Eat healthy guidance is 'confusing'
Updated on 02 November 2007
Millions of people reject expert health advice and rely on "pop-science" because they are confused by government nutrition guidance, according to new research.
One in four consumers were so baffled by healthy eating information that they chose to ignore it, instead relying on family, friends and the internet for advice.
Consumers also avoided turning to GPs and nutritionists for information, which lead to worrying delusions over basic healthy eating, the TNS poll for juice brand Minute Maid found.
One in six respondents did not believe being overweight could lead to a heart attack or stroke and 21% rejected the five-a-day steer on fruit and vegetables.
Less than half accepted they needed vitamins to keep the body functioning, while a fifth believed the old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Some nutritionists expressed concern that important messages on healthy eating were being ignored in favour of "hearsay" because they were too complicated.
Nigel Denby, of the Human Nutrition Resource Centre, said: "Often it simply boils down to the fact that health messages can be complicated, confusing and often conflicting.
"It is understandable that some people are confused about how to eat a healthy diet because there is so much information out there, but if people ignore the basics of healthy eating, then the UK could face long-term health consequences such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes."
Many respondents said health was not the only factor in heeding nutritional advice, with 57% saying they would take notice of guidance if it was easier and one in nine saying they would only be interested if it made them more attractive. Nearly two thirds of shoppers said they struggled to make the right choice in the supermarket.
Expert nutritionist Dr Julia Davidson, of Minute Maid, said: "The research is concerning because in spite of good intentions, it looks like people don't know which way to turn when it comes to good food."
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