The world of nutrition can be tricky to navigate. Short of being a nutritionist or food scientist yourself, knowing what guidelines to follow can be confusing at best. It seems like there’s always conflicting information out there about what to eat, what to avoid, and which diets are the best to follow.
Here’s the truth: there’s not an ideal diet for everyone (we’re all different, after all) and there are only a few universal truths when it comes to nutrition. With that said, the modern food industry can be pretty sneaky with its marketing tactics — making us believe that unhealthy things are healthy and healthy things are bad for you. We have to be wary of any agendas behind health claims but, most importantly, we need to educate ourselves.
These are just a few nutrition and food facts that might surprise you — and hopefully lead to better choices in the grocery aisles.
5 Surprising Nutrition Facts
1) “Healthy” Foods Can Be Worse for You
Always read the label. If you value your health and want the best for your body, never take foods at face-value. Oftentimes, products labeled “healthy” or considered as such in our collective unconsciousness are not healthy at all. Fruit juice, for instance, can pack more sugar than a soda. Low-fat foods make up for the loss of flavor with extra sugars and sodium.
Get used to reading labels and knowing what amounts are low and high for you. Each of us needs different levels of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates), and knowing how many grams you should consume will help make label-reading a lot easier. Similarly, prioritize foods with a short ingredient list. If you see a lot of strange, unidentifiable ingredients, you’re probably better off finding an alternative.
2) Pre- and Probiotics are Critical
More and more researchsupports the importance of gut health. The function and balance of good bacteria in our digestive tracts greatly impact not only our comfort but how effectively and efficiently nutrients are dispersed throughout the body. A healthy gut impacts weight management, mental function, the immune system, and more. Fiber, as well as pre- and probiotic foods (such as cultured dairies and fermented products), promote gut health.
3) Natural Doesn’t Mean Healthy
“Natural” is one of the buzz words used by the food industry to trick the consumer into believing they’re buying a healthy alternative. The USDA and FDA have no official definition for “natural” foods, though they usually refer to products with no additives — dyes, flavors, or other substances. However, this doesn’t mean that the products are inherently healthier. This is why it’s important to read and interpret nutrition labels properly. Don’t get tricked by the marketing buzzwords!
4) Multigrain Isn’t Necessarily Whole Grain
Another marketing buzzword designed to make us thinkwe’re buying healthier alternatives is multigrain. When it comes to grains, we want to see whole grain at the top of the ingredient list. Multigrain doesn’t necessarily mean whole grain. It means that there are different types of grains included, and these may be whole or processed. Whole-grain foods are one of the best sources for vitamins and nutrients, whereas processed grains are devoid of the same benefits.
5) Your Diet Affects More Than Weight
When we think of our diet, we often do so concerning body weight or body fat. However, our diet — that is, our habit of regular food consumption, not temporary food restrictions for weight loss — impacts far more than our BMI. Your diet can impact your mental and emotional health, the quality of your sleep, and your long-term risks for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and dementia. This is why a holistic approach to diet is critical.
For many of us, we have a lot to learn to optimize our nutrition. While we’re all bombarded with conflicting messages about diet and nutrition every day, we have to prioritize our own health. This might mean consulting with a dietician or nutritionist. It certainly means knowing how to read and interpret nutrition labels. Then you will be able to determine for yourself what you should eat and what you should avoid — instead of falling for the tricks of food manufacturers.
What nutrition fact changed how you view food? Share in the comments.