Your Health

Common Misconceptions of A Healthy Diet

“I don’t believe in superfoods. We should eat a variety of foods…but if there ever was a superfood it would be extra virgin olive oil.” —Roman Pawlak

Dr. Roman Pawlak is a professor of nutrition at East Carolina University and a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in vegetarian and vegan diets, with a particular focus on vitamin B12. Holding a Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Systems from the University of Southern Mississippi and an M.S. in Human Nutrition from Andrews University, Dr. Pawlak has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and authored several books, including In Defense of Vegetarianism, Healthy Diet Without Secrets, and Vegan/Vegetarian Mother and Her Baby. He has served on expert panels for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and has lectured internationally on plant-based nutrition. His work integrates scientific research with practical dietary guidance, aiming to promote health through informed nutritional choices.

In his Thursday seminar, “Most Common Dietary Misconceptions Among Vegetarians,” Pawlak talking myths and misinformation about healthy eating. A great deal of the information was shocking, yet understandable, and certainly informative. Among the myths were the following.

• Olive oil impairs endothelial function.

• Olive oil is significantly associated with atherosclerosis lesions.

• Olive oil is pure fat. It’s best to eat olives.

• Milk and dairy products cause cancer.

• Use himalayan salt when drinking water.

According to Pawlak, Pink Himalayan Salt is barely any different from regular table salt. Also, while the casein get’s a bad reputation, but tofu also has some elements that (unto themselves) could be perceived as harmful. Also, olive oil’s consistent use over time actually appears to improve some of the very areas where it is believed to be detrimental (i.e. arterial function).

Recent studies show that while we are often concerned about AI and bots spreading misinformation, human beings are actually more likely to share false information. It speaks to our need to study for ourselves, check, double-check, and be careful to consult experts for informed decision-making.

— Christopher C. Thompson