Module 1 Discussion Forum
Read Section 1.5 (Evaluating Nutrition Information) in Chapter 1 of your textbook. Next, read the following five scenarios.
#1
You read an article that says people who eat red meat have double the risk of developing pancreatic cancer vs. people who never eat red meat. That sounds scary, but your doctor has told you to increase your consumption of red meat because you have a history of anemia. Should you stop eating red meat?
#2
On a TV program, you see an interview with a doctor who says, “There is no evidence that eating French fries from a fast food restaurant will raise cholesterol levels.” Since heart disease runs in your family, you have been avoiding fast food. Is it okay to start eating it again?
#3
Your cousin has started selling nutritional supplements as a side business. She has shown you various supplement blends that her company claims will “help boost metabolism”, “detoxify the liver”, “promote the immune system”, and “support healthy weight”, among other claims. The regimen that she proposes that you follow would require that you take 15 pills a day. That seems like a lot of pills to you, but your cousin assures you that the supplements that she sells are all natural, therefore, they can’t cause harm. Should you give her supplements a try?
#4
Your mother had a heart attack last year and her doctor has told her to take fish oil supplements (omega-3 fatty acids). While grocery shopping for your family, you see some margarine that is labeled “contains omega-3 fatty acids”. It’s more expensive than the one you usually buy, but you think it might be worth it if it is better for your mother and the rest of the family. Would the higher-priced margarine be a wise purchase?
#5
You’ve been increasing your exercise and have begun a body building program. Someone who works at your gym shows you an article that says strength athletes need twice as much protein as someone who doesn’t exercise. The gym employee suggests that you purchase some protein powder that they sell at the gym. It’s quite expensive, and on your student budget, you really can’t afford it. However, you really want to get the maximum benefit from your strength training program. Do you need this protein powder?
Choose two of the scenarios and answer the questions posed in each one. In formulating your answers, think about the information that you read in Section 1.5 of the textbook. Explain your reasons for answering as you do. Are there red flags that cause you to question the validity of the information? You should write at least two paragraphs about each of the scenarios that you select.