If you search the web to find information on soy, you will find a lot of information. In an article in The New York Times, a study on soy is explained. A large study was done with more than 24,000 women. The study showed that protein is very good for the bones of woman who are in their first few years after they reach menopause.
The women in the study were between the ages of 40 and 70. They were participants in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study and were followed for four and a half years. Over the four and a half years, 1,770 fractures were reported. The researches studied the woman’s diets and found out that the more soy a woman consumes, the less chance she has to break a bone. The article also stated that, “Within 10 years of menopause, high soy consumption was associated with a 50 percent reduction in the risk for bone fractures”.
In the article, Dr Xiao- Ou Shu points out that in 2005, the American Heart Association and the Food and Drug Administration recommended the consumption of 25 grams of soy protein each day to help prevent hear disease. While there are many different opinions on the ability of soy to contribute to the heath and well being of women, according to this article, woman who have reached menopause should consume it.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
American Not-So-Cheese
There seems to be countless numbers of different types of cheese throughout the world these days. But what exactly is cheese? Cheese is a food that consists of proteins and fat that comes from milk, and is produced by the coagulation of the milk protein casein. After coagulation you separate the curds from the way, and then pack the curds to make cheese. One of the most popular types of cheese in America is American cheese. But let me fill you in on a little secret…American cheese isn’t really cheese.
Every type of cheese is based off a well defined enzyme that gives it a certain taste. American cheese however, is not based off taste, but rather texture. American cheese is very smooth, holds together well, and it melts into a perfect gooiness. Some producers add so many items to their American cheese that they can no longer even refer to it as “cheese.” These products instead are called “cheese whiz” or “velveeta.” Depending on the amount of cheese (the actual curds), moisture, and milk fat present in the final product, they can be sold as either “cheese food,” “cheese spread,” or “cheese product.”
So if American cheese isn’t really cheese, then what is it? American cheese used to be a blend of Colby and cheddar cheeses, however now it is made from the leftovers of “real” cheese making; it is a non-standardized cheese-variant popular not for its taste, but for its texture. Once convenience foods became popular, processed cheese slices were commercially available in 1950. This processed form of the cheese took on its current name and American cheese as we know it was born. While American cheese may not actually be cheese, it is still high in calcium and product, so if you like this cheese for its taste or its texture, then go right ahead and eat it.
Every type of cheese is based off a well defined enzyme that gives it a certain taste. American cheese however, is not based off taste, but rather texture. American cheese is very smooth, holds together well, and it melts into a perfect gooiness. Some producers add so many items to their American cheese that they can no longer even refer to it as “cheese.” These products instead are called “cheese whiz” or “velveeta.” Depending on the amount of cheese (the actual curds), moisture, and milk fat present in the final product, they can be sold as either “cheese food,” “cheese spread,” or “cheese product.”
So if American cheese isn’t really cheese, then what is it? American cheese used to be a blend of Colby and cheddar cheeses, however now it is made from the leftovers of “real” cheese making; it is a non-standardized cheese-variant popular not for its taste, but for its texture. Once convenience foods became popular, processed cheese slices were commercially available in 1950. This processed form of the cheese took on its current name and American cheese as we know it was born. While American cheese may not actually be cheese, it is still high in calcium and product, so if you like this cheese for its taste or its texture, then go right ahead and eat it.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Truth About Flavored Drinks
High calorie drinks such as sodas, vitamin waters, and other artificially flavored drinks that contain fructose corn syrup have become an American favorite. They have become increasingly popular amongst both adults and children. The more popular these drinks become, it seems like the more people become overweight, or even obese. Obesity has become a huge problem in America, and high calorie drinks aren’t the cause; they are just a contributing factor. Trends of eating out all the time have become very popular. People are always on the go, and don’t have that much time to think of a daily healthy meal plan for themselves. People just love the taste of unhealthy foods, and just aren’t educated enough to understand what they are doing to themselves. Unfortunately, the children are following the poor examples their parents are setting for them and they too become overweight. High calorie drinks should not be consumed all the time. People should drink them seldom, not everyday.
