Thursday, April 14, 2011

Myth or Fact?

        It is very likely that most of us grew up believing or hearing of some myth pertaining to food.  For example, if you eat a stick of gum does it really take seven years to leave your digestive system?  That is a myth that some of us grew up believing until some friend, sibling or myself finally broke the news.  There are some less obvious myths that suprised me and may suprise you as well.  The following quiz was made by the American Dietetic Association (copyright Gale Group 2001 and Society for the Advancement of Education).  Write down your answers and then take a look at the answers below the quiz. I bet you will be suprised at the outcome!

1. A food that is labeled "98% fat-free" contains only two percent of its total calories from fat.

2. Fresh vegetables and fruits contain more nutrients than canned or frozen.

3. People are not born with a preference for salty flavors.

4. Your stomach shrinks when you eat less.

5. Brown bread has more fiber than white bread.

6. Foods grown with organic or natural fertilizers have no more nutrients than those grown with synthetic fertilizers.

7. Organically grown foods are more healthful and safer than those grown conventional ways.

8. Cottage cheese is a great source of calcium.

9. Irradiation zaps the nutrients from food.

10. Feed a cold, starve a fever or is it starve a cold, feed a fever?

ANSWERS
1. Myth. The "98% fat-free" claim refers to the weight of food, not its calories. If a food is labeled fat-free, it contains .5 grams of fat or less per serving.

2. Myth. There is little difference, depending on the handling of the produce. Canned and frozen produce are generally processed at their peak and may contain more nutrients than fresh produce. Canned or frozen produce may have added sugar or salt, though, which is something to consider when purchasing these items.

3. Truth. Preferences for salty food are learned. If you slowly cut down sodium intake, your desire for salt will decrease.

4. Myth. Your stomach expands to handle large amounts of food. As the food moves through your digestive system, your stomach returns to its normal size and stays there until your next meal.

5. Myth. Being brown in color does not mean a bread is high in fiber. If the bread's ingredient list states it contains whole wheat or other whole grains, it probably has fiber. The brown color is likely from caramel coloring found in the ingredient list.

6. Truth. Plants cannot tell the difference between types of fertilizers. Factors such as climate, crop handling, and maturity at harvest affect the nutrient content of fruits and vegetables.

7. Myth. No evidence has shown a difference. Organic foods are typically grown with natural pesticides and insecticides to prevent crop damage. With conventional agriculture, pesticides are carefully regulated to ensure their safe use for the environment and human health. If you prefer organic foods, they are nutritious choices in a healthful eating plan.

8. Myth. Cottage cheese supplies 65 mg in a half cup of calcium. If you are eating it for its calcium content, try more-calcium-dense foods, such as eight ounces of milk or yogurt, which contain 300 mg, or one ounce of cheddar cheese, which contains 200 mg.

9. Myth. Irradiation results in minimal nutrient loss just like other forms of food processing, such as drying, freezing, and pasteurization. Irradiation helps produce maintain quality longer.

10. Myth. Either way, this is a myth! To fight infection, your body needs a supply of nutrients, plenty of fluids, and extra rest. A day's eating plan with variety and balance is as important as ever.

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