June 2007 Issue
Dear Reader,
Nutrition is the only science where people can scientifically prove that diametrically opposed theories are true. Therefore, anyone working in the field of nutrition today would be wise to be open to new ideas and respect other people's perspectives.
In all other sciences there are agreed upon truths. For example, the speed of light is 670 million miles per hour, and water is made of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. But in nutrition today, people can prove that eggs are good for you or bad for you; that carbs are fattening or promote weight loss; that cooked foods are healthiest, or raw foods are the real deal. This can lead to black and white thinking, and ultimately confusion and even animosity among health professionals.
In the 1600s people thought that the earth was the center of universe. Then a scientist named Galileo looked through his telescope at the planets and stars and said, "You know what? It is impossible for the earth to be the center of the universe, because objects are not rotating around the earth." Which was brilliant. But the authorities put him in jail and burned his books. There was little openness to his evolutionary thinking.
The world of nutrition is in a similar situation today. There is a huge crisis over food, diet, nutrition, obesity and health. It is important that we embrace new, creative thinking that can point us towards the truth. This is the time when you want to be open. Speak freely with one another, listen to each other's views and learn as much as you can. By working together and leaving behind conventional thinking we can advance the field of nutrition tremendously and help improve the health of people everywhere.
Joshua Rosenthal, MScEd
Founder and Director