Since there are so many unhealthy children in our country now, many schools have taken out the soda machines in the cafeterias. Many are upset about this change, but it is for their own good health wise. People need to learn self-control, and become more educated about nutrition. If our children in America learn the do’s and don’ts about proper nutrition, then we would be a healthier country. The children are the future parents who will be setting examples for the next generations. People need to be taught that sodas should be a treat about once a week, not everyday. They are high in calories and sugars that promote obesity. A Harvard study on sodas says that drinking soft drinks everyday leads to weight gain. It also creates orther problems like diabetes, heart attacks, and even strokes. But the more aware people become about good health, the more changes we will see around us everyday. Instead of sodas being served at schools, healthier choices such as water and juices should replace them.
Since there are so many unhealthy children in our country now, many schools have taken out the soda machines in the cafeterias. Many are upset about this change, but it is for their own good health wise. People need to learn self-control, and become more educated about nutrition. If our children in America learn the do’s and don’ts about proper nutrition, then we would be a healthier country. The children are the future parents who will be setting examples for the next generations. People need to be taught that sodas should be a treat about once a week, not everyday. They are high in calories and sugars that promote obesity. A Harvard study on sodas says that drinking soft drinks everyday leads to weight gain. It also creates orther problems like diabetes, heart attacks, and even strokes. But the more aware people become about good health, the more changes we will see around us everyday. Instead of sodas being served at schools, healthier choices such as water and juices should replace them.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sweet Sugary Surprise
What’s fresh and sweet and green all over? Meet Truvia, the newest brand of zero-calorie sweetener. Truvia is made from the leaves of the stevia plant and the honest and sweet taste comes from a natural ingredient from the plant’s leaves. This ingredient is called rebiana and it gives the sweetener its clean and natural taste. But what’s the real scoop on Truvia?
The truth is this; the little leaf has a sweet secret. The stevia plant has been used to sweeten foods and beverages for hundreds of years, but the best tasting part of the plant, the natural ingredient called rubiana, is what makes Truvia truly special. It sails high above other stevia-based sweeteners and is by far the healthiest. The idea for the Truvia brand sweetener was born from a leaf and is therefore completely natural.
You might ask, what are the other ingredients used to make Truvia? The stevia plant is just one of the few ingredients used to give Truvia that perfectly sweet taste. Erythritol is the second ingredient that can be found on the back of this environmentally conscious package. Erythritol, although its name sounds a bit daunting, is really just sugar found in grapes and pears. Totally natural. The ingredient has been a part of our diet as humans for thousands of years. It is found in fruits such as pears, melons, grapes, and even foods like mushrooms, wine, soy sauce, and cheese. Don’t be intimidated by Erythritol. It is added to foods and products like Truvia in order to provide sweetness and to enhance taste and texture of foods.
Now, back to reality. Does Truvia really taste as good as it sounds? In Bio Nutrition class, students taste-tested the newest brand of zero-calorie sweetener on the market, and all students agreed: Truvia is not as delicious as it seems. The important thing to remember though, is that Truvia should be added to foods and beverages to enhance flavor and sweetness, not to give the food or beverage a complete taste overhaul. When the sweetener is eaten alone, yes, the taste can be a jolt to the senses. But when it comes down to it, Truvia is healthy and made from all natural ingredients. With that said, the taste hardly seems to matter.
While Truvia is a great choice when it comes to natural sweeteners, the FDA has yet to approve the stevia plant from which the sweetener is made. The FDA has offered their support of rebiana, the 97% high-purity ingredient derived from the best-tasting part of the stevia leaf. They have not, however, approved all of stevia; the Truvia brand itself has been approved.
So next time you crave that bit of sugary sweet goodness, don’t be afraid to open a pack of Truvia and pour it in that delicious ice cold beverage. And voila! The flavor is transformed and Truvia will instantly become a staple of your sugar-craved diet.
The truth is this; the little leaf has a sweet secret. The stevia plant has been used to sweeten foods and beverages for hundreds of years, but the best tasting part of the plant, the natural ingredient called rubiana, is what makes Truvia truly special. It sails high above other stevia-based sweeteners and is by far the healthiest. The idea for the Truvia brand sweetener was born from a leaf and is therefore completely natural.
You might ask, what are the other ingredients used to make Truvia? The stevia plant is just one of the few ingredients used to give Truvia that perfectly sweet taste. Erythritol is the second ingredient that can be found on the back of this environmentally conscious package. Erythritol, although its name sounds a bit daunting, is really just sugar found in grapes and pears. Totally natural. The ingredient has been a part of our diet as humans for thousands of years. It is found in fruits such as pears, melons, grapes, and even foods like mushrooms, wine, soy sauce, and cheese. Don’t be intimidated by Erythritol. It is added to foods and products like Truvia in order to provide sweetness and to enhance taste and texture of foods.
