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Diet Science

466 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 51 ratings

Diet Science is a fun 7 to 8 minute weekly program with insights and straight scoops on today's health and diet issues from Dee McCaffrey, CDC. Dee is an Organic Chemist who lost 100 pounds, nearly half her body weight, and has kept it off for 20 years by staying away from processed foods. She's the author of The Science of Skinny, released by Perseus June 2012, and The Science of Skinny Cookbook, which was released December 2014.

Fitness Health & Fitness Alternative Health
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Episodes

How Autophagy Keeps You Healthy

April 16, 2024 00:56 - 8 minutes - 6.4 MB

Autophagy is a natural biochemical self-preservation process whereby the body cleans out damaged cells in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells. There are certain diet and lifestyle factors that aid or inhibit autophagy, leading either to improved health or accelerated degeneration.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the mechanisms of autophagy and the best ways to ensure its optimal benefits. Reference: Aman, Y., Schmauck-Medina, T., Hansen, M., Morimoto, R. I., Simon, A. K., Bjed...

A Cup of Navy Beans a Day Keeps the Colorectal Cancer Away

April 08, 2024 22:15 - 6 minutes - 5.01 MB

A recent study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that patients with a history of colorectal cancer who added a cup of navy beans daily to their regular meals saw positive changes in their gut microbiome after just 4 weeks. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of this study and how the changes in microbiome aid in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. Reference: Zhang, X., Irajizad, E., Hoffman, K. L., Fahrmann, J. F., Li, F., Seo, Y. D....

What is Buckwheat Honey?

April 08, 2024 22:15 - 6 minutes - 5.01 MB

Buckwheat honey is a type of honey produced by bees that collect nectar solely from the flowers of the buckwheat plant. This gives the honey a unique flavor and much higher antioxidant levels than clover or other types of honey. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many unique health benefits of buckwheat honey! Link to purchase buckwheat honey: https://amzn.to/4apKkhr

New Study Links Artificially Sweetened Sodas with a 20% Increase in Atrial Fibrillation Risk.

March 31, 2024 23:39 - 9 minutes - 6.94 MB

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat, is a condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. A new study has found that drinking diet sodas puts you at a 20% higher risk for AFib. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study, and how much diet soda per week poses the highest risk. Reference: Sun, Y., Yu, B., Yu, Y., Wang, B., Tan, X., Lu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, K., & Wang, N. (2024). Sweetened beverages, genetic susceptibility, and incident ...

EWG's 2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 List is Here!

March 24, 2024 21:19 - 9 minutes - 7.23 MB

The Environmental Working Group's 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ (aka the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 List) was released on March 20, 2024, and the results are shocking! Listen in this week as Dee talks about the list, what it means for your health, and how to strategize your grocery budget to ensure the least amount of pesticide exposure. Get the Guide at https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

Unlocking the Link Between Diet and Chronic Pain: A Call for Healthier Habits

March 17, 2024 21:31 - 9 minutes - 6.72 MB

A recent study shines light on the profound impact of diet on chronic pain. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and the strong undercurrent of desire among chronic pain sufferers to adopt healthier eating practices. Reference:  Dong, H. J., Brain, K., Olsson, M., Dragioti, E., Gerdle, B., & Ghafouri, B. (2024). Eating habits and the desire to eat healthier among patients with chronic pain: A registry-based study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 4705. https://www.ncbi...

FDA Announces Qualified Health Claim for Yogurt and Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

March 10, 2024 19:25 - 13 minutes - 9.67 MB

Following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), yogurt manufacturers in the United States will now be allowed to state on their labels that yogurt may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses which type of yogurt qualifies, and why eating yogurt may help with blood sugar control. Reference:  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, March 1) FDA announces health claim for yogurt and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. https://www.fda.gov/food/cf...

How the "Fasting Mimicking Diet" Lowers Biological Age

March 03, 2024 20:22 - 12 minutes - 9.23 MB

As its name suggests, the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a dietary approach that provides the same health benefits typically seen with water-only fasting, but you still get to eat! Listen in this week as Dee discusses the FMD and a recent study showing that following the FMD for just 5 days a month could wind back your interal clock nearly three years. Reference:  Brandhorst, S., Levine, M. E., Wei, M., Shelehchi, M., Morgan, T. E., Nayak, K. S., Dorff, T., Hong, K., Crimmins, E. M., Cohe...

