Author Archives: Kinsey

Components of the Mediterranean Diet that Work Best

mediterranean dietAn article on ABC News website discussed a newly released study examining what is it about the Mediterranean diet that makes it so healthy and good for you? The study consisted of 23,000 Greek men and women over an eight year period. The researchers were able to tell that certain foods, more than others, may offer the majority of the nutritional benefits of this diet.

The researchers concluded from their analysis that “the dominant components of the Mediterranean diet score as a predictor of lower mortality are moderate consumption of alcohol, low consumption of meat and meat products, and high consumption of vegetables, fruits and nuts, olive oil, and legumes.” In addition, the researchers found that the elevated consumption of fish and cereals and avoidance of dairy products seen in the typical Mediterranean diet had little to do with the benefits of this diet. (more…)

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Kinsey

How to Use the Food Guide Pyramid to Eat Healthier

food pyramidIt’s well known that eating healthy includes increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free/low-fat dairy products. However, even though we know we should eat better Americans still don’t do it. The American Dietetics Association provided a quick breakdown of the basic food groups, what you should eat within those groups, how many servings you should eat, and what counts as a serving.

Whole grains
It’s recommended to consume 3 servings a day.

What counts as a serving?
A one ounce serving equals one slice whole-wheat bread, 1/2 cup brown rice, 5 whole-wheat crackers, 1/2 cup oatmeal. (more…)

Posted on June 26, 2023 by Kinsey

Prevention is a Healthier Route than Treatment

prescriptionsMany of the diseases and cancers seen in our society could be preventable or postponed if we shifted our focus to prevention rather than treating a disease. Too often people go on medication to lower their cholesterol or help with their blood pressure, but had they considered diet and exercise years before it’s likely that they wouldn’t have to depend on medication at all.

Obesity is another medical issue that could probably be avoided if we paid more attention to what we put into our mouths and how much exercise we get. The cost of prevention (eating right and exercising) is far cheaper than the cost of medical expenses (doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, etc.).

All this being said, what can you do to start this road of prevention? In my eyes, it’s never too late to start getting healthier. So what can you do?  (more…)

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Kinsey

Summertime Nutrition Tips

hand washingSummer is here which means there will be plenty of long days spent outside by the beach, lake, or poolside. It’s very important to apply and re-apply plenty of sunblock, but the sun can effect other parts of your body, not just your skin.  Below is a list found on WebMD of sun problems and associated foods that can help your body bounce back from the sun’s powerful rays.

Dry or Damaged Skin

  • Caused by: sweating more in summertime causing your skin to be less supple; chlorine in pool water and saltwater can also dry out your skin; finally the very common sunburn really can dry out your skin. (more…)
Posted on June 23, 2023 by Kinsey

Beware High Mercury Fish

fish and saladFish have been recommended as an important part of a healthy diet because of their high-quality protein, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Incorporating a variety of fish can contribute to heart health.

However, nearly all fish contain traces of mercury. Some researchers believe consuming fish with high mercury levels will diminish all potential health benefits. Some studies have actually suggested an increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with mercury levels in fish, whereas other studies could not find any relationship between elevated mercury and risk of heart disease. This controversy has caused much discussion on what amount of fish is safe to eat without having harmful effects in the body. (more…)

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Kinsey

Foods for a Healthy Liver

fruits and vegetablesYour liver is very important and to put it simply, without it you won’t live. Your liver is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and ridding toxins and toxic substances from your body. So it’s very important that you keep your liver healthy in order for your body to function properly and efficiently.

So what can you eat to help your liver?

  • Avoid or limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Over-consumption of alcohol can lead to life-ending liver disease. (more…)
Posted on June 18, 2023 by Kinsey

New Health Benefits of Coffee

coffeeAccording to an article in Harvard Health Publications, coffee consumed in moderation can provide you with some good and unexpected health benefits.  Research has been going on for a while, about 20 years or so, measuring coffees effect on health.  Drinking coffee in moderation is defined as consuming a few cups a day and the latest research confirms that moderate coffee consumption does not harm the body, but in fact uncovered possible benefits.   (more…)

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Kinsey

Consume More Potassium for a Healthy Heart

orange-juiceWhat is Potassium?
It’s an element and an electrolyte.  Your body needs potassium for proper growth and maintenance; it helps keep water balance between cells and body fluids, plays an essential role in response of nerves to stimulation and contraction of muscles.  Potassium is crucial in proper heart function, put simply it triggers your heart to beat and pump blood through your body.  Lower levels of potassium have been linked to increased or high blood pressure. Research has shown that individuals that consume adequate amounts of potassium have a lower risk of having a stroke. Also, there has been no clear link between potassium and lower cholesterol, but cholesterol–lowering diets that contain high amounts of potassium have been shown to be beneficial.  (more…)

Posted on June 3, 2023 by Kinsey

Study Says Obese Women Should Not Gain Weight During Pregnancy

pregnancy-weightA study conducted in several hospitals examined whether obese women need additional weight gain during pregnancy.  It’s been recommended for years by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that pregnant women of normal weight gain 25-35 pounds, underweight women gain 28-40 pounds, overweight women gain 15-25 pounds, and obese women gain at least 15 pounds. These numbers are based on an individual basis, but those are the basic pregnancy weight gain guidelines to protect and ensure proper fetal development, nutrition, and increase chances of having a healthy pregnancy and delivery.  However, this new study sheds an interesting light on this.

The researchers followed 232 obese pregnant women, in which they were placed into one of two groups.  The control group received conventional prenatal nutritional guidelines to “eat to appetite” while the other half in the second group received a well-balanced, nutritionally monitored program including keeping a daily food diary.  (more…)

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Kinsey

Go Mad for the Benefits of Mangoes

Mangoes are a very popular and versatile fruit, yet I’m still amazed at the amount of friends I have that have yet to try them.  Mangoes come in many varieties all having their own unique flavor, texture, color, and aroma.  mangoesMangoes have overlapping seasons, so they can be eaten and enjoyed all year!  Remember, mangoes come in all colors and some are even multi-colored.  The best way to determine a ripe mango is to squeeze it.  A ripe mango will have a slight give when squeezed. Depending on when you want to enjoy your mango you need to buy one accordingly, if you know it’ll be a few days pick a firmer one, but if you’re going to eat it that day buy one that gives when squeezed. (more…)

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Kinsey

Is Resveratrol Really Reversing the Aging Process?

What is Resveratrol?
red grapesResveratrol is a natural compound found in the skin of grapes (therefore, also in red wine) that is claimed to drastically reduce aging related illnesses, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. The claim behind this is that you will live longer and live a healthier life.  Dr. Oz discussed taking resveratrol in supplement form on Oprah raving about how he takes it and how pleased he is with it. This supplement is supposed to make you healthier while helping you lose weight and prolong your life. This supplement is supposedly able to counter the multiple negative effects of a high fat diet.

There are now many resveratrol supplements on the market that contain a very high concentration of resveratrol.  In fact, to receive the amount of resveratrol in these supplements you would have to drink 1,000 bottles of wine a day, which obviously would not be recommended. (more…)

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Kinsey