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How the Food Industry Influences Nutritional Guidelines

The advice you get from nutritionists may not be as accurate as you think. Today’s nutritional guidelines are heavily influenced by the food industry. At a recent dietitians’ conference in Boston, breakfast cereal boxes were in the spotlight at the Kellogg’s booth. It’s no secret that cereals are packed with sugar and empty calories. This is just one of the many examples showing how the food lobby affects nutrition and health.

Meat, egg, and milk producers seem to have the last word when it comes to what we should eat. The nutrition tips featured in medical books and magazines are meant to help people make better food choices. Yet, this rarely happens. Nutritionists and health professionals tailor their advice based on the latest changes in the food industry.

A good example is the debate on fat consumption. Americans have been told for decades that dietary fat was the culprit behind obesity and chronic diseases. The latest research indicates that these claims are bogus. Dietary fat not only aids in weight loss, but may also improve the blood lipid profile and reduces disease risk. Carbs, on the other hand, affect metabolism and insulin response.

The annual dietitians’ conference in Boston brought together the largest U.S. food manufacturers. The whole area was packed with low fat Doritos, Pepsi vending machines, Nesquik chocolate drinks, and Quaker bars. There was even a poster showcasing the benefits of adding sugar to vegetables for picky children. These events are typically sponsored by food manufacturers, which explains a lot.

Many of the companies invited to the conference claimed that are simply trying to change their reputation and improve the way people eat. With so much conflicting information out there, it’s no wonder were confused about nutrition and health. The best thing we can do is to stay informed and do the research ourselves.

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