Nutritionists advise caution on autumn dietary myths and seasonal supplementation

Nutritionists and traditional medicine practitioners are offering guidance on dietary habits during the autumn season to prevent common nutritional misconceptions.

Nutritionist Tseng Chien-ming warns against the 'wellness filter' where seasonal foods are perceived as having magical health benefits. He notes that most protein in chicken soup remains in the meat rather than the broth, advising people to eat the meat to ensure adequate protein intake. He also cautions that seasonal staples like pumpkin and taro are high in carbohydrates and should replace, rather than supplement, grains to avoid excessive sugar intake. Additionally, he reminds consumers that 'wellness' drinks like longan red date tea often contain high levels of natural or added sugars.

From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, Dr. Huang Hsueh-tzu recommends chestnut, walnut, and mushroom soup to nourish the spleen and stomach. While ingredients like chestnuts and walnuts offer benefits such as antioxidant properties and brain health support, they also carry precautions. Excessive consumption of chestnuts can cause digestive issues, and the high fat content in walnuts may burden those with weak digestion. Both experts emphasize that maintaining a balanced diet and moderation is more effective than excessive seasonal supplementation.