Diet Science

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

17 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"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 i...

What is a Slimcado?

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Mamaki Tea from Hawaii Brings Big Health Benefits to Mainland

04 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 healt...

The Nutritional Benefits of Sardines

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sardines are small saltwater fish with huge health benefits. They’re rich in essential nutrients that play a central role in heart health, blood sug...

Watermelon Consumption is Linked to Better Heart Health

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two studies found that watermelon consumption is linked to higher nutrient intake and better heart health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the fi...

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

14 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Past studies have shown that children worldwide eat considerably less fruits and vegetables than the recommended amount, putting them at increased r...

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

07 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 docosah...

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

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Transglutaminase, also called "meat glue" is a common additive used in many foods because it works to bind protein molecules from various different su...

New Study Shows a Specific Probiotic Strain Helps Alleviate Gout Flare-Ups

23 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 jo...

Why Water Buffalo Milk is Making a Splash

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

New Study Shows Walnut Consumption Produces a Unique Probiotic Bacteria that Benefits Heart Health

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

Benefits of Panela Sugar

02 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 be...

Weight Loss Achieved with Intermittent Fasting is on a Par with Traditional Dieting Approaches

26 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two recent systematic review articles examining clinical trials on the three most common types of intermittent fasting (IF) concluded that weight loss...

New Study Shows the MIND Diet Reduces Indicators of Alzheimer's Disease

19 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

New Study Shows Erythritol is Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A new study has found a strong association between consumption of erythritol (a zero calorie sweetener used in many sugar-free products) and blood clo...

New Study Shows Fructose is a Fuel for Formation of Alzheimer’s disease

05 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 tri...

New Study Shows Portion Control Beats Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years as a viable weight loss strategy. But is skipping the morning meal really necessary for dr...

The World Health Organization Names Trans-Fats a "Toxic Chemical that Kills"

19 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Wo...

Are Grapes a Natural Sunscreen?

05 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Six Cups of Mineral Water a Day Could Keep Alzheimer's Away

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Several studies show that consumption of up to 1.5 liter a day of silicon-rich mineral water offers clinically significant protection against cognitiv...

GMO Purple Tomato Coming to a Market Near You in 2023

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A team of British scientists have spent the last 14 years experimenting with genetically engineering a tomato that contains significantly higher level...

The Five Pillars of a Longevity Diet

15 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People who live in longevity hot spots called "Blue Zones" live up to a decade longer than average Americans. After researchers analyzed dietary surve...

Meet the Macambo Bean!

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Macambo beans are a cousin to cacao beans, with similar nutritional benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutritional benefits of this c...

Postbiotics: The Future of Gut Health

18 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 "bio...

Don't Forget the Flavonols!

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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. Lis...

'Tis the Season for the Health Benefits of Cranberries

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 dis...

Newly Discovered Bacteria in Microbiome May be the Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown species of bacteria present in the intestines of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but not ...

Big Health Benefits of Tartary Buckwheat

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fagopyrum tataricum, also known as Tartary Buckwheat, is a gluten-free psuedo-grain sibling to common buckwheat, but with a more powerful nutrient pro...

Does a Probiotic from Raw Cheese Improve Weight Loss?

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Pumped Up Benefits of Pumpkin Vinegar

06 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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. List...

What is Retrograded Resistant Starch?

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When foods like potatoes and rice are cooked and then cooled, their starch molecules undergo rearrangement to become less "starchy". Listen in this w...

Psyllium Husk: A Super Functional Fiber

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Chia Seeds are Making a Comeback Again!

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Foods That Are Good for Your Eyes

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 nou...

What is the Difference Between Pickles and Fermented Cucumbers?

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pickling and Fermenting are two techniques used to preserve fruits or vegetables in jars.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the important diffe...

Taking a Daily Multivitamin Linked to Improved Cognitive Function in Older Adults

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new study comparing daily consumption of cocao versus multivitamins shows the multivitamins improved brain function in older adults, and the benefit...

Peer Reviewed Study Finds Two Common Artificial Sweeteners Raise Blood Sugar Levels and Should Not Be Assumed Safe

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Shopping for Plant-Based Meat Alternatives--Which are Best?

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Is High-Dose Vitamin C a Viable Treatment for Cancer?

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Diet High in Calcium and Potassium Helps Prevent Kidney Stones

28 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings showed that lower intake of calcium and potassium leads to high odds of developing kidney stones. Li...

Bountiful Benefits of Banana Blossoms

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

New Research Shows Paleolithic Diet Contained Starchy Foods

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Three High-Potassium Foods Shown to "Counter" Effects of Salt in the Diet

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new study has found that potassium-rich diets were associated with lower blood pressure, particularly in women with high salt intake. Three specifi...

