Health myths: Busted

Alright, it’s time to go after one nutrition myth and one exercise myth that have really been ticking me off.

Myth

It’s high-fructose corn syrup that’s making us fat! It’s artificial sweeteners! It’s…

Truth

While there are some interesting bits of research on a variety of engineered foods, the best thing those bits of research can do is to offer us clues for future research. A single study isn’t worth much in the scientific community. Yes, there are some intriguing hypotheses put forth by naturopaths regarding possible physiological effects of these ingredients, but a hypothesis isn’t fact. As much as I encourage folks to eat as “natural” a diet as possible, the truth is that the body of research, as it stands now, does not support the scary claims made about these ingredients.

What the data does show, however, is that as a population we are consuming too many calories. There is no clearly defined single cause. Until a body of research is provided, these claims are scapegoating at best and fear-mongering at worst.

Conspiracy theorists will point out that much of the research one these ingredients is funded by the manufactures themselves; a valid point. However, in keeping with that mindset, don’t neglect the fact that competitors fund most of the campaigns against these ingredients. For example, no one has a more to gain from the attack on artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup than the sugar industry.

So, unless one wants to take the “X-Files” approach of “trust no one,” I’d recommend watching one’s overall caloric intake before worrying too much about any single ingredient. If you’re overweight, chances are the culprit is excess caloric intake when compared to caloric expenditure.

Myth

Weight training makes women bulky.

Truth

Weight training makes women hot! In all seriousness though, a drug-free female trainee will not look like Chyna of WWE fame. Women simply do not naturally possess adequate amounts of the hormones (mainly testosterone) necessary to facilitate anywhere near the level of muscle growth that a male does.

Weight training generally makes women more shapely (in a good way) and provides a strength increase that will come in handy for day-to-day activities. Weight training will also help women fight off osteoporosis and muscle loss as they age. I firmly believe that every healthy woman should engage in both cardiovascular exercise and muscle strengthening activities, like weight training. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just so happen to agree with me.