Diet Science

"Maple Butter" (also called "Maple Cream") is a form of pure maple syrup that is spreadable---but there is no actual butter, cream, or anything else in it other than the star ingredient itself---pure maple syrup. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how maple butter is made, the many health benefits of maple syrup, and how to use maple butter in your meals and snacks. Link to video on how to make...

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

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

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

Two studies found that watermelon consumption is linked to higher nutrient intake and better heart health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of these studies and why watermelon is so good for cardiovascular function. References: Fulgoni, K., & Fulgoni, V. L. (2022). Watermelon intake is associated with increased nutrient intake and higher diet quality in adults and children, NH...

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

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

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

Gout is a chronic arthritic condition caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and deposits into the fluid surrounding the joints, resulting in excruciating joint pain. New preliminary research shows that a particular probiotic strain called Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632, has the ability to lower uric acid levels. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details...

Water buffalo milk and its products, yogurt and cheese, have become a recent trend from Spain to various part of the U.S., appearing on the shelves of natural food markets and specialty online stores. Listen in this week as Dee discusses why the milk from water buffaloes is considered a healthier alternative to cow's milk. Purchase Buffalo Milk Cheese and Yogurt:  https://www.annabella.com/ https:...

The fatty acids in walnuts have long been known to have heart health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. However, a new study shows the heart health benefits may be due to a particular gut bacteria produced when walnuts are consumed. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of the study and what it means for the future of heart health. References: American Association...

Panela is a type of unrefined sugar completely hand made in Colombia using traditional methods. Studies dating back to the 1930's show many health benefits from moderate consumption of Panela. Listen in this week as Dee talks about how this sugar is made and the nutrients in Panela that provide its health benefits. In the U.S., Panela costs more than white sugar, but it is worth the price. Referen...

Two recent systematic review articles examining clinical trials on the three most common types of intermittent fasting (IF) concluded that weight loss achieved by IF was comparable to weight loss achieved by a moderate-calorie diet. Also, the time of the last meal of the day has a significant impact on the amount of weight loss. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the results of these clinical...

A new study has found a strong association between adherence to the tenets of the MIND Diet and fewer sticky beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in brain tissue versus people who don't eat this way. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the details of this study, the tenets of the MIND Diet, and how you can implement elements of the MIND diet into your meals. Reference: Agarwal, P., Leurgans, S....

A new study has found a strong association between consumption of erythritol (a zero calorie sweetener used in many sugar-free products) and blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and death. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the details of this study and what it means for your health. Reference: Witkowski, M., Nemet, I., Alamri, H., Wilcox, J., Gupta, N., Nimer, N., Haghikia, A., Li, X. S., Wu,...

The authors of a new study make the case that Alzheimer's disease is driven by diet, and that an evolutionary survival response to forage for food triggered by the production of fructose in the brain back in cave man days has now gone haywire due to the abundance of fructose in the modern food supply. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and what this means for preventio...

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years as a viable weight loss strategy. But is skipping the morning meal really necessary for dropping pounds? Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of a new study comparing intermittent fasting to portion control, and the meat timing strategy that works best for most people. Reference: Zhao, D., Guallar, E., Woolf, T. B., Martin, L....

In her book The Science of Skinny, Dee claimed the invention of trans fats as the worst nutritional disaster in history. Now a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) agrees. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the new report, why the WHO is calling for a global ban on trans fats, and what you can do to avoid trans fats in your foods. Reference: World Health Organization Department of...

Grapes contain a myriad of phytonutrients that protect against many diseases. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of a recent study that showed how eating a specific amount of grapes defends against the UV sun rays that lead to sunburn. Reference:  Pezzuto, J. M., Dave, A., Park, E.-J., Beyoğlu, D., & Idle, J. R. (2022). Short-term grape consumption diminishes UV-induced skin ery...

Several studies show that consumption of up to 1.5 liter a day of silicon-rich mineral water offers clinically significant protection against cognitive decline. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study and why silica in particular is the curative mineral in water that protects against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Links to Study Reference: Abstract:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nl...

A team of British scientists have spent the last 14 years experimenting with genetically engineering a tomato that contains significantly higher levels of anthocyanins, a phytonutrient gives many fruits and vegetables their red, purple, or blue flesh or peel--such as blueberries, strawberries, eggplant, and red cabbages. It has recently been approved by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspectio...

People who live in longevity hot spots called "Blue Zones" live up to a decade longer than average Americans. After researchers analyzed dietary surveys of the daily eating habits of people in the blue zones over the past 80 years, there were five common foods included in their diets. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the five pillars of a longevity diet, and how these foods contribute to long...

Macambo beans are a cousin to cacao beans, with similar nutritional benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutritional benefits of this crunchy snack bean that is taking the superfood world by storm! Link to purchase Macambo Beans:  https://amzn.to/3Xxo9zl

You've likely heard of prebiotics and probiotics. But what are postbiotics, and what do they do? Listen in this week as Dee discusses all three "biotics" and how postbiotics are quickly taking the spotlight as the major player in overall health. Link to 3-in-1 Complete Probiotics: https://amzn.to/3WbpgUi

A new study shows that eating more flavonols, a class of antioxidant compounds that protect cells and neurons, may slow your rate of memory loss. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study and which flavonols contain the most flavonols for prevention of memory loss. Link to study:  Holland, T. M., Agarwal, P., Wang, Y., Dhana, K., Leurgans, S. E., Shea, K., Booth, S. L., Rajan, K., Schneider,...