The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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October 23, 2009

Your View: Don't base your diet on hype

Joye Bond, Mankato

In reference to Lorrie Torbenson’s recent Your View letter about the connection between what you eat and your health, there is no doubt that is true. I am a registered dietitian and I spend every day encouraging people to eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods, because we know from scientific research that people who eat more of those foods are generally healthier. However, there is no scientific research that supports the assertion that refined sugar impairs your immune system or is addictive and toxic.

Furthermore, it doesn’t cause criminal behavior, hyperactivity in children, obesity, or diabetes. The only well-documented detrimental health effect of sugar consumption is dental cavities. The major problem with high sugar foods, like candy and soft drinks, is that they generally provide no nutrition other than calories — and many people already consume more calories than they need.

It is, indeed, never too late to change your nutritional direction, but base your changes on scientific evidence, not the media hype of people who are expressing their own opinions or trying to sell something.

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