Contested science, myths debunked, and emerging frontiers in nutrition research
Science is a process, not a destination
Nutrition science is younger than you think. We're still learning the basics, and many "facts" you learned growing up have been revised or overturned. This section explores what we're still figuring out.
Many landmark findings have failed to replicate
Red wine is good for your heart
Resveratrol benefits not replicated in humans
2014 reversal
Breakfast is the most important meal
No evidence it helps weight loss
2019 meta-analysis
Eggs raise cholesterol dangerously
Dietary cholesterol has minimal effect
2015 guidelines change
Vitamins prevent cancer
Large trials showed no benefit, some harm
2012 review
Your body responds differently to food than everyone else's
The PREDICT study gave identical foods to different people and measured blood sugar response. The results were shocking:
Person A: White bread
85
mg/dL spike
Person B: White bread
180
mg/dL spike
Person A: Ice cream
150
mg/dL spike
Person B: Ice cream
60
mg/dL spike
Same food, same portion, completely different metabolic responses
What determines your response?
"The more we learn, the more we realize how little we knew."
— A theme in the history of nutrition science