Research Shows Exercise Does Not Counteract Detrimental Effects of a Poor Diet

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

More Downsides to Diet Sodas

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A growing body of evidence suggests that consumption of diet soda is correlated to increased risk of metabolic issues and dementia, among other medica...

Curcumin Quenches the Flame of Alzheimer's

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 so...

Adding Pecans to your Diet can Significantly Reduce Cholesterol!

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 comp...

Is Your Diet as Healthy as You Think?

03 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Top Foods to Boost Testosterone Levels

26 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Testosterone is a key hormone needed by both men and women for optimal bone density, blood sugar control, muscle mass, energy levels, and libido. Tes...

The 2022 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce is Here!

19 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every year the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit advocacy group, publishes a list of common produce items and ranks them according to how cont...

Fermented Olives, A Traditional Food

12 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Table olives are one of the oldest fermented foods hailing from the Mediterranean area. Fermentation gives them probiotic properties in addition to th...

Why Resistance Training is More Powerful for Weight Loss than Cardio Exercise

05 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Two studies published within the last year found that cells in muscles being used to lift weights sends instructions to fat cells in other parts of th...

Health Benefits of Beet Kvass

29 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kvass is a fermented probiotics beverage that hails from northeastern Europe and is traditionally made from bread, malt, and water. When kvass is mad...

Fonio: The Most Nutritious Super-Grain You've Probably Never Heard Of

22 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fonio, also known as Hungry Rice, is an ancient super-grain from the millet family that hails from west Africa. It cooks as quickly as couscous, is g...

Nutritional Yeast Health Benefits and Culinary Uses

15 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nutritional yeast is a delicious way to infuse flavor in a variety of meals. But what is nutritional yeast, and what are its benefits? Listen in thi...

Study Shows Obese Mothers Who Exercise During Pregnancy Lowers Risk of Generational Diabetes in Offspring

08 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Research shows that children born to obese mothers or mothers with type 2 diabetes, are genetically prone to developing diabetes. Listen in this week...

Digestion of Fats Without a Gallbladder

01 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Each year, about half a million people have their gallbladder removed--a surgery known as a cholecystectomy. You can live without a gallbladder, but d...

Lentils - The Underrated Nutrition Powerhouse

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lentils are petite legumes with huge health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutrient power of lentils, and how to cook and incorpor...

The Nutritional Power of Date Seed Coffee

17 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A relative newcomer to the U.S., coffee made from the seeds of dates has been enjoyed in Middle Eastern countries for centuries. Recent research sho...

Digestive Enzymes vs. Metabolic Enzymes

10 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Enzymes are specialized proteins that perform various roles in the body. Good digestion and good health depends on them, therefore a shortage of enzy...

Study Shows DHA Omega-3 Fends Off Dementia

03 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new study shows that diets high in processed foods are linked to brain inflammation that results in dementia. Listen in this week as Dee discusses ...

New Evidence Links Artificial Sweeteners to Increased Cancer Risk

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A recently published large scale study correlates consumption of the artificial sweetener Aspartame (marketed under the brand name Equal) to a signifi...

Big Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

20 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes called mini cabbages, Brussels sprouts have a reputation for being a "yucky vegetable” due to their bitter tasting odiferous compounds tha...

Fat + Fructose = A Fast Track to Fatty Liver Disease

13 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new study shows that diets high in saturated fat combined with liquid forms of fructose, such as sugary beverages, is linked to fatty liver disease....

New Study Shows: Organic or Not, Eating More Vegetables Can Add 10 Years to Your Life

06 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New research shows that no matter what age you start, and no matter whether the produce is organic or not, adopting a plant-rich diet can add years to...

The Magnificence of Mangos

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Two new studies published in early 2022 show that eating mangos on a regular basis is associated with better intakes of potassium and fiber, reduced i...

How Caffeine Stimulates Cholesterol-Lowering Cascade

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The stimulant effects of caffeine have been a topic of study by researchers for many years. Now, a new Canadian study has discovered how caffeine int...

The Many Health Benefits and Uses of Date Syrup

06 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dates are a deliciously sweet, yet low glycemic fruit with a variety of scientifically proven health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee talks about...

Potassium for Better Skin, Hair and Health

30 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Potassium is a mineral that serves as an electrolyte in the body, and is required for proper nerve conduction, muscle contraction and blood pressure. ...

How Black Seed Oil Benefits Your Health

23 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Black seed oil, also called black cumin seed oil, has been used around the world for over 3,000 years to treat a variety of human ailments. Listen in...

The Worst Food Ingredient for Your Immune System

16 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to our immune system, what we eat matters. A lot. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the food ingredient that takes down your immu...

Artichoke May Help Reverse Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Artichoke leaf extract has been used medicinally throughout history to treat ailments of the liver and digestive tract. Recent scientific research ha...

