Diet Science - podcast cover

Diet Science

Dee and Michael McCaffreyblubrry.com
Diet Science is a fun 7 to 8 minute weekly program with insights and straight scoops on today's health and diet issues from Dee McCaffrey, CDC. Dee is an Organic Chemist who lost 100 pounds, nearly half her body weight, and has kept it off for 20 years by staying away from processed foods. She's the author of The Science of Skinny, released by Perseus June 2012, and The Science of Skinny Cookbook, which was released December 2014.
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Episodes

Glutathione--the Most Powerful Antioxidant in the Body

Glutathione is known as “The Master Antioxidant” because it is made within your body and protects cells from toxic substances such as heavy metals, drugs and cancer causing free radicals. How it does this is quite fascinating. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how your body makes glutathione, and which foods to eat to help your body make adequate levels of it. Link to purchase Whey Protein: https://amzn.to/3y0Q2Di

Aug 15, 202110 min

Cheers to Cherries!

Cherries are a well-loved summer fruit that pair well in both sweet and savory dishes, or just eaten by themselves. Listen in this week as Dee gives a cheer to the nutritional profile and health benefits of cherries--all except the Maraschino type!

Aug 08, 202110 min

Let's Talk Tomatoes!

Did you know that people in the U.S and Europe avoided and even feared tomatoes up until about the mid-1800's? Why? Listen in this week as Dee discusses tomato nutrition and the circumstances under which caution should be taken when eating them.

Aug 01, 20218 min

Non-Dairy Yogurts: Pros and Cons

Yogurt is known for its probiotic content and the myriad benefits it provides to the gut microbome. But, do non-dairy yogurts measure up to the centuries-old yogurts made from cow and goat milk? Listen in this week as Dee discusses the pros and cons of commercially prepared non-dairy yogurts, and which may be the best for you. Link to purchase non-diary yogurt starter: https://amzn.to/3hXaS0W

Jul 25, 20217 min

What to Eat and Not to Eat During Allergy Season

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, only occur during certain times of the year--usually spring or summer--when plant pollens trigger the immune system to overreact. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the best foods to eat to help quell seasonal allergies, and which foods you should avoid during allergy season. Link to purchase Quercitin https://amzn.to/3ampaV9

Jun 22, 202113 min

Can Arsenic be Removed from Rice?

Alarming levels of arsenic, a known carcinogen, have been found in rice and rice products over the last several years. Listen in this week as Dee discusses which types of rice have the most arsenic, and the cooking techniques you can use to decrease the amount of arsenic in rice by up to 74%.

Jun 14, 202113 min

Doing OK with Vitamin A

Vitamin A is linked to sharp vision and strong immune health--but it doesn't come from carrots directly. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the best food sources of vitamin A, and how to ensure you get enough. Link to purchase Cod Liver Oil: https://amzn.to/2R1FVxS

May 17, 202116 min

Enjoy Watermelon and its Seeds for Better Health!

Bite into a sweet crisp wedge of watermelon to get a boost of health, but don't throw away the seeds! Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many health benefits of watermelon and its seeds. Link to purchase watermelon seeds for snacks, salads and more: https://amzn.to/2Sr4LYg

May 09, 202112 min

How Chromium Helps Blood Sugar Control

Chromium is a mineral found in foods that enhances the action of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. Listen in this week as Dee explains the role of chromium and what foods and supplements can help increase intake for blood sugar control. Link to purchase Chromium Picolinate supplement: https://amzn.to/2QEcmle Link to purchase Glucose Tolerance Factor supplement: https://amzn.to/32s9FWE

Apr 19, 202114 min

What are Digestive Enzymes and Why Do You Need Them?

Digestive enzymes are naturally produced in various places within the digestive system. If you're not producing enough of them, digestion is impaired, and you won't be well nourished even if you have a healthy diet. Listen in this week as Dee explains how digestive enzymes work and why supplemental enzymes might a good idea. Link to purchase Digestive Enzyme Supplement: https://amzn.to/3wHR4UJ

Apr 11, 202121 min

Lower Cholesterol Naturally with Pu·erh Tea

A form of fermented tea, known as Emperor's Pu·erh tea, has been used for over 500 years in China as a medicinal tea. Recent studies show that it contains compounds that naturally lower cholesterol. Listen in this week as Dee explains the chemistry of this tea and how to use it safely to lower cholesterol levels. Link to purchase Pu-erh Tea: https://amzn.to/31p5FpB

Mar 28, 20218 min

What is Zonulin?

In 2000 researchers discovered a molecule called zonulin that is created in the gut when gluten is present and triggers intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut)--even in people who do not have Celiac Disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses zonulin, its role in the body, and how it may be affecting your health.

Mar 01, 20218 min

Alpha-Lipoic Acid for Diabetes, Weight Loss and More!

What makes broccoli and spinach so healthy? One particular compound found naturally in these foods is alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant. Listen in this week as Dee explains the various foods and other sources of alpha-lipoic acid and the roles it plays in metabolic health such as managing blood sugar, blood pressure, weight loss and more. Link to purchase Alpha-Lipoic Acid: https://amzn.to/3bxkyuK

Feb 22, 202110 min

Quercetin Quenches Inflammation, Allergy Symptoms, Viruses and More!

Quercitin is one of the most abundant and powerful antioxidants found in foods and created naturally in our body. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many ways quercitin works to boost your health! Links to purchase Quercitin: https://amzn.to/3ampaV9

Feb 15, 20219 min

The Benefits of Peanut Butter

Whether creamy or crunchy, peanut butter packs some health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutritional power of peanut butter, and some cautions you need to be aware of. Links to purchase Dee's recommended Peanut Butter: https://amzn.to/3bOAvOE

Feb 01, 202110 min

A Little Bit of Lucuma has Huge Benefit

The dried powdered version of a fruit native to Peru has a long list of health benefits in addition to being a delicious low glycemic sweetener. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many ways lucuma powder can sweeten foods and boost your health. Links to purchase Lucuma powder

Jan 25, 20219 min

Boost Your Health with Berberine

More than 4,000 studies have documented the impressive health benefits of a natural plant compound called Berberine--everything from weight loss to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, to improved immunity and digestion. Listen in this week as Dee discusses what Berberine is and how it works to boost your health. Link to Berberine for Improved Immunity and Blood Sugar Support: https://amzn.to/3il74VE

Jan 18, 202113 min

A Nut That Cleans Your Clothes??

Soap nuts are not actually nuts and don't actually contain soap---but they're all the rage as a non-toxic alternative to laundry detergent. Listen in this week as Dee explains the chemistry of soap nuts and how they work to clean your laundry. Links to purchase soap nuts: https://amzn.to/37SHTq5

Dec 29, 202010 min

The Yummy Benefits of Yacón Syrup

The syrup produced from the yacón root is well known for its sweet taste and health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutritional and therapeutic properties of yacón and how it can aid in weight loss and blood sugar management. Link to purchase Yacón Syrup: https://amzn.to/337R6rs

Dec 06, 202011 min

Tiny Tiger Nuts Provide Huge Health Benefits

Meet the tiger nut--a trendy superfood with a tiger-striped exterior that's not actually a nut. Listen in this week as Dee discusses what tiger nuts are and why eating them offers some hefty health benefits. Link to purchase Tiger Nuts: https://amzn.to/3kVQXh9

Nov 22, 202010 min

What is Citric Acid, and Is It Safe?

Citric acid is one of the most common food additives and is also used in cleaning products, medicines and beauty products. Listen in this week as Dee explains what exactly citric acid is, the upsides and the downsides of consuming it.

Nov 08, 20209 min

The Benefits of Beef Tallow

Centuries before the invention of Crisco, tallow (or beef fat) was considered a healthy and delicious fat for cooking, baking and more. Listen in this week as Dee explains the health benefits of tallow, and why this fat is not to be feared. Link to Purchase Beef Tallow: https://amzn.to/344k0K7

Oct 25, 202010 min

A Banana a Day Keeps the Heart Disease Away

Research reveals that eating bananas every day could help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Listen in this week as Dee explains the nutritive powers of bananas, and why regular consumption of their nutrients is important for many aspects of your health.

Oct 18, 20209 min

In Defense of Potatoes

Potatoes have been banished from many people's diets due to myths about their effects on health. Listen in this week as Dee puts an end to the nutrition myths surrounding spuds and explains why you may want to save some space on your plate for their many health virtues.

Oct 11, 202012 min

Is Duckweed a Reliable Source of Plant-Based Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin for cardiovascular and neurological health, but it is also the only vitamin that is not recognized as being reliably supplied from plant foods, leaving vegans to rely on foods fortified with synthetic vitamin B12 or take supplements. However, researchers at a Florida-based company say they have discovered active forms of vitamin B12 in water lentils (aka duckweed) grown on their private aquafarm. Listen in this week as Dee explains how this could be an exc...

Oct 04, 202011 min

Monk Fruit: Is it Worth the Hype?

Monk fruit sweetener, aka Luo Han Guo, is a zero calorie sugar alternative that has taken a prominent place among sugar-free devotees and those with diabetes. Listen in this week as Dee explains that not all monk fruit sweeteners are created equal, and how to ensure you're getting the best of its health benefits. Link to Dee's article on Monk Fruit

Sep 27, 202010 min

The Good and Bad on Oxalates

Oxalates are compounds found in many healthy foods and can also be made within your body, but some people may need to minimize their consumption. Listen in this week as Dee discusses nutritional strategies that help minimize the bad and maximize the good on oxalates.

Sep 21, 202012 min

The Benefits of Vitamin B6

The term “vitamin B6” makes it sound like it’s only one nutrient, but the term refers to a group of six related compounds that have similar activity and very important roles in the way our body functions. Listen in this week as Dee discusses this important vitamin and why you may need more of it in your diet. Link to Dee's Article "The Benefits of Vitamin B6"

Aug 30, 202015 min

Have You Gone Wild for Oat Milk?

Oat milk is one of the newest members of the "alt-milk" community--known especially for its creamy frothiness in coffee shop espresso drinks. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how oat milk is made, its health benefits and its downsides. Link to Oat Milk article

Aug 24, 202010 min

Algae Oil for Cooking?

A cooking oil extracted from algae fermented in tanks similar to those used for making beer and wine---how good can it be? Listen in this week as Dee discusses how algae oil is made and its purported health benefits.

Aug 17, 202011 min
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