skin. Myth: Milk allergies are very common. Truth: “Many people mistakenly think that the bloating and gas of lactose intolerance is an allergy. Lactose intolerance is more common and occurs when the body does not produce enoughlactase, an enzyme needed to digest milk,” says Ellen Mandel, PA-C, R.D., C.D.E., an assistant professor at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. “People who cannot tolerate lactose often can eat low-fat varieties of yogurt and cheese as a source of calcium.” Finding alternative sources of calcium mayalso be helpful, such as Whole Grain Total, Total Raisin Bran and Total Honey Clusters, which are high in calcium. Myth: Sugar makes people hyperactive. Truth: “Research does not show a link between sugar and hyperactivity in adults or children,” advises Judy Dodd, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. “Nonetheless, foods high in sugar but low in nutrition contribute empty calories and should not take the place of healthy foods.” Myth: Food eaten in the evening turnsto bodyfat. Truth: “Too many calories eaten over the course of a day or weekwill turn into fat, regardless of the time of day,” says Dodd. “Many people are in the habit of snacking after dinner and may not realize how quickly those calories add up.” Myth: High-carbohydrate foods are fattening and should be limited whentrying to lose weight. Truth: Many high-carbohydrate foods—bread, pasta, cereals and fruits—are low in fat andrelatively low in calories. For smart weight loss, eat fewer calories, include all food groups and increase physicalactivity. Mindy Hermann, M.B.A., R.D., is a nutrition writer for women’s, health and fitness magazines. She is the co-author of “Change One” and the American Medical Association’s “Family Health Cookbook.” wenn nnn n nen e een e nee n ene ee OXTL eae a en enone ene eee eee ee Note to Editors: This is Series VI—17 of26.