Now, back to reality. Does Truvia really taste as good as it sounds? In Bio Nutrition class, students taste-tested the newest brand of zero-calorie sweetener on the market, and all students agreed: Truvia is not as delicious as it seems. The important thing to remember though, is that Truvia should be added to foods and beverages to enhance flavor and sweetness, not to give the food or beverage a complete taste overhaul. When the sweetener is eaten alone, yes, the taste can be a jolt to the senses. But when it comes down to it, Truvia is healthy and made from all natural ingredients. With that said, the taste hardly seems to matter.
While Truvia is a great choice when it comes to natural sweeteners, the FDA has yet to approve the stevia plant from which the sweetener is made. The FDA has offered their support of rebiana, the 97% high-purity ingredient derived from the best-tasting part of the stevia leaf. They have not, however, approved all of stevia; the Truvia brand itself has been approved.
So next time you crave that bit of sugary sweet goodness, don’t be afraid to open a pack of Truvia and pour it in that delicious ice cold beverage. And voila! The flavor is transformed and Truvia will instantly become a staple of your sugar-craved diet.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Nutrition Hazards When Athletes Travel
Athletes and their coaches know that successful performance depends upon training and diet. Serious athletes often find themselves competing away from home, often in places with unfamiliar foods. They and their coaches often fail to consider the effects of travel and how it can negatively impact the athlete’s performance in a competition. At home, athletes know which foods and fluids maximize performance. Before traveling, they need to develop strategies to follow in order to avoid or deal with circumstances that jeopardize performance, such as food intolerance, consumption of unsafe or unhealthy foods and dehydration. These pitfalls of travel can undermine all of their good training and healthy eating habits. Knowing what to expect and planning for challenges that come up can make a big difference in successful performance.
One of the biggest mistakes an athlete can make is to assume that what they need to eat and drink will be available during travel or at their destination. The worst thing that can happen to an athlete is to become hungry or thirsty, and not have anything available to eat or drink. To avoid this, the following general tips for eating on the road should be followed:
·Pack a survival bag with carbohydrates, snacks and beverages, such as fresh fruits, fruit juices, crackers and low fat energy bars.
·Eat grilled, baked, boiled and broiled foods rather than fried or sautéed foods. Watch out for hidden fats in salad dressings or sauces.
· Order “a la carte” to get exactly what you want. Try to find pasta, baked potatoes, bread, vegetables and salads in restaurants.
·If traveling by air, plan to eat the vegetarian dishes offered. There is a greater chance foods higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat will be served
·Make sure to stay hydrated on the plane by always having something available to drink. Air travel is one of the most dehydrating experiences a person can have. Drink bottled water or sports drinks.
·If traveling far away or for long periods, check into the possibility of shipping nutrition staples and favorite foods to the destination ahead of time.
Some countries have a reputation for unsafe water or food supplies. If there is any doubt about it, an athlete should consider taking some or all of the following items along: a box of saltine crackers, water filter (to purify water), powdered sports beverage packets, favorite cereal, nonfat powdered milk, low fat granola bars, box of raisins or other dried fruit and an in cup electric heater.
The key to successful travel is advance planning. By following some of these tips and strategizing how to eat properly before, during and immediately after a trip, an athlete should remain healthy and will reduce the risk of compromising athletic performance.
One of the biggest mistakes an athlete can make is to assume that what they need to eat and drink will be available during travel or at their destination. The worst thing that can happen to an athlete is to become hungry or thirsty, and not have anything available to eat or drink. To avoid this, the following general tips for eating on the road should be followed:
·Pack a survival bag with carbohydrates, snacks and beverages, such as fresh fruits, fruit juices, crackers and low fat energy bars.
·Eat grilled, baked, boiled and broiled foods rather than fried or sautéed foods. Watch out for hidden fats in salad dressings or sauces.
· Order “a la carte” to get exactly what you want. Try to find pasta, baked potatoes, bread, vegetables and salads in restaurants.
