Tag: nutrition

Pros and Cons of Nutrition Scoring Systems

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Q. My local supermarket has added ‘NuVal’ nutrition scores to most of the labels in the store. How accurate do you think they are for judging the healthfulness of food? I can’t find details about how the NuVal score is calculated but sodium seems to be a factor. A low sodium version of the same product will score higher.

A. NuVal is the commercial incarnation of the Overall Nutrition Quality Index or ONQI, a nutrition scoring system that’s been in development for several years.  Foods are scored on a scale of 1 to 100,  using a complex equation that takes into account a long list of vitamins, minerals, fiber, types of fat, protein quality, energy density, glycemic load, and so on.    “Good” nutrients like antioxidants or omega-3 fats  bring the score up; “bad” nutrients like cholesterol, sugar, and sodium bring the score down. The basic idea is to save shoppers time and simplify the task of selecting healthy (or at least healthier) foods.  Continue reading “Pros and Cons of Nutrition Scoring Systems” >

Dear Bob Harper and Editors of Shape Magazine

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

February 2011 Shape MagazineI recently came across the following weight loss advice from “Biggest Loser” trainer Bob Harper in Shape Magazine (February 2011, page 171):

“Eating first thing revs your calorie burn…If you don’t eat within two hours of waking, your metabolism can slow down to conserve energy.”

Arrggh!  What will it take to put a stake through the heart of this myth-that-will-not-die?  Bob Harper and Shape are not the first to perpetuate this urban legend and I’m sure they won’t be the last.  But, c’mon! A guy of this clout and a magazine of this caliber should do better than repeat well-worn nonsense. They should be a beacon of accuracy in the swirling fog nutrition misinformation.  And so, I’d like to issue…

A Friendly Challenge to Mr. Harper and the Editors of Shape:

If you can produce one shred of evidence or data to support this statement, I will personally treat you all to breakfast–a protein-rich and high fiber breakfast, of course. Continue reading “Dear Bob Harper and Editors of Shape Magazine” >

Do Dried Herbs and Spices Have Nutritional Value?

by Monica Reinagel, MS, LDN

Do Dried Herbs and Spices Lose Their Nutritional Value?Q. Do dry herbs and spices have the same nutritional benefits as their fresh counterparts or are they only good for flavor?

A. It depends on which herbs and spices (and which nutritional benefits) you’re talking about!

  • Cinnamon, for example, is only consumed in its dried form but powdered cinnamon has been shown to help modulate the rise in blood sugar after meals.
  • Ginger can be used either as a fresh root or as a dried powder but either way, has anti-inflammatory benefits.  Same with garlic and onions.
  • Dried spices like cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper all have high ORAC scores, which indicate antioxidant potential.  A teaspoon of these spices is comparable to a serving of blueberries or strawberries.

Clearly, there is still plenty of nutritional benefit to be had from dried spices.

The Difference Between Fresh and Dried Herbs Continue reading “Do Dried Herbs and Spices Have Nutritional Value?” >