Sometimes we don’t know what to believe.

When my son punched the button on a remote, a line of movie selections raced across the television screen. Among the numerous cartoon titles was “Popeye the Sailor Man,” one of his childhood favorites. During the 1930s, Popeye did more for spinach than any salesman could ever imagine.

I remember the scenes well in those cartoons: Popeye pulled the top off a spinach can, raised it to his mouth and devoured the entire contents. Spinach consumption actually went up by 33 percent after Popeye’s first appearance. That was not hard for me to believe as I remember my son’s reaction to Popeye’s performance in the cartoon. Spinach was touted to give him strength and build those heavy muscles in his arms. Actually it is a source of dietary fiber, phosphorus, vitamin B-1, zinc, protein and choline. After Popeye consumed it, he could take on that huge bully, Blupo, who was always trying to beat him up.

My first grader couldn’t wait to be strong and muscular like Popeye. He begged for a can of spinach so he would be like him. He was so anxious once it was opened that he wouldn’t wait for me to heat it. He wanted to eat it out of the can just like Popeye. He turned the can up to his mouth. It only took one swallow for him to push it away. What a disappointed little guy he was. It was one of his first lessons that taught he couldn’t believe everything he saw on TV.

Nor can you believe everything you hear. Maybe you remember what happened with Bubble Yum bubble gum back in the 1970s. Somehow, word began circulating that children who chewed it would wake up with spiders crawling on them. To quell those rumors, the gum manufacturer spent $100,000 on an advertising campaign to convince all their Bubble Yum customers that their product was clean and wholesome and fun to chew.

Through the years, the word was eggs are not good for us. The latest research shows that they don’t actually contribute to high cholesterol. Now we are told that eggs are an inexpensive source of many nutrients, including zinc and iron, antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin D, and the brain-boosting chemical choline. We are advised to keep cholesterol in check by monitoring saturated fat in our diet. Now after all this time, I can eat eggs for breakfast several times a week since nutritionists have determined they are good for me.

What about nuts? It has been my impression that nuts are not heart healthy. However, I have learned the top five that are recommended. Walnuts come first and are the only nuts containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked with anti-inflammatory benefits. Chopped walnuts are easy to toss in a bowl of cereal and make a delicious addition. Next are almonds, followed by pistachios, macadamia and cashews.

Keep on the look-out. Looks like what’s true today might change tomorrow.

 

 

 

Nina Keenam is a former newspaper reporter.