MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'food and drink'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:02:52 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181701&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2011%2F08%2Finterviewed-kathy-freston-for-blogher-shes-awesome-httpwwwbloghercominterview-talking-health-oprah-and-veganism-au.html Interviewed Kathy Freston for BlogHer. She's awesome: http://www.blogher.com/interview-talking-health-oprah-and-veganism-author-kathy-freston (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181701 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5181701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008701&cid=t_356127_160_f&fid=36190&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyramp.com%2F Dipika Sharma: Good Food? Bad Food?Are these foods really that bad for you? The moment you decide to go on a diet to lose weight you are bombarded with a list of food items that are banned to be eaten. This certainly demotivates you to delay your dieting plan. But here is the good news, despite these food being considered to play havoc with your weight, you can consume a few of the banned foods in appropriate proportions. The reason is that they are rich source of essential minerals and vitamins which our body needs to stay energetic and fit. You can now indulge in the once forbidden foods like pastas,eggs,breads,nuts, potatoes and chocolates. All you have to control is the intake amount to maintain a slender body and remain fit. Here goes the list of the once forbidden foods which you ... Skin Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008701 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:47:03 +0100 5008701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405775&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhat-everyone-should-know-about-plastics%2F2011.01.27 Information circulating about the dangers of plastic containers has created fear and confusion. Are plastic containers toxic? Do harmful chemicals leach out into its contents? Do we need to discard all plastic containers? Recently, I interacted in a live health chat on MedHelp about the safety of plastics. Scientist, Joe Schwarcz, Ph.D., Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, talked about “The Real Truth About Plastics: What You Should And Shouldn’t Worry About.” While Dr. Schwarcz states that some plastics like those made by Tupperware and Rubbermaid are safe to use, there are other plastics made of Bisphenol A (BPA) that may cause some concern, however he did not become alarmed. There is extensive information on the safety of plastics, and reading some of... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405775 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:00:39 +0100 4405775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389294&cid=t_356127_130_f&fid=34938&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEvidenceInMotion%2F%7E3%2FHxzSCiYgBNY%2Fhip-hurt-eat-more-meat.html At least according to this recent study entitled “Meat consumption and risk of primary hip and knee joint replacement due to osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study” that was recently published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. It turns out that regardless of what is happening to your cardiovascular system, there is emerging evidence for a beneficial effect of meat consumption on the musculoskeletal system. These authors performed a prospective cohort study that included 35,331 Australians and examined the relationship between meat consumption and risk of primary hip and knee replacement for osteoarthritis as evidenced by total joint replacement of the same. They found that was a negative dose-response relationship between high levels of fresh red meat consumption and the risk of hi... MyPhysicalTherapySpace.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389294 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 04:11:49 +0100 4389294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281301&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Ffeatured-dietitians-part-3.html Decluttering nutritional information and getting to the root of the message is a goal of many registered dietitians. One even uses rock and roll to make her point. See the dietitians featured below and other dietitians making an impact in social media, elsewhere on the Web, and in their communities in our Top Dietitians profiles. @mtjacobsen Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD, worked as a corporate dietitian for Jenny Craig International and as a nutrition expert with Kraft Foods before returning to the health care field and seeing patients. She holds a certification in weight management from the American Dietetic Association and is a nutrition consultant and freelance writer. She works to keep herself and her family healthy “without losing her mind” and created RaiseHealthyEaters.com ... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281301 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:38:01 +0100 4281301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281559&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FTWqUwzbpX80%2Fyour-nutrition-questions-answe.html Here's a round-up of recent questions from Nutrition Data users (and the answers!):Q. Could you explain how they calculate the total fat on the nutrition facts label. When I add up the three kinds of fat (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated), it doesn't match the total fat. A.  There are a few compounds in foods, such as sterols, that are technically lipids (or fats) but they don't belong in any of the main categories. That's why the total fat is sometimes slightly higher than the sum of mono, poly, and saturated fats.  Q. I looked up the nutrition information for orange juice. A one cup serving provides 25g of carbs. Of that total, only 0.5g is from fiber and none are showing up for starch or sugars. So, what are these carbs?A. The tilde (~) symbol next to sugar an... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281559 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:41:41 +0100 4281559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4272661&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F3Fhd-WUXcJU%2Fwhy-isnt-skinless-chicken-lowe.html Q. My wife is trying to reduce her cholesterol by eating healthy.  We've been using Nutrition Data as a resource but do not understand why chicken with skin has less cholesterol than chicken with the skin removed? That seems completely counter-intuitive. Can you explain?A.  You're right!  Even through removing the skin from your chicken cuts the fat content in half, a chicken breast with skin has 84 grams of cholesterol while the same size portion of skinless chicken breast has 85 grams. What gives? First, the difference between 84 and 85 mg of cholesterol per serving is so small as to be within the margin of measurement error. So for all intents and purposes, the two have the same amount of cholesterol. Why? Because the cholesterol is found primarily in the meat (muscle t... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4272661 Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:24:38 +0100 4272661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266304&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F2EW1HkxPF4k%2Fwill-a-cocktail-a-day-keep-the.html Q. I've read a lot about the benefits of drinking a glass of wine a day. I'm not currently drinking alcohol, so I have been substituting it with 4oz of 100% grape juice every morning. Am I receiving similar health benefits? Am I better off drinking a glass of wine instead?A. The health benefits of wine are thought to be due to a combination of things. Wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skins which is said to be beneficial. Solid research on the benefits of resveratrol in humans is somewhat skimpy. But you can get the purported benefits of resveratrol just as well by drinking grape juice. And here's a little known fact: Next to grape skins, peanuts are one of the richest sources of resveratrol! In addition, moderate alcohol consumption (whether ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266304 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:14:17 +0100 4266304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259229&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fw_lBt9hsI_Q%2Fthe-suprising-truth-about-brow.html Q. Brown rice is always portrayed as being better for you than white rice. However, when I used Nutritiondata.com to compare them, the nutritional differences were not huge.  Has brown rice's reputation as a superfood been exaggerated? What am I missing?A. Whole grains like brown rice are generally higher in fiber and certain other nutrients than their "white" counterparts. But you're absolutely right: The nutritional differences between brown rice and white rice are not as dramatic as many people think. Both have about the same number of calories--around 200 calories for a 1 cup of cooked rice. (Translation: You still need to control portion sizes!)  Both brown and white rice are a decent source of thiamin and niacin. Neither provides much in the way of antioxidants like A, C, ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259229 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:58:20 +0100 4259229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4251110&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhumans-and-food-why-we-love-ice-cream%2F2010.12.11 Scientists know that our perceptions about taste and texture drive our food preferences. They know quite a lot about the role of taste in this regard, and the results of some recent experiments have shed new light on the role of texture as well, particularly as it relates to foods containing starch. Starch is a major component of potatoes, rice, corn, wheat and the enormous variety of foods derived from them. It is also added to many other products from maple syrup to pudding. In fact, starch accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the calorie content in the average Western diet, and more than that in many Asian and third-world diets.  Humans begin digesting starch in the mouth, where the salivary glands secrete an enzyme known as amylase. This enzyme breaks down starch and other complex carboh... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4251110 Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:00:13 +0100 4251110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241963&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fw_hLc1FNcBo%2Fhow-far-do-we-need-to-go-to-av.html Q. I am trying to reduce the amount of processed foods in my diet, and I recently learned that soy milk is a processed food, which leads me to wonder whether cow's milk and other dairy products are also considered "processed"?   Would I be better off taking a supplement to get my vitamin D and calcium? A. It's true that soybeans are cooked and pressed to make plain soy milk.  Commercially available cow's milk is skimmed, homogenized, and pasteurized. So, both are "processed." However, either one would be considerably less processed than a vitamin supplement, don't you think? I think the movement away from processed foods is a great idea!  But if avoiding "processed" foods means that you need to take a vitamin supplement to supply missing nutrients, I think w... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241963 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:31:48 +0100 4241963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233438&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FWLvpa7DHLr4%2Fhow-to-slow-down.html Q. I have trouble controlling my portion sizes mostly because I eat so fast. Growing up I was always shoving food in my face before a sports practice or a game.How do I slow myself down after years of racing to finish my plate?A. You're absolutely right: Eating too fast can definitely lead you to overeat. Recognizing the habit--and how you developed it--seems like a big part of the battle. Now you just need some strategies to help you develop healthy new habits! Here are some ideas--and I bet our readers will have more to add.On your mark, get set, pause. Before you pick up your fork, put your hands in your lap and take a couple of deep breaths.Remind yourself that the meal is an experience to be savored and not a race to the finish. Pay attention. This seems obvious but take the time t... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233438 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:20:38 +0100 4233438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225708&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FYSt9UGdLIBI%2Fholiday-party-survival-guide.html As you navigate through the rounds of holiday parties this year, smart choices can allow you to enjoy yourself without adding an extra five or ten pounds to your New Year's Resolution. Here are some tips that can help you stay on track: 1. Skip the mini-quiches and pigs-in-a-blanket and look for the mini-spinach pies and stuffed mushrooms.  Thin, crispy sheets of phyllo are much lower in fat than heavy pie crusts and biscuit doughs and they're usually brushed in healthy olive oil rather than butter.   Mushrooms are also low-calorie carriers for savory fillings.  Those savory fillings add up, though, so still exercise some portion control. 2. Cosy up to a hot drink.  Hot cider or hot mulled wine are delicious seasonal treats and you'll tend to drink hot, spiced drin... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225708 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:50:00 +0100 4225708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220473&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F0Binoyu2uso%2Fwhats-in-season-now.html Eating with the seasons is a great way to maximize nutrition and minimize the environmental costs of our foods.  Foods that are fresh (i.e., in season) and locally-grown are going to be more nutritious because nutrients degrade during shipping and storage. It's also better for the environment (and the economy) because the alternative (shipping foods long distances) uses so much energy. But in many parts of the country, the harvest is now over and the first green shoots of Spring are several months away. So, what's in season now? Winter vegetables! Favorite ways to enjoy winter vegetables (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220473 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:02:04 +0100 4220473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214523&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FgCrSKw13Qsw%2Fstop-throwing-away-those-yolks.html Q. I have friends who only eat egg whites because they think that most of the nutrients are in the whites. They think that the yolks only contain (bad) fat. Don't the yolks contain Omega 3 and lots of other nutrients?A. I'm with you on this one! Eggs are are a super-nutritious food. But when you throw away the yolks, you're throwing a lot of nutrition away. Egg whites are basically just water and high-quality protein.  But the yolk contains almost as much protein as the white! Plus the yolk contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, omega-3s, and an array of vitamins including A, D, and B12. See also: Cancer Questions: Vitamin D DeficiencyEgg yolks also contain a substantial amount of cholesterol, of course, along with a modest amount of saturated fat.  However, research cle... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214523 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:40:22 +0100 4214523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200560&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthanksgiving-a-heart-attack-for-dessert%2F2010.11.25 It seems the Washington Post, cloaked under an anonymous author, wants to use scare tactics to keep most of us from enjoying Thanksgiving with their ominously titled article, “And for dessert, a heart attack?” They spew all kinds of garbage with very little data about how eating a high-fat diet might give you a heart attack. If you want to know more, consider this article* from some pretty smart folks at Harvard. Then eat, drink, and be merry without guilt (courtesy of Dr. Wes). Happy Thanksgiving! - WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. *REFERENCE: Renata, M. and Mozaffarian, D. “Saturated Fat and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes: a Fresh Look at the Evidence.” Lipids, 31 Mar 2010. [Photo credit: La... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200560 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:00:00 +0100 4200560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200562&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthanksgiving-and-your-priorities%2F2010.11.25 Here is my column in [the November 21st] Greenville News: This Thanksgiving we will have 32 guests at the table. Rather, at the tables we scatter about the dining room…and living room…and kitchen. At our house, food is practically a sacrament. And obviously Thanksgiving is the high holiday of American eating. So we will be honoring the tradition by feeding everyone as much as we can. Because the guests are all beloved to us, we will also have a variety of foods, in a variety of presentations. For instance, there will be fresh cranberries for organic purists, as well as a maroon gelatinous mass of cranberries for those who feel that cranberries indeed spring from aluminum. The turkeys will be divided perfectly among dark and light meat lovers. And for the carb-loving, there will be s... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200562 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 13:00:38 +0100 4200562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197388&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FpQ0JMuGUhmQ%2Fis-holiday-weight-gain-exagger.html As we get into the holiday season, you'll no doubt come across the oft-repeated claim that most people will gain five to ten pounds between now and New Years. I've got good news: It's a myth.  According to the National Institutes of Health, average holiday weight gain is closer to a pound. The problem is that most people will carry that pound around with them all year and add another one to it next year. In truth, the much-dreaded "holiday weight gain" isn't nearly as much of a threat as the insidious upward creep of a pound or two a year.   