Sometimes you run across something that sounds good on the surface, but on further examination, maybe it isn’t. This is especially true when it comes to food and nutrition myths like these:
All food made from plants is good for me. Not if it’s a processed or ultra processed food. Stick with plants that remain as close to their original state and harvest date as possible. Those are the healthiest plants, especially if you can find some that are pesticide-free.
Raw milk is better than pasteurized. There are currently no scientific studies showing raw milk is more beneficial than pasteurized milk. While there seems to be a link between children who drink raw milk and fewer instances of asthma and allergies, scientists warn that the risk of bacterial infection is a greater health risk than any possible benefit.
I spent time milking cows as a kid. We sold the milk. I can tell you that our milk would have been at high risk for bacteria. I’ve also been to commercial milking barns. Much care is taken to clean equipment and stalls, but the milking is still done in barns that are full of cows who sometimes poop during the process.
Today, there’s a new raw milk cheese recall due to E. coli contamination that has sent 8 people to the hospital and sickened people across nine states so far.
Beef tallow is the best cooking oil. While it is true that beef tallow contains some fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it is also saturated fat. It’s fine to use beef tallow on occasion, but I would choose olive oil for everyday cooking. Olive oil is part of the Mediterranean Diet that is consistently linked to longer lifespan.
Going gluten-free will make me healthier. If you have celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant, then this is true. If your body tolerates gluten well, there’s no reason to be gluten-free. You could argue reducing grain carbs in general will make you healthier, but that means eliminating or reducing gluten-free grains as well.
One gummy will give me all the nutrients or fiber you need. If you have fresh, nutritional food available that is naturally high in fiber and you don’t have an allergy or condition that keeps you from consuming it, you can get the most benefit from consuming food. Supplements can be helpful for special circumstances and deficits.
I know there’s lots of noise everywhere right now. It can be less overwhelming to funnel information through fewer channels. The problem with that in this moment is that algorithms serve to create echo chambers. That can amplify misinformation and prevent us from getting additional information we need to make good food choices.
Every day, I see people ask good questions about the food supply, diet, and nutrition. I also see questionable assertions, claims, and advice that’s potentially dangerous. The next time you see an idea that sounds good, look further before you adopt it – maybe it isn’t.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/raw-milk-health-benefits