Myths and Truths.

• Position: Quiz on food from American Dietetic Association - Brief Article

Is it "freed a cold, starve a fever" or "starve a cold, feed a fever"? Is either one true or are they myths? One way to find out is to take the Food Myths and Truths Quiz below, designed by the American Dietetic Association to get people thinking about and reevaluating those old wives' tales they grew up believing were true about nutrition and the foods they eat. Are the following statements myths or truths?

1. A food that is labeled "98% fat-free" contains only two percent of its total calories from fat.

2. Fresh vegetables and fruits contain more nutrients than canned or frozen.

3. People are not born with a preference for salty flavors.

4. Your stomach shrinks when you eat less.

5. Brown bread has more fiber than white bread.

6. Foods grown with organic or natural fertilizers have no more nutrients than those grown with synthetic fertilizers.

7. Organically grown foods are more healthful and safer than those grown conventional ways.

8. Cottage cheese is a great source of calcium.

9. Irradiation zaps the nutrients from food.

10. Feed a cold, starve a fever or is it starve a cold, feed a fever?

    ANSWERS

1. Myth. The "98% fat-free" claim refers to the weight of food, not its calories. If a food is labeled fat-free, it contains .5 grams of fat or less per serving. Read the nutrition facts for grams of fat per serving.

2. Myth. There is little difference, depending on the handling of the produce. Canned and frozen produce are generally processed at their peak and may contain more nutrients than fresh produce. Canned or frozen produce may have added sugar or salt, though, which is something to consider when purchasing these items.

3. Truth. Preferences for salty food are learned. If you slowly cut down sodium intake, your desire for salt will decrease.

4. Myth. Your stomach expands to handle large amounts of food. As the food moves through your digestive system, your stomach returns to its normal size and stays there until your next meal.

5. Myth. Being brown in color does not mean a bread is high in fiber. If the bread's ingredient list states it contains whole wheat or other whole grains, it probably has fiber. The brown color is likely from caramel coloring found in the ingredient list. Check the nutrition facts label for...