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 deve...

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 not...

Do you take a daily vitamin pill?   What are the best vitamins to take and why?   Does your need for vitamins change as you age?   Should you take vitamins in the morning or later in the day?   Are there foods you need to be eating when you take your vitamins?   Can you be taking too much of a vitamin or mineral?   Do men and women need different vitamin/mineral pills?   Should you take a vitamin pill or a vitamin + mineral pill?   If you eat a healthy diet, do you need a multivitamin? My daughter sent me many articles on supplements and a recent nutrition letter I receive highlighted some good recommendations on vitamins and minerals. Do you need a multivitamin? Most nutritionists would agree that you should get your nutrients from food, not pills.   Have you seen the advertisement for pills that replace fruits and vegetables?   Fresh food like fruits and vegetables not only supply vitamins and minerals your body needs but also th...

Last week we talked about some eating habits that promote healthy eating.   What are some eating habits to avoid ?   Added sugar – Americans eat way too many foods loaded with added sugar.   And some people equate “sugar” with “added sugar”.   The natural sugar in foods is not what we need to cut back on.   Rather we need to cut back on foods and beverages with lots of added sugar such as sugary drinks.   Not just soda/pop but also lemonade, sweet tea, juice drinks, sports drinks can be loaded with added sugar.   Coffee has virtually no calories until you add milk, cream, sugar such as ordering a coffee latte.   A large caramel latte from Starbucks contains over 13 teaspoons of added sugar.   It is easy to cut back on sugary drinks.   Start reading the ingredients in the beverages you choose to see if sugar, or sugar in its many forms, like high fructose corn syrup has been added.   Many people buy “juice” but it isn’t real juic...