Diet Science

Cranberries have been used in folk medicine for generations, and there is now sound science to back-up their benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the best ways to consume cranberries and how their nutrients fight cancer, lower inflammation, and more. Link to recipe for sugar-free cranberry sauce: https://processedfreeamerica.org/sugar-free-blood-orange-cranberry-sauce/

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown species of bacteria present in the intestines of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but not in people without the condition. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research and the future treatment and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis. Reference: Chriswell, M. E., Lefferts, A. R., Clay, M. R., Hsu, A. R., Seifert, J., Feser, M. L., Rims...

Fagopyrum tataricum, also known as Tartary Buckwheat, is a gluten-free psuedo-grain sibling to common buckwheat, but with a more powerful nutrient profile. Listen in this week as Dee discusses why tartary buckwheat is being dubbed a "powerhouse for nutrition", shown to prevent the effects of several chronic metabolic diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Link to Purc...

That is the question French researchers sought to answer in their 3-month study on overweight adults. Listen in this week as Dee deciphers the results of this study and how a unique probiotic that provides the typical “French” cheese taste and smell works in the body to reduce appetite and increase metabolism. Link to Purchase H. Alvei Probiotic: https://www.soin-et-nature.com/en/19758-enterosatys...

If you're a fan of raw apple cider vinegar, you'll be surprised to learn that pumpkins can be fermented into a similarly nutritious vinegar too. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how pumpkin vinegar is made, and how it can pump up your health! Link to purchase Trader Joe's Pumpkin Vinegar: https://amzn.to/3fEiUNP Link to Pumpkin Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe: https://processedfreeamerica.org/...

When foods like potatoes and rice are cooked and then cooled, their starch molecules undergo rearrangement to become less "starchy". Listen in this week as Dee explains the concept of "retrograded resistant starch" and how cooling starchy foods lowers their impact on blood sugar levels. Reference: Harris K. F. (2019). An introductory review of resistant starch type 2 from high-amylose cereal grain...

Psyllium is best known for its ability to aid in digestive health, but it has also been clinically proven to lower cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how psyllium stimulates several biochemical functions in the body to provide super health benefits. Purchase psyllium: https://amzn.to/3TtUqVB Reference: McRorie, J. W., Gibb, R. D., Sloan, K. J., &...

There's a lot of nutrition packed into these tiny little seeds, and the chia seed trend is making a splash with a new generation now. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the key benefits of including chia seeds in your meals and snacks.

Our eyes need nourishment to keep them moist so that we can have crisp, clear vision. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the foods that provide nourishment for your eyes, and the various types of supplements to be aware of.

Pickling and Fermenting are two techniques used to preserve fruits or vegetables in jars.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the important differences between these two techniques when it comes to your long term health.

A new study comparing daily consumption of cocao versus multivitamins shows the multivitamins improved brain function in older adults, and the benefit was greater for those with a history of heart disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study and what it means for your cognitive health. Reference: Baker, L. D., Manson, J. E., Rapp, S. R., Sesso, H. D., Gaussoin, S. A., Shu...

A new study published in the journal Cell, showed that consuming saccharin and sucralose harms the ability of healthy adults to dispose of glucose in their body. The study also looked at the effect of Aspartame and Stevia. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study and what it means for your health. Reference: Suez, J., Cohen, Y., Valdés-Mas, R., Mor, U., Dori-Bachash, M., Federici, S., Zmora,...

If your goal in selecting plant-based meat alternatives is better health, then you'll want to know which one can get you there. Listen in this week as Dee discusses a variety of different options for replacing meat in your diet. Link to Non-GMO Shopping Guide: https://www.nongmoproject.org/find-non-gmo/verified-products/

A 2015 study published in the journal Science found that high doses of vitamin C impaired growth of colon cancer tumors that have previously resisted other treatments. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and what this means for the future of treatment for many other types of cancer. References: Monti, D. A., Mitchell, E., Bazzan, A. J., Littman, S., Zabrecky, G., Yeo, C...

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed that lower intake of calcium and potassium leads to high odds of developing kidney stones. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the 8-year study. and how to increase intake of foods containing these important nutrients. Reference: Chewcharat, A., Thongprayoon, C., Vaughan, L. E., Mehta, R. A., Schulte, P. J., O’Connor, H. M.,...

If you enjoy eating jackfruit as a meat alternative, you'll want to know about banana blossoms.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the purple flower with a surprisingly flaky fish-like texture, its health benefits, and how to use it in your meals. Link to purchase Banana Blossom:  https://amzn.to/3CmVyW6

The Paleo Diet has long been touted as a diet that did not contain potatoes, beans or other starchy foods. New research now shows that likely wasn't the case. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the 7-year study on the dental plaque and oral microbiome of a 100,000-year old Neanderthal. Reference: Fellows Yates, J. A., Velsko, I. M., Aron, F., Posth, C., Hofman, C. A., Austin, R....

A new study has found that potassium-rich diets were associated with lower blood pressure, particularly in women with high salt intake. Three specific foods had the most benefit. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research, and why a high potassium diet is important for everyone. Reference: Wouda, R. D., Boekholdt, S. M., Khaw, K. T., Wareham, N. J., de Borst, M. H., Hoorn, E. J., Rotmans, J...

The idea that exercising more can mitigate the effects of eating a poor diet is being put to rest. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research, and how the synergy of a good diet and physical activity promote the best health outcomes. Reference: Ding, D., Van Buskirk, J., Nguyen, B., Stamatakis, E., Elbarbary, M., Veronese, N., Clare, P. J., Lee, I.-M., Ekelund, U., & Fontana, L. (2022)....

A growing body of evidence suggests that consumption of diet soda is correlated to increased risk of metabolic issues and dementia, among other medical conditions. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research, and how to cut down on diet soda consumption. Reference: Johnson, R. K., Lichtenstein, A. H., Anderson, C. A. M., Carson, J. A., Després, J.-P., Hu, F. B., Kris-Etherton, P. M., Otten,...

Alzheimer's Disease currently devastates the lives of 5.8 million Americans, and there is no cure, but some promising research on curcumin gives us some hope. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how curcumin, the active component in the spice turmeric, quells the flame of inflammation in the brain that is linked to Alzheimer's. Link to Turmeric:  https://amzn.to/3OZmG0B Source: Mishra, S., & ...

A new study has shown that adding about two servings of pecans a day to your diet produces a greater and more consistent reduction in cholesterol compared to many other interventions. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study, with a bonus comparison to how avocados also reduce cholesterol levels. Sources: Guarneiri, L. L., Paton, C. M., & Cooper, J. A. (2021). Pecan-enrich...

A new study reveals that people are usually wrong when ranking how well they eat, particularly when they think their diet is healthy. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the significant disconnects between the researcher-calculated evaluation and how participants ranked their own diet, and how to ensure your diet meets the criteria for excellence. Links to research presented orally at the annual...

Testosterone is a key hormone needed by both men and women for optimal bone density, blood sugar control, muscle mass, energy levels, and libido. Testosterone production in the body may decrease due to a number of diet and lifestyle factors. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how to naturally boost testosterone levels, and why you need to keep your levels up. Link to Reed's Zero Sugar Extra Ging...

Every year the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit advocacy group, publishes a list of common produce items and ranks them according to how contaminated they are with pesticide residues that you may potentially be eating!  Listen in this week as Dee discusses what's new this year and which foods you should always eat organically grown, and which are safe to eat non-organic.  Download a pocke...