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

The Green Tea Effect: How this Common Beverage Regulates Gut Health and Combating Obesity

A recent study investigating the effect of three different concentrations of green tea in the diet showed better gut health and more weight loss in the group consuming the highest concentration. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study and what it means for your overall health. Reference: Mei, H., Li, J., Liu, S., Jeyaraj, A., Zhuang, J., Wang, Y., Chen, X., Yuan, Q., & Li, X. (2023). The role of green tea on the regulation of gut microbes and prevention of high-fat diet...

Aug 21, 20239 min

Does Soda with Added Prebiotics Boost Your Gut Health?

Brands of soda like Olipop and Poppi are the latest in a line of food and beverage products called "functional foods" that have added ingredients purported to improve health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of prebiotics in gut health, and whether adding them to sodas provides similar beneft to eating probiotic foods. She also reviews several brands of prebiotics sodas to help you make an informed decision. Link to purchase prebiotic soda: https://amzn.to/3OyLgXl...

Aug 13, 202317 min

Brain-healthy MIND Diet Helps Kids Focus Better in School

The MIND Diet was originally developed to help older adults stave off dementia and keep their minds sharp. Now a new study shows that this brain-healtlhy approach to eating can also help school-aged children find their focus. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of this study, and which foods are the most important for brain health. Reference: Ramsey, L. (2023, July 23). MIND diet may improve attention in pre-adolescents, study shows. News Medical Life Sciences. https://www.news-medi...

Aug 06, 202311 min

Study Shows Strong Evidence that Omega-3's Improve Lung Health

Omega-3's are well known for reducing risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer, but their role in chronic lung disease has not been well studied until now. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of this study, including which type of omega-3 has the most impact on lung health, and the foods you need to include to make sure you get enough. Reference: Patchen, B. K., Balte, P., Bartz, T. M., Barr, R. G., Fornage, M., Graff, M., Jacobs Jr, D. R., Kalhan, R., Lemaitre, R. N., O’Connor, ...

Jul 30, 202311 min

American Medical Association's Shifts its Policy on use of Body Mass Index as Predictor of Disease Risk

The American Medical Association has adopted a new policy on the use of Body Mass Index (BMI) alone for assessment of disease risk, noting significant limitations associated with widespread use of BMI in clinical settings. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the reasons for the new policy, and lists some other measurements that are more accurate for determiing disease risk factors. Reference: AMA adopts new policy clarifying role of BMI as a measure in medicine. (2023, June 14). American Medica...

Jul 23, 202311 min

Aspartame is "Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans" according to the World Health Organization

Aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in many diet sodas, sugar-free products, and sold in blue packets under the name "Equal", has now been classified by the World Health Organization as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings and recommendations from this study, as well as other health concerns linked to aspartame consumption. Link to Dee's book The Science of Skinny : https://amzn.to/3Oh2k52 References: Czarnecka, K., Pilarz, A., Rogut, A., Maj, ...

Jul 16, 202319 min

Carotene-Rich Diet Prevents Clogged Arteries

Carotenes are a class of plant-compounds found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Listen in this week as Dee discusses a new study that links high amounts of carotenes in the blood with less artery atherosclerosis, and which foods are the best sources of carotenes. References: Bujosa, F., Herreras, Z., Catalán, M., Pinyol, M., Lamuela-Raventos, R. M., Martínez-Huélamo, M., Gilabert, R., Jiménez, A., Ortega, E., & Chiva-Blanch, G. (2023). Total carotene plasma concentrations are inver...

Jul 07, 20239 min

Allulose Has Sweet Benefits for Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control

Allulose is a relatively "new" sweetener on the market that has been shown in studies to promote weight loss and lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. But what is allulose, exactly? Listen in this week as Dee explains the chemistry of allulose, how it works in the body, and why it is considered the "holy grail" of sweeteners. References: Fukunaga, K., Yoshimura, T., Imachi, H., Kobayashi, T., Saheki, T., Sato, S., Saheki, N., Jiang, W., & Murao, K. (2023). A pilot study on the ef...