·If traveling by air, plan to eat the vegetarian dishes offered. There is a greater chance foods higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat will be served
·Make sure to stay hydrated on the plane by always having something available to drink. Air travel is one of the most dehydrating experiences a person can have. Drink bottled water or sports drinks.
·If traveling far away or for long periods, check into the possibility of shipping nutrition staples and favorite foods to the destination ahead of time.
Some countries have a reputation for unsafe water or food supplies. If there is any doubt about it, an athlete should consider taking some or all of the following items along: a box of saltine crackers, water filter (to purify water), powdered sports beverage packets, favorite cereal, nonfat powdered milk, low fat granola bars, box of raisins or other dried fruit and an in cup electric heater.
The key to successful travel is advance planning. By following some of these tips and strategizing how to eat properly before, during and immediately after a trip, an athlete should remain healthy and will reduce the risk of compromising athletic performance.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Yes or No to Vitamin Supplements
Do you take vitamins each morning? Many kids take vitamins even though they do not need to. A study done by researchers at UC Davis has found that most of the healthy children, who take daily vitamins, probably do not need them. The study also found that many children who do need to take vitamins are not. Many children and young adults who take daily vitamin supplements are already receiving enough nutrition from the foods that they eat. If you are eating a balanced diet, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate your decision to take a vitamin.
Researchers at UC Davis spent 5 years working on the study about vitamins. In the study, 10,828 children between the ages of 2 and 17 took part in the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Survey. If the child had taken a supplement within the past month, they were considered to be vitamin and mineral supplement users. The researches also focused on the exercise each child was doing, the types of food they were consuming, and whether or not they were covered by health insurance. The study showed that out of the children who were excellent health, 37 percent took vitamins. Only about 28 percent of children in fair or poor health took vitamins. 30 to 40 percent of children who regularly ate vegetable and drank milk were taking supplements even though it was unnecessary. Children should not take vitamins unless it is necessary.
Vitamin use for children who are over the age of 1 is not recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics. Studies that have been done in the past show that about one-third of children in the United States take a vitamin daily. In many of these cases, it is unnecessary for the children to be taking daily vitamin supplements. Many vitamins can be consumed by eating a healthy diet. For example, vitamin A can be found in fortified milk, cheese, butter, and dark green leafy vegetable. Vitamins C can be found in fruits and vegetables and B6 is in bananas, spinach, and salmon. Taking vitamins is unnecessary if you are consuming a healthy and balanced diet.
Researchers at UC Davis spent 5 years working on the study about vitamins. In the study, 10,828 children between the ages of 2 and 17 took part in the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Survey. If the child had taken a supplement within the past month, they were considered to be vitamin and mineral supplement users. The researches also focused on the exercise each child was doing, the types of food they were consuming, and whether or not they were covered by health insurance. The study showed that out of the children who were excellent health, 37 percent took vitamins. Only about 28 percent of children in fair or poor health took vitamins. 30 to 40 percent of children who regularly ate vegetable and drank milk were taking supplements even though it was unnecessary. Children should not take vitamins unless it is necessary.
Vitamin use for children who are over the age of 1 is not recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics. Studies that have been done in the past show that about one-third of children in the United States take a vitamin daily. In many of these cases, it is unnecessary for the children to be taking daily vitamin supplements. Many vitamins can be consumed by eating a healthy diet. For example, vitamin A can be found in fortified milk, cheese, butter, and dark green leafy vegetable. Vitamins C can be found in fruits and vegetables and B6 is in bananas, spinach, and salmon. Taking vitamins is unnecessary if you are consuming a healthy and balanced diet.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Truth About Vitaminwater
Vitaminwater has been a popular drink choice for people of all ages since it was created in 2000 when its founder took some vitamin C then drank a glass of water and had the brilliant idea to combine the 2. Since then over 15 flavors of vitamin water have been invented from basic lemonade to XXX-Acai, Blueberry, Pomegranate. Each flavor with its selected activity it will help you with, from focus to energy, and a catchy story about why you need these vitamins. But why do people feel the need to drink it. Do they like it for the taste, or do they like the idea that they are drinking a healthy drink filled with vitamins? With its increasing popularity, it is important to analyze exactly what is in vitamin water and if it really does all it says it can do.
