This article was originally published in The Montreal Gazette.
Today, I’m excited to share a glimpse into my morning routine, filled with nutrition, inquiry, and the occasional dose of misinformation.
Upon arriving at the office, I kick off my day with a nutritious breakfast of coffee, fresh berries, high-protein Greek yogurt, and Fiber One cereal. Once I’m fueled up, I dive into my computer to sift through the overflowing inbox, filled with messages accumulated overnight.
With a class of 2,136 students, I often receive inquiries about course topics, along with a myriad of excuses for missed exams, ranging from simple forgetfulness to serious family matters. On this particular morning, several emails inquired about whether spinach should be avoided. The Environmental Working Group had just published its annual “Dirty Dozen” list, highlighting fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, and spinach took the top spot.
Having addressed this topic previously, I responded by sharing my earlier columns, emphasizing that the key factor is not the number of different pesticides detected, but rather how those amounts compare to the established maximum residue limit (MRL) determined by rigorous research.
My primary takeaway is that you can confidently embrace Popeye’s recommendation to consume plenty of spinach, although it’s essential to clarify that Popeye claimed spinach offered strength due to its vitamin A content. In reality, spinach does not contain vitamin A; it possesses beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Interestingly, blueberries were also featured on the Dirty Dozen list, but that does not deter me from my daily intake. These berries are rich in anthocyanins, which, when consumed regularly, have demonstrated positive effects on arterial flexibility, cognitive function, blood sugar levels, and the microbiome.
To stay informed, I subscribe to various scientific journals, newspapers, and newsletters, even those that lean toward pseudoscience, to monitor the misinformation circulating among the public.
One headline that captured my attention was “Researchers have found a dietary compound that increases longevity.” This study focused on phytoene, a plant compound found in common fruits and vegetables like tomatoes. While phytoene indeed increased longevity and reduced amyloid buildup linked to Alzheimer’s in C. elegans (a type of research worm), I remain cautious about drawing parallels to human health. While I enjoy tomatoes and their nutrients, I will not drastically alter my consumption based on results from worm studies.
Another study that intrigued me discussed how multivitamins might slightly slow aging rates. Conducted by Harvard researchers, the study involved 1,000 participants with an average age of 70, who took Centrum Silver or a placebo. Researchers analyzed blood samples to observe DNA methylation—a marker of aging. Though a slight reduction in aging was noted in the multivitamin group, it’s important to recognize that previous studies involving 390,000 adults showed no increase in lifespan associated with multivitamin use. While these supplements can provide nutritional insurance, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains consistently correlates with greater longevity.
Now, let’s talk about the flood of pseudoscientific emails I receive. U.S. osteopathic physician Joe Mercola often contributes to this nonsense, promoting everything from hydrogen-rich water to aspirin, ostensibly for various health benefits, while blaming seed oils for nearly every ailment. On a different front, another dubious source touted “hexagonal water,” claiming it contains “smaller clusters that penetrate cells faster.” Total nonsense.
Nutrition remains an incredibly complex topic. A simple search for “nutrition” yields over 2.5 billion results. One interesting headline I encountered read, “Could a simple fiber supplement be the key to relieving arthritis pain? New clinical trial says Yes.” This randomized, placebo-controlled trial indicated that inulin, a dietary fiber found in chicory root, effectively reduced pain sensitivity in participants with osteoarthritis of the knee, a prevalent condition among older adults.
One of the 57 emails I received that morning led me to a Washington Post article titled “The humble cabbage is trending — and for good reason.” This piqued my interest, especially because one of my favorite dishes, “Kaposztas kocka”—or cabbage noodles—features caramelized cabbage and square noodles. When I describe it to my Canadian friends, they often look skeptical until they taste it. Beyond its deliciousness, cabbage is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and glucosinolates, which can form sulforaphane, a compound with potential anti-cancer properties, so I welcomed the article promoting cabbage.
As I look ahead to another day of navigating through a sea of emails about recent scientific developments and addressing challenging questions, I find myself also contemplating the ongoing misinformation out there.
With that cheerful thought in mind, I’ll finish up here and start considering where to find the square noodles necessary to recreate my Kaposztas Kocka tonight.
