KTK-Nutrition

Yogurt was in the news this week.   Why?   Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will let yogurt companies put a new health claim on yogurt.   One company, Danone North America requested the FDA let them put a health claim on yogurt that eating yogurt reduces one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes.     What evidence did the Danone North America company submit to FDA related to yogurt and type 2 diabetes? Amanda Blechman, a registered dietitian with the company, stated that Danone filed a petition with the FDA reviewing 32 research studies on yogurt and type 2 diabetes.   These studies show that eating some yogurt may help reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.   A Harvard study “found that a daily serving of yogurt was linked to an 18% lower risk of type 2 diabetes”.       What did FDA decide? FDA noted “there is some credible evidence supporting a relationship between yogurt intake and reduced risk of...

Who doesn’t want healthier hair?   Almost everyday we are bombarded with commercials advertising products for healthier hair, for growing more hair.   My sister sent me some articles about foods to promote hair growth , strength and health.   Look around you today as you are out and about.   How many people do you see with shiny, thick, strong, healthy hair?   What foods could people with dull, thin hair add to their diet for healthier locks? What are some nutrients that promote healthier hair? Like any part of your body, your hair needs nutrients.   “Some nutrients that are particularly beneficial in promoting hair growth, strength, and thickness include protein, B vitamins (including biotin and riboflavin), vitamins C and D, omega-3 fats, collage, zinc, iron,”   says nutritionist Bianca Tamburello.   What vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are important for healthy hair and hair growth? The Cleveland Clinic has an excellent article on ...

COVID is in the news almost every day.   A new variant is popping up, etc.   The news recently was fascinating.   Are there foods or supplements that not only can help prevent COVID but also reduce symptoms?   Why hadn’t we heard this before?   You may have seen the many headlines about Probiotics can Reduce COVID Symptoms and Delay Disease .   Researchers at Duke University have come out with surprising findings about probiotics and COVID.    What did the Duke University study find about COVID and probiotics? Before COVID, researchers already knew that probiotics were helpful in preventing respiratory infections.   In March 2020, before many people had been vaccinated for COVID, Duke researchers studied unvaccinated individuals who had been exposed to COVID.   They studied 182 people, with half getting the probiotic lactobacillus and the other half taking a placebo pill.   Even though the research was cut short because study p...

Who hasn’t heard the old wives’ tale, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”?    Although not true, eating apples has some health benefits.   Fall is apple season and how fun it is to visit an orchard to pick or to browse and choose some freshly picked apples.   Growing up we did not hear much about the health benefits of apples.   But more research has found apples not only provide some good nutrition but also fiber and those healthy antioxidants.    What are some health benefits of apples?   Cleveland Clinic has a great article on 7 Reasons Why Apples are Good for You .   Blood sugar control – yes, apples do contain the natural sugar, fructose.   But unlike sugary foods like donuts, eating an apple won’t spike your blood sugar.   Why?   Because the fiber in the apple slows down the absorption of fructose, and apples are lower in sugar than processed foods like donuts.   In fact, a study of over 38,000 women found, ...

Feeling down, anxious, under stress?   Many people turn to food to boost their mood but then choose junk food, foods high in sugar and fat.   Junk foods won’t really help improve your mood.   What are some foods that not only are mood boosters but also good for your health? Good fats and your mood: The Harvard Health Blog notes the healthy omega-3 fats actually travel to our brains and interact “with mood-related molecules in the brain.   These healthy fats are also anti-inflammatory which helps “relieve depression”.   And omega-3 fats may help stabilize any mood swings.   (See:   What are omega 3 fats and why are they good for you? )   Some ways to add omega-3 fats to your day: Fish:   A good source of omega-3 fats are fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines.   Oils:   flaxseed oil and canola oil. Seeds:   Flaxseeds, chia seeds Nuts:   walnuts are high in omega-3 fats Green, leafy vegetables lik...

This Fall how can you eat to boost your immune system?   What foods should you be adding to your day or week?   Fall and winter may bring on colds, the flu, and other infections.   Are there foods you can eat to help boost your immune system?   Besides the traditional chicken soup and hot tea that many recommend, what other foods can give your immune system a boost?      Can some foods really give your immune system a boost? No one food will prevent you from getting sick.   But eating foods full of the vitamins and minerals your immune system needs, will help give your immune system a boost and may help prevent an illness and help you recover faster if you do get sick.   Doctor Cassandra Calabrese says , “There’s no doubt that a healthy diet improves your immunity to illness.   What you put in your body is important for your overall health, including your immune system.”   What are some foods to stock up on to give your immune...