Lately, Sam and I have been searching for “the truth” about various health-related claims. Most of the time, I bring up a tidbit I happened to have read/recalled and have Sam do the investigation on the internet. It’s been a fun exercise for both of us since we’re both nerds with a deep desire to know whether or not we’re being ripped off/jerked around.Here are some of our recent investigations:
The Powerful Promise of Pomegranate
(Driven primarily by pomegranate industry sponsored research. Interesting profile of the power couple in the New Yorker a few months ago: lots of respect for them as business people, not necessarily as scientists.)
Superfood in a shotglass: wheatgrass juice
(No more nutritious for you than most of your standard greens. A shot of spinach would be just as super, if not more)
Fabulous Oxygen Facials
(Your face is never “starved” for oxygen, your body is much smarter than that. A brisk ride on a bicycle would be a better way to get blood flow to your face for firming and lift)
Fitness footwear: workout while you walk
Bliss has been pushing these fitness shoes that are specially designed to give you a workout just by walking. Save your $300: they just simulate walking up a hill, which your body will get used to quickly. Go to the gym instead and do some real exercise!
It’s been fun doing these little mini-research projects. These, coupled with my recent reading of Michael Pollan’s books, have pretty much convinced me that the answer to a lot of these things are usually quite simple - anyone trying to sell you something more complicated is definitely out to make a buck while only maybe making you better.