Carboxymethylcellulose No Longer Considered a Safe Food Additive

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Carboxymethylcellulose has been used in processed foods since the 1960's as an emulsifier and thickener. Today it is used extensively in gluten-free ...

Nutritional Power of Flax Seeds

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The tiny seeds of the flax plant pack a powerful nutritional punch, and have been shown in studies to improve heart health, regulate blood sugar and f...

Fire Cider for Boosting Immunity

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fire Cider is an herbal tonic that has been used as a folk remedy for generations, and popularized by renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar. Easy to m...

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for Energy, Diabetes, Fertility, Heart Disease and More

31 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like fat-soluble compound made within the body. It is a crucial component in the production of ATP (our body's main ...

New Study About Baby Aspirin

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, doctors have recommended daily baby aspirin use to reduce chances for blood clots. But new research shows that if you've never had a hear...

Oranges Ward Off Cancer, Heart Disease and More!

10 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Oranges are known for their vitamin C content, which can ward off colds and viruses. Now, research shows eating oranges also provides the body with po...

Beyond Hummus--Culinary Uses and Health Benefits of Chickpeas

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Interchangeably called garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a versatile bean with many powerful health benefits and uses in the diet. Listen in this week as ...

Nutritional Advantages of Oats

19 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Oats are known for their high content of a cholesterol lowering fiber called beta-glucan. But, oats also contain antioxidants in the outer bran layer ...

Black Garlic: An Amazing Health Powerhouse!

12 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You've likely heard of the health benefits of raw garlic, but have you heard of black garlic?  Listen in this week as Dee discusses what black garlic...

Glutathione--the Most Powerful Antioxidant in the Body

15 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Glutathione is known as “The Master Antioxidant” because it is made within your body and protects cells from toxic substances such as heavy meta...

Cheers to Cherries!

08 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cherries are a well-loved summer fruit that pair well in both sweet and savory dishes, or just eaten by themselves. Listen in this week as Dee gives a...

Let's Talk Tomatoes!

01 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that people in the U.S and Europe avoided and even feared tomatoes up until about the mid-1800's?  Why? Listen in this week as Dee discu...

Non-Dairy Yogurts: Pros and Cons

25 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yogurt is known for its probiotic content and the myriad benefits it provides to the gut microbome. But, do non-dairy yogurts measure up to the centur...

What to Eat and Not to Eat During Allergy Season

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, only occur during certain times of the year--usually spring or summer--when plant ...

Can Arsenic be Removed from Rice?

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Alarming levels of arsenic, a known carcinogen, have been found in rice and rice products over the last several years.  Listen in this week as Dee di...

Doing OK with Vitamin A

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Vitamin A is linked to sharp vision and strong immune health--but it doesn't come from carrots directly.  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the be...

Enjoy Watermelon and its Seeds for Better Health!

09 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bite into a sweet crisp wedge of watermelon to get a boost of health, but don't throw away the seeds!  Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many ...

How Chromium Helps Blood Sugar Control

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chromium is a mineral found in foods that enhances the action of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Listen in this week as Dee explains the role of ...

What are Digestive Enzymes and Why Do You Need Them?

11 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Digestive enzymes are naturally produced in various places within the digestive system. If you're not producing enough of them, digestion is impaired,...

Lower Cholesterol Naturally with Pu·erh Tea

28 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A form of fermented tea, known as Emperor's Pu·erh tea, has been used for over 500 years in China as a medicinal tea.  Recent studies show that it c...

What is Zonulin?

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In 2000 researchers discovered a molecule called zonulin that is created in the gut when gluten is present and triggers intestinal permeability (aka l...

Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Diabetes, Weight Loss and More!

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What makes broccoli and spinach so healthy? One particular compound found naturally in these foods is alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant.  Lis...

Quercetin Quenches Inflammation, Allergy Symptoms, Viruses and More!

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Quercitin is one of the most abundant and powerful antioxidants found in foods and created naturally in our body.  Listen in this week as Dee discuss...

The Benefits of Peanut Butter

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whether creamy or crunchy, peanut butter packs some health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutritional power of peanut butter, and ...

A Little Bit of Lucuma has Huge Benefit

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The dried powdered version of a fruit native to Peru has a long list of health benefits in addition to being a delicious low glycemic sweetener.  Lis...

Boost Your Health with Berberine

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

More than 4,000 studies have documented the impressive health benefits of a natural plant compound called Berberine--everything from weight loss to lo...

A Nut That Cleans Your Clothes??

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Soap nuts are not actually nuts and don't actually contain soap---but they're all the rage as a non-toxic alternative to laundry detergent.  Listen i...

The Yummy Benefits of Yacón Syrup

06 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The syrup produced from the yacón root is well known for its sweet taste and health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutritional a...