Study Shows Wasabi Help Impove Memory

February 25, 2024 18:41 - 7 minutes - 5.35 MB

A new study adds wasabi to the list of foods that show significant improvement in both working and episodic memory. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study and what you need to know about sources of wasabi. Reference:  Nouchi, R., Kawata, N. Y. S., Saito, T., Nouchi, H., & Kawashima, R.. (2023). Benefits of wasabi supplements with 6-MSITC (6-methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate) on memory functioning in healthy adults aged 60 years and older: Evidence from a double-blinded randomized...

Health Benefits of Parsnips

February 18, 2024 20:44 - 10 minutes - 7.37 MB

The parsnip is a humble root vegetable that is highly underrated. Listen in this week as Dee discusses their rich nutritional profile, health benefits and why parsnips deserve a prime spot on your plate.  Reference:  Kenari, H. M., Kordafshari, G., Moghimi, M., Eghbalian, F., & TaherKhani, D. (2021). Review of pharmacological properties and chemical constituents of Pastinaca sativa. Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 24(1), 14–23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8010426/ Link to Pa...

What is the Best Oil for Moisturizing Wood Cutting Boards?

February 11, 2024 20:07 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MB

If you favor using wood cutting boards, wood utensils, and wood butcher blocks, you know they need to be moisturized to keep them from drying out. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the best food grade antibacterial oil to beautifully moisturize your wood cutting boards. Reference: International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Mineral oil, untreated or mildly treated. Chemical Agents and Related Occupations - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304428/ Link to De...

Protein Overload: How Much is Too Much for Your Health?

February 04, 2024 19:15 - 11 minutes - 8.29 MB

Americans are fixating on protein while neglecting the crucial role of fiber in their diets. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the optimal protein intake, debunking the myth that more is better.  Link to purchase Dee's recommended protein powder: https://processedfreeamerica.org/is-whey-the-only-way/

Taking a Daily Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement Boosts Brain Health and Slows Memory Loss

January 28, 2024 22:06 - 13 minutes - 9.29 MB

While the impact of multivitamins on overall health sparks ongoing debates, a fresh study hints at their potential to put the brakes on memory loss. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the outcomes of the study, and what to look for in a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement. Reference: Vyas, C. M., Manson, J. E., Sesso, H. D., Cook, N. R., Rist, P. M., Weinberg, A., Moorthy, M. V., Baker, L. D., Espeland, M. A., Yeung, L., Brickman, A. M., & Okereke, O. I. (2024). Effect of multiv...

What is CoEnzyme-Q10?

January 22, 2024 18:37 - 13 minutes - 9.28 MB

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant made within the body. However, there are a number of circumstances that interfere with its production, leaving the body vulnerable to severe free radical damage. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of CoQ10, the conditions that may  benefit from increased amounts of CoQ10, and the best food sources and forms of supplemental CoQ10. Link to CoQ10: https://amzn.to/3nE3vwM

Duckweed Unleashed: Twice the Heart Health Power of the Traditional Mediterranean Diet

January 14, 2024 23:32 - 12 minutes - 9.02 MB

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that eating a greener version of the Mediterranean diet that includes duckweed and other high polyphenol foods was twice as effective in reducing life-threatening blood vessel stiffness. Listen in this week as Dee explains what the "Green Mediterranean Diet" consists of, what duckweed is, and how you can benefit from both. Reference:  Tsaban, G., Shalev, A., Katz, A., Yaskolka Meir, A., Rinott, E., Zelicha, H., K...

Did the Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages Curb Consumption?

January 08, 2024 01:23 - 9 minutes - 6.61 MB

Five U.S. cities implemented a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages between 2017 and 2018, as a key policy to reduce cardiometabolic diseases and other health conditions. Did consumers reduce their consumption? Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of a recent study that examined the correlation between increases in prices of sugar-sweetened beverages and purchases. Reference: Kaplan, S., White, J. S., Madsen, K. A., Basu, S., Villas-Boas, S. B., & Schillinger, D. (2024). Evaluation...

