Vegetables really aren't that healthy

Question

According to this article, vegetables aren't the best thing to eat, and they give a list of reasons to not eat your vegetables.

Answer 1

This article attempts to make the case that you should avoid vegetables and instead adopt a carnivorous diet. Addressing the some claims from the article(future uses of "the article" refer to your linked article):

The article claims that "there's really no chemical difference between the sugar we get from a potato, a carrot ... and the sugar we get from a lollipop." This is wrong.  From the University of California San Diego, "[Natural sugar] is digested slower than added sugar and keeps your metabolism stable over time ... your blood glucose level stays elevated for a longer period." Also, "Added sugars are typically processed quickly, either immediately used for energy or sent directly to the liver for fat storage. Your blood glucose level drops quickly after eating added sugars .. that leaves you hungry, irritable, and usually craving another pickup." 

https://chear.ucsd.edu/blog/understanding-natural-versus-added-sugars

The article claims "the standard American diet is characterized by a chronic intake of excessive carbs. Chronic high-carb eating is a prime cause of inflammation and tissue damage in the body." This is misleading. A scientific study (JAMA article) on US adults found that "42% of energy intake was still derived from low-quality carbohydrates," so yes, US adults eat a significant portion of carbs. Also, "eating too much added sugar and too many refined carbohydrates can cause inflammation in your body," according to the dietician in the healthline article. However, both of these sources refer to low-quality, refined carbohydrates, known as simple carbs, which are not abundantly found in vegetables. From the medline article, vegetables are actually composed of complex carbs: "Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables." It is misleading to say that vegetables are causing inflammation, as the sugars responsible for this are not abundant in vegetables.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-and-inflammation

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2751719

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19529.htm

The article claims that high carb diets "promote glycation" and the creation of compounds called AGEs, which the article itself links studies showing their harmful effects. You should note that from this journal, "Foods high in protein and fat, such as meat, cheese, and egg yolk are rich in AGEs. Foods high in carbohydrates have the lowest amount of AGEs." Avoiding vegetables and going carnivore means you will actually get more AGEs, something the article does not tell you.

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/circulationaha.106.621854

The article claims "Excessive consumption of carbohydrates promotes metabolic disorders..." listing obesity, and heart disease as two of a few examples. Addressing CHD (coronary heart disease), this study says "refined carbohydrates ... increase the risk of CHD." Note that they say REFINED, which does not refer to vegetables. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5793267/

The article claims that plants produce their own natural pesticides which are toxic to humans, so eating vegetables isn't as healthy. They quote from a scientific study which seems valid, but you should note that when you eat meat, you are eating the meat of animals who probably ate vegetables themselves. The following study found that meats contain pesticide residues. The article is attempting to mislead you by singling out vegetables, when the truth is that nearly all foods are going to be affected by pesticides.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5598159/

In the interest of keeping things short, I am not going to address any more claims, but for the most part, the article continuously attributes the bad health effects of refined carbohydrates to vegetables which are composed of complex carbohydrates. The reality about vegetables is that most of them are safe and healthy to consume. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, "A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar, which can help keep appetite in check."

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/

Due to the misleading nature of the article, as well as the Harvard College article's vouch for vegetables, I am rating this claim as false.

RATING: False

Comments

Nice work writing up a comprehensive fact-check that includes so many reputable sources.

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I think you did an excellent job on this fact check. I think it was very good how you utilized multiple sources and gave quotations and explained why the assertion was not true.

Answer 2

Vegetables have many benefits like lowing blood pressure, prevent cancer, and lower risk of disease. In addition, eating vet gables can have a positive effect on your blood sugar and eyesight. 

In conclusion, vegetables are a great thing to eat! 

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/

Answer 3

A claim made in the article the OP provided as well as many other related articles is that anti-nutrients are bad for you. According to research at Harvard, vegetarians and people with plant based diets do not generally experience deficiencies in nutrients, contrary to the belief that consuming the anti-nutrients in vegetables will cause this damage.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/anti-nutrients/

Answer 4

According to the link below, including vegetables in your diet can have positive effects on your overall health. People who regularly eat fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet are less likely to develop certain illnesses. Vegetables provide essential nutrients that the body needs to maintain good health.

https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/vegetables

Answer 5

This claim is false. Vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals, plant chemicals, and fiber. A diet high in fruits and vegetables can help protect you against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Some examples of vitamins and minerals that vegetables contain that are healthy for people are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, and folic acid. Research has shown that consuming these nutrients as food within vegetables is more beneficial for health than consuming them as supplements. Additionally, fruits and vegetables and low in fat, salt, and sugar. High intake of vegetables can reduce obesity and maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. Overall, vegetables are an important part of the human diet.

Source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fruit-and-vegetables#fruit-and-vegetables-for-good-health

Answer 6

According to this article, "vegetable consumption is one of the behaviors most associated with long-term weight management, health, and longevity. Still, there are times when you can skip the salad bar." 

However, the title of the article is called "10 Health Reasons Not to Eat Your Vegetables" which has a large confirmation bias already. But, the article mentions a few reasons why vegetables aren't completely healthy for us.

Some of these reasons include Crohn's flare ups, excess sodium, renal failure, etc. Many of these reasons are valid, but not apply to everyone.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition-pictures/health-reasons-not-to-eat-your-vegetables.aspx

Answer 7

Like all types of foods, vegetables are made up of ingredients that are good for you and bad for you. It is untrue to state vegetables are not good for you as many vegetables are very beneficial. “Vegetables are full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide many important health benefits to your body,” WebMd states. Vegetables can lower blood pressure, prevent cancer, lower risk of disease, support growth and so much more. Nutrients in vegetables can even affect blood sugar and eyesight. As well, vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help support a healthy gut. Many vegetables contain vitamin A, C, and E which support the body in many ways. There are so many ways vegetables support the human body and its functions. Vegetables are healthy and vegetables provide humans with many important vitamins and minerals. 

If you are worried about vegetables being unhealthy, pay attention to how much fat, salt and sugar is in each item. As well, you can pay attention to how much as well as what types of vegetables you are consuming.

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/vegetables-and-fruits/#:~:text=A%20diet%20rich%20in%20vegetables,help%20keep%20 appetite%20in%20 check.

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-vegetables