How Up to Date are you on Random Dietitian Questions?
Do you ever find that when you mention to someone that you are a dietitian, that all of sudden they get this intense look in their eye and start asking you food or diet questions? I do, so let’s have some fun. Here are a few questions I have been asked about over the last six months by my friends or people I have recently met. How well would you be able to answer them? Check out the PEN database for more details on the answers following each question.
1. Does chocolate really have health benefits? And is it only dark chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate does have beneficial effects on blood lipids, inflammation and blood pressure, primarily attributed to the flavonoid content, although studies were of low quality. Per 30 grams, the flavonoid content is highest in cacao beans, then coca, dry powder and then unsweetened baking chocolate.
Chocolate can also have positive impacts on cognitive function and mood.
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And did you know, white chocolate isn’t really chocolate? It is a mixture of cocoa butter, sugar and sometimes some vanilla. See: What’s the difference between white chocolate and brown chocolate?
2. My doctor just told me that my blood potassium level is low and I need to eat more potassium. I have heard bananas are the best source. Are they?
While bananas are a good source of potassium, they are not the highest. A medium banana provides 422 mg of potassium, but a white potato (941mg), sweet potato (542 mg), 125 mL beet greens (692 mg) and 3 dates (501 mg) provide more. Other good sources of potassium are ½ an avocado (487 mg), a peach (285 mg), 3 figs (279 mg) and 60 mL raisins (275 mg).
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3. My multiple sclerosis (MS) is progressing and I read on the Internet about a person who was cured after they started following a gluten-free diet when they got MS in their 20s. Should I follow the diet?
When a disease progresses, it is tempting to look for additional ways to stop the progression outside of drug therapy. In individuals who do not show signs of gluten intolerance, the evidence does not demonstrate that a gluten-free diet has any beneficial effect on the progression of MS. Following a diet pattern that is high in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats, and lower in added sugar and saturated fats from red and processed meats and dairy products has been associated with improved outcomes related to disability, relapse rates and quality of life. If, however, symptoms related to gluten sensitivity may be present, testing for celiac disease would be something that the person could discuss with their doctor.
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4. I seem to have a lot of bloating and gas. Should I try probiotics in it to help alleviate it?
In general, probiotic-containing products, including yogurts, are well tolerated without any significant side-effects. Based on limited evidence with variable results, probiotics have been found to help alleviate some symptoms often associated with constipation, like bloating, cramping and gas, by increasing intestinal motility. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains appear to be the most effective compared to other strains.
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By Jane Bellman MEd, RD, PEN Resource Manager
February 2022 ·
Volume 12
(2)