What Helps with Bloating?

December 31, 2023 21:04 - 18 minutes - 13.3 MB

One of the top-trending health-related questions searched on Google in 2023 was "What helps with bloating?" Listen in this week as Dee provides insight into why bloating is such a common problem and what you can do to improve digestion and stop the bloat! Link to Purchase Digestive Enzymes: https://amzn.to/3DBV9OR Reference: Di Stefano, M., Miceli, E., Gotti, S., Missanelli, A., Mazzocchi, S., & Corazza, G. R. (2007). The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and ...

Rhodiola for Anxiety

December 17, 2023 16:44 - 8 minutes - 6.3 MB

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb with health benefits documented in medical texts dating back to 77 AD. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how rhodiola enhances brain functions and reduces anxiety.  Link to Purchase Rholiola: https://amzn.to/41kHmHC

The Benefits of Ashwagandha

December 11, 2023 19:20 - 8 minutes - 5.7 MB

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has over 4,000 years of traditional use in India for improving many conditions. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many benefits of Ashwagandha! Link to Purchase Ashwagandha: https://amzn.to/46SNk3m

Will the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Finally Take a Stance Against Ultra-Processed Foods?

November 26, 2023 18:28 - 11 minutes - 7.75 MB

Three decades ago a team of independent nutrition experts was recruited by the USDA to create the first Food Guide Pyramid published in 1992 to help Americans get healthier. But, the USDA caved to food industry interests and modified the experts' recommendations, and have never taken a clear stance against processed foods. As a result, Americans are less healthy than they were 30 years ago. Listen in this week as Dee discusses a promising change that may be coming in 2025 as the food guideli...

New Study Confirms Aspartame Raises Insulin Levels

November 19, 2023 20:23 - 13 minutes - 9.4 MB

A new study reveals that diet sodas sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame (also known as Equal) increase insulin levels the same as regular sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the impact this has on weight gain, diabetes and overall health. Link to The Science of Skinny: https://amzn.to/3SOpLp3

Beta Glucan Squelches Food Cravings

November 12, 2023 17:47 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

A special type of fiber has been found to be especially effective at suppressing appetite and tamping down cravings. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how beta glucan works in the body and which food sources are the best. Link to Muffin Recipe:  https://processedfreeamerica.org/dees-flourless-oat-bran-muffins-apple-cinnamon/

Vitamin K-Rich Diet Prevents Diseases of Aging

November 05, 2023 22:42 - 15 minutes - 5 MB

Promising research shows vitamin K provides defense against age-related conditions like osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of vitamin K in bone health and beyond. Reference: Xv, F., Chen, J., Duan, L., & Li, S. (2018). Research progress on the anticancer effects of vitamin K2. Oncology letters, 15(6), 8926–8934. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958717/

The Link Between Diet, Gut Microbiome, and Depression

October 29, 2023 23:52 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

A study looking at gut bacteria levels in over 2,500 people has linked low levels of certain types of gut bacteria with higher incidence of depression, affirming previous research linking diet quality to this mood disorder. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the the results of this study and the foods that influence a healthy gut and balanced moods. Reference: Radjabzadeh, D., Bosch, J. A., Uitterlinden, A. G., Zwinderman, A. H., Ikram, M. A., Van Meurs, J. B. J., Luik, A. I., Nieuwdorp,...

Is the OMAD Diet a Viable and Safe Approach to Long-Term Health?

October 22, 2023 22:28 - 12 minutes - 5 MB

The OMAD (one meal a day) diet is making big and bold promises for weight loss and better health, including delaying the aging process. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research and whether this dietary approach is a viable option for you. Reference: Meessen, E. C. E., Andresen, H., van Barneveld, T., van Riel, A., Johansen, E. I., Kolnes, A. J., Kemper, E. M., Olde Damink, S. W. M., Schaap, F. G., Romijn, J. A., Jensen, J., & Soeters, M. R. (2022). Differential effects of one meal...

Thermogenic Super Spices to Rev Up Metabolism

October 15, 2023 20:14 - 10 minutes - 5 MB

Most everyday kitchen spices have a long history of medicinal use, and many of them are good for increasing metabolism in the body due to their thermogenic properties. Listen in this week as Dee discusses five common spices that are known for their ability to lower inflammation, rev up metabolism and burn fat more efficiently. 

