March is National Nutrition Month, according to a proclamation by the American Dietetic Association - the world's largest organization of nutrition professionals. And don't forget to tip a carrot to a registered dietitian, or RD, on the first annual Registered Dietitian Day March 10.

What do registered dietitians want us all to know about nutrition? Here are a few facts:

Nutrition is a science. I may have my own philosophy that green chile enchiladas are God's gift to mankind. But nutrition is really "the science of foods and the nutrients and other substances they contain, and their action within the body."

Reliable nutrition recommendations are "evidence-based." Based on scientific evidence, I can truthfully state that my beloved green chile contains substances that have been shown to reduce the risk for blood clots in arteries and protect against heart disease.

There is a difference between a "nutritionist" and "registered dietitian". "Nutritionist" is a general term that denotes someone who parlays nutrition advice. "Dietitian" is a legal term reserved for a person who has completed an academic degree in nutrition from an accredited college or university along with an internship or advanced training. RDs have completed a national registration exam and earn continuing education credits. Some dietitians call themselves nutritionists. But a nutritionist cannot legally practice nutrition therapy as a dietitian.

A registered dietitian knows what is IN food and how those substances affect the body's internal workings. Registered dietitian Connie Hurlbert gives this advice to patients: "Before eating or drinking, consider, `What is in this food that will nourish me? Does it contain any healthful nutrients or fiber?' If you can't find anything beneficial, you may not want to eat it."

Food labels in the United States must display "Nutrition Facts." The United States Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission are not happy when producers state something on a label that is not based on scientific evidence.

Our bodies use calories like a car uses gasoline ... for fuel. If I pour more calories into my body than it needs for fuel, they are processed into a convenient fuel-storage container called a fat cell.

Food can be good or bad. A candy bar may be good if you are starving to death on a desert island. It is bad if you have it for breakfast when you are surrounded by more healthful choices.

Nutrition is a proven therapy for diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated cholesterol. In fact, many insurance companies now cover nutrition therapy provided by a registered dietitian for a variety of medical conditions.

We don't always know what we don't know about nutrition. This month, let's clear up some facts.

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(Barbara Quinn is a registered dietitian at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Send mail to BQuinn, 2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Monterey, CA or email her at bquinn@chomp.org.)