Food Fads
May 17, 2023Easy Come, Easy Go?!
Lets talk about some of those ideas that are hard to let go of.
Health fads come and health fads go. But, more often then not, their indoctrination lingers on. Long after one health fad has been replaced by another health fad, we still find products and businesses promoting outdated or misunderstood information. Why? Because, once an idea is accepted by the masses as health-doctrine, it is very difficult to dispel. Low-fat and fat-free products promoted in the 80s and 90s as the healthiest way to live, are still in high demand. "Sheeple" purchasing these products never considered what was being substituted for the fat? All too often it is added sugar, salt and other unhealthy fillers. Neither do they consider that low fat and fat free does not equal calorie free. Taking one unhealthy thing and replacing it with another unhealthy thing, is still unhealthy.
Business as Usual
The food industry is a business. If a new health craze takes flight, the food industry wants to catch some of that wind in their sails (pun intended)! In the 80s and 90s, adding fat-free or low-fat to a product label increased its sales. Most people are at least a little health conscience, and if they think they are making a better health choice without sacrificing much in flavor or texture, they are more likely to buy.
Protein
We could safely say that protein is a current health craze. Products touting large amounts of, or added protein, are typically better sellers than similar products without the added sales pitch of protein. Everywhere hoards of people purchase protein powders and protein supplements to beef up their nutrient intake. The truth is, protein is a macro we as a society are not deficient in. And just a reminder here, protein is not synonymous for meat. Beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, and many grains and vegetables contain loads of protein. Singling out and focusing on one nutrient creates an imbalance in the body. Protein is no more important than the host of other nutrients in whole food.
Gluten Free
Gluten free is another health craze. Most people believe that gluten is a "bad-for-you" ingredient lurking in many foods. Products touting gluten free on labels are better sellers than their non-gluten free counterparts. Do you find yourself reaching for gluten free products because you believe it is a healthier choice? Let's talk about what gluten is.
Gluten is just a protein found in some grains like wheat, barely, and rye. Anyone who does not have a medical reason to avoid this particular protein will not benefit in any way from consuming something that is gluten free. Gluten is not harmful unless you have this food sensitivity or allergy like those with Celiac or Hashimoto's. Products that may contain gluten are made from, or with, grains. Other foods like nuts, meat, dairy, beans, fruit, or vegetables do not naturally contain gluten. Labels on these products touting gluten free is most likely a marketing ploy aimed at the less informed.
Fads come and fads go. But sometimes they are really hard to let go of. If you are confused or frustrated about ever changing health and diet advise, we feel your pain. Our quest is to dispel nutritional myths and help people make informed choices about what goes into their mouths.
Remember, you've got one life, and one body to live it with. Life was meant to be lived WELL.
Kristi Taylor is a Master Herbalist, Clinical Herbalist and Natural healing Guide®. She endeavors to share her knowledge and passion of natural healing with whomever will listen – because nature’s wisdom never ceases to delight and amaze!
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gluten-foods#summary
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-unhealthy-low-fat-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_12
