A big theme in many of my nutrition classes is the
media's effect on America's obesity epidemic. Some argue that we as human beings experience free will, that any decisions we make are entirely ours because we have the option to make healthier choices. Others argue that while it is true we have free choice, we also don't always have all of the tools and information in front of us to make those wise decisions.
Instead we have billboards, advertisements, and psychologically powerful media techniques to get us to want to buy somethin g
. I am the first to admit that I fall victim to this, "Oh, 'All Natural" gummy bears, and they are ORGANIC?!" Of course I know this is ridiculous, but a small part inside of me tries to argue and whine because the carefully placed words "natural" and "organic" call to me.
There is also a fine line between
the power of suggestions, and just plain lies when it comes to food advertising, which brings me to the point of this post. The
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI- who also publish one of my favorite newsletters) is suing Coca-Cola for its misinformation and deceptive advertising in the marketing and sales of Vitamin Water. The CSPI website states:
"The Coca-Cola Company has been served notice of a class action lawsuit filed over what the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says are deceptive and unsubstantiated claims on its VitaminWater line of beverages. Coke markets VitaminWater as a healthful alternative to soda by labeling its several flavors with such health buzz words as "defense," "rescue," "energy," and "endurance." The company makes a wide range of dramatic claims, including that its drinks variously reduce the risk of chronic disease, reduce the risk of eye disease, promote healthy joints, and support optimal immune function.
In fact, according to CSPI nutritionists, the 33 grams of sugar in each bottle of VitaminWater do more to promote obesity, diabetes, and other health problems than the vitamins in the drinks do to perform the advertised benefits listed on the bottles." While you may argue that people should be smarter and read the nutrition labels,
not everyone is food label literate, not aware that such big companies as Coca-Cola own some of these "healthy" drink options, and have no reason not to believe the health claims. I am thankful that the CSPI is out there helping to protect those of us who have been duped by those unsubstantiated claims.
What do you think?
There is also a fine line between the power of suggestions, and just plain lies when it comes to food advertising, which brings me to the point of this post. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI- who also publish one of my favorite newsletters) is suing Coca-Cola for its misinformation and deceptive advertising in the marketing and sales of Vitamin Water. The CSPI website states:
"The Coca-Cola Company has been served notice of a class action lawsuit filed over what the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says are deceptive and unsubstantiated claims on its VitaminWater line of beverages. Coke markets VitaminWater as a healthful alternative to soda by labeling its several flavors with such health buzz words as "defense," "rescue," "energy," and "endurance." The company makes a wide range of dramatic claims, including that its drinks variously reduce the risk of chronic disease, reduce the risk of eye disease, promote healthy joints, and support optimal immune function.
In fact, according to CSPI nutritionists, the 33 grams of sugar in each bottle of VitaminWater do more to promote obesity, diabetes, and other health problems than the vitamins in the drinks do to perform the advertised benefits listed on the bottles."
While you may argue that people should be smarter and read the nutrition labels, not everyone is food label literate, not aware that such big companies as Coca-Cola own some of these "healthy" drink options, and have no reason not to believe the health claims. I am thankful that the CSPI is out there helping to protect those of us who have been duped by those unsubstantiated claims.
What do you think?