By the same token, the healthy eating and exercise habits that you sustain year-round make a much bigger difference than any two-week cleanse or other January regimen of repentance.Stay healthy all year with Nutrition Data and SELF.com:D... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197388 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:02:06 +0100 4197388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197389&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FChPI2M_sO_I%2Flocal-produce-hard-to-find-in.html Like everyone else, I've been bitten by the "locavore" bug. I try to eat what's local and in season as much as possible. Of course, if you live in Southern California or the southeastern U.S., the growing season is more or less year-round. But what about the rest of us? Where I live in Maryland, for example, not much grows in the winter. So how do we get our five-a-day without resorting to fruits and vegetables that have been trucked in from California or flown all the way from South America? Growing your own sprouts (or "micro-greens") can provide you with fresh, crisp greens throughout the winter. And what could be more local than your own kitchen windowsill?All you need to grow your own sprouts is a couple of quart-sized jars, some cheesecloth or sprouting lids like the ones p... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197389 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:07:33 +0100 4197389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190548&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fvth-RCubZkw%2Fthanksgiving-without-the-misgi.html This Thursday, millions of Americans will sit down with family and friends and consume two days' worth of calories in a single meal. That's right: The average Thanksgiving dinner contains from 3,000 to 4,000 calories! Of course, a single day of overindulging isn't going to ruin your health--but it might set you back on your diet. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Thanksgiving without the misgivings. Eat breakfast. You might be tempted to skip breakfast and/or lunch on Thanksgiving day to "save" calories for the big meal, but if you're ravenous when you sit down to dinner, you're more likely to end up as stuffed as the turkey. Enjoy it all, but in moderation. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy can hardly be considered health food--but it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without them. Don't dep... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190548 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:51:06 +0100 4190548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183575&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FAosee04YLoY%2Fcranberry-caveat.html Get ready for a slew of news stories on the health benefits of cranberries, just in time for Thanksgiving.  There's not really much new research on cranberries--just a publicity campaign timed to coincide with what must surely be the biggest cranberry consumption day of the year.  (The disappearing boundary between news and PR is a topic for another post, but when fruits and vegetables have their own publicists, you have to wonder whether things have gotten out of hand.)Cranberries do, in fact, have a lot going for them.  They contain antioxidants like resveratrol (of red wine fame). They help keep bacteria from adhering to cells, which is why they help ward off urinary tract infections. They may also help fight plaque, lower cholesterol, and reduce tumor formation.  (S... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183575 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:58:19 +0100 4183575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175988&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FxxlCgNTK3a8%2Fthe-difference-between-sweet-p.html Can you tell the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?Although both are starchy, orange root vegetables with a natural sweetness, that's where the similarities end. As you can see on NutritionData.com, the sweet potato (which is related to the morning glory) is lower in calories, has a lower glycemic load, and is much higher in beta-carotene than the yam, which belongs to the lily family.  As a result, a serving of sweet potato is considered to be moderately anti-inflammatory, while a serving of yams is moderately inflammatory. (Read more about the inflammation ratings on ND.)Although the yam does have a few redeeming qualities (like higher levels of vitamin C and folate), the sweet potato appears to be a better bet, nutritionally. But you probably don't need to worry about acc... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175988 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:20:09 +0100 4175988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4168226&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F5NYSLkdKBw4%2Fshould-chefs-know-more-about-n.html Restaurant meals tend to be higher in calories than the meals we cook at home--both because of larger portion sizes and more caloric preparations. In fact, the more meals you eat outside the home, the more likely you (and your kids) are likely to be overweight.See also: How to Dine Out and Stick to Your Diet (SELF.com)Could more calorie-conscious chefs be part of the solution? Penn State University researchers surveyed almost 500 chefs and nearly three-quarters of them said that they could cut 10% of the calories in any meal without the customer noticing any difference. A fifth of them claimed they could cut calories by a quarter without customers noticing. Yet most of the chefs admitted that they didn't really know how many calories were in their dishes and weren't very solid on how they'... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4168226 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 13:52:43 +0100 4168226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159529&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F9fMVTL9oDyA%2Fhealthier-hot-chocolate.html Q. Now that the weather is getting colder, I'd love to treat my family to a healthy version of hot chocolate. Any recipes or recommendations?A. Hot chocolate is a lovely cool weather treat for kids and adults alike. But grocery store mixes often contain ingredients like hydrogenated oils or artificial sweeteners. I suggest making up your own "instant" hot chocolate mix using cocoa powder, sweetener, and powdered milk.  Here's a basic recipe:2 cups powdered milk2/3 cup sugar (or less, see below)2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder  (more if you like it extra chocolaty)Pinch saltCombine all ingredients and store in an air-tight container. To make a cup of hot chocolate, measure 1/4 cup of mix into a mug, add boiling water and stir until blended. The recipe makes about 14 servings. (Cli... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159529 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 13:44:29 +0100 4159529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152305&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Flzb4xRuhiJY%2Fred-meat-not-so-bad-after-all.html A lot of people I know have cut back on meat--specifically red meat--in an effort to make their diets healthier.  I think there are lots of good reasons to eat less meat. (See also: Meatless Monday gets a boost from European study) But regular readers of this blog will know that I've long been suspicious of this idea that "red" meat is any worse for you than "white" meat. See also: Meat and mortality: What's color got to do with it? This idea that red meat is unhealthy is self-reinforcing. Because we've all convinced ourselves that this is true, studies which find a link between red meat and some sort of disease are much more likely to be published and get a lot more press than studies which find no such link.  Never mind that what we categorize as "red" and "white" makes absolut... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152305 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:52:31 +0100 4152305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152306&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fu03UMmEbyLI%2Fis-white-whole-wheat-flour-a-w.html Q. With the holidays around the corner, I'm ready to begin baking.  Does white whole wheat flour offer the same benefits as regular whole wheat flour?A. And then some!  The name can be a little misleading. White whole wheat flour is made from a different type of wheat (white wheat) but it's still a whole grain flour.  If you've ever substituted regular whole wheat flour (which is made from red wheat) in a recipe calling for white flour, you've no doubt noticed that the end product tends to be heavier and denser.  White whole wheat flour offers the best of both worlds. As a whole grain flour, it's higher in nutrients and fiber than refined flour. But it has a lighter, finer texture than regular whole wheat flour. The difference when you substitute it for refined flour... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152306 Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:08:15 +0100 4152306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139497&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F53j45Zv9puY%2Fwhat-to-eat-if-you-take-antide.html Many prescription medications can interfere with the absorption of nutrients or otherwise increase your need for certain vitamins and minerals.  Although the effects can be subtle, if it's a medication you take for an extended period of time, it could potentially add up to nutrient deficiencies.Many common anti-depressants (the ones known as "tri-cyclics") can increase your need for vitamin B2 (aka riboflavin), which helps keep your eyes sparkling and your skinhealthy. Fortunately, there's a delicious solution! Foods high in riboflavin include low-fat milk, eggs, spinach, and almonds--all nutritious foods that pull their weight in all sorts of other ways. (You'll find 'em all featured in SELF's Superfoods Meal Plan).  Antidepressants can also deplete your stores of co-enzyme Q10,... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139497 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 13:22:30 +0100 4139497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106089&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FYrnm1qH6CPI%2Fwhat-to-eat-if-youre-taking-bi.html Many common prescription drugs--including birth control pills--can interfere with absorption or utilization of nutrients. Oral contraceptives, for example, can deplete your body of B6, B12, C, folic acid, magnesium, and zinc.  And because contraceptives are often taken over extended periods of time, even subtle effects could add up to nutrient deficiencies. If you're taking birth control pills, a daily multi-vitamin is a good idea. In addition, be sure to support your body nutritionally with these nutrient-packed foods: (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106089 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:03:47 +0100 4106089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098497&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FSCjG96AWztU%2Fhow-to-store-fruits-and-vegeta.html Q. How long can you store fresh fruits, such as grapes, pineapples, or apples? A. Some fruits store better than others. For example, apples will keep much longer (about three weeks in the fridge) than grapes or pineapple, which keep only about a week. Storing produce properly will maximize its shelf life but the proper method varies, depending on what type of fruit or vegetable you're talking about. Keep in the fridge:Most fruits and veggies will keep best in the crisper drawers of your fridge. Berries tend to be among the most fragile of the fruits, so plan to eat them as quickly as you can. They also mold easily so they're best stored in vented containers and washed just before consuming.Find a cool dark cupboard:Onions, potatoes, winter squash, garlic, and shallots are best kept i... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098497 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:07:32 +0100 4098497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077626&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FZ3qljLDxRI4%2Fwhat-to-eat-when-youre-taking.html Taking antibiotics won't help with a cold, of course, but if that cold turns into a sinus infection, antibiotics are just what the doctor ordered. Your doctor might also prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear up a skin problem, urinary tract infection, or other problem caused by renegade bacteria.  As powerful and effective as they are in such cases, antibiotics can have some unwelcome side effects, such as diarrhea.  Taking antibiotics can also deplete your body of certain nutrients, including B-vitamins, iron, and the bone-building nutrients calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K. Of course, it's important to take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed--and to take every last one of them, even if your symptoms are gone. But to support your body nutritionally, reach for these goo... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077626 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:59:58 +0100 4077626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065623&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FcyMEhUeh7K8%2Fwhat-makes-for-a-healthy-veget.html October is Vegetarian Awareness Month--a time when non-vegetarians are encouraged to explore the benefits of vegetarianism, whether for a meal, a day, a month, or for life.   Vegetarianism appeals to people for a variety of reasons--concerns about health, budget, animal welfare, and environmental impact are a few of the more common. And for those exploring a vegetarian lifestyle, there's both good news and bad news. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065623 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:14:05 +0100 4065623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036961&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FyGKHl_L63_I%2Fattention-urban-gardeners.html Like so many other city-dwellers around the country, I've caught the gardening bug. My little vegetable patch has grown to the extent that it now supplies the majority of our produce from June to September.   So I was aghast to see my city singled out by name in this recent article on the possible risk of lead poisoning from food grown in urban gardens. According to Gabriel Filippelli, the soil in urban areas may be high in lead and other heavy metals, either from automobile exhaust, industrial activity, or paint from older structures.( Even though the buildings may be repainted or long gone, the paint may linger in the soil.) YIKES!Filippelli recommends that home gardeners have an inexpensive soil test to determine whether their soil contains any harmful metals. Good advice--esp... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036961 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:09:43 +0100 4036961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031519&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FQIjFyaocFTk%2Fskin-saving-benefits-of-tomato.html It's true: Certain fruits and vegetables act as sunscreen from within. Researchers found that women whose diets provided 16 milligrams of lycopene every day were protected from the damaging effects of UV-rays, including reddening of the skin and cellular damage.  And lycopene is no one-trick pony: It's also been found to help ward off heart disease and osteoporosis. Skin Saving SuperfoodsLycopene is found in watermelon, guava, and tomatoes.  Cooked tomato products like salsa, tomato juice, and spaghetti sauce are especially good sources. You can get a skin-saving dose of lycopene from:1/3 tomato puree 1/2 cup salsa or marinara sauce6 ounces of V-82 cups watermelon ballsMake sure to eat some of these skin-loving foods every day! For more foods that keep your skin healthy and glowi... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031519 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:05:39 +0100 4031519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018456&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fkg00vJM25vA%2Fcaffeine-buzz-all-in-your-head.html Just came across an interesting study mentioned in the September issue of Self Magazine.Apparently, the mental boost you feel from caffeine is at least partially in your head!Researchers gave sleepy subjects a cup of either regular or decaffeinated coffee and then tested their alertness.  Not surprisingly, those who got the decaf reported feeling no more alert afterward than before. But get this:  When they gave subjects caffeinated coffee but told them it was decaf, the subjects got no benefit. It only helped when they knew it was caffeinated.Unfortunately, it didn't work the other way around. Subjects who were given decaf but told it was caffeinated didn't feel any more alert. Go figure! (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018456 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:08:30 +0100 4018456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013607&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FlOYrzfTl1fw%2Fask-monica-does-toasting-bread.html Q. I've read that toasting bread can reduce the amount of carbohydrates it contains. Is that true?A. When you toast bread, a couple of things happen.  Some of the water in the bread evaporates, making the bread dryer and a bit lighter.  Also, carbohydrate molecules on the surface of the bread undergo a chemical reaction with proteins that causes the food to turn brown. That reaction--called the Maillard reaction--doesn't significantly change the nutritional value of the carbohydrates. It can, however, reduce the digestibility and quality of proteins. Seeing as toast probably isn't your primary source of dietary protein, this is probably not a big issue.  There is one other thing to take into consideration, however. