NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It’s no secret that what you eat can have a big effect on your health.
It's hard to know what to eat these days with so many mixed messages and misleading claims. Knowing which foods are really good for you and which are not can be challenging. But when you're trying to decide, it's important that you make informed choices.
When Pilar Ortiz started experiencing discomfort and swelling throughout her body, she looked at her diet.
“I started to look into anti-inflammatory diets," said Ortiz.
These days, making healthy food choices can feel more confusing than ever—especially with so much information and misinformation just a click away.
“The only thing I can do to prevent myself from falling into this black hole is eating foods with simple ingredients,” she said.
To separate nutrition facts from fiction, Consumer Reports’ Trisha Calvo says it helps to start by taking a critical look at what you see online— especially on social media.
"Be wary of claims that say foods are 100 percent good or bad or use labels like 'toxic'. The truth is rarely that black and white," said Calvo.
Take seed oils, for example. Some critics claim they cause inflammation and may lead to serious health problems like cancer, heart disease, and
type 2 diabetes.
But research tells a different story. Studies show that people with higher levels of linoleic acid—a type of omega-6 fat—actually have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly because seed oils can help reduce inflammation.
So, what’s really going on?
“We've known for decades that these oils cut bad cholesterol, among other benefits. What may be a legitimate concern with seed oils is that they are used heavily in many ultra-processed foods.”
Raw milk has made headlines lately, with supporters claiming it’s more nutritious than pasteurized milk. But there’s no evidence for that. Plus, raw milk is risky because it can contain bacteria like Listeria and E. Coli, which can make you really sick. Pasteurization kills those and other bacteria.
And what about nightshade vegetables—like tomatoes and peppers?
These contain a compound called solanine that some say can trigger inflammation, but experts say that’s not the whole story.
"The solanine content is very low, and its link to inflammation isn’t conclusive. Plus, these veggies are packed with a variety of antioxidants which fight inflammation, so you should be cautious about ruling out a whole group of vegetables.
If you’re getting information online or from social media, make sure those sources are credible. Look for experts who have an RD, an MD or a PhD in medicine or nutrition and are affiliated with a hospital, university or reliable agency.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at jennifer.kraus@newschannel5.com.
This is a beautiful story of chosen family, proving a father figure doesn't have to have biology in common to make a difference in a child's life. The story of De'Andre and Alex will remind you that our relationships help determine the course of our lives. And that being supportive of someone - through a meal, a shared experience or even swim lessons can make all the difference.
- Rebecca Schleicher