The Younger You Start, The More Walnuts Can Protect Your Heart

October 08, 2023 19:10 - 8 minutes - 5 MB

A new study shows that walnut consumption is especially potent for heart health, and the earlier you start, the better the benefit. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of the study and why walnuts are an important shield against heart disease. References: Steffen, L. M., Yi, S. Y., Duprez, D., Zhou, X., Shikany, J. M., & Jacobs, D. R., Jr (2021). Walnut consumption and cardiac phenotypes: The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Nutrition, Metabolis...

Can Psyllium Husk Compare to Ozempic for Weight Loss?

October 01, 2023 22:20 - 14 minutes - 5 MB

Psyllium husk has been dubbed by some social media blogs as a "poor man's" Ozempic. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the similarities and differences between psyllium husk and the popular weight loss drug, and suggests a novel natural alternative that has shown significant improvements in body weight, abdominal circumference, and body fat percentage. References: Boix-Castejón, M., Herranz-López, M., Pérez Gago, A., Olivares-Vicente, M., Caturla, N., Roche, E., & Micol, V.. (2018). Hibi...

Hibiscus Aids Weight Loss by Revving Up Metabolism

September 24, 2023 19:50 - 6 minutes - 5 MB

A polyphenol compound in hibiscus called Hibiscus sabdariffa is shown in studies to aid weight loss by controlling appetite and increasing production of the AMPK gene which regulates cellular energy. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the AMPK gene and its role in weight loss, lowering blood pressure and even anti-aging! References: Boix-Castejón, M., Herranz-López, M., Pérez Gago, A., Olivares-Vicente, M., Caturla, N., Roche, E., & Micol, V.. (2018). Hibiscus and lemon verbena polypheno...

The Sweet Benefits of Glycine

September 18, 2023 18:00 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

In addition to being one of the fundamental amino acids used to building protein in the body, glycine is involved in many different important chemical reactions within the body, especially its ability to quell inflammation. It also has a sweet taste, similar to sugar, but without any of the calories or negative effects on blood sugar. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many health benefits of glycine, and how to use it as a sweetener.   Reference: Razak, M. A., Begum, P. S., Viswana...

Are You Taking the Right Dose of Fish Oil?

September 10, 2023 18:58 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

A recent study evaluated over 2,000 fish oil supplements and found that the variable doses suggested on product labels are typcially much lower than the doses used in studies that associate fish oil benefits for heart, brain and joint health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of this study and what the optimal doses of fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids are.   Reference: Assadourian, J. N., Peterson, E. D., McDonald, S. A., Gupta, A., & Navar, A. M. (2023). Health claims and ...

Irish Butter Really is a Better Butter!

September 04, 2023 20:23 - 10 minutes - 5 MB

A new study shows that the majority of dairy farmers in Ireland use a pasture based, grass-fed feeding system that produces milk with significantly higher levels of 4 key nutrients compared to grass-fed dairy cows in the U.S. and other countries.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of this study and why Irish butter really is better. Reference: Timlin, M., Fitzpatrick, E., McCarthy, K., Tobin, J. T., Murphy, E. G., Pierce, K. M., Murphy, J. P., Hennessy, D., O’Donovan, M., Ha...

Fatty Liver Disease Gets a New Name

August 28, 2023 00:11 - 12 minutes - 5 MB

The medical term "fatty liver disease" is getting a new name as terminology adapts to better reflect the symptoms of the disease and becomes more sensitive to patient experiences. The changes were needed because the term could be considered to confer stigma. Listen in this week as Dee reveals the new name for this metabolic condition, and offers some helpful nutrtion advice on how to support healing of the liver. Reference: Rinella, M. E., Lazarus, J. V., Ratziu, V., Francque, S. M., Sanya...

The Green Tea Effect: How this Common Beverage Regulates Gut Health and Combating Obesity

August 21, 2023 21:08 - 8 minutes - 5 MB

A recent study investigating the effect of three different concentrations of green tea in the diet showed better gut health and more weight loss in the group consuming the highest concentration. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study and what it means for your overall health. Reference: Mei, H., Li, J., Liu, S., Jeyaraj, A., Zhuang, J., Wang, Y., Chen, X., Yuan, Q., & Li, X. (2023). The role of green tea on the regulation of gut microbes and prevention of high-fat di...