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013607 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:24:49 +0100 4013607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013608&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fuq5D4UR0pN8%2Fcan-a-healthy-diet-turn-your-s.html Q. I eat a healthy diet, with lots of vegetables, and also use supplements, including several whole food powders. Recently, my family pointed out that I have a yellowish tint to my skin and recommended that I get my liver enzymes checked out. My lab results came back normal so I'm wondering if perhaps I might be overdoing it with my vegetable consumption and/or supplements and, if so, which supplement (or vegetable) might be the culprit for my yellowish tint?  A. You were smart to take your family's advice.  Yellow skin tone can signal problems with the liver. But if your lab results cam back normal, I'd say that an excess of carotenoids in your diet is the most likely culprit.  Although there is a medical term for this condition (carotenemia), it's harmless--and reversible!... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013608 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:21:47 +0100 4013608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999315&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F1qEWjZ1vcII%2Fhow-safe-is-imported-fish.html Q. What is your opinion about wild caught salmon from China? Is it safe? It costs so much less than the wild caught salmon from the US.. A.  Actually, the wild-caught salmon you're seeing was most likely harvested in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska and shipped to China for processing.  Because labor costs are so much lower in China, fish suppliers can actually ship their salmon to China and back and still sell it to you cheaper than if it had been processed in the U.S.  I'll leave you to consider the environmental impact of that 8,000 mile round trip. You might also want to take into account that the fish spends at least two months in transit, so it's not exactly the "catch of the day" if you know what I mean.See also: Self's Green Living GuideBut back to your question... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999315 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:44:30 +0100 3999315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3994374&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FJpJmAFlMVew%2Fanxiety-check-do-you-need-to-w.html Q. I recently read that products such as veggie burgers and power bars contain hexane, which is a neurotoxin. Are the levels high enough to cause concern? Should I steer clear of these soy products?A. Although it's made headlines recently, the use of hexane in food processing is nothing new--and certainly not unique to soy-based foods. Hexane is a solvent that is widely used in food processing to extract oil from vegetables and nuts. Although manufacturers take steps to prevent any hexane from ending up in the finished product, it's possible for trace amounts to remain. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3994374 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:43:03 +0100 3994374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3981028&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FsgMN0mpvCCQ%2Fridiculous-advertising-milk-is.html Have you seen the new "Milk is an Imposter" ad? The TV spot--which shows rows of milk cartons wearing false nose and glasses--charges that reduced fat milk contains more saturated fat than a small order of French fries. While the statement is true, it's completely ridiculous. Saying that reduced fat milk contains more saturated fat than French fries is like arguing that oranges contain more sugar than potato chips. It's a complete non sequitur, and here's why: (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3981028 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:30:18 +0100 3981028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973127&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FGAfGRHCLTLo%2Ffive-tips-for-national-5-a-day.html It seems simple enough.  Eat five servings of vegetables a day and reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.  Yet most people continue to eat only about 2 servings of vegetables a day--and one of them is usually potatoes. In recognition of National 5-a-Day Month, here are five ways to get more vegetables into your day: 1.  Start at breakfast.You may not think of vegetables as morning fare but breakfast is a great opportunity to add vegetables to your day.  Add a slice of ripe tomato to your bagel.  Fold some spinach and mushrooms into an omelet. Or wrap scrambled eggs and salsa in a whole-wheat tortilla for breakfast on the go.  2. Double up at dinner.Instead of a single vegetable with dinner, serve two.  For example, you could... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973127 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:45:09 +0100 3973127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4031520&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FKiGaABXwHmE%2Fforget-the-super-foods-and-pla.html Although everyone loves the idea of "super-foods," I've always argued that you're better off playing the field.  For example, when I was writing my book on diet and inflammation, my editor suggested that I include a table of "best" and "worst" foods.  (All editors love Best/Worst lists!)I included the table in my book, but with the following disclaimer: "No matter how healthful certain foods might be, you are better off eating a wide variety of foods than limiting your diet to a few "super-foods."  In addition to being more enjoyable, a varied diet is the only way to get a rich and balanced blend of all the nutrients--those that are known along with those yet to be discovered--that nature provides for our nourishment." (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Mo... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4031520 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:37:51 +0100 4031520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3958072&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FKiGaABXwHmE%2Fforget-the-super-foods-and-pla.html Although everyone loves the idea of "super-foods," I've always argued that you're better off playing the field.  For example, when I was writing my book on diet and inflammation, my editor suggested that I include a table of "best" and "worst" foods.  (All editors love Best/Worst lists!)I included the table in my book, but with the following disclaimer: "No matter how healthful certain foods might be, you are better off eating a wide variety of foods than limiting your diet to a few "super-foods."  In addition to being more enjoyable, a varied diet is the only way to get a rich and balanced blend of all the nutrients--those that are known along with those yet to be discovered--that nature provides for our nourishment." (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Mo... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3958072 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:37:51 +0100 3958072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3938506&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F5ZO2MmaIJAM%2Fsustainable-diets-nutrient-den.html Nutrition Data rates foods according to their nutritional impact. (Learn about the ND Rating.) Others have tried to rank foods according to their environmental impact.  (Here's one recent attempt.)More from SELF.com: The Low-Carb(on) Diet TrendBut what if you were to overlay the two? (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3938506 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:36:04 +0100 3938506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933276&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fu4EoabWdeRw%2Fget-more-antioxidants-from-you.html Tea may be just about the perfect beverage: refreshing, invigorating, and (contrary to conventional wisdom), a good way to stay hydrated. Plus it's full of good-for-you polyphenols, catechins, and other valuable antioxidants that help stave off ovarian and other cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, and even gum disease!  Here are three ways to squeeze more health benefits from that tea bag: (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933276 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:21:30 +0100 3933276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3915310&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FEjiNJHKDQ-8%2Fyour-food-safety-toolkit.html The recent salmonella outbreak and egg recall has dominated the news for over a week now and renewed calls for stronger food safety agencies and policies. See Also: What You Need to Know About the Egg RecallHowever, while it doesn't make the newspapers, by far the biggest cause of food-borne illness is improper handling in the home. A few simple habits can greatly reduce the risk of food contamination in your kitchen. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3915310 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:54:30 +0100 3915310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911881&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F6Yv5xV7EMDk%2Fgot-reflux-acidic-foods-arent.html Q. I am interested in identifying foods that would be bad for someone with acid-reflux related conditions like GERD and Barrett's Espophagus. Is there something on NutritionData.com that would tell me if a food is acidic and should be avoided?A. Nutrition Data doesn't show the acidity (pH) of foods. However, acidic foods are not what causes GERD (reflux) or heartburn.HEALTHY SELF TIP: Sleeping on your left side can help reduce nighttime refluxThe burning sensation and other symptoms of reflux occur when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Your stomach is supposed to be acidic! Acid helps to break down foods (especially proteins) for digestion and also has the important job of killing any pathogenic micro-organisms your food might contain.  In fact: People who take acid-blocking ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911881 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:38:00 +0100 3911881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899660&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F3N6i6k89XLw%2Fegg-recall-a-half-billion-eggs.html The size and scope of the current salmonella-tainted egg recall is overwhelming. But the detail that staggers me is that the half billion eggs involved all came from just two farms: Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms of IowaSee Also: Don't Panic: What You Need to Know About the Recent Egg RecallThe FDA is still investigating to determine what caused the outbreak. It may have been contaminated feed, poor hygiene practices, or just plain bad luck. But look at what happens when you have a single "farm" distributing hundreds of millions of eggs across dozens of states. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899660 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:23:17 +0100 3899660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885555&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FiDlh_9H5mQk%2Fare-your-drinking-habits-healt.html These days, it may not seem like a big deal to have a drink before dinner and a couple of glasses of wine with dinner. Yet, according to the National Institutes of Health, consuming that amount of alcohol puts you in a high risk category.Rethinking Drinking, a website run by the NIH, can help you assess the risks and/or benefits of your drinking habits.You might be surprised to see how just low the threshold for "low-risk" drinking is, especially when you consider the size of a "standard" drink is just 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. The newly (or once again) popular martini drinks usually contain the equivalent of 2 to 4 servings of alcohol.What do you think? Is this too heavy-handed an approach? Are we American's showing our latent puritanism here?  Are the risks of moderate drinking bei... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885555 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 18:45:36 +0100 3885555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845299&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FPj2Ettnhres%2Fcreate-your-own-listings-on-nu.html Nutrition Data gives you the most complete nutritional analysis of the foods you eat, including estimated Glycemic Load, Inflammation Rating, Fullness Factor, Protein Quality, and, of course, a complete breakdown of vitamins, minerals, omega-3s and more.But what if the food you're looking for isn't in the database? Perhaps you've stumbled across a new energy bar or brand of hummus that hasn't yet been added to the USDA's nutrient database. How to create your own entries on Nutrition Data If you have the nutrition facts label (or nutrition information from the company's website) for a food not in our database, you can create your own listing for it using our Custom Entry tool! It's fairly self-explanatory but here is a detailed description of how the tool works.  Once you've cre... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845299 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:14:15 +0100 3845299 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831571&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fc69nAIWOOTI%2Fwhat-am-i-missing-by-juicing-m.html Q. I often don't get in all my servings of veggies for the day. Is juicing the veggies that I haven't eaten an effective way of taking in the extra nutrients that I need? I know I lose out on fiber, but is there anything else that I lose through the process? Thanks!A.  Along with the fiber, some nutrients may also remain in the pulp. For example, if you compare the nutritional value of one raw orange and the juice from one raw orange, you'll see that the fruit not only contains more fiber than the juice but also more vitamin C, vitamin A and calcium.  Exactly how much nutrition is left behind depends on how good a job your juice does extracting juice from the pulp.  But fresh vegetable juice is still very nutritious. Even if you're missing out on some of the fiber and nutrie... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831571 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:56:34 +0100 3831571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780583&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FRzg-qZuhx3g%2Fdoes-iced-tea-cause-kidney-sto.html This article outlines other dietary changes that may help. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780583 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:37:54 +0100 3780583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767339&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FfR9HKUUlqg0%2Fask-monica-whats-the-deal-with.html Q. Do you recommend Nutritional Dry Yeast Flakes for a non vegetarian person? If so, do you recommend cooking them, or would heat degrade their nutritional values? Recently, for about 2 months I suffered from a condition that is often due to B12 deficiency. This surprised me because I eat lean meat 2 or 3 times a week. So I was wondering if dry yeast flakes, which are supposed to be naturally rich in vitamin B12, can help prevent future episodes? A.  Nutritional yeast can be a good source of most B-vitamins, including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, B6, and folic acid.  Some nutritional yeast products are also fortified with vitamin B12--but not all of them are. Vegans (and anyone else) who are counting on nutritional yeast as a primary source of B12 should check the label to be s... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767339 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:15:13 +0100 3767339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761648&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F1MWvXlHkJLA%2Fits-sweetened-with-dates-but-h.html Q. Hi Monica, I watch my sugar intake and I've been searching for a healthy granola bar. Finally, I found Larabars at my grocery store: Only three ingredients and no added sugar. Awesome! My only concern is that the sugar content, while derived completely from dates, is very high.  If I'm limiting my added sugar intake, should I also pay attention to sugars from natural sources? Thank you for your advice!A. You have to be impressed by a processed food with only three ingredients!  But I'm glad you didn't let the glare of that health halo blind you to the high sugar content. In terms of "added sugars," the Larabars squeak through on a technicality.  Added sugars usually refers to refined sugar and other concentrated sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. (Yup, even though they... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761648 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:34:33 +0100 3761648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740850&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F1IeqwVwCjdc%2Fdont-let-summer-travel-unravel.html You've probably scoped out the healthy eateries in your neck of the woods--places where you know you can find meals that fit your diet and nutrition plan. But what to do when you're traveling to unfamiliar places? You can stick to the big corporate chain restaurants. Most now have extensive nutrition information online so you can do your research before you go. But part of the fun of traveling is finding those one-of-a-kind places that you can't find back home. That's why I hope the Healthy Dining Finder catches on. The website currently lists healthy menu options from 60,000 restaurants from around the U.S.--including lots of independently owned and fine dining establishments.  Menus are reviewed and analyzed by nutrition professionals according to criteria posted on the Healthy Dini... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740850 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:26:37 +0100 3740850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733309&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fd2scCpIrzWE%2Fadd-onion-and-garlic-to-unlock.html Zinc and iron--two important minerals that can be tough to get enough of, especially if you don't eat meat.  Part of the problem is that grains and legumes contain a compound called phytic acid that blocks the uptake of minerals from these foods. But researchers have found that the sulfuric compounds found in garlic and onions appears to help "unlock" these minerals and enhance your ability to absorb them.  