Separating food facts from fiction

UCLA Broadcast Studio As a nutritional epidemiologist devoted to prevention, Karin Michels has spent much of her career studying how health can be optimized through a proper diet.“People think it all comes down to their genes, but there is so much we can control by not smoking or being overweight, eating right and exercising at least moderately,” says Michels, professor and chair of the epidemiology department in the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.What constitutes healthy eating? Michels, who frequently gives public talks on the topic, has found there are many widely held misconceptions that lead to misguided dietary decisions.Based on the feedback she receives from her public talks, Michels believes many physicians fail to adequately counsel their patients on proper nutrition. “Public health has an opportunity and an obligation to educate people about how to optimize their diet,” she says. “Many of the risk factors for disease people can’t control, but the diet is something we can change. We all eat, and what we eat involves choices. We need to make sure people un derstand which choices are best for their health.”Below are some of the most common myths she seeks to dispel.Myth: Cut the carbsOn the low-carbohydrate diet, which has gained popularity in recent years, Michels ’ advice: Don’t change the proportion of carbs you consume, but instead lower the refined carbohydrates and sugars while upping the intake of whole grain (not to be confused with ...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news