Does Soda with Added Prebiotics Boost Your Gut Health?

August 13, 2023 18:22 - 16 minutes - 5 MB

Brands of soda like Olipop and Poppi are the latest in a line of food and beverage products called "functional foods" that have added ingredients purported to improve health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of prebiotics in gut health, and whether adding them to sodas provides similar beneft to eating probiotic foods. She also reviews several brands of prebiotics sodas to help you make an informed decision. Link to purchase prebiotic soda: https://amzn.to/3OyLgXl

Brain-healthy MIND Diet Helps Kids Focus Better in School

August 06, 2023 18:26 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

The MIND Diet was originally developed to help older adults stave off dementia and keep their minds sharp. Now a new study shows that this brain-healtlhy approach to eating can also help school-aged children find their focus. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of this study, and which foods are the most important for brain health. Reference: Ramsey, L. (2023, July 23). MIND diet may improve attention in pre-adolescents, study shows. News Medical Life Sciences. https://www.new...

Study Shows Strong Evidence that Omega-3's Improve Lung Health

July 30, 2023 23:55 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

Omega-3's are well known for reducing risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer, but their role in chronic lung disease has not been well studied until now. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of this study, including which type of omega-3 has the most impact on lung health, and the foods you need to include to make sure you get enough. Reference: Patchen, B. K., Balte, P., Bartz, T. M., Barr, R. G., Fornage, M., Graff, M., Jacobs Jr, D. R., Kalhan, R., Lemaitre, R. N., O’Co...

American Medical Association's Shifts its Policy on use of Body Mass Index as Predictor of Disease Risk

July 23, 2023 19:18 - 11 minutes - 5 MB

The American Medical Association has adopted a new policy on the use of Body Mass Index (BMI) alone for assessment of disease risk, noting significant limitations associated with widespread use of BMI in clinical settings. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the reasons for the new policy, and lists some other measurements that are more accurate for determiing disease risk factors. Reference: AMA adopts new policy clarifying role of BMI as a measure in medicine. (2023, June 14). American ...

Aspartame is "Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans" according to the World Health Organization

July 16, 2023 23:04 - 19 minutes - 5 MB

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in many diet sodas, sugar-free products, and sold in blue packets under the name "Equal", has now been classified by the World Health Organization as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings and recommendations from this study, as well as other health concerns linked to aspartame consumption. Link to Dee's book The Science of Skinny: https://amzn.to/3Oh2k52 References: Czarnecka, K., Pilarz, A., Rogut, A.,...

Carotene-Rich Diet Prevents Clogged Arteries

July 07, 2023 18:56 - 9 minutes - 5 MB

Carotenes are a class of plant-compounds found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Listen in this week as Dee discusses a new study that links high amounts of carotenes in the blood with less artery atherosclerosis, and which foods are the best sources of carotenes. References: Bujosa, F., Herreras, Z., Catalán, M., Pinyol, M., Lamuela-Raventos, R. M., Martínez-Huélamo, M., Gilabert, R., Jiménez, A., Ortega, E., & Chiva-Blanch, G. (2023). Total carotene plasma concentrations are inv...

Allulose Has Sweet Benefits for Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control

June 30, 2023 21:54 - 12 minutes - 5 MB

Allulose is a relatively "new" sweetener on the market that has been shown in studies to promote weight loss and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. But what is allulose, exactly? Listen in this week as Dee explains the chemistry of allulose, how it works in the body, and why it is considered the "holy grail" of sweeteners. References: Fukunaga, K., Yoshimura, T., Imachi, H., Kobayashi, T., Saheki, T., Sato, S., Saheki, N., Jiang, W., & Murao, K. (2023). A pilot study on the ...