According to this research, adding a clove of garlic or a quarter of an onion per serving of rice or legumes can double your nutrient take-away!  Here a few yummy, seasonal options that fit the bill:Warm Herbed Coriander Rice SaladWheat Berry Salad with Green and Red OnionRed Lentil and Tofu CurryChickpea Walnut Burgers (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritioni... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733309 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:22:03 +0100 3733309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3721982&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FpZN2iGDPfBw%2Fwhats-all-this-saturated-fat-doing-in-my-hearthealthy-fish.html Q. I eat a lot of cold water fish such as herring and sardines for their healthy fat profile, but am often very surprised by their high saturated fat levels. For example,a can of Crown Prince Natural brisbane sardines in water has 17g of fat, 8g of sat fat and 2g omega-3. Is the saturated fat in fish any different or better than the saturated fat in a hamburger? A. It's true that fish (like all animal flesh) contains some saturated fat.  In the listing for sardines here on ND, only about 15% of the fat is saturated, while about 50% of the fat in the Crown Prince brand is saturated. Both brands contain about the same amount of omega-3s.  Frankly, I'm not sure why that brand has such a different fat profile.  But as for the saturated fat itself, it is chemically... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3721982 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:36:36 +0100 3721982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733312&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F9eJtEct80Tw%2Fhow-are-calories-in-food-measu.html Q. How do we determine the energy content of a food ? For instance, how do we know that 200g of beef provides roughly 350 kcal ? A. A popular project for high school science fairs is building a calorimeter--a device that measures the energy in foods or other objects.  You build a combustion chamber in which you can burn a piece of food. The heat (energy) generated is transferred to a chamber containing water.  By measuring the difference in the temperature of the water, you can calculate how many calories the food contained. How to Build a Calorimeter But calorimeters overstate the amount of energy that you actually get out of your food. Due to the vagaries of digestion and absorption, you capture only a percentage of the energy that food contains. Fiber, for example, c... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733312 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:03:55 +0100 3733312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733313&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FAEF0Z1ynEOw%2Forganic-means-fewer-chemicals.html "Are organic foods less fattening than regular foods?"  It seems like a silly question. Obviously, organic certification describes how foods are produced. It has nothing to do with how much fat, sugar, or calories a food contains.  Yet consumers apparently think desserts are less fattening if they're organic, as demonstrated by a recent study at the University of Michigan.  Of course, we're all too smart for that, right?  Actually, I suspect we're all a lot more susceptible to the "health halo effect" than we think.  When we read about these studies, the subjects' responses seem naive and silly--but that's because we're in on the joke.  Had we been the one in the hot seat--and not clued in to the point of the questions, a lot of us would probably reveal the ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733313 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:49:07 +0100 3733313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702919&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fdepressing-study-showing-that-exercise-does-not-prevent-weight-gain-for-middle-aged-womenunless-theyre-already-at-a-health.html Depressing study showing that exercise does not prevent weight gain for middle-aged women...unless they're already at a healthy weight. Le sigh. http://getbetterhealth.com/physical-activity-for-weight-loss-not-for-most-middle-aged-women/2010.06.26#more-22553 Of course as with any study, it raises as many questions as it answers. And since only the abstract is available at no cost on the JAMA site, I'm not sure if the answers are available or not.Like: Isn't weight loss still (mostly) a mathematical equation? Is the fact that exercise did not prevent weight gain indicative that women who exercised were eating more to fuel their energy to exercise? Or is it disproving the whole generally accepted notion that weight loss is all about calories in vs. calories out.Inquiring minds... HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702919 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3702919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687375&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FWyR_GpW5GQU%2Fare-there-antibiotics-in-grainfed-beef.html Q. I have a question about grain-fed verses grass-fed meat. Does the fattier, grain-fed meat contain antibiotics?A. The short answer is "No."   But I think you may be confusing a couple of different issues here.Grass-fed meat may or may not be raised organically. And organically-raised cows may be grazed on pasture or fed (organic) grain. Unless the meat is certified organic, it's likely that the cows were given antibiotics--regardless of whether they were grass-fed or fattened on grain.Even if the animals are given antibiotics, however, the antibiotics are not going to be present in the meat itself. The problem with agricultural use of antibiotics is not that the antibiotics remain in the meat--it's that they breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria.For more on wh... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687375 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:33:15 +0100 3687375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733315&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F4lx77MqO-UQ%2Flove-of-salt-is-in-your-genes.html In the debate over whether to force manufacturers to reduce sodium in processed foods, I've observed that some will benefit more than others.  It appears that some will also suffer more than others.Although we know that people who eat a lot of salt develop a tolerance and preference for saltier foods, Penn State researchers find that genetics also plays a role in how salty you like your food.   While some are happy with (or can at least adjust to) food with less salt, others will always find low-sodium foods especially unpalatable. Interestingly, it seems as if those with hyper-sensitive taste buds (super-tasters) tend to choose saltier foods.  Although they experience salt as super-salty, they appear to need more salt in order to block or balance bitter tastes tha... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733315 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:53:04 +0100 3733315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676916&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FbfV-1ZMdWIg%2Fpreference-for-salt-has-a-genetic-component.html This study used healthy volunteers. What I'd like to see now is an investigation into whether the super-taster trait is more or less likely in those with salt-sensitive hypertension! (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676916 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:01:08 +0100 3676916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3662979&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FZL4K8VFSssI%2Fjust-married-watch-out-for-weight-gain.html It's wedding season again. Thousands of brides and grooms will traipse down the aisle, say "I do," and promptly begin packing on the pounds.  Statistically, getting married will increase your Body Mass Index (BMI) by 1.5 to 2 points.    See also "For Better, for Worse, For BMI" from this weekend's New York Times.If you're getting hitched this summer, why not make one more vow to one another?  Make a pledge not to let your domestic bliss derail your healthy life style.   (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3662979 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:11:08 +0100 3662979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733317&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fxjd_6Thc86M%2Fsports-nutrition-as-a-substitu.html Sports nutrition products--drinks, bars, powders, and supplements--are selling well, but not necessarily to athletes. According to industry research, the biggest market for these products are people who don't actually exercise, but are attracted to the idea of doing something "healthy."  In other words, they're consuming sports drinks and bars as a substitute for actual exercise. Now that is some magical thinking.  Many of these products do offer proven benefits. They can increase stamina, strength, endurance, and enhance muscle growth.  In my experience, however, susceptible consumers vastly over-estimate the benefits. More importantly, they completely ignore the critical fact that these benefits only occur in the context of a serious training regimen and optimized nutri... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733317 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:52:30 +0100 3733317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652715&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FP84LkRyGmvI%2Fhealthy-recip-1.html Wild Rice Salad makes a terrific side dish for a picnic or barbecue. Wild rice, which is distantly related to regular rice, is lower in carbs, and higher in protein, zinc, and iron.  I particularly like this recipe from our sister site, Epicurious.com. The sweet and hot red peppers add bright flavor and a burst of vitamin C. This recipe is also wheat and gluten free. Click here to see the complete nutritional analysis. Click "add to recipes" to save this recipe for future reference.  (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652715 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:25:00 +0100 3652715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629897&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F8IM8zUe4Kgg%2Fdo-potatoes-have-fewer-usable-calories-than-advertised.html Q. I was wondering if the calorie counts are accurate for raw potatoes.  I've heard they have a lot of "resistant starch." Does this mean that some of the calories listed do not get fully digested and pass through our system?A. Actually, raw potatoes are not the ones that contain resistant starch.  In potatoes that have been cooked and then cooled, some of the starches appear to be converted into a form that is more resistant to enzymatic digestion. As a result, a few of those starches might indeed pass through the system undigested. (For more about resistant starches, see this recent episode of my weekly podcast.)But the larger question remains: Are the effects of resistant starches accounted for in the calorie counts? My tentative answer is: probably not. As mos... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629897 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 19:42:55 +0100 3629897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603891&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F6oBUJCBDSgo%2Fis-orac-the-best-measure-of-antioxidants.html Q. In researching antioxidants, I've come across lists of foods ranked by ORAC and flavanol content. Which is more important if one wishes to eat a very high antioxidant diet? Also, how does the older ORAC compare with the newer ORAC-fn measure? Could different measures rank foods differently?  A. There are hundreds--maybe thousands--of compounds in foods that have antioxidant activity. We haven't come close to identifying them all.  Plus, they work together synergistcally, so the total effect is more than the sum of the individual actions. The value of tests like ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is that they attempt measure the actual antioxidant activity of a food, rather than measuring individual nutrients, like vitamin C, or even families of nutrients, like flavano... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603891 Thu, 27 May 2010 15:34:49 +0100 3603891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3595926&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FLkto19cqlIU%2Fwhats-for-lunch-once-school-is-out.html Q. The school year for our kids (6, 12, and 16) is coming to an end in a couple of weeks. I am already wondering what they are going to eat for lunch or during the day. Do you have any suggestions of a healthy lunch or snacks menu that I can prepare beforehand, since I work all day? They usually grab anything is available in the fridge or pantry but I would like to provide to them more nutritious alternatives. A.  No matter how many nutritious options you provide, kids are likely to to push them aside and reach instead for chips, snacks, and sweets.  I think your attempts to get your kids to go for nutritional alternatives will be more successful if you keep tempting but non-nutritious foods out of the house as much as possible.  As for what to leave in the fridge inste... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3595926 Mon, 24 May 2010 16:05:58 +0100 3595926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3589062&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FVtiMEJ8H6Uo%2Feating-out-without-overeating.html  If you're trying to manage your calorie intake, eating out can be extremely challenging. Researchers recently surveyed people to find out which aspects of eating in restaurants they found most difficult when trying to watch their weight. They also asked what strategies they use to manage calorie intake at restaurants. Lots of folks reported that over-sized portions were a problem--as was the fact that they find restaurant food to be tastier than what they might make at home. People also reported a variety of coping mechanisms, such as substituting appetizers for entrees, splitting an entree with another diner, or asking to have a portion of the meal wrapped to go. But the thing that seemed to pose the biggest challenge for the most people? Being overly hungry when they get to th... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3589062 Fri, 21 May 2010 17:54:35 +0100 3589062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3577665&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FX94d7lV6il0%2Fwould-reducing-sodium-make-us-thinner.html As I'm sure you've heard, the U.S. government is considering new measures that would force food manufacturers to gradually reduce the amount of sodium in processed and packaged foods. Public health experts argue that reducing sodium would save lives, primarily by reducing high blood pressure. I have mixed feelings about this. There's the question of whether the government should be reaching this far into the marketplace and personal choices. There's the question of whether we should reduce everyone's salt intake, when only a minority of people actually benefit. There are even legitimate questions about whether that minority would benefit. (See this related post.) But maybe there's another benefit we're not considering.   Salty foods stimulate appetite and lead to overeating.&n... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3577665 Tue, 18 May 2010 17:36:18 +0100 3577665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569807&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsedating-yourself-with-food-why%2F2010.05.16 Dr. Whoo and I seem to be in the same place at the same time — we both struggle with our weight because we’re using food for something other than sustenance. We use it to manage stress. Overeating is, after all, a wonderful sedative. It soothes the savage beast and all that. And it really works. I’ve probably saved my marriage and my job and kept from killing my kids and my husband by sedating myself with food. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Blog that Ate Manhattan* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569807 Sun, 16 May 2010 16:00:00 +0100 3569807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556393&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FnIECnpdxzjc%2Fwhere-are-the-pesticides-beyond-the-dirty-dozen.html This report offers valuable information on how to prioritize our efforts to avoid pesticides. However, I think it's important to put this information in perspective.  It's not always possible or practical to eat organic. But don't let fears over pesticide residues keep you from eating (or feeding your kids) fruits and vegetables. It's estimated that fewer than 4% of cancer cases can be attributed to chemical exposure, and that number all kinds of occupational exposure. However, poor diets are implicated in up to a third of cancer cases. Take Home:  The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables far outweigh the risks. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556393 Wed, 12 May 2010 12:51:24 +0100 3556393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552580&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FDSultIkf9zU%2Fnutritional-medicine-is-finally-focusing-on-food.html As we head into the second day of the Nutrition and Health Conference, I can't help but reflect what a difference a decade makes. Ten years ago, conferences like this one were dominated by research and presentations about individual nutrients, like tocotrienols or pycnogenol.  The protocols all involved cocktails of high dose nutritional supplements.  The exhibit hall was filled with supplement manufacturers.This week, I haven't heard a single presentation (and seen only a handful of slides) about isolated nutrients. Instead, the focus is on food. The research and protocols all address what foods make up the diet, how they are prepared, processed, combined, and balanced to promote health.  