Whether a food is healthy or not
Posted by kathryn in Uncategorized
I’ve been doing some research today, for an article I’m writing. Via Melanie’s Dietriffic site I came across a quote that struck a chord with me.
It’s by Craig Hassel of the University of Minnesota. He’s talking about whether coconut oil is healthy or not. But you could give this answer for almost any other food.
I’m frequently asked whether a particular food is healthy or not. And this quote sums up why my answer is almost always it depends.
“Whether coconut oil is “good” or “bad” for you is a function of your genetics, your current diet, your current health, how extensively you might choose to use coconut oil, and how you are living. Science has a very difficult time dealing with all of these factors, so don’t look for nutrition science to resolve the “good” vs “bad” debate anytime soon. Stay away from the false dichotomy; we are dealing with shades of gray, not black and white.”
18 June, 2008
Comments
It reinforces your recommendation of the importance of variety.
All things in moderation i say!
How did the healthy shopping tour go?
The tour went well thanks Ann – I’m just putting together some dates for another couple of tours and also a seasonal eating session. I’ll post more details when they’re all confirmed.
That’s a great thought. Often I’m asked “Is this food good?” and I have to stop and wonder about the meaning of “good.” Is it full of vitamins? Is it something your body is craving? Has it been grown/raised in a sustainable way? There are so many shades of gray.
I frequently come across this question also and love that explanation. With regards to coconut oil, I have used this pre-exercise since the MCTs provide me with a good energy source and plenty of dense calories to get me through.
I especially like the comment: “…how extensively you might choose to use coconut oil” in relation to the wider remark. I am also so often asked how much of this or that I should take in the same respect as if it is good or bad. Taking this holistic perspective on foods is so important.
seems a very sensible comment and reflects some of the michael pollan stuff about how complex science is and how much we still don’t understand – we get so caught up with what we should and shouldn’t do that sometimes we forget to use our common sense (which is not as common as it used to be unfortunately)
I am a firm believer that nutrition needs are genetic (Eating for metabolic type kind of thing) .
Every “body” will react differently to different foods – hence lactose intolerance, wheat intolerance etc…
I know just from experience, i tend to need more protein that my husband does. (recently blogged btw).
I am so happy i stumbled upon this one – its awesome! thanks for the great posts!
Michelle – you’re right people look for the simple answer. The black and white version. Is it good or not? And I find people hate the it depends answer.
But it does mean that we in the health world are not getting those fundamental messages about diet across to people. Johanna – I agree with much of what Michael Pollan says about nutritionalism. We’ve made food too hard. There’s so much confusion about food, people are so busy. I don’t blame them for wanting the quick-fix answer.
But it does mean people working in the health arena need to get better and smarter at talking about food.
Shorty – welcome to Limes & Lycopene, glad you’re enjoying the posts. I agree with you about individual reactions to food and eating structures. I also see that at home, with the difference in how Richard and I have to eat to stay energised, focussed and well.
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