Here’s a little fact about me: I’m kind of fascinated by Mad Men-era marketing … and not just because of the cool clothes and hairdo’s.

The other day, I stumbled upon a hilarious infomercial from the 1950s or 60s produced by “The Potato Chip Council” or “The Society for the Preservation of Potato Chip Manufacturers” or something like that. (no, seriously!)

It was charming, in a way. They showed how potato chips are made – or were, in those days – they might just 3D print them now for all I know. They also offered up classic dip recipes to go with your chips, like French onion dip (Lipton onion soup mix and sour cream), and also something horrible involving shrimp and cream cheese in a blender (which is something no one really wants to see, let alone eat).

Anyway, what really tickled me was the claim that potato chips are actually good for you! They made it a big selling point that “potato chips are a natural source of salt, which is important for a healthy diet.” What?!

While this was a pretty blatant stretch of the truth, it got me thinking about how important it is to apply some critical thinking when evaluating health information about foods and supplements, even today—maybe especially today, with all of the clickbait out there.

I went back to my class notes from my nutrition courses and refreshed myself on the steps we should all use when we see statements like, “Eat this ONE THING to prevent cancer!” If only it were that simple, right?

Tips on Evaluating Health Information

1. Identify the Health Claim. First things first, what exactly is being promised? Is this food or supplement supposed to boost your immunity, help you lose weight, or make your skin glow? Get clear on what the claim is.
2. Check for Evidence. Is the health claim evidence-based? Look for research results and citations, not just glowing testimonials. Are the sources reputable? If there are no citations, scrutinize the article for actual evidence supporting the claim.
3. Follow the Money. Here’s the big one: Who’s funding this research? If the supplement industry, the potato chip council, or Big Dairy itself is backing the study, for example, there might be a conflict of interest. Independent funding is a good sign of unbiased research.
4. Research the Researchers. Who are the brains behind the study? Check their credentials and qualifications. Are they affiliated with or funded by a related industry? This could affect the credibility of their findings. Are they published in the New England Journal of Medicine, or some lesser-known, industry-specific publication?
5. Analyze the Conclusions. Are the conclusions drawn from the research solid and reasonable? Be cautious of quick-fix promises. If the claims sound too good to be true, they probably are.

I’m a big believer in making informed decisions about what you put into your body. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Sadly, potato chips are really not a great source of anything except fat and calories. Bummer. So, like most things, they are best enjoyed in moderation (maybe with some healthy Roasted Red Pepper Dip).

Stay curious, stay skeptical, and stay healthy!

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