And out in the exhibition hall? Vital Choice Wild Seafood, POM pomegranate ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552580 Tue, 11 May 2010 12:53:09 +0100 3552580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549594&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fzkh-kZkrRR0%2Fintact-grains-versus-whole-grain-flours.html More from the Nutrition and Health Conference: If you ask the average American to name a whole grain product, most will answer "whole wheat bread." Indeed, the USDA puts brown rice and whole grain bread into the same nutritional category--and promotes these "whole grain" foods as being better for you than refined grains such as white rice and white bread. As Andrew Weil pointed out in his remarks this morning, this is in grave disservice to public health. Foods made with flour--whether whole grain or refined--have a higher glycemic load than whole, intact grains. He makes a good point. Our current dietary guidelines would rank the following four foods from best to worst like this: 1.  Brown rice 2.  Whole wheat bread 3.  White rice 4.  ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549594 Mon, 10 May 2010 15:59:00 +0100 3549594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3530053&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FiEUDcLV4nmI%2Fspice-up-your-burgers-to-reduce-harmful-compounds.html Here's a study with delicious implications (recipe follows).A little biochemical background: When meats are cooked, certain fatty acids in them can form compounds that may play a role in heart disease and cellular mutations that can lead to cancer.  For some, this is just another good argument for avoiding animal protein. But for those who decide to eat meat anyway, researchers have found a way to dramatically reduce the formation of these "lipid peroxidation products" at your Memorial Day barbecue this year. (You have to love research that involves a grill!)The researchers cooked up two kinds of hamburgers: one just contained beef and salt. The other included an antioxidant-rich spice mixture including ground cloves, cinnamon, oregano, ginger, rosemary, ginger, black p... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3530053 Tue, 04 May 2010 14:54:51 +0100 3530053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3526978&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FOeolBtFsV9s%2Fhow-would-an-hfcs-ban-affect-public-health.html Researchers will continue to debate whether or not high fructose corn syrup represents a unique threat to our health. But regardless of what the truth turns out to be, consumers have already made up their minds. And as far as manufacturers are concerned, the customer is always right. “Our focus is on consumer preference, not the science,” a ConAgra representative told the New York Times. (See "The Sweet Talk Gets Harder")In response to persistent angst over high fructose corn syrup, manufacturers--who continue to argue that fears about HFCS are unfounded--are nonetheless starting to remove high fructose corn syrup from processed foods and replace it with cane sugar.  So, what effect will removing HFCS from the food supply have on our nation's obesity and diabetes ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3526978 Mon, 03 May 2010 14:05:40 +0100 3526978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519753&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fvy9-kQWXkPE%2Ffood-industry-opposes-bpa-ban-of-course.html I hate to be cynical but I think I can see where this is going. A food safety bill with broad bipartisan support and poised to become law is suddenly being opposed by food industry and business groups. Why? Because of a recently added amendment to ban BPA from food packaging. (More from the Washington Post) Food packagers think we should wait two more years for the FDA to complete its investigation before deciding whether or not to remove BPA from the food supply. Consumer advocates and health researchers argue that when there is as much reasonable cause for concern as there is for BPA, the substance should not be "innocent until proven guilty" but rather "off the shelf until proven innocent." Should the food industry control food safety legislation? Of course not.&#... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519753 Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:13:00 +0100 3519753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501727&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FuFm4yU2kQuw%2Fmore-evidence-linking-sugar-to-heart-disease.html The American Heart Association now recommends that you keep added sugars to less than 5% of your calorie intake.  That's about 25 grams or 1 1/2 teaspoons per day for an average-sized adult.  This week, a new study published in JAMA adds weight to the argument. A team of researchers analyzing dietary records from the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found a strikingly linear correlation between added sugars and heart disease risk factors. As sugar intake went up, HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels went down and triglycerides went up. The average intake of added sugars, by the way, was about 16% of total calories.  Sweet and Natural It's tempting to blame excessive sugar consumption on too much processed food. And, re... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501727 Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:31:01 +0100 3501727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494565&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FlWVeGbHmMjk%2Fhow-much-sodium-does-marinating-add.html Q. I'm confused about how to calculate sodium content in marinated foods.  For instance, if I marinate 1 lb London Broil with 8 tbs of marinade (1000 mg  sodium), grill and then cut into 4 servings, will each serving have 250 mg sodium from the marinade?A. That sounds like a fairly small amount of marinade (and a pretty low sodium one at that!). If all of the marinade is absorbed and or cooked onto the steak, then your method would be fairly accurate. In general, though, it is very tricky to estimate how much sodium might be absorbed from marinades.  It would depend on how much sodium was in the marinade, how long you marinated it, how much surface area was exposed to the marinade, how much marinade you discarded, and maybe even the acidity of the marinade.  Sho... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494565 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:21:31 +0100 3494565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3483155&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FK0Cynqbx7Ew%2Fwhat-does-it-cost-to-eat-cheaply.html How much do you spend on groceries?  The USDA tracks the cost of food on a monthly basis, in part, as a way to determine the level of supplemental food assistance (food stamps) it offers to lower income families. In February 2010, for example, the USDA estimated that an adult male, eating all his meals at home, could meet his nutritional needs for about $38 a week if he followed the Thrifty Food Plan developed by the USDA.  Here's the suggested weekly shopping list for an adult male on the Thrifty plan: 4 1/2 pounds of grains (rice, bread, pasta, cereal) 2 1/2 pounds potatoes 5 pounds other vegetables 2 pounds canned or dry beans 6 1/2 pounds fresh fruit 1 3/4 pounds fruict juice concentrate 11 pounds of dairy products 2 1/2 pounds chicken 1/2 pound beef ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3483155 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:08:58 +0100 3483155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3476104&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FXrTTuffDMp8%2Fhexane-scare-overstated.html I've gotten several emails asking me to comment on the recent soy-burger scandal.  Here's the background if you're just tuning in:A report published by the Cornucopia Institute (which describes itself as a "progressive farm policy research group") revealed the "dirty little secret" of the soy industry, namely that a solvent called hexane is commonly used in the processing of soybeans.  Hexane is widely used in food processing to extract oil from vegetables and nuts. Not surprisingly, traces of hexane have been detected in some soy foods leading to over-wrought headlines like "Veggie Burgers Contain Poisonous Chemicals" and "Which Veggie Burgers contain Neurotoxins?"  Hexane gas is indeed highly toxic. Breathing hexane fu... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3476104 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:25:13 +0100 3476104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3468056&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FtJtwHmyDZ9c%2Ffarmed-tilapia-better-for-the-earth-but-worse-for-you.html As noted in this item from the New York Times, farmed catfish and tilapia generally get the thumbs-up from ecologists and environmental watchdogs. Because these fish are relatively short-lived vegetarians and are raised in closed ponds or tanks, the farming operations don't negatively impact the surrounding water quality and wild fish species the way, for example, salmon farming does. Unfortunately, however, farmed catfish and tilapia recently got a resounding thumbs down from nutrition researcher Floyd Chilton and his team at Wake Forest. Unlike their wild cousins, the farmed versions of these fish are extremely high in omega-6 fatty acids, due the corn-based feed they're fed. In making their case to the press, Chilton & Co. got a little carried away, implying that you'd be better of... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3468056 Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:41:01 +0100 3468056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3454044&cid=t_356127_127_f&fid=38263&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fdeepesthealth%2FBMCc%2F%7E3%2FVRJ2r4QWC-4%2F Today, I would like to present the first part of a three-part series about flavor combinations in Chinese herbal medicine. You may remember that the issue of flavors is one of the things I’ve been discussing with my students at NCNM. The question of what the symbol of flavor actually means and how it can best be used by practitioners is one of considerable importance, in my opinion. I tend to become suspicious of any piece of information that is said over and over again, yet never described in much detail. Flavor fits that description, in my experience. In my class, I ask students to conceive and complete a project on a topic of interest in the realm of herbal medicine. Most students decide to dive deeply into exploring a single herb, using research, art, poetry, dance, horticulture,... Deepest Health: Exploring Classical Chinese Medicine blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3454044 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:56:17 +0100 3454044 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3420777&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F1A2i2gSfcpc%2Fwine-and-your-health.html Q.Everyone these days is talking about the positive effects of a glass of wine a day. I'm not currently drinking alcohol, so I have been substituting it with 4oz of 100% grape juice every morning. Am I receiving similar health benefits? Am I better off drinking a glass of wine instead? A. The health benefits of wine are thought to be due to a combination of things. Wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grape skins which is thought to be beneficial. Solid research on the benefits of resveratrol in humans is somewhat skimpy. But you can get the purported benefits of resveratrol just as well by drinking grape juice.  In addition, moderate alcohol consumption (whether in the form of wine or other alcoholic beverages) appears to be protective against hea... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3420777 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:08:00 +0100 3420777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404169&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FoUNAVJp_1Sc%2Fplanning-your-garden-check-this-out.html With the last frost quickly approaching, I'm spending a lot of time planning my vegetable garden these days. For years, I've been drawing out my plans on graph paper. By the end of the season, of course, the dirt- and water-stained sheets bear only a vague resemblance to what actually happened out there. But I store them away for future reference. This year, a friend turned me on to the online garden planning site, GrowVeg.com. You can map out your garden and then experiment with various planting plans by dragging and dropping vegetables onto your plan. The program tells you how much space to leave for your plants (something I often underestimate) and has tips on timing, fertilizing, and companion planting.  When you're done, you have a colorful plan that you can print out  (and... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404169 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:34:08 +0100 3404169 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3391017&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FVN0wt8qqMlE%2Fgrassfed-beef-and-omega3s-the-fine-print.html I'm all for grass-fed beef--mostly because I'm for raising livestock on pasture rather than feedlots. But I'm starting to sense a nutrition myth in the making here. One of the big "talking points" for grass-fed meat is that it is higher in omega-3 fatty acids. This is true. But while grass-fed beef is HIGHER in omega-3 than grain-fed beef, it is not HIGH in omega-3 fats.Let's take a closer look:I compared 100g of grass-fed beef to 100g of regular beef.  Both contained about 13g of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat. And, indeed, the amount of omega-3 in the grass-fed was 125% higher than in the regular beef.That sounds pretty impressive until you consider how little omega-3 fat is in either one.  The regular beef contains 38 mg of omega-3 fats; the grass... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3391017 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:29:26 +0100 3391017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366453&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fo-rpMzbSx-w%2Fa-taste-for-fat.html It turns out that humans have a taste receptor for fat--similar to the sensors that detect sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes.  According to a new published study, this sensor responds to the presence of fatty acids in foods. I'm guessing that this is what we sense when a food tastes "rich." However, people's sensitivity to this taste varies. A dish may be palatable to one taster but "too rich" for another.  Not surprisingly, people who are more sensitive to fats tend to eat fewer fatty foods and to weigh less.  Although the study did not address this, researchers wonder whether a high fat diet eventually causes us to lose our "fat sensitivity," leading us to consume more fat and gain weight? It's not hard to imagine this.&#0... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366453 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:12:40 +0100 3366453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350608&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F6CHG4S0HpGI%2Ffresh-vegetables-think-again.html What could be more nutritious than fresh vegetables? Frozen ones, quite possibly. A new study finds that frozen vegetables, which are usually processed within hours of being harvested, may contain more of certain nutrients than "fresh" vegetables, which may be weeks old by the time they're consumed. This latest study was funded by Birds-eye, but it's actually nothing we didn't already know. According to the USDA, fresh vegetables can lose up to 50% of their nutritional value after just one or two days of room temperature storage or one to two weeks of cold storage.  This is not a nutritional emergency. Even at half strength, vegetables are still among the most nutritious foods you can choose. And many valuable nutrients, such as fiber, minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins like E and ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350608 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:12:33 +0100 3350608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338442&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F5qe0iRelqSk%2Fhow-safe-is-imported-fish.html Q. Is imported frozen fish from countries like India and Vietnam safe? I avoid buying any food imported from China but I bought frozen Swai Basa Fish (farmed) from Vietnam and frozen Squid (caught wild) from India. They tasted really good and they were cheap, but I'm wondering if we can trust those imports or they may be full of some toxic stuff.A.  Theoretically, the safety of fish being sold in U.S. markets is monitored by federal agencies such as the FDA, whose job it is to be sure that the fish sold for human consumption in the U.S is ""safe, wholesome, and not misbranded or deceptively packaged."  (Institute of Medicine on Seafood Safety)But as we've seen lately, the ability of the FDA to effectively police the food supply and enforce its regulations... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338442 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:06:44 +0100 3338442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322658&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fhh-8iRhtmMs%2Fbalancing-a-high-sodium-diet.html Q.  I'm a college student and while I definitely focus on maintaining a balanced diet I am concerned about my sodium intake.  With the amount of processed foods in the school cafeteria, it's almost impossible to maintain a low sodium diet.  I'm healthy and active with a normal blood pressure and I've always considered sodium the least worrisome of the food evils (though high blood pressure does run in my family). My personal assumption has always been that as long as I increase my water intake along with sodium, everything will "balance out" in the body.  Is there any truth to this? If so, how much water is necessary to offset 2400 mg sodium over the recommended daily value? A. First, I congratulate you for making nutrition a priority!&#016... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322658 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:13:15 +0100 3322658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3311962&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F_rXTF8r_iiY%2Fwalnuts-are-high-in-omega3s-but-theres-a-catch.html Q. I always hear that walnuts are great for their Omega-3 levels, but I've also heard the ratio of Omega3 to Omega6 is also very important in one's diet.  