Here is a common sense article that focuses on nutrition but is applicable to many issues where science is used to sway public opinion, such as environmental issues. It concludes with this advice:
- What can we do about making food decisions? How can a reasonable person make a judgment about what to do?
- Do not expect perfection. This is an often neglected phenomenon of science. Absolute clarity on any issue is rare. Tolerate some ambiguity.
- Some things, particularly about food and nutrition, are still unknown. We've accomplished a lot, but a great deal needs still to be learned. Time often resolves the issues. What seems confusing now may be very clear in 10 years.
- Use your good judgment. Radical food changes are rarely necessary but sometimes changes in food behaviour seem reasonable and can be justified. My grandmother was a wise woman and so was my mother, but they were not always right. I don't think I could survive a regular diet of what was standard in my grandmother's home.
- Be skeptical. Wisdom is uncommon. Absolute wisdom is rare.
- Don't overuse any single food or food group. Exercise. And don't believe everything you read.
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