Jun 30, 202312 min

Taurine Could be the Elixer For a Longer and Healthier Life

New research published in the journal Science has found that a deficiency of taurine, an amino acid involved in immune and neurological funtion, is a driver of aging. Increasing intake of taurine has been shown to slow down the aging process in laboratory animals. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study's findings, and what it means for human health. Reference: Singh, P., Gollapalli, K., Mangiola, S., Schranner, D., Yusuf, M. A., Chamoli, M., Shi, S. L., Lopes Bastos, B., Nair, T., Rierme...

Jun 26, 202312 min

Maple Butter: What Is It and Why It's So Good!

"Maple Butter" (also called "Maple Cream") is a form of pure maple syrup that is spreadable---but there is no actual butter, cream, or anything else in it other than the star ingredient itself---pure maple syrup. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how maple butter is made, the many health benefits of maple syrup, and how to use maple butter in your meals and snacks. Link to video on how to make maple butter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMXtqslHd_0&t=2s&ab_channel=America%27sTestKit...

Jun 17, 202311 min

What is a Slimcado?

A West Indian variety of avocado that has been grown in Florida for the past 100 years, the Slimcado is a unique avocado variety. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutrient profile of the "slimcado", and what makes it different yet similar to the regular avocados you know and love.

Jun 11, 20237 min

Mamaki Tea from Hawaii Brings Big Health Benefits to Mainland

One of the rarest herbal teas in the world, Mamaki is an ancient herbal tea grown only in Hawaii. Used for centuries by native Hawaiians for its health benefits, this tea is now available in the U.S. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the nutrient profile of mamaki tea and how it may be one of the most refreshing ways to improve your health. Link to Purchase Shaka Bottled Tea (12-pack): https://amzn.to/3oP5bIs Link to Purchase Shaka Bottled Tea (single bottle): https://amzn.to/3CcNKF6 Link to ...

Jun 04, 20239 min

The Nutritional Benefits of Sardines

Sardines are small saltwater fish with huge health benefits. They’re rich in essential nutrients that play a central role in heart health, blood sugar management and thyroid function. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many benefits of sardines and some easy ways to incorporate them into your meals. Link to Purchase Sardines: https://amzn.to/3MDdKhr Sardine Recipes: https://cleanplates.com/recipes/canned-sardines/...

May 29, 202313 min

Watermelon Consumption is Linked to Better Heart Health

Two studies found that watermelon consumption is linked to higher nutrient intake and better heart health. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of these studies and why watermelon is so good for cardiovascular function. References: Fulgoni, K., & Fulgoni, V. L. (2022). Watermelon intake is associated with increased nutrient intake and higher diet quality in adults and children, NHANES 2003–2018. Nutrients, 14(22), 4883. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/22/4883 Matthews, R., Ear...

May 21, 202313 min

New Study Reveals an Easy Strategy for Getting Kids to Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Past studies have shown that children worldwide eat considerably less fruits and vegetables than the recommended amount, putting them at increased risk for chronic disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of a new study that reveals how to get kids to eat more fruits and veggies on a daily basis. Reference: Dallacker, M., Knobl, V., Hertwig, R., & Mata, J. (2023). Effect of longer family meals on children’s fruit and vegetable intake. JAMA Network Open , 6 (4), e236331. htt...

May 14, 202310 min

The Importance of DHA During Pregnancy and Lactation, Especially for Vegetarians and Vegans

A new study reveals that the breast milk of mothers following vegetarian and vegan diets is deficient in the crucial omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), leading researchers to call for raised awareness and DHA supplementation for mothers who follow plant-based diets that do not include food sources of DHA. Listen in this week as Dee explains the crucial role of DHA in both babies and adults, and why DHA supplements may be important in vegan and vegetarian diets. Reference: Uret...

May 07, 202315 min

What is "Meat Glue"? Is it Safe to Eat?