And walnuts' ratio of Omega3 to Omega6 doesn't seem that great, so I am confused.Monica's Response: Walnuts contain the most omega-3 fats of any nuts. An ounce of English walnuts contains about 2.5 grams of omega-3 fats, which is about twice the suggested Daily Value for omega-3.But, you're right: current thinking is that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats is at least as important as the absolute intake. For most people, the challenge is to decrease omega-6 and/or increase omega-3 to approach a 4:1 ratio (four times as much omega-6 as omega-3). Some people think you should aim for 2:1 or even 1:1.  G... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3311962 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 17:14:05 +0100 3311962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280211&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FcVrIVufIwPI%2Fhow-healthy-is-100-fruit-juice-really.html Q. What should I look for when buying fruit juice? For example the "100% pure and natural orange juice" says it contains 0% Vitamin C. How is that possible? Another one provides 100% Vitamin C but from the list of ingredients we see that Vitamin C is actually added. A. The USDA considers a half cup of fruit juice equivalent to a serving of fruit but I have my doubts.  Processed fruit juice--even 100% juice--is a distant second to fresh whole fruit in terms of its nutritional value. For one thing, fruit juice is a very concentrated source of sugar and calories. All the fiber, which slows the absorption of the sugars in whole fruit, has been removed. Secondly, many (most?) of the naturally-occurring nutrients are lost during processing, pasteurization, and storage.  As you foun... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280211 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:03:18 +0100 3280211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3275760&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fjamie-oliver-at-ted-i-actually-dont-think-jamie-is-saying-something-revolutionary-or-new-in-his-tedtalk-this-yearall-about.html Jamie Oliver at TED I actually don't think Jamie is saying something revolutionary or new in his TedTalk this year...all about teaching children about real foods in order to save our lives...BUT: 1. He has a passion that is, hopefully, infectious 2. He's actually gone out and done something about it in a community in our unhealthiest state, West Virginia. And it seems replicatable. Check out his 20 minute talk: (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3275760 Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3275760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3267234&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F3orBQ9c_HpY%2Fvinegar-and-carb-digestion-the-details.html Adding vinegar to a meal is known to reduce its glycemic impact, or the speed at which the carbohydrates are converted into blood glucose. But a new study from the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism offers some welcome details.How much does it take? Adding about two teaspoons of vinegar to a meal containing complex carbohydrates can reduce their glycemic impact by about 20%.   Interestingly, vinegar does not seem to slow the metabolism of simple sugars such as those in fruit, juice, or sweetened foods and beverages.  It appears to affect only complex carbohydrates, which are found in grains, cereal, bread, pasta, and beans.It's easy enough to include vinegar in a meal of pasta or beans--just add a salad with vinaigrette or some pickled vegetables. But how do we work v... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3267234 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:54:27 +0100 3267234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259303&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fh3VHWo8rE-Y%2Fask-monica-do-nutrients-leach-into-foods-from-cans.html Q. I bought a can of "Ruby Red Grapefruit Sections in Light Syrup" that claims a 1/2 cup serving (126g) contains 15% of the recommended amount of iron. Where is the iron coming from? The ingredients are "Grapefruit, Water, Sugar, Citric Acid." I didn't think any of these ingredients contained significant amounts of iron. Is it possible the citric acid is leaching the iron from the tin can?A. You're right: None of these ingredients are a significant source of iron. It's also true that the citric acid could cause iron to leach into the foods from the can. (As for what else might be leaching into the food, See also this recent post on BPA in canned foods.)The listing for canned grapefruit sections in light syrup here on NutritionData.com (no brand given) indica... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259303 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:29:33 +0100 3259303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3254754&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Ff8vkJ2St4zs%2Fhow-far-do-we-need-to-go-to-avoid-processed-foods.html Q. I am trying to reduce the amount of processed foods in my diet, and I recently learned that soy milk is a processed food; which leads me to wonder whether cow's milk and other dairy products are also considered "processed"?   Would I be better off taking a supplement to get my vitamin D and calcium? A. Yes, soybeans are cooked and pressed to make plain soy milk.  Commercially available cow's milk is skimmed, homogenized, and pasteurized. So, both are "processed." However, either one would be considerably less processed than a vitamin supplement, don't you think? I think the movement away from processed foods is a great idea!  But if avoiding "processed" foods means that you need to take a vitamin supplement to supply ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3254754 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:26:44 +0100 3254754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3239848&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FyPSDzr0n1rA%2Fare-extruded-foods-bad-for-you.html Q. I always thought Cheerios were really good for you; but I guess they are "extruded"?  How healthy are Cheerios?A.  Many cereals, pastas, and snack foods are "extruded." That's not really as bad as it sounds. It simply means that grains are ground into flour, mixed into a semi-solid paste or dough and then squeezed through a tube or nozzle to produce a particular shape.  In the case of pasta shapes, like shells or penne, they are simply dried.  Cereals, crackers, and other foods may then be toasted or fried.An extruded food can be made with whole grain flour, in which case it retains the bran and germ, or from refined flours.  It  may contain a lot of added sugar, fat, and/or sodium--or very little.  Cheerios are made from... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3239848 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:21:38 +0100 3239848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3244073&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FFiJAgvT8pz4%2Fprocessed-foods-and-your-metabolism-part-2.html Last week, I answered a question from a reader who wanted to know if there was evidence to support the idea that processed foods could slow your metabolism.In the popular imagination, the word "metabolism" is thrown around somewhat loosely. A "sluggish metabolism" might be invoked to explain anything from slow digestion to fatigue to weight gain. But when I hear "metabolism," I understand it to refer to how energy-efficient (or inefficient) the body is: How much energy does it take to maintain basic body functions? For example, low thyroid function or long-term calorie restriction can slow your metabolism, or reduce your energy needs. Your metabolic rate (and energy needs) can go up following surgery or injury.  Now, there are certainly plenty of reasons... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3244073 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:48:27 +0100 3244073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3236126&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FFiJAgvT8pz4%2Fprocessed-foods-and-your-metabolism-part-2.html Last week, I answered a question from a reader who wanted to know if there was evidence to support the idea that processed foods could slow your metabolism.In the popular imagination, the word "metabolism" is thrown around somewhat loosely. A "sluggish metabolism" might be invoked to explain anything from slow digestion to fatigue to weight gain. But when I hear "metabolism," I understand it to refer to how energy-efficient (or inefficient) the body is: How much energy does it take to maintain basic body functions? For example, low thyroid function or long-term calorie restriction can slow your metabolism, or reduce your energy needs. Your metabolic rate (and energy needs) can go up following surgery or injury.  Now, there are certainly plenty of reasons... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3236126 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:48:27 +0100 3236126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3228036&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FkOCnagE4Wp0%2Ffeeling-stressed-chocolate-can-help.html It's no coincidence that Heart Health Month, Chocolate Lover's Month, and Valentine's Day are all celebrated in February.  It gives chocolate makers a great opportunity to remind us that the antioxidants in chocolate are good for hearts and sweethearts. And the good news on chocolate just keeps piling up. Chocolate can lift your mood and ease emotional stress. Now, research shows that it actually reduces the biochemical impact of stress as well.  People who rated themselves as "highly stressed" ate an ounce and a half of dark chocolate every day. After two weeks, researchers found that that the level of stress hormones and other markers of stress in the subjects were reduced.  (See study.) Online Surveys & Market Research (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3228036 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:09:20 +0100 3228036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212286&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fthe-5-second-rule-proven%2F You know the five-second rule if you drop food? Well, now you have proof of it: Click on the paper to see. ~~~ Image: iStock.com Post from: Healthbolt (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212286 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:51:51 +0100 3212286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208483&cid=t_356127_113_f&fid=34603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fginasmith.typepad.com%2Fgina_on_gina%2F2010%2F01%2Flast-dinner-in-hong-kong.html What an amazing meal and a terrific city. I could so totally live here : ) (Source: I'm Gina Smith) I'm Gina Smith blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208483 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:57:57 +0100 3208483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3200515&cid=t_356127_113_f&fid=34603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fginasmith.typepad.com%2Fgina_on_gina%2F2010%2F01%2Fron-posner-and-i-doing-biz-in-hong-kong-and-what-a-view.html Lunch on top floor of Sogo store in Causeway District. What a view! (Source: I'm Gina Smith) I'm Gina Smith blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3200515 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:41:51 +0100 3200515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189438&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F9JMDjdMxoQk%2Fnutrition-data-not-an-exact-science.html Every week, I get questions from users who are convinced that they've found an error on our site. I'm happy to chase these issues down because if there is an error, we want to correct it.  My first step is always to check the data on our site against the USDA's online database (which you can access here). In virtually every case, our site correctly reflects the USDA data.  Of course, the USDA's database contains some errors. In fact, several errors in the USDA database have been corrected over years because ND users found them and I passed them along to the team over there. As a Nutrition Data user, you can take partial credit for improving the accuracy of our nation's nutrient composition data! More often, however, it's a misunderstanding on the part of... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189438 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:13:31 +0100 3189438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185660&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FXTD8P_nDGsQ%2Fbpa-which-foods-are-safe.html Q. I've heard that BPA can be in the lining of many canned foods and in the lids of jarred food. I am planning to get pregnant in the next couple of months so I'm trying to avoid BPA. Should I avoid all jarred and canned food? How can I find out which foods are bpa free and safe to eat?A. The FDA sent out a confusing mixed message this week. On the one hand, the FDA officials admit they have concerns over the safety of BPA in food products such as canned goods and baby formula.  The agency says it supports "reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA" and advises consumers not to fill containers made with BPA with hot liquids. On the other hand, the FDA has decided that BPA can remain in use while further study is conducted and tells parents tells them to conti... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185660 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:40:04 +0100 3185660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3180236&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fhealthy-weight-week-jan-17-23-2010%2F Now that New Year’s is a little more than two weeks gone, so are many of the resolutions we’ve made. One of the most common resolutions is to lose weight and, unfortunately, not all of us – men or women – do this in a healthy manner. Another unfortunate situation is that not everyone needs to lose weight and they are at a perfectly healthy weight for their height and body build. According to the Healthy Weight website, Healthy Weight Week promotes healthy nondiet lifestyles for children and adults of every size. It helps them move ahead to healthy habits they can live with long term – sound, reasonable habits that allow them to live well and get on with their lives. Eat well, live actively, and feel good about yourself and others. So, what is a healthy weight? Mos... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3180236 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:24:53 +0100 3180236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172227&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FchhjOmdXqJc%2Fmore-on-oats-rolled-vs-steel-cut-vs-stone-ground.html Q. I have a question about oats. We all know that oats are good for you, but I have heard that rolled oats aren't as good as other kinds. I have tried steel cut and enjoy them but they are difficult to cook, What I have found that I like the best is stone ground oats, they are the whole grain ground up. Can you compare the nutritional values of the different styles of oats? A. As it happens, January is National Oatmeal Month, so the recent spate of questions on oats and oatmeal is well-timed! First, some quick definitions. Steel-cut oats are hulled, toasted, oat grains that have been coarsely chopped into chunks about the size of a sesame seed. Stone-ground oats are the same thing, only ground into smaller pieces, closer to the size of a poppy seed. To make old-fashioned rolled oats, th... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172227 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:51:23 +0100 3172227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156684&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FpJms_SJJEpg%2Fnightshades-unfairly-accused.html Q. I have been reading a lot about the inflammatory effects of nightshades, including sweet and hot peppers, tomatoes, and white potatoes. However, hot peppers, in particular, have a very high anti-inflammatory factor, according to ND. I'm confused. A. You are not alone in your confusion! I get this question several times a year.  Nightshade plants, which include peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, all contain an alkaloid called solanine.  In very large amounts solanine can be harmful. But for most people, the amount you get by eating tomatoes and peppers isn't enough to cause any problems. Some people, however, are sensitive to even small amounts of solanine. For these folks, eating nightshade plants can cause an inflammatory reaction and symptoms incl... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156684 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 14:16:00 +0100 3156684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156570&cid=t_356127_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F01%2F08%2Fpomegranate-juice-prevents-early-puberty%2F Recent headlines have trumpeted an exciting study about how pomegranate juice may prove very useful at preventing and even treating breast cancer. In test tubes, it’s proven quite effective against breast cancer cells. It turns out that pomegranate juice functions as something we call an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that takes testosterone and [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156570 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:00:28 +0100 3156570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153664&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fcoca-cola-collectibles-and-memories.html This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of iCoke.com. All opinions are 100% mine.Coca-Cola has been around for a long, long time...recently I enjoyed looking at vintage advertisements for the product in old magazines that I enjoy collecting. The popular soda has an interesting history...actually first formulated by a pharmacist named Dr. John Pemberton in the 1880's. It was his bookkeeper that gave the delicious "brew" it's name, and wrote the name "Coca-Cola" in his wonderful handwriting, which became the same text that we see on the product today. I remember as a child taking something my mother gave me called coca-cola syrup when I had an upset stomach. She would put it on chips of ice.Fast-forward to today...I still enjoy a nice can of regular or diet Coca-Cola. I'd like to te... