The McDonald’s fast food emporium supplied lots of food for thought this week. In my weekly Nutrition Diva podcast, I answer a listener’s question about whether the benefits of eating fish are cancelled out if it’s a Fishwich. (Don’t miss the debate on the evils of moderation in the comment section!) On the Quick and Dirty Blog, I consider whether the “healthy” treats at the high-end organic food stores are really any better for you than McDonald’s new line of pastries. From my weekly newsletter: Guess which cereal is more nutrient dense: Oatbran or oatmeal? Finally, in view of last week’s findings on the health benefits of beets and beet greens, here more delicious ways to prepare both!
Author: Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN
Pink Slime, foods for ADD, benefits of beets, and omega ratios
After some prominent Harvard scientists sniffed that the idea of an optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is “a myth with absolutely no data to support it,” I devoted an episode of the Nutrition Diva podcast to a quick review of this “non-existent” data. On the Quick and Dirty Blog, I check into rumors that foods high in choline might offer help for kids with ADD and in my weekly newsletter, I field questions about beets and blood pressure. On our monthly Smart Nutrition segment on WYPR-FM, Tom Hall and I unpack the Pink Slime controversy and on the What’s Cooking blog, I’ve got tips on foods that help protect your skin from UV damage without interfering with Vitamin D production.
Perils of arsenic in baby food, raw dough, and licorice tea
This week’s off-site posts addressed a range of potential perils in common foods but also included good news on a food that’s often unfairly maligned. In my Nutrition Diva podcast, I explain what you need to know about arsenic levels in apple juice, brown rice, and baby formula. On the Quick and Dirty blog, I explain why it’s really not a good idea to eat raw cookie dough–even if it doesn’t include raw eggs. My weekly newsletter included a Q&A on the possible appetite suppressing effects of licorice tea–as well as the possible dangers of consuming it every day.
Happy reading!
Breakfast fixes, fake sweeteners, fruit faux pas, and more
This week’s off-site posts didn’t have a theme (that I could see) but offered a little something for everyone.The Nutrition Diva podcast reveals how most “healthy” breakfasts fall short. On the Quick and Dirty Blog, I tackle the urban legend that fruit should always be eaten by itself , explain what can happen if your diet is too LOW in salt, and also reveal why so many diet drinks contain phenyalanine. On the What’s Cooking blog on Recipe.com, I offered some tips on how to cut your grocery bill by reducing food waste. And finally, I did a fun myth-busting segment on Fox NEWS.
Myth-Busting on FOX News Extra
Are Industrial Chemicals Causing Obesity?
Some researchers believe that environmental pollutants and industrial chemicals are to blame for the obesity epidemic. This, of course, bucks the conventional wisdom that our increasing girth is simply the result of eating too much and exercising too little. What’s the evidence to support the idea that chemicals are the true cause of our ever-expanding waistlines? Find out in this week’s Nutrition Diva podcast.
Is Farm-Raised Fish Safe?
Q. I have seen a lot of conflicting information about the safety of farmed-raised fish. I stopped buying farm-raised salmon years ago because of the concern. How does farm-raised trout stack up to other fish in terms of nutrition and safety? Where does most of the supply come from in USA?
A. Unfortunately, this issue is a moving target. Exponential growth in aquaculture and the pressure to control costs means that procedures are constantly evolving. If watchdog groups make enough noise about a safety or nutrition concern, the industry often changes practices in response. So, something that was a concern a few years ago may no longer be a problem. (See, for example: Farmed salmon gets an anti-inflammatory makeover.) However, newer concerns may have cropped up in the meantime.
The best resource I’ve found to keep up with these issues is Seafood Watch. These guys are working hard to stay on top of all of these issues and to provide up-to-date resources for consumers trying to make safe and responsible choices. They have a number of tools for consumers, including a mobile app for your smart phone or a low-tech wallet card, as well as in-depth reports on individual fish. According to the fact-sheet on farmed trout, most of the farm-raised trout in the U.S. is produced in Idaho, with a minimum of negative environmental impacts. They consider it an excellent choice.
Carob vs. Chocolate
You’ll usually only find carob at health food stores or in the “healthy food” aisle of the regular grocery store. So, what are the advantages of substituting carob for chocolate? How do the two compare nutritionally? Find out in this week’s show.