Nutrition Diva

Explore the intriguing world of caffeine and its half-life! Discover how individual factors like age and genetics influence caffeine metabolism. Learn about the non-linear process of elimination and how it contrasts with substances like alcohol. Monica discusses the effects of caffeine on your body, typical durations, and how layering doses can disrupt your sleep. Plus, find out effective alternatives to your afternoon coffee and get tips on timing your caffeine intake for optimal benefits!

Healthy eating often implies eating less, but what if you need to eat more? A vegan couple found unintended weight loss highlighted the pitfalls of common dietary advice. Health professionals struggle to recommend higher-calorie options due to diet culture. Practical strategies like adding healthy fats and enjoying creamy soups can help boost nutrient intake. It’s crucial to focus on both energy-dense and nutrient-dense foods. Ultimately, embracing a mindset of eating more can be the key to maintaining health and muscle.

The podcast dives into a recent investigation by Consumer Reports revealing concerning levels of lead in protein powders. It discusses the health risks of low-level lead exposure, especially for vulnerable populations like children. The findings highlight why plant-based powders contain more lead than whey, with a worrying increase since 2010. Listeners learn how to calculate personalized protein needs and find safer protein powder options. Tips on reducing household lead exposure round out this crucial conversation about nutrition and safety.

Dive into the controversial world of food safety as manufacturers exploit regulatory loopholes with GRAS status. Discover what 'generally recognized as safe' truly means and how substances gain this status. Explore the differences between U.S. and EU approval processes for food additives. Uncover the implications of self-affirmed GRAS status and the transparency (or lack thereof) of these determinations. Learn why food safety remains crucial for manufacturers and how historical usage aids in safety assessments.

Explore how regenerative farming can improve soil health and, potentially, the nutritional quality of our food. Monica discusses the complexities behind nutrient declines in fruits and vegetables over time, revealing that not all changes stem from soil depletion. She outlines the nuances between conventional, organic, and regenerative farming, while emphasizing the broader environmental benefits. Plus, hear about the taste improvements many experience and find out how to support local regenerative farms!

Could daily blueberries boost your brain power? A recent study suggests yes, with potential cognitive improvements in older adults. However, it raises questions about the role of anthocyanins beyond just blueberries. The influence of funding from groups like the Highbush Blueberry Council on research integrity and consumer perceptions is explored. Finally, the discussion highlights the importance of consuming a variety of whole foods for optimal health, rather than relying solely on specific fruits or supplements.

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.

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.

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.

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!