KTK-Nutrition

Last week we discussed 2 anti-aging supplements many people choose to take, calcium and collagen.   This week’s focus is on another anti-aging supplement that is popular, fish oil. Many commercials push fish oil supplements.   Consumer Reports offers some good guidance on supplements in their article   “7 Anti-Aging Supplements to Try”.      Fish Oil Why do so many people focus on fish oil supplements?   Because the omega-3 fatty acids in fish have so many health benefits: Heart Health:   Omega-3 fats can help lower total cholesterol, reduce triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and prevent the formation of plaques that can block arteries.   Brain Function:   NIH notes that omega-3 fatty acids “increases learning, memory, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain.   Eye Health:   WebMD notes that “results from some early studies suggest that eating higher amounts of omega-3s could lower your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).   Some studi

Watch commercials on TV and you will see one advertisement after another for supplements.   Supplements for brain health, to alleviate pain, to promote better memory, better sleep.   People take supplements for heart health, strong muscles, strong bones, and many other reasons.   But what supplements work and what supplements not only do not work but may even be harmful?   Are there really supplements that can support healthy aging?   Consumer Reports has a great article , “7 Anti-Aging Supplements to Try” in their September 2024 magazine.   The article notes as we age, our bodies change and some of us may be on restrictive diets. *Certain health conditions may prevent or reduce some nutrients from being absorbed, like vitamin B12. *As we age, we may eat less, taking in less nutrients than we may need. *Ability to make new bones slows but we still need calcium and vitamin D. Food is the best way to get the nutrients we need.   The article notes taking supplements can pose ris

Everyone is complaining about high grocery prices.   And groceries have gotten more expensive.   What are some superfoods that you might want to add to your grocery list?        1.   Choose Extra Virgin Olive Oil over Coconut oil For years my students would say coconut oil was the healthier oil.   I always taught them that was not the case.   Still many people swear by coconut oil, even putting it in their morning coffee.   And many cook with coconut oil thinking this is a healthy thing to do.   What is so bad about coconut oil?   The high saturated fat content, “a whopping 12 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon.”   What’s the problem with saturated fat?   According to Medline Plus , ‘too much saturated fat can cause cholesterol build up in your arteries (blood vessels).   Saturated fats raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol.   High LDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.”     EVOO is a better choice as it has only 2 grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. (See: