 Burger King is promoting 3 new meal combinations as part of its BK Kids Meal options. Continue reading Making “fast food” healthy
Category Archives: Fiber
Fenugreek to treat obesity?
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is an ingredient in Indian-style spiced foods and a source of soluble fiber.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota, in St Paul studied its effects on satiety, blood sugar levels and insulin response, and energy intake in obese people. Continue reading Fenugreek to treat obesity?
Should octogenarian women exercise?
 In this study, they didn’t increase muscle mass after a 3-month weight lifting program, report researchers from Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana.
Benefits and risks of vegan diets
 Veganism is a diet and lifestyle that excludes using animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose.
Dr. Winston Craig from Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan reviews both, and makes recommendations. Continue reading Benefits and risks of vegan diets
Most commonly used natural products
Here’s a follow-up to an earlier post on the use of CAM in the US in 2007 as surveyed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Continue reading Most commonly used natural products
The contribution of fruit and veggies to weight loss
According to this study, each 100 gram increase in fruit consumption is associated with a reduction of 300 grams of body weight after 6 months. Continue reading The contribution of fruit and veggies to weight loss
Lowering cholesterol with flaxseed in postmenopausal women
Researchers from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater report a positive response in a sea of inconsistency. Continue reading Lowering cholesterol with flaxseed in postmenopausal women
Is this the secret to a successful diet?
 A diet’s long-term effectiveness depends on its ability to increase a sense of fullness and bring down carbohydrate cravings, report researchers from Venezuela and the US presented during The Endocrine Society’s 90th Annual Meeting. Continue reading Is this the secret to a successful diet?
Benefits of a low-glycemic index in diabetes
Researchers from Canada compared the effects of a low-glycemic index (GI) diet vs a high-cereal fiber diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. Continue reading Benefits of a low-glycemic index in diabetes
New recommendations to treat IBS
 The American College of Gastroenterology has published new guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Let’s focus on their view of herbals, acupuncture, and diet. Continue reading New recommendations to treat IBS
Success with peppermint oil for IBS symptoms
An international group of researchers report that peppermint oil is “more effective than placebo in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).”
It compared favorably to fiber and antispasmodic drugs too. Continue reading Success with peppermint oil for IBS symptoms
Benefits of a lower energy dense breakfast
The concept of energy density can help you feel satisfied with fewer calories, according to MayoClinic.com.
In this study, eating a lower energy density breakfast was associated with better weight control. Continue reading Benefits of a lower energy dense breakfast
Lowering cholesterol with functional foods
This study shows it can be done, with reductions that are relatively small. But read the comment to see what can be accomplished with diet, exercise, and omega-3.
Continue reading Lowering cholesterol with functional foods
Comparing weight-loss diets after 2 years
The results of the Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial (DIRECT) Group have been published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Continue reading Comparing weight-loss diets after 2 years
Health benefits of fiber reviewed
Americans don’t meet the current fiber recommendations. The daily fiber intake by average Americans is 14 to 15 grams.
This is less than the American Dietetic Association recommended of 20 to 35 grams for adults, 25 grams for girls ages 9 through 18 years and 31 to 38 grams for boys ages 9 through 18. The American Heart Association recommends 25 to 30 g daily.
Coffee as a source of fiber
Coffee is a complex mixture of more than 1,000 compounds, some of which are linked to good and others to bad effects on human health.
Among the good stuff is soluble dietary fiber, according to an article in Science Daily.
Probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic: What’s the difference?
Confusing? It won’t be after this.
The term, “probiotic” (meaning “for life”) was coined in the 1960’s, although the concept was introduced early in the 20th century. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that normally live in the intestines. They are found in foods such as yogurt, and in dietary supplements. Examples are Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. The beneficial effects of probiotics are achieved by changing the microflora (numbers and types of bacteria) within the intestines.
Continue reading Probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic: What’s the difference?
Popular weight loss supplements reviewed
A couple of PharmDs from Ohio have published a review of 16 weight loss supplements (and 1 drug) used to help shed excess girth.
I’ll give just the bottom line on each supplement here. Continue reading Popular weight loss supplements reviewed
Does diet affect the survival of women with breast cancer?
Not if the diet is high in vegetables, fruit, and fiber, and low in total fat. But don’t be discouraged.
Here are the results from the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Randomized Trial. Continue reading Does diet affect the survival of women with breast cancer?
Complementary therapies as a foundation for effective cholesterol control
Dr. David Jenkins and colleagues at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto have published research showing that diversifying cholesterol-lowering components in the same diet increases the effectiveness of diet as a treatment of high blood cholesterol levels.
Continue reading Complementary therapies as a foundation for effective cholesterol control