Taurine Could be the Elixer For a Longer and Healthier Life

June 26, 2023 17:08 - 12 minutes - 5 MB

New research published in the journal Science has found that a deficiency of taurine, an amino acid involved in immune and neurological funtion, is a driver of aging. Increasing intake of taurine has been shown to slow down the aging process in laboratory animals. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study's findings, and what it means for human health. Reference: Singh, P., Gollapalli, K., Mangiola, S., Schranner, D., Yusuf, M. A., Chamoli, M., Shi, S. L., Lopes Bastos, B., Nair, T., ...

Maple Butter: What Is It and Why It's So Good!

June 17, 2023 17:42 - 10 minutes - 5 MB

"Maple Butter" (also called "Maple Cream") is a form of pure maple syrup that is spreadable---but there is no actual butter, cream, or anything else in it other than the star ingredient itself---pure maple syrup. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how maple butter is made, the many health benefits of maple syrup, and how to use maple butter in your meals and snacks. Link to video on how to make maple butter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMXtqslHd_0&t=2s&ab_channel=America%27sTestKitche...

What is a Slimcado?

June 11, 2023 16:33 - 6 minutes - 5 MB

A West Indian variety of avocado that has been grown in Florida for the past 100 years, the Slimcado is a unique avocado variety.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutrient profile of the "slimcado", and what makes it different yet similar to the regular avocados you know and love.

Mamaki Tea from Hawaii Brings Big Health Benefits to Mainland

June 04, 2023 20:48 - 9 minutes - 5 MB

One of the rarest herbal teas in the world, Mamaki is an ancient herbal tea grown only in Hawaii. Used for centuries by native Hawaiians for its health benefits, this tea is now available in the U.S. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutrient profile of mamaki tea and how it may be one of the most refreshing ways to improve your health. Link to Purchase Shaka Bottled Tea (12-pack): https://amzn.to/3oP5bIs Link to Purchase Shaka Bottled Tea (single bottle): https://amzn.to/3CcNKF6 L...

The Nutritional Benefits of Sardines

May 29, 2023 16:54 - 13 minutes - 5 MB

Sardines are small saltwater fish with huge health benefits. They’re rich in essential nutrients that play a central role in heart health, blood sugar management and thyroid function. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many benefits of sardines and some easy ways to incorporate them into your meals. Link to Purchase Sardines: https://amzn.to/3MDdKhr Sardine Recipes: https://cleanplates.com/recipes/canned-sardines/

Watermelon Consumption is Linked to Better Heart Health

May 21, 2023 23:05 - 12 minutes - 5 MB

Two studies found that watermelon consumption is linked to higher nutrient intake and better heart health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of these studies and why watermelon is so good for cardiovascular function. References: Fulgoni, K., & Fulgoni, V. L. (2022). Watermelon intake is associated with increased nutrient intake and higher diet quality in adults and children, NHANES 2003–2018. Nutrients, 14(22), 4883. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/22/4883 Matthews, R., ...

New Study Reveals an Easy Strategy for Getting Kids to Eat More Fruits and Veggies

May 14, 2023 20:40 - 10 minutes - 5 MB

Past studies have shown that children worldwide eat considerably less fruits and vegetables than the recommended amount, putting them at increased risk for chronic disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of a new study that reveals how to get kids to eat more fruits and veggies on a daily basis. Reference: Dallacker, M., Knobl, V., Hertwig, R., & Mata, J. (2023). Effect of longer family meals on children’s fruit and vegetable intake. JAMA Network Open, 6(4), e236331. htt...

The Importance of DHA During Pregnancy and Lactation, Especially for Vegetarians and Vegans

May 07, 2023 17:47 - 14 minutes - 5 MB

A new study reveals that the breast milk of mothers following vegetarian and vegan diets is deficient in the crucial omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), leading researchers to call for raised awareness and DHA supplementation for mothers who follow plant-based diets that do not include food sources of DHA. Listen in this week as Dee explains the crucial role of DHA in both babies and adults, and why DHA supplements may be important in vegan and vegetarian diets. Reference:...

What is "Meat Glue"? Is it Safe to Eat?

April 29, 2023 21:03 - 12 minutes - 5 MB

Transglutaminase, also called "meat glue" is a common additive used in many foods because it works to bind protein molecules from various different substances so they ""stick" and hold together. Listen in this week as Dee explains how transglutaminase works in foods, the types of foods it typically shows up in, and whether or not it's safe to eat.