

Nutrition Diva
QuickAndDirtyTips.com, Monica Reinagel
Every week, Monica Reinagel peels back the layers of nutrition news and research, answers listener questions, and helps you feel more confident about your food and nutrition choices.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 15, 2025 • 12min
Is beef tallow a healthy fat?
Fast-food chains are flipping the script by frying fries in beef tallow instead of vegetable oil. Is this a healthier switch or just a trendy marketing move? The discussion dives into the nuances of saturated versus unsaturated fats, highlighting the heart-healthy benefits of tallow's oleic acid, similar to olive oil. While tallow’s stability in high heat is a plus, the overall healthiness of fries remains questionable. Monica emphasizes that frequency and dietary patterns, rather than just frying fats, play a crucial role in health.

Oct 8, 2025 • 12min
Does Time-Restricted Eating increase heart risk?
835. A new study suggests that a short eating window more than doubles your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. But is that really what the data shows?References:Association of eating duration less than 8 h with all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality - ScienceDirect8-hour time-restricted eating linked to a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death | American Heart AssociationExpert reaction to conference abstract about time-restricted eating and cardiovascular death | Science Media CentreFind a transcript here.
New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 1, 2025 • 12min
The Truth About ‘Cortisol Belly’
834. Is stress really to blame for stubborn belly fat—or is this just the latest internet hype? Let’s look at the science behind cortisol, belly fat, and what truly works.References Effects of Withania somnifera on Cortisol Levels in Stressed Human Subjects: A Systematic Review - PubMedA soy-based phosphatidylserine/ phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) normalizes the stress reactivity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis in chronically stressed male subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study - PubMedRelated episodes you may like:Foods That Burn Belly FatMidlife Weight Gain: Don't Blame Your MetabolismFind a full transcript here.
New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sep 24, 2025 • 13min
Can an estrogen-lowering diet make men more manly?
Explore the intriguing connection between diet and hormones! Discover whether foods like broccoli and red wine can really block estrogen. Learn about aromatase and its role in balancing estrogen and testosterone. While some foods show promise in lab studies, real-world effects on hormone levels appear modest. Monica breaks down the difference between supplements and their actual impact. Ultimately, she emphasizes that overall diet and weight play a far more significant role in hormone health. Tune in for insightful takeaways!

Sep 17, 2025 • 12min
Does Ozempic slow aging? Separating facts from hype
Is Ozempic the key to slowing down aging? This discussion dives into a study suggesting semaglutide might actually reverse biological aging by around 9%, especially in those living with HIV. It emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing sensational headlines while also highlighting the role of lifestyle choices in healthy aging. With insights on the use of epigenetic clocks and the need for more research, it urges listeners to question media hype and focus on evidence-backed approaches to longevity.

Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
Are industrial emulsifiers harmful to your health?
Industrial emulsifiers are common ingredients in foods like ice cream and peanut butter, but their health effects might surprise you. The discussion dives into how these emulsifiers can impact gut health and potential links to inflammation and chronic diseases. An intriguing study challenges the idea that emulsifiers increase colorectal cancer risk. Moreover, the conversation offers practical tips on how to minimize exposure, making it essential listening for health-conscious foodies and anyone curious about what's in their pantry.

Sep 3, 2025 • 10min
What are nightshades and are they inflammatory?
Explore the truth behind nightshade vegetables and their supposed inflammatory effects. The discussion clears up myths and highlights the rare instances of true sensitivities. You'll learn about the nutritional benefits these foods offer and why most of us can happily include them in our diets. The conversation aims to empower you to make informed choices based on science rather than anecdotes.

Aug 27, 2025 • 13min
Nutrition Diva Mailbag: Answers to your latest questions
Listeners dive into the impact of coffee on cholesterol and question the healthiness of natural nitrites from celery powder. The conversation highlights the hazards of home-frying, including safety tips and best practices. There's also an exploration of ketone energy drinks and their mixed reputation among athletes, with research suggesting they may not enhance performance as hoped. Additional nutritional tips and resources for young athletes and weight loss are shared, making it a well-rounded discussion on contemporary health topics.

Aug 20, 2025 • 16min
Are protein pastas worth the money?
The podcast dives into the rising trend of protein-packed pasta alternatives like lentil and chickpea varieties. It investigates if these options truly deliver on their nutritional promises. Listeners learn about the differences between traditional, whole wheat, and enhanced pasta types. The discussion also highlights health benefits and compares legume-based products with gluten-free choices. Moreover, tips on boosting the nutritional value of pasta dishes with vegetables and lean proteins are shared.

Aug 13, 2025 • 13min
Toxic tea bags? Sorting fact from fear
Once again, the internet is warning us that a healthy habit might actually be harming us. The latest scare is about tea. Are you actually brewing up a cup of microplastics, heavy metals, and chemical additives? Find a full transcript here.Additional episodes mentioned in this episode:What's the difference between hazard and risk?Research mentioned in this episode: 2013 analysis of commercial teasAdditional resources from this episode: Plastic Free Tea Bags: Which Brands are Microplastic Free in 2025
New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.