Health

A topic that I would say interests me about nutrition is genetically modified food. GMOs have been a buzz word and a way to scare people for quite a while now and I find the effects that such a process has on the environment and the human body frightening and fascinating all at the same time.

Nutrition is now the most popular its ever been. More and more, people are wanting to be healthy. But not only do the good ol’ folks of this earth want to be healthy.. they also have the audacity to want healthy food that tastes good. Luckily based on its growing popularity, tasty ways to eat right are being explored more than ever. And as the trend grows and grows, so too will the list of recipes. which is good news for trend followers and those who are genuinely interested in actually putting in the effort.

Unfortunately with popularity so to come people trying to make money off the latest trend. One such specimen is the man, the myth, the 100% honest and well intentioned “doctor” Oz…

Like the good doctor he is only the finest sources can do. That being when they are present that is…

Sensationalist titles of miracle techniques to achieve a perfect physique all the while fighting off any hint of aging are ever present on the pages of his site. The problem with such articles is that there claims are based on very specific and obscure research. Studies with minimal test pools and little if any peer reviews result in the claims not holding much water. The main goal for those reading the articles are also in the wrong place. The typical thing being promoted is always an easy way to stay healthy with no effort beyond taking one pill or putting avocados on their elbows because the good doctor says that the natural fibres of avocado help to give you smooth perfect skin. Realistic methods of staying healthy are rarely mentioned, which results in misinformation being spread. Three simple things to look for when testing the credibility of a website are as follows.

1. check the sources. The credibility of a claim is only as good as the studies and facts that they are suggesting are true. Its important foremost to know if any actual research has been done.
2. qualifications of the author. What makes the author have the authority to make claims? Are they a doctor? a licensed dietician?  Or are they simply a student trying to finish an assignment on health and nutrition..? Its important to know as it lets you know if you can trust what they say.
3. peer review. Once you know the person is credible, see how many fellow credible individuals have read and checked the statements. This allows for less possible bias.

Reputable sites such as Dieticians of Canada pass the three question test.

Licensed dieticians give facts through peer reviewed articles and studies to give you the latest accurate information that you want to know.

Questions about nutrition and what is true and what is merely a ploy to sell are important But thats the fun part about nutrition. there are always new discoveries and advances being made day by day, so eventually even when you can have all the answers to the questions you might have, there will definitely be new questions to be asked sparked by the answers.

And new answers. And thus, the cycle continues