Here Be Dragons Analysis

Marielle Abueg

Online Nutrition Class #32654

Spring 2017

Dieting is Not a Piece of Cake

1) Skeptoid "Here Be Dragons" video (5/15/2017) I was a little confused at first of what kind of video I was watching, little did I know it was more informative than I ever thought about critical thinking. I learned about pseudoscience and the fact that people believe incredible ideas without a back up evidence. The video explains why people believe in pseudoscience nonsense. It also lists and explains "red flags." First, "appeal to authority," I think this is Kevin Trudeau. Just because he wrote a book, it doesn't make him credible. Second, "ancient wisdom," I think this one can simply be tied in with people who's got strong beliefs in their

The reason for this is because whenever I see any slimming tea on store's shelves, Senna Leaf acts as one of the active ingredients. Furthermore, according to the website, "Medline Plus," an online U.S. National Library of Medicine website, it rated Senna leaf as "insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for losing weight," however, it is rated as "likely effective for constipation." With that, the website uses a lot of references on the use and functions of Senna Leaf, it might seem very credible but expert credentials are almost never verified. On the website, it briefly explained how Senna Leaf works. It states that Senna leaf "contains many chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect." It makes sense that people may claim Senna leaf as a weight loss tool because of its function as a laxative. However, major claims requires a major proof and there isn't any evidence that Senna aids weight loss. In addition, Senna leaf working as a laxative on a slimming tea have the effect of people to think that this can help them lose weight but two events at the same time do not constitute cause and effect. Drinking slimming tea and losing weight do not necessarily mean its cause and effect, it could be possible but it is not probable. We also need to think that some research are better than the others.

For example, number 10 myth states, "eating at home is safer." I have always believed in this myth because my mom will always cook for the family and she does not like to eat anything that is not a home cooked meal. The reason for this is because she believes that restaurant meals are not prepared well and that they have "dirty" kitchens. Additionally, the video also mentions that "brand name foods are better." Funny thing is I always thought this is also true! However, if you were to conduct a blind experiment, I would not figure it out! But since I found out the truth behind it, I get to save money and enjoy the taste of my food at the same time. Moreover, "carrots help your eyes." I really thought carrots help with your vision, but then I found out there is better fruits and vegetables that can help with your eyes. Another myth claims "beer before liquor," this is intriguing because they are both have alcohol content, so I thought it will make the same effect to the body. Furthermore, "green tea fights cancer," I never heard of this before as much as I love drinking green tea. I know there is better evidence of green tea that is a possible health benefit such as a weight loss tool. In transition, this myth is a myth from my childhood. My mom always tells me to "don't swallow chewing gum" because it will be in my stomach forever, but now i