Recently, Time magazine posted an article about how the spice turmeric might not be a “miracle spice” after all. A recent research article reported that there has not been a well-designed research trial done on the spice yet. So, what gives? Why is this even a big issue with food? Can’t people just enjoy their food in peace without some asshole on the internet blogging about it?
To answer the lattermost question: No, I blog about food, it’s what I do. Secondly, the term “miracle food” or any derivative gets thrown out there like it’s no big deal. Anything that might have some semblance of increasing metabolism or being incredibly rich in vitamins and minerals causes media to latch on and blow up its properties to hell. Even Googling “miracle food” turns up results that things like chocolate are a miracle food.
The issue with proclaiming foods have mystical properties can have a variety of effects. In the best situation, some foods can be found to be beneficial, in worst cases, it can have harmful effects. For example, news media lists several health benefits of drinking beer. A Huffington Post article lists some of these benefits as being high in some micronutrients, such as vitamin B, and healthier aging in women because it might play a role in improving blood circulation.
Now, I love me my local brews. Being an Oregonian, I have access to several craft beers. Not a hipster, though, as much as I can sound like one. However, alcohol does have several downsides. Alcohol can be addictive, which can lead to alcoholism. Alcohol can also cause issues with the liver, which for those of you not familiar with human anatomy, the liver is a detoxifying organ. Alcohol also inhibits a hormone in the body that helps regulate hydration, which means over consumption of this “healthy” beverage is detrimental.
I also hate the term “miracle food” or “silver bullet to combat _____.” Might be because I am a hypercritical douche, but that’s beside the point. To me, the terms imply that the food is a be-all-end-all to becoming healthy. Imagine, a world in which all you need to do is eat turmeric (a spice in curry powder) and drink beer, and suddenly you become the pinnacle of human health!
What do you guys reading this think? Am I off base here, or is “miracle food” an overused term that overemphasizes the benefits and downplays the negatives of certain foods?
The Nutrition Punk 