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153664 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:23:00 +0100 3153664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146101&cid=t_356127_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F01%2F05%2Ffood-rules-whats-for-dinner-2%2F I’ve already memorized, by number, all 64 of Michael Pollan’s fabulous Food Rules, found in his slim guidebook of that name published December 29, 2009. Last March on Tara Parker Pope’s Well Blog at The New York Times, Pollen asked readers to contribute their best brief rules of thumb for navigating food choices. He collected [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146101 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:29:10 +0100 3146101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3146228&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FeEhJDgBYi6U%2Flard-versus-shortening-which-is-more-healthful.html g_baseurl="https://remote.condenast.com/exchange/fbknd/Inbox/11.16-12.4/emails/Monica%20Folder/Feedback-29.EML/,DanaInfo=SCNPNYA58.advancemags.com+";Q. I am attempting to cook this recipe I found on the internet. It calls for 1/4 cup of lard OR vegetable shortening. I am health-conscious and I was wondering which option is healthier? A.   If the vegetable shortening contains hydrogenated or inter-esterified oils, I'd say go with the lard--unless you're a vegan, of course.  Lard has a bad reputation that I'm not sure it deserves. Like most animal fats, lard contains a mixture of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.  In fact, it contains more monounsaturated fats (13mg per ounce) than saturated fats (11g per ounce). &#016... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3146228 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:59:00 +0100 3146228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3137484&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fits-ca-dried-plum-digestive-health-month%2F Yup, you read it here. January is California Dried Plum Digestive Health Month. I bet you didn’t know that before, did you? A press release issued for the 2009 month said, “Dried plums are a great source of vital nutrients and contribute to a healthy digestive system,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Additionally, dried plums are important to our state’s agricultural process. Ninety-nine percent of dried plums from the United States are grown in California, and we produce over half of the world’s supply.” According to the California Dried Plum organization, the nutritious aspect of dried plums cannot be overlooked. On their associated website, TummyWise.com, there is a lot of information on the health benefits of the fruit, including the following myth: Myth: ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3137484 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:16:51 +0100 3137484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133820&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FmHhubZ9LjJA%2Fcan-you-really-be-addicted-to-food.html The notion of "food addiction" is somewhat controversial.  Clearly there are many compulsive over-eaters and people who abuse food.  However, the classic definition of "addiction" also involves a specific physiological response to the addictive substance. This is not just a matter of semantics. If you can be addicted to food in the same way that you can be addicted to heroin, it might change the way we look at treatment of obesity. In a commentary for the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Valerie Taylor and her co-authors make the case that people can develop a true addiction to food or to specific components of foods. They point out several similarities between patterns of food abuse and drug abuse, including: tolerance, in which more and more of the su... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133820 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:30:22 +0100 3133820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3126815&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F1DnfP25m6Vk%2Ffour-ways-to-make-your-resolution-stick.html On December 31st, millions of us will vow (once again) to turn over a new leaf in the New Year, recommitting ourselves to healthy habits that may have gotten lost in the holiday bustle.   Here are four strategies that will help make your resolutions more successful1. Be realisticGrandiose plans to radically overhaul one's diet on January 1st are usually doomed to failure. You'll get a lot more mileage out of choosing a couple of small but meaningful changes that you can stick to until they've become ingrained habits. 2. Be specificVague resolutions like "eat better" or "exercise more" aren't nearly as effective as specific goals like "no more candy bars at work" or "take dog for one mile walk before dinner every night."3. ... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3126815 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:55:14 +0100 3126815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3119092&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fq1XqCcbkrZo%2Fhealthy-ideas-for-holiday-feasts.html Whether you're entertaining a crowd or just cooking some special meals for the family over the holidays, here are some of my favorite festive (but healthy) recipes from Epicurious. Want to know how they stack up nutritionally?  They each include a link to a complete nutritional analysis from Nutrition Data! Rosemary Lamb Chops with Swiss Chard and Balsamic Syrup Brussels Sprouts with White Beans and Pecorino  Edamame Dip with Crudites Wilted Spinach Salad with Warm Feta Dressing Roast Beef with Scallion Caper Green Sauce Lemon Roasted Green Beans with Marcona Almonds Olive Oil Poached Shrimp with Winter Pistou (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3119092 Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:50:00 +0100 3119092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115048&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fanti-cancer-drugs-to-be-put-in-junk-food%2F Would you eat junk food that had anti-cancer medications? Would you buy the stuff? How expensive would it be? Wouldn’t it be easier just to not eat it in the first place or would more people start eating junk food or increase their consumption because of the anti-cancer properties? All these questions – but with good reason. Because according to news reports, Health Canada is thinking about doing just that. If this was April 1, I’d be checking for an April Fool’s joke, for sure. This was first reported on December 15th, when news came out that Health Canada wanted to add nutrients to a wide variety of food, including junk food, such as chips and cookies (Health Canada weighs fortifying junk foods). Yesterday, a published news story elaborated on this a bit (Health C... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115048 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:30:09 +0100 3115048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111545&cid=t_356127_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F21%2Fnavigating-food-additives%2F Find out the five ingredients on food labels that I’m concerned about in this segment on Good Morning America — Health.  You can make a big difference in your child’s life by changing a few things in their diet.   addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F21%2Fnavigating-food-additives%2F'; addthis_title = 'Navigating+Food+Additives'; addthis_pub [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111545 Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:09:18 +0100 3111545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3105290&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fx36acwV_9Hk%2Fim_a_big_fan_of.html I'm a big fan of the local food idea.  Eating food grown close to where you live saves a ton of gas, spares the environment, supports local growers, and puts fresher, more nutritious food on your table. If you live in Southern California or the southeastern U.S., the growing season is more or less year-round. But what about the rest of us? Where I live in Maryland, for example, not much grows in the winter. So how do we get our five-a-day without resorting to fruits and vegetables that have been trucked in from California or flown all the way from South America? Growing your own sprouts (or "micro-greens") can provide you with fresh, crisp greens throughout the winter. And what could be more local than your own kitchen windowsill?All you need to grow your own sprouts i... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3105290 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:58:00 +0100 3105290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092968&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Fh4jA9gmRLHE%2Fmore-holiday-party-survival-tips.html As we enter the final round of holiday parties, making smart choices can allow you to enjoy yourself this season without adding an extra five or ten pounds to your New Year's Resolution. Here are some more tips that can help you stay on track: 1. Skip the mini-quiches and pigs-in-a-blanket and look for the mini-spinach pies and stuffed mushrooms.  Thin, crispy sheets of phyllo are much lower in fat than heavy pie crusts and biscuit doughs and they're usually brushed in healthy olive oil rather than butter.   Mushrooms are also low-calorie carriers for savory fillings.  Those savory fillings add up, though, so still exercise some portion control. 2. Cosy up to a hot drink.  Hot cider or hot mulled wine are delicious seasonal treats and you'll tend... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092968 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:54:00 +0100 3092968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3085003&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FvbS1UP2H4jY%2Fholiday-party-survival-guide.html At this time of year, sometimes containing the damage is the best you can do.  Here are some choices you may be facing at parties over the next couple of weeks: Mixed Nuts or Olives?The ND Choice: OlivesOlives are high in monounsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol, and low in calories.  While nuts also contain healthy fats, they are much higher in calories and it can be hard to stop at just one small serving. Soft or Hard Cheese?The ND Choice: Soft Cheese     Although not diet fare, soft cheeses tend to be a bit lower in calories and fat than hard cheeses. So opt for Brie or goat cheese over cheddar and gruyere--but still watch your portion sizesRoast Beef or Ham?The ND Choice: Roast BeefAlthough roast beef can be slightly higher in calories, it ha... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3085003 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:46:26 +0100 3085003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3079604&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FGieDet84mgE%2Fkeeping-your-balance-in-a-season-of-overindulgence.html  Last year about this time, I sat down with Jennifer Huget of the Washington Post to chat about the challenges of getting through the holiday season without over-indulging in rich foods and sweets.  Click here for my tips on entertaining, holiday parties, and surviving the attack of the gingerbread people! (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3079604 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:11:24 +0100 3079604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3048397&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F_3h-PRYH6ls%2Fwhats-the-link-between-flavor-and-nutrition.html Q. Does the amount of flavor say anything about the nutritional value of fresh produce?  For example, bananas at the big name grocery stores taste like bananas to me. A smaller local grocery store has bananas and other produce for much lower prices, but the bananas are very, very bland, almost watery tasting. Any ideas why? Are more flavorful bananas more nutritious? A.  An interesting question, and one with no clear or definitive answer--short of sending the bananas to the lab for nutritional analysis. Here's some conjecture on what might be going on:  The bland bananas may have been picked before they were ripe, spent longer in storage, or simply be a variety that was bred for characteristics other than flavor...such as shelf life.  But what's the lin... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3048397 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:49:29 +0100 3048397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3036063&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F1KnzpE9GDpY%2Fis-mercury-a-concern-with-wild-salmon.html Q. I eat wild salmon almost every day. Is there an issue with mercury from eating too much salmon, and how much salmon is safe to eat during the course of a week? Both wild and farmed salmon are considered low mercury fish, but the levels of mercury can vary wildly, depending on where the fish were farmed or caught.  Mercury levels in wild caught salmon from Canada were recently found to be three times higher than in Canadian farmed salmon, for example. But even the wild salmon did not contain enough mercury to be considered a "high mercury" fish. Developing fetuses and young children are most at risk from mercury exposure. The FDA and EPA advise that pregant women and kids avoid high-mercury fish like swordfish altogether--and eat no more than two servings per week of low-... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3036063 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:41:31 +0100 3036063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3026641&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fis-this-food-still-good%2F If you’re super organized, you may want to skip this post. If you’re like the rest of us and have wondered if that thing in the back of your fridge is still any good, you may want to keep reading. Food comes in two categories: 1) Stuff that loses its taste or tastes bad after it’s kept too long or 2) Stuff that can kill you if it’s kept too long. It’s kind of nice to be able to know which is which, isn’t it? The sniff test isn’t the most accurate measure and the expiry dates are more for “sell before” times, so how’s the average Jack or Jill to know? You could try this site: Keep It or Toss It. It’s a great source of information and there’s also a “Today’s Question.” The day I found it, the question w... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3026641 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:55:54 +0100 3026641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3023305&cid=t_356127_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2F24%2Ftiming-for-starting-solids%2F One of the questions I’m asked repeatedly on my Feeding Baby Green book tour is, "What is the best timing for starting solids." My take on the best timing to start solid foods is different than what I’ve seen elsewhere. It depends on what kids are taking before that first bite of solids.   Breast-fed babies are [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3023305 Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:01:55 +0100 3023305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008422&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FxQ_8moK37tc%2Fplanning-your-t.html Few of us exercise strict dietary control on Thanksgiving Day. Most of us cut ourselves a little slack to enjoy the traditional pleasures of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie--more or less guilt-free.  While certain dishes may be non-negotiable at your house, there's usually a bit of flexibility with the side dishes. Here are some truly delicious recipes that will up the nutritional ante of the meal. (If you've been invited to dinner, offer to bring a dish. Take one of these and you're guaranteed to have at least one healthy option.) Each of these recipes from our sister site Epicurious.com has been analyzed using Nutrition Data's recipe analysis feature, so you can see the full nutritional breakdown of each one and save it to your My Recipes for futur... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008422 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:00 +0100 3008422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2999880&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FD_ZOeYuL1gM%2Fhow-much-fructose-is-to-much.html Q. I'm confused by conflicting things I've read about fructose.[In this article], I read that: When large amounts of fructose are ingested, they do "provide a relatively unregulated source of carbon precursors for hepatic lipogenesis." In other words, if you eat too much fructose, the liver can make the excess into fat.  But later in the same article, another scientist is quoted as saying:There is no evidence that reasonable consumption of fructose in a typical diet has any adverse effect on the liver or that it produces more body fat than sucrose or glucose. I'm confused. Should we be concerned about fructose actually being stored as fat?  And how much fructose would a typical person have to eat for fat conversion to begin?A. Notice that whenever the n... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2999880 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:23:16 +0100 2999880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2977602&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FeX2A-7PtA9I%2Fwhere-do-i-find-the-potassium-content-of-foods.html Q. My husband needs to reduce potassium/sodium levels in what he eats. I find the sodium levels but potassium is rarely listed. How do I find this?A. Information about sodium is required on the nutrition facts label but information about potassium is optional--and many manufacturers don't include it.  The ingredient list won't contain many clues, either.  Products that are marketed as "heart-healthy" are more likely to list potassium content, by the way. Usually, these are foods that are relatively high in potassium and low in sodium.You can look up the potassium content of foods here on ND, of course. Simply scroll down to the Nutrient Information box on any food detail page to see the amount of potassium that food contains. (Remember to select the appropria... