Distinguishing facts from fiction from nutrition claims is an essential part of every diet.

In a world driven by technology, it is easy for people to look for information regarding health concerns online. Social media along with 24-hour news channels are overloading us with information. While they are providing us with some information which is useful, they are also making it a challenge to distinguish between fact and fiction from nutrition claims.

When matters are related to nutrition it can become particularly challenging to distinguish between fact and fiction. Headlines related to food are making an appearance every week and on most occasions are making contradictory claims. If coffee is the new miracle cure for everything including your metabolism and immunity during the beginning of the week it becomes a cancer threat by the end of the week. The information could leave you confused about whether to believe the claims being made and try to decipher between fact and fiction.

If you are attempting to investigate the claims being made, you need to approach the subject of nutrition claims with an inquisitive attitude along with a degree of skepticism. You must understand credible information on nutrition will always be based on scientific evidence. Here are a few questions to ask yourselves when you begin evaluating information about nutrition and diets.

Is The Evidence Being Provided Simply in the Form of Testimonials And Personal Opinion?

Do not believe testimonials and personal opinions because it is not scientific evidence.

Testimonials and anecdotes cannot be considered as evidence. People can make claims of all kinds but it doesn’t guarantee that the claims being made are backed by scientific evidence.

If The Claim Sounds Too Good To Be True It Is Probably False

Claims that are promising an extreme outcome within a short time should always be viewed with a degree of skepticism. The chances of the claim being fiction rather than a fact are certainly high in such cases. An example of such claims being made is exemplified by advertisers who are promoting weight loss products and making claims you can lose 20 pounds within a couple of weeks.

Sensational Information Without References To Research Or Opinion Are Mostly Fiction

If having chocolate could keep you slim and healthy, Americans would never have bothered about the problem of obesity. Headlines of these types are simply created to grab the attention of the reader without the backing of research or the opinion of experts and are therefore simply fiction.

Conclude Whether Complex Issues Are Being Presented In A Simple Manner

Is someone telling you probiotics can prevent common colds and flu? The flu virus wouldn’t have evolved into a complex issue if it could be resolved by using a simple trick and therefore you are probably being given false information by the individual.

Are Attempts Being Made To Sell Products to You?

Is the information being provided to you without bias?

If a company, website or individual is trying to convince you to have some products manufactured by them for just a few dollars a day it is essential for you to understand that the seller is looking to make a profit and is not concerned about your well-being. Consider the information being provided to you by asking yourselves whether it is being given without any bias?

Asking These Questions Will Help You To Distinguish Between Fact and Fiction From Nutrition Claims.

When you are trying to make informed decisions about your nutrition and diet you will need to hone your skills at critical thinking and also maintain a degree of skepticism which will be healthy. You are after all considering an important subject regarding your everyday life and therefore cannot afford mistakes of any kinds.

Whenever you come across information or nutrition claims being made and are leaving you with an uncertain mind you should be asking yourself some of the questions mentioned above. Is the product or service being offered too good to be true? Is the promoter providing scientific evidence which can be verified? Are the claims being made supported by research which has been published in popular scientific journals? Has a list of references and studies which have been conducted also support the claims being made?

When you want to distinguish between fact and fiction from nutrition claims you must be prepared with the list of questions suggested in this article. Failure to do so will certainly result in losing a part of your wallet rather than improving your health by falling prey to the claims which are promoted as facts.