Nutrition Diva

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.

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.

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.  

Discover what's lurking in your tap water, from microplastics to pharmaceuticals. Learn how to evaluate local water quality and understand the importance of safety ratings. Explore why so many people filter their water and how carbon filters can boost quality and taste. Find out what to look for when choosing a water filtration system, including essential certifications. Finally, weigh the pros and cons of tap versus bottled water to ensure you're drinking safely.

Many fish oil supplements on the market are found to be rancid, potentially causing more harm than good. The discussion emphasizes the importance of obtaining omega-3s from dietary sources rather than supplements. It raises concerns about the effectiveness of these products for heart and mental health. Additionally, there are intriguing questions about the link between fish oil and prostate cancer risk and whether omega-3 enriched eggs can match the benefits of actual fish.

The podcast dives into the role of HMB, a promising supplement for curbing age-related muscle loss. It highlights how sarcopenia begins in the mid-30s and worsens with age, emphasizing the importance of protein intake and strength training. Recent meta-analysis findings suggest that HMB can significantly boost muscle mass and strength, particularly when combined with exercise. The discussion also touches on optimal dosages and absorption, framing HMB as a vital component in the fight against muscle deterioration as we age.

Resistant starch acts more like fiber than starch—and may offer unique benefits for blood sugar, gut health, and more. In this episode, we break down the different types, where to find them, and how they compare to other sources of fiber.Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/resistant-starch-your-questions-answered/transcriptMentioned in this episode: Episode 915, Multi-grain vs whole grainEpisode 560, Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting BenefitsEpisode 728, Tapping into the many benefits of resistant starchesReferences:Wang, Y., Chen, J., Song, Y.-H., Zhao, R., Xia, L., Chen, Y., Cui, Y.-P., Rao, Z.-Y., Zhou, Y., Zhuang, W., & Wu, X.-T. (2019). Effects of the resistant starch on glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and lipid parameters in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31168050/Yuan, H. C., Meng, Y., Bai, H., Shen, D. Q., Wan, B. C., & Chen, L. Y. (2018). Meta-analysis indicates that resistant starch lowers serum total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29914662/ 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.  

Discover the intriguing differences between protein from whole foods like chicken and tofu versus protein powders. Humorous anecdotes highlight the effects on appetite and satiety, revealing why whole foods pack more nutritional benefits. Dive into the science of how solid foods promote greater fullness compared to liquids, exploring the role of chewing. Get personal insights into the effects of protein intake on aging and strength training, along with a journey of increasing protein consumption and its impact on hunger.

Seed oils are stirring up controversy, with influencers warning about their potential dangers. The discussion dives into the intricate nutritional profiles of these oils and their widespread use in processed foods. It highlights the role of omega-6 fatty acids and urges listeners to consider healthier cooking alternatives. Are the fears justified or exaggerated? Tune in for a fact-based exploration of this hot topic.

The podcast dives into the fascinating world of smoothie ingredients and their interactions. It reveals how certain combinations, like bananas and blueberries, can affect nutrient absorption. A surprising study on flavanol absorption challenges common beliefs, especially with bananas versus pineapple. Listeners are encouraged to focus on the overall health benefits of their smoothie choices, rather than getting bogged down by minor absorption issues. The discussion offers insight while inviting questions about nutrition.