by Lynda Dubé, Nutria

Are you curious about the nutritional value of a food item, about ways to lose weight, about a diet adapted to your medical condition? It’s easy to get answers to your questions! Whether on television, on the web or in books, nutritional information is readily available. But can you really trust it?

The answer is NO! You must be cautious with the information you find through various social media. Be critical and check whether the information comes from a recognized professional (e.g., P.Dt. for a dietitian-nutritionist, R.N. for a nurse or M.D. for a doctor).

To this end, Nutrition Month, which will take place in March, will aim to dispel common myths, and the campaign’s slogan will be “Get the real deal on your meal”.

In the meantime, here are a few myths to test your knowledge:

True or false:
Eating a dried pea per day lowers cholesterol?

FALSE! Unfortunately, a single dried pea does not have much of an effect on a person’s cholesterol level!
However, it is true that soluble fibre contained in these peas tends to lower blood cholesterol when it is consumed in great enough quantities and on a regular basis. You can get it in fruits, vegetables, cooked legumes (e.g., peas and beans), psyllium, ground flaxseed, as well as oat grains and bran (e.g., porridge). Try adding it to your menu!

True or false:
Eating sugary foods leads to diabetes?

FALSE! Sugary foods do not have a direct effect on the incidence of diabetes.
Rather, genetic predisposition, being overweight and a lack of physical activity can contribute to type 2 diabetes.
However, once diabetes has been diagnosed, the consumption of sugary foods is not recommended, as they hinder the control of glycemia (blood sugar level).
Finally, to lower your chances of developing diabetes, stay active with at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, eat a balanced diet based on Canada’s Food Guide and aim for a healthy weight.

True or false:
Bananas and cheese cause constipation?

FALSE! These foods are an integral part of a healthy diet and do not have that effect.
Several factors can lead to constipation: excessive intake of laxatives, the use of certain medications (e.g., iron and calcium supplements), lack of exercise, insufficient intake of fibre and liquids, intestinal obstruction, certain neurological (e.g., Parkinson’s) or metabolic (e.g., diabetes) or psychological (e.g., depression) conditions.
To promote intestinal regularity, add fibre to your menu (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, legumes, nuts and seeds), drink plenty of liquids every day (at least 2 litres), exercise regularly, get in the habit of going to the bathroom every time you feel the need and don’t abuse laxatives.

WHO SHOULD YOU CONSULT TO GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS?

Our dietitian-nutritionists are unique and specially trained to advise you on food, healthy eating and nutrition. They are members of the Professional Order of Quebec Dietitians, which ensures they are qualified.
Please contact Groupe Premier Médical to find out more about the various programs that are offered. We look forward to meeting with you soon!