Preface to the 3rd edition.
Have you ever heard of the ‘Dunning-Kruger’ effect? Part of this describes a condition whereby people with only limited knowledge of something, can become convinced that the portion they know about, is everything there is to know. As a result of this, they believe that they are as knowledgeable as the experts. This is common in many fields and helps explain beginners enthusiasm of someone who is just learning a new skill or new knowledge. As they learn, they become aware of how much they do not yet know and their perception of the whole field of knowledge can change hugely.
It is with this in mind that I have set out to become certified in nutrition and have now completed 10 of the 12 papers on the way to a full diploma in nutrition. The great news is that I am averaging high marks for all assignments. It is a result of this learning and concerns I now have, that I included a section especially for Vegans in the new revision of my book.
Another effect I am aware of is called ‘confirmation bias’. This can lead to an unwillingness to read or view any dissenting material and a strong bias towards only reading or viewing material which we believe will be agreeable. To combat this, as a researcher, I am ensuring I read widely, particularly authors who have gained a strong following over the years, but whom I find to have flawed dietary advice. I won’t name them for obvious reasons but I frequently find their books in book sales and purchase them for my home library.
Because the field of nutrition research is developing fast, I find that books and papers first published more that a few years ago, often have statements or views that have been superseded by latest research. This is particularly true of statements about the dangers of saturated fat (SFA). It is only in August 2020 that the American College of Cardiology published their paper stating: “Whole-fat dairy, unprocessed meat, and dark chocolate are SFA-rich foods with a complex matrix that are not associated with increased risk of CVD. The totality of available evidence does not support further limiting the intake of such foods”.
In the last 6 months I have also created this website where I have begun publishing information as I gain more understanding of this fascinating field of knowledge. Take a look at the blog on ‘blood tests’ or ‘fertility’ on this site. Both of these blogs have been incorporated into the latest book revision. The website also has a section of latest books I have read where I highlight particularly good publications that you may enjoy reading.
If you have never purchased an e-book before, then to purchase my book, you go online, download a free reader, or app, such as a ‘Kindle’ reader, then go to Amazon and buy the book which immediately transfers into a library on your device.
Happy reading.
George Elder, Author: "Take Back Your Health". Amazon e-book $3.99, Paperback $7.99, www.takebackyrhealth.com