Cardiologist Sparks Controversy on TikTok by Discrediting Oatmeal’s Nutritional Value and Calling it Propaganda
In a recent viral video on TikTok, Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist who goes by the Natural Heart Doctor on social media, caused quite a stir by claiming that oatmeal has “no nutritional value” and is essentially just a product of clever marketing. The video, which has garnered over 4.6 million views, received backlash from fellow doctors and dietitians who accused Dr. Wolfson of spreading misinformation and disregarding the health benefits of oatmeal.
“As a cardiologist, I never recommend eating oatmeal, especially not on a daily basis like so many people do,” Dr. Wolfson told his 448,000 followers. “Our ancestors didn’t consume oatmeal, and neither should you.”
Dr. Jack Wolfson, a cardiologist based in Arizona, has faced criticism for dismissing oatmeal as lacking nutritional value and referring to it as propaganda. In response to Dr. Wolfson’s video, Dr. Siyab Panhwar, a cardiologist at NYU Langone in New York City, posted a caption urging users not to rely on alternative health influencers on social media for health advice.
Dr. Wolfson further claimed that oatmeal provides no nutritional value and contains numerous anti-nutrients, but he failed to provide any supporting evidence. Instead, he encouraged viewers to opt for eggs instead of oatmeal for breakfast. However, oatmeal is known for its high fiber content and various minerals, which have been proven to prevent chronic health conditions such as diabetes.
We reached out to Dr. Wolfson’s team for a comment but did not receive a response. “There has been a lot of propaganda over the years promoting the supposed benefits of oatmeal, and I believe it’s all just a ploy by industry giants like Nabisco, Quaker Oats, and Kellogg’s to steer us away from eggs and towards oatmeal,” Dr. Wolfson asserted.
Dr. Wolfson specifically advocated for eggs as an alternative to oatmeal. Eggs are rich in essential vitamins such as A, B5, B12, D, and E, as well as crucial nutrients like calcium and protein. “An egg is a complete package of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins, essential for the development of a chicken. You can’t nourish a chicken or a healthy human solely on oatmeal,” Dr. Wolfson emphasized.
However, experts who criticized Dr. Wolfson argue that there is no need to choose between eggs and oatmeal. Dr. Siyab Panhwar, for instance, highlighted the numerous health benefits of oats, such as aiding digestion due to its fiber content and containing minerals like manganese, which supports brain health. Dietitian Abbey Sharp and eye surgeon Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler also responded to a previous video by Dr. Wolfson, contesting his claims and stating that oatmeal does have several health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease.
“I’m a board-certified cardiologist, and I can confidently say that Dr. Wolfson’s claims are baseless,” Dr. Panhwar stated. “No one should rely on him for any sort of cardiac or health advice.” Dr. Panhwar referred to studies that have shown oatmeal’s positive impact on heart health, such as lowering cholesterol levels and regulating blood sugar.
A review published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology revealed that oats contain antioxidants that can reduce blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production. This leads to better blood flow due to the widening of blood vessels.
Abbey Sharp, a renowned dietitian and content creator, also responded to a previous video from Dr. Wolfson in which he made similar claims. Sharp emphasized that oats are rich in a unique antioxidant called avenanthramide, which can potentially lower blood pressure. Oats are also a great source of the fiber beta-glucan, known to reduce bad cholesterol levels, regulate insulin response, and promote satiety.
“You can actually enjoy a balanced and heart-healthy meal by incorporating eggs, coffee, and oats into your breakfast routine,” Sharp suggested. Consuming fiber helps counteract the effects of sugar spikes and aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. A cup of prepared oatmeal contains approximately 4 grams of fiber, which is about 20% of the recommended daily intake for women and 10% for men. Furthermore, the fiber in oatmeal promotes weight loss since it requires fewer calories to feel full. Dry oats also provide almost two-thirds of the daily recommended intake of manganese, a trace mineral essential for regulating blood sugar and supporting brain function.
Dr. Panhwar firmly stated that there are plenty of health benefits associated with eating oats. He also debunked Dr. Wolfson’s claim that our ancestors did not consume oatmeal, citing a study conducted by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis. The study traced the consumption of oats back to approximately 32,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic Era.
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