My mother was full of idioms. She had one for any and every situation. Although she was a very positive person, she did have a skeptical side. I remember her saying, “I just take it with a grain of salt!” on many, many occasions.
This expression has a few meanings:

• To understand that something is not entirely accurate or right*
• Not take something too seriously*
• Accept, but with some reservations or skepticism*
• Don’t precisely believe something*

“This great expression, although an ancient one, was not used in its current meaning till much later. It is said that Pliny the Elder translated an ancient antidote for poison in 77 A.D., which recommends taking the antidote with a grain of salt. In its current meaning, however, it has been used since the 1600s. The pinch of salt variant came much later, around the mid-1900s.” *

A pinch of salt makes almost anything go down easier… Remember, before elections, all parties make a lot of promises which I believe, as my mother would say, should be taken with a grain of salt.

Let’s face it. Almost everyone has an opinion and is eager to share it with us. You can “google” any topic and will be bombarded in fractions of a millisecond more information than you can absorb. And, there will be pro’s as well as cons to answers to your research. Thus, here is where you and your right sense enter.

Do your research. Read the fine print. Investigate precisely where the author of information gleaned his information. I will use myself as an example. I was raised on a tobacco farm in Sampson County NC. At the age of thirty-two, I enrolled in the local community college in the Registered Nursing Program. I practiced nursing for more than forty years in various fields and specialties. Today I am 74.8 years old and have lots of varied experience under my belt. I do not, however, hold any certifications or licenses in anything other than nursing. That is not to say I don’t have an opinion on a myriad of subjects! And, healthy eating is one of my soapboxes.

But, don’t take my word for anything healthy. Search it out for yourself. The Book of Proverbs is filled with practical wisdom for the affairs of life, and King Solomon tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 KJV. I don’t believe Solomon meant we should shift our brain cells into neutral before making decisions. Peter said, “…be of sound judgment.” 1 Peter 4:7 Amplified Bible. In other words, we are instructed to use good common sense.

You still have a choice. You may decide to take the effort to eat all organic, non-GMO. You may determine this is not for you. I do firmly believe though that we are what we eat. So, back to my original point; “Take it with a grain of salt!”

Pat Throckmorton, January 23, 2018

*From http://www.theidioms.com