"If You Can't Pronounce It, Don't Eat It"?

"If You Can't Pronounce It, Don't Eat It". How many times have you heard that phrase? Perhaps the more important question is: How many times have you, yourself said that phrase...or lived by it?

Unfortunately, there has been a huge movement over the past several years that has drilled that phrase into our memories. But do we, or should we really be living by it to the letter? I am not going to say that there is no truth to it because that would be irresponsible; however, what I AM going to say is, like most all-encompassing statements, take it with a grain of sodium chloride....errrr, I mean salt!

The other side of the "If You Can't Pronounce It, Don't Eat It" coin is rarely, if EVER, mentined. So let me flip that coin and take a look at a few things that, if we lived by that over-used statement, we most likely would not be including in our diet.

Some time ago, there was much ado - although from my research into it, was meant in jest for the most part - into a somewhat incorretly named substance. I understand the train of thought behind what they were saying although they were stretching the way substances are named. The substance in question: dihydrogen monoxide or, more commonly called - water. You see, the way scientists name substances is out of nomenclature convention. Technically, the name is correct although it is not recognized by the IUPAC - the world authority on chemical nomenclature. The whole purpose of the scandal with dihydrogen monoxide was to show us just how scary something can  sound if we don't understand how to interpret the million dollar words.

That being said, let's take a look at some big scary names for the things that the people who tell us "If You Can't Pronounce It, Don't Eat It" tell us that we should be eating:

We hear so much about the benefits of getting enough antioxidants in our diet. A good thing? Of course it is! But, if we lived by the "If You Can't Pronounce It, Don't Eat It" theory then would we, or should we, make the choice to eat them?

A couple examples of antioxidants are:
zeaxathin
proanthocyanidin
reserveratrol
cryptoxanthin

Sound scary? Yes, it might, and we may choose not to eat them if they were called by their respective names.

How about making sure we get out vitamins:
 B12 - cobalamin
 D2 - ergocalciferol
 D3 - cholecalciferol
Much has also been said over the years about the benefits of the "super-food" kelp, or, scientifically known as Macrocystis pyrifera. How about the green tea craze that is so wide spread...green tea - Camellia sinensis.

As you can see by the above examples, "If You Can't Pronounce It, Don't Eat It" should be, in my humble opinion, thrown out of our vocabulary. Do your research, know what you are eating and don't be afraid of the million dollar words - but, educate yourself. Make the best informed decision for yourself.

I'm off to have a cup of hot dihydrogen monoxide saturated with camellia sinensis, some sucrose and 15 millilitres of liquid extract from a bos taurus - water, green tea, sugar and milk.

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