Short Essay on Food Fads

Food fad is something which does not have any scientific basis and persists for several years or generations after generations. ‘Fad’ word has been taken from “faddle” which means to play with. As regards food, people play with certain ideas and that is followed by others as a fashion or pursuit. It may live for long or die away after a short time.

Some fads may not be harmful but some may cause serious health hazards, if followed for a long period.

Some of the common food fads (notions or ideas) followed by a large section of the society are:

(a) Combination of milk and fish is harmful and should never be consumed.

Fact:

Both fish and milk are good source of animal protein. It either of the two is spoiled or infected, it causes allergy or poisoning.

(b) Citrus fruits such as lemon, oranges are sour and cause burning (acidity) in the stomach.

Fact: Acidic medium in the stomach due to gastric juice is necessary for digestion of the food and citrus fruits have no role to play in that. All the fruit residues are alkaline not acidic.

(c) Citrus fruits are cold and should not be eaten in winters.

Fact:

Citrus fruits are very good source of vitamin ‘C’ which is helpful in combating with cough and cold.

(d) Foods which are red in color such as beet root, tomato juice are good for blood formation.

Fact:

Color of the food has no relationship with formation of blood because for the blood formation, protein and iron are required.

(e) Papaya should not be consumed during pregnancy as it causes abortion.

Fact:

Papaya is a very good source of vitamin ‘A’ and a good laxative. It helps in removing constipation which is very common during pregnancy.

(f) Curds should not be consumed during winters as it causes cold.

Fact:

Curds or any other food item, if consumed at room temperature; does not cause cold. On the other hand it is very good source of protein and calcium.