Food is Fuel…not poison. Part II

Here we visit some common ‘tips’ or Myths…being tossed around by many in the food industry.

On a side note; did you know Donald Rumsfeld had plenty to do with aspartame being approved…after studies showed it was dangerous?  Interesting…

Anyhow, on with the show…

Myth: Heart disease in America is caused by consumption of cholesterol and saturated fat from animal products.

Truth: During the period of rapid increase in heart disease (1920-1960), American consumption of animal fats declined but consumption of hydrogenated and industrially processed vegetable fats increased dramatically. (USDA-HNI)

Myth: Animal fats cause cancer and heart disease.

Truth: Animal fats contain many nutrients that protect against cancer and heart disease; elevated rates of cancer and heart disease are associated with consumption of large amounts of vegetable oils. (Fed Proc July 1978 37:2215)

Myth: To avoid heart disease, we should use margarine instead of butter.

Truth: Margarine eaters have twice the rate of heart disease as butter eaters. (Nutrition Week 3/22/91 21:12)

Myth: Asians consume large amounts of soy foods.

Truth: Average consumption of soy foods in Japan and China is 10 grams (about 2 teaspoons) per day. Asians consume soy foods in small amounts as a condiment, and not as a replacement for animal foods.

Myth: Soy foods are good for your sex life.

Truth: Numerous animal studies show that soy foods cause infertility in animals. Soy consumption enhances hair growth in middle-aged men, indicating lowered testosterone levels. Japanese housewives feed tofu to their husbands frequently when they want to reduce his virility.

Myth: Limit Cholesterol and drink non fat milk. (note: for weight loss, milk is not a good option)

Truth: Dietary cholesterol contributes to the strength of the intestinal wall and helps babies and children develop a healthy brain and nervous system. Foods that contain cholesterol also provide many other important nutrients. Only oxidized cholesterol, found in powdered milk and eggs, contributes to heart disease. Powdered milk is added to 1% and 2% milk.

Eggs are nature’s perfect food, providing excellent protein, the gamut of nutrients and important fatty acids that contribute to the health of the brain and nervous system. Americans had less heart disease when they ate more eggs. Egg substitutes cause rapid death in test animals.

Myth: Eat 6-11 servings of grains per day

Truth:  Most grain products are made from white flour, which is devoid of nutrients. Additives in white flour can cause vitamin deficiencies. Whole grain products can cause mineral deficiencies and intestinal problems unless properly prepared.

I do realize this forces me to re-think many of my food selections, and recommendations…more on that on the next post!

-Mike.

PS:  All this info and much, much, more can be found by using the following links.

http://www.westonaprice.org/What-s-Wrong-with-Politically-Correct-Nutrition.html

http://www.westonaprice.org/Myths-Truths-About-Nutrition.html

http://www.westonaprice.org/Myths-Truths-About-Soy.html

Related posts:

1. Food is Fuel III: The final note.
2. New Beast10: Nutrition is fuel. Part 1
3. Fast Food Bites, Vol. 1
4. FOOD: Fuel or Fat, your choice.
5. Fast Food Bites, Vol. II