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2977602 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:12:30 +0100 2977602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963379&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FKJsePgP5FxU%2Fhealth-benefits-of-sourdough.html Q. I use homemade whole-grain sourdough daily. I am totally convinced it has exceptional health benefits. But I can't find nutritional info on it. It seems to me that it has to have probiotics, for instance. A.   Sourdough starter does contain lactobacillus bacteria, often referred to as probiotics. It's the lactobacillus that give sourdough its characteristic sour flavor. But it's hard to say for sure which strains are present in a sourdough without laboratory analysis. The sourdough in my kitchen probably has different strains than the one in yours, for example. And different strains of lactobacillus offer varying health benefits, as discussed in this recent post on probiotics. But whatever beneficial bacteria may be present in your sourdough starter, they will... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963379 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:35:24 +0100 2963379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950706&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fanalyze-my-plate-please%2F It’s fine and dandy to say to eat healthier, but some foods that seem healthy have hidden drawbacks. For example, some cold breakfast cereals, pushed as healthy breakfast foods, are quite high in salt content. A cold glass of milk may be just the right thing for you, but whole milk is much more fattening than 2% or even 1% or skim. The same can be said for foods that we eat for our other meals. So, how do we know what we should and shouldn’t be eating? Well, I’ve never been one to say that you should never eat treats or “forbidden” foods, but this should always be done in moderation. There’s a huge difference between having an occasional evening of ice cream and chips while watching a movie and having them every second night. Or for breakfast. I found th... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950706 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:56:46 +0100 2950706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934970&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FEDrCRfEv4Mc%2Fdoes-candy-turn-kids-into-monsters.html Trying to rein in the amount of sugar kids eat is hard enough.  Having a plastic pumpkin full of candy in the house sure doesn't make it any easier.There are plenty of compelling reasons to limit kids' intake of sugar. Candy is a source of empty calories that can displace more nutritious foods, lead to weight gain, and wreak havoc with insulin metabolism. (Type 2 diabetes used to be called Adult Onset Diabetes, but no more.)But many parents are also convinced that sugar turns kids into little monsters--making them hyper-active, aggressive, or otherwise unmanageable. Yet the research fails to bear this out.Is it all in parents' heads? Controlled studies have measured the effects of sugar consumption on behavior and cognitive performance and failed to find any connect... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934970 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:39:47 +0100 2934970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931311&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FNRcIfOAG-o8%2Fcommon-sense-prevails-froot-loops-not-a-smart-choice.html An industry-funded labeling program which awarded green "Smart Choice" checkmarks to packaged foods, based on "strict science-based nutrition criteria" has been suspended after the FDA questions its validity. And rightfully so.  Any system that considers Froot Loops cereal to be a smart choice is worse than meaningless. Read more here. (Source: The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S.) The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931311 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:29:20 +0100 2931311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883230&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F7KWBF33c6fs%2Fmodified-vegetable-oil-sounds-like-a-bad-idea-to-me.html Spanish researchers are working on a chemically modified vegetable oil that they claim will be a good substitute for pork fat in processed meats and other foods. Haven't we learned our lesson yet? Nothing good ever seems to come out of our attempts to chemically modify foods to make them "better" for us. What's so wrong with pork fat, anyway? The researchers claim that they're simply trying to provide consumers with foods that are lower in saturated fat.  Even if reducing saturated fat is desirable (some will disagree), I'm pretty sure that replacing it with chemically-modified vegetable oil is not a step in the right direction. Doesn't that sound like the kind of thinking that brought us trans-fat-filled margarines 30 years ago?Besides,  por... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2883230 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:34:04 +0100 2883230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872088&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FFNTI1PGlYpE%2Fis-posting-calorie-counts-on-menus-backfiring.html Oops.  Since the New York City law requiring fast food restaurants to post calorie counts on their menus has gone into effect, researchers found that the average calorie count per order has gone UP slightly--even though about half of consumers think that the calorie counts help them make healthier choices.The entire study is described in this article in the New York Times. However, before we conclude that the calorie count laws are a bust, keep in mind that the researchers purposely targeted low-income populations. The rates of diabetes and obesity (and fast food consumption) are highest in low-income populations. And this study does suggest that the labeling laws have had no positive effect in those groups. For many, it's the price, not the nutrition that countsI think thi... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872088 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:32:53 +0100 2872088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2865948&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2Ffc50nKhCblg%2Fas-organic-goes-mainstream-corporations-take-over-again.html A new USDA report examines the ways in which the organic marketplace has been transformed in recent years.  Just ten years ago, for example, most organic food was sold in health food and "healthy food" stores. Today, more than half of organic food is sold in conventional grocery stores, and big box/club stores like Sam's and Costco.The face of the organic farmer has changed as well.  Small, independent organic growers have been squeezed out or acquired by large conventional manufacturers, who have added organic brands in response to customer demand. True, there are more organic producers now but the average size of those producers is also much larger.I see the general move to organics as a positive trend. Ideally, however, we won't make the same mistakes we&#3... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2865948 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:29:17 +0100 2865948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879596&cid=t_356127_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2F02%2Fits-time-for-a-delicious-revolution%2F Konrad Lorenz made his mark by studying a special type of learning where key exposures during a critical and sensitive window of development can have a lasting influence - a process he called imprinting. The famous example of this is imprinting in geese. Newly hatched goslings are programmed to follow the first moving objects they [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879596 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:01:20 +0100 2879596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846645&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F3jWQXY5aEIo%2Fprobiotic-confusion.html Last week, I answered a question from a reader who had seen a study showing that probiotic supplements reduced cold and flu symptoms in children. He reasoned that eating yogurt every day might be a good step and wondered how much he'd have to eat to get a similar "dose" of probiotics.   To answer his question, I compared the number of active cultures in a typical probiotic supplement to the number of active cultures in a typical yogurt. But I missed an opportunity to clarify what I think is a widespread misunderstanding about probiotics. Many people think of all probiotic supplements and foods as being somewhat interchangeable. They're not. Probiotics: an umbrella term for thousands of different bacteria In terms of labeling foods and supplements, the FAO/... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846645 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:58:22 +0100 2846645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2828480&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FY_ukhhn-V10%2Feating-eggs-might-up-your-cholesterol-so-what.html Q. One of my friends still insists that dietary cholesterol contributes to body cholesterol. Since I wasn't able to convince him that this isn't true, I tried to look for actual studies and research to prove my point.  Could you direct me to a few studies that show that that dietary cholesterol does not affect our cholesterol levels? Thanks?!A. First, let me get this out of the way: Many experts strongly doubt that blood cholesterol levels have anything to do with heart disease and that worrying about cholesterol (in your food or your body) is a waste of time.But you didn't ask me to help convince your friend that he doesn't need to worry about his cholesterol levels; you asked me to supply some evidence that dietary cholesterol does not effect blood cholesterol level... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2828480 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:18:23 +0100 2828480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2824451&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F0PX_DM1qfd0%2Ftropical-oils-a-better-saturated-fat.html Shelly posted the following comment on a recent post on dietary fats: "I've been reading some information that says coconut oil does not cause plaque build-up like other saturated fats because it is a medium-chain fatty acid, which apparently means it is digested more like a carb and doesn't have a chance to become plaque. I'd like to find more sources of this information, just to build some confidence. (When I relay this information about coconut, people look at me as though I'm from Mars.)"Before I had a chance to respond, Dave posted a comment in response to Shelly's question:"Short-chain fatty acids do take a different route than most fats. Most fats we eat are packaged up by the small intestine in large lipo-protein molecules called chylomicrons, whi... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2824451 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:22:00 +0100 2824451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820619&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FqFVXCp8rJds%2Fmolasses-and-maple-syrup-more-nutritious-sweeteners.html Q. I have read on your blog (and many other places) that all concentrated sweeteners are devoid of nutrients and count as "empty calories," but according to the nutrient info here on Nutrition Data, some less refined sweeteners, such as maple syrup and molasses, are high in many minerals. Considering that Americans eat almost a 1/2 cup of sweetener a day (mostly as refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup), wouldn't we better off nutritionally if we assuaged our sweet tooth with half a cup of maple syrup or molasses instead?A. If you insist on driving 200 miles per hour, you'd make yourself a little safer by wearing your seat belt. But if you really want to improve your chances of surviving, you'd be better off slowing down--AND wearing your seat belt!By the same to... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820619 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:13:06 +0100 2820619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879598&cid=t_356127_123_f&fid=39037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.drgreene.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2F20%2Ffeeding-your-family-fish-good-news-and-bad-news%2F A new federal study of fish from 300 streams across the U.S. showed every fish in the sample contained mercury.  Mercury damages children’s immune systems and kidneys, but we’re even more concerned about its effect on the developing brain of a child in the womb. The mercury we find in fish can damage the nervous [...] (Source: Conversations with Dr Greene) Conversations with Dr Greene blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879598 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:01:42 +0100 2879598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2804257&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2FNaw5yqDn8CQ%2Fcan-yogurt-protect-you-from-the-flu.html Q. I recently read about a study showing that probiotics protected kids from getting the flu. It seemed like a pretty powerful study in favor of the health benefits of yogurt, at least in kids. Do you have any recommendations for a reasonable "dose" of yogurt would be for an adult?A. Yes, I noted that study with interest as well. The kids (about 300 of them, aged 3 to 5) were taking probiotic supplements or placebo pills twice a day. The kids getting the probiotics had about half as many fevers, coughs, and runny noses, took fewer prescriptions and missed fewer days of school. We should note that the study was funded by a company that makes probiotic products.  That said, the results were published in a peer-reviewed journal (Pediatrics) so the study design apparently passe... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2804257 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:47:26 +0100 2804257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796371&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-the-writing-diet%2F Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way and Vein of Gold, books about the process of writing through morning pages and journaling, has tackled dieting in her new book The Writing Diet. A big fan of her previous two book on writing, I was interested on seeing how she incorporates writing into weight loss. Turns out she does it quite easily. Julia suggests that by using writing as a primary tool, you can figure out what’s causing your weight problem and then fix it. Full of assignments and creative exercises, the book really makes you stop and think about the choices you have been making and the choices you could make. It’s a comfortable read, offering gentle guidance through your journey of weight loss. Overeating is usually such a mindless activity that we don’t realize we are en... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796371 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:54:13 +0100 2796371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778373&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blisstree.com%2Fhealthbolt%2Fbook-review-you-can-think-yourself-thin%2F Losing weight is not just about reducing and watching what you eat. There’s a myriad of other issues that also need to be addressed, ranging from lack of sleep, your environment,relationships with others and your personal history. And that’s just what ‘You Can Think Yourself Thin’ focuses on. Written by trained hypnotherapist Ursula James, You Can Think Yourself Thin offers clear and simple techniques that get you examining your  subconscious and changing  negative thought patterns into positive ones.  The ultimate goal might be to lose weight, but according to James there’s a few things that you need to do first. You need to build up your self confidence, improve your feelings of self worth, come to grips with underlying issues that are causing overeating, and then make a fut... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778373 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 05:53:46 +0100 2778373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2774934&cid=t_356127_167_f&fid=36989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FNutritionData%2F%7E3%2F86vbSj4NHeg%2Fsurprising-health-benefit-of-sugar.html There's an awful lot of sugar bashing going on these days and many assume that sugar serves absolutely no useful purpose in the human body.  So I was intrigued by this preliminary study showing that adding table sugar and vitamin C to green tea makes the beneficial compounds it contains (EGCG and other polyphenols) twice as absorbable.Of course, we could debate whether the increased antioxidants outweigh the potential negative effects of the sugar.  But, to me, it's more interesting to contemplate why sucrose would increase bioavailability of an antioxidant.   Fruits, which are rich in antioxidants, are also rich in natural sugars--and perhaps there's a connection there. It's also a reminder that we should refrain from seeing foods and nutrients as e... The ND Blog: Notes from the Nutritionista by Monica Reinagel, L.D.N., C.N.S. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2774934 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:03:19 +0100 2774934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778368&cid=t_356127_87_f&fid=34698&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthyconcerns.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fquick-link-pcrms-21day-vegan-kickstart.html If you've ever considered becoming vegan because for health reasons, then you might get the little boost you need by signing up for the PCRM's 21-day vegan kickstart. I signed up, even though I'm already a vegan, because after all: Who wouldn't want daily healthy tips and recipes?And just in case you'd like some links on vegan being the healthiest way to eat:PCRM's entire Health sectionWebMD: Vegan diet good for Type-2 diabetesNIH: Vegan proteins may reduce risk of cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (Source: HealthyConcerns.com) HealthyConcerns.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778368 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2778368