To really analyze vitamin water turn the bottle to the back where it lists the ingredients. There you will find a list of several vitamins each with its own percentage depending on the flavor. Someone uneducated about vitamins would immediately tear open the bottle and enjoy this beverage believing it’s the healthiest drink to consume. Yet once informed we realize Americans are anything but vitamin deficient. The Food and Drug Administration puts strict numbers on the daily recommended intake for each vitamin. These numbers are extremely high to prevent various vitamin deficiencies that were once very apparent. Because we continue to learn more about other vitamin deficiencies, the DRI continues to go up, therefore it is almost impossible for someone to be deficient in any vitamin. Also it is important to understand our body has a set limit on the amount of vitamins it can breakdown for use. By taking extreme amounts of vitamins, your body will only use what it is able to, and will excrete the rest. Though many people believe by consuming Vitaminwater they are getting more than enough vitamins, it is impossible for your body to absorb all the vitamins listed on the back of the bottle. The best way to make sure you are getting enough vitamins is to eat them in fruits and vegetables. That is a safe and much more efficient way than taking them through a supplement like Vitaminwater. Another common belief about Vitaminwater is that it is a healthier choice to other beverages such as soda but upon researching we see this is not entirely true. 1 bottle of vitamin water contains 148 calories and 32.5 grams of sugar, while the same amount of Coca-cola contains 105 calories and 39 grams of sugar. By comparing 2 simple ingredients most people look for when comparing foods, we can see Vitaminwater is not much healthier than a can of soda, in fact, in some cases the soda might be a better option in terms of the number of calories Vitaminwater contains. You cannot fully understand exactly what you are drinking until you look at the food label and understand what is in it compared to other drinks. When you completely understand what you are drinking, you can make an educated decision if it is really healthy for you.
Even though Vitaminwater advertises to be a healthy drink choice, when really looking at what is in it, we learn that it is much healthier to get all those vitamins Vitaminwater is famous for through fruits and vegetables. It is not a good idea to drink Vitaminwater purely for its nutritional content because of its high amount of calories and sugar, but if you’re looking for a good tasting drink with a amusing story on the side, it is perfectly acceptable.
This podcast discusses the truth about Vitaminwater and if its contents really do what they say they will do.
To really analyze vitamin water turn the bottle to the back where it lists the ingredients. There you will find a list of several vitamins each with its own percentage depending on the flavor. Someone uneducated about vitamins would immediately tear open the bottle and enjoy this beverage believing it’s the healthiest drink to consume. Yet once informed we realize Americans are anything but vitamin deficient. The Food and Drug Administration puts strict numbers on the daily recommended intake for each vitamin. These numbers are extremely high to prevent various vitamin deficiencies that were once very apparent. Because we continue to learn more about other vitamin deficiencies, the DRI continues to go up, therefore it is almost impossible for someone to be deficient in any vitamin. Also it is important to understand our body has a set limit on the amount of vitamins it can breakdown for use. By taking extreme amounts of vitamins, your body will only use what it is able to, and will excrete the rest. Though many people believe by consuming Vitaminwater they are getting more than enough vitamins, it is impossible for your body to absorb all the vitamins listed on the back of the bottle. The best way to make sure you are getting enough vitamins is to eat them in fruits and vegetables. That is a safe and much more efficient way than taking them through a supplement like Vitaminwater. Another common belief about Vitaminwater is that it is a healthier choice to other beverages such as soda but upon researching we see this is not entirely true. 1 bottle of vitamin water contains 148 calories and 32.5 grams of sugar, while the same amount of Coca-cola contains 105 calories and 39 grams of sugar. By comparing 2 simple ingredients most people look for when comparing foods, we can see Vitaminwater is not much healthier than a can of soda, in fact, in some cases the soda might be a better option in terms of the number of calories Vitaminwater contains. You cannot fully understand exactly what you are drinking until you look at the food label and understand what is in it compared to other drinks. When you completely understand what you are drinking, you can make an educated decision if it is really healthy for you.
Even though Vitaminwater advertises to be a healthy drink choice, when really looking at what is in it, we learn that it is much healthier to get all those vitamins Vitaminwater is famous for through fruits and vegetables. It is not a good idea to drink Vitaminwater purely for its nutritional content because of its high amount of calories and sugar, but if you’re looking for a good tasting drink with a amusing story on the side, it is perfectly acceptable.
This podcast discusses the truth about Vitaminwater and if its contents really do what they say they will do.
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