Transglutaminase, also called "meat glue" is a common additive used in many foods because it works to bind protein molecules from various different substances so they ""stick" and hold together. Listen in this week as Dee explains how transglutaminase works in foods, the types of foods it typically shows up in, and whether or not it's safe to eat.

Apr 29, 202313 min

New Study Shows a Specific Probiotic Strain Helps Alleviate Gout Flare-Ups

Gout is a chronic arthritic condition caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood that crystallizes and deposits into the fluid surrounding the joints, resulting in excruciating joint pain. New preliminary research shows that a particular probiotic strain called Ligilactobacillus salivarius CECT 30632, has the ability to lower uric acid levels. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of the study and the other dietary measures that can reduce gout flare-ups. Reference: Rodríguez, J....

Apr 23, 202315 min

Why Water Buffalo Milk is Making a Splash

Water buffalo milk and its products, yogurt and cheese, have become a recent trend from Spain to various part of the U.S., appearing on the shelves of natural food markets and specialty online stores. Listen in this week as Dee discusses why the milk from water buffaloes is considered a healthier alternative to cow's milk. Purchase Buffalo Milk Cheese and Yogurt: https://www.annabella.com/ https://www.bufcreamery.com/ Link to Diet Science podcast on A2 Milk https://processedfreeamerica.org/got-a...

Apr 17, 202317 min

New Study Shows Walnut Consumption Produces a Unique Probiotic Bacteria that Benefits Heart Health

The fatty acids in walnuts have long been known to have heart health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. However, a new study shows the heart health benefits may be due to a particular gut bacteria produced when walnuts are consumed. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of the study and what it means for the future of heart health. References: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). (2023, March 25). The heart benefits of walnuts likely come ...

Apr 10, 202311 min

Benefits of Panela Sugar

Panela is a type of unrefined sugar completely hand made in Colombia using traditional methods. Studies dating back to the 1930's show many health benefits from moderate consumption of Panela. Listen in this week as Dee talks about how this sugar is made and the nutrients in Panela that provide its health benefits. In the U.S., Panela costs more than white sugar, but it is worth the price. References: Jaffé, W. R. (2012). Health effects of non-centrifugal sugar (NCS): A review. Sugar Tech, 14(2)...

Apr 02, 202314 min

Weight Loss Achieved with Intermittent Fasting is on a Par with Traditional Dieting Approaches

Two recent systematic review articles examining clinical trials on the three most common types of intermittent fasting (IF) concluded that weight loss achieved by IF was comparable to weight loss achieved by a moderate-calorie diet. Also, the time of the last meal of the day has a significant impact on the amount of weight loss. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the results of these clinical trials and what it means for your approach to weight loss. Reference: Diet Science's 2018 Intermitte...

Mar 26, 202325 min

New Study Shows the MIND Diet Reduces Indicators of Alzheimer's Disease

A new study has found a strong association between adherence to the tenets of the MIND Diet and fewer sticky beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in brain tissue versus people who don't eat this way. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the details of this study, the tenets of the MIND Diet, and how you can implement elements of the MIND diet into your meals. Reference: Agarwal, P., Leurgans, S. E., Agrawal, S., Aggarwal, N., Cherian, laurel J., James, B. D., Dhana, K., Barnes, L. L., Bennett,...

Mar 19, 202314 min

New Study Shows Erythritol is Linked to Heart Attack and Stroke

A new study has found a strong association between consumption of erythritol (a zero calorie sweetener used in many sugar-free products) and blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and death. Listen in this week as Dee talks about the details of this study and what it means for your health. Reference: Witkowski, M., Nemet, I., Alamri, H., Wilcox, J., Gupta, N., Nimer, N., Haghikia, A., Li, X. S., Wu, Y., Saha, P. P., Demuth, I., König, M., Steinhagen-Thiessen, E., Cajka, T., Fiehn, O., Landmesser, ...

Mar 12, 202323 min

New Study Shows Fructose is a Fuel for Formation of Alzheimer’s disease

The authors of a new study make the case that Alzheimer's disease is driven by diet, and that an evolutionary survival response to forage for food triggered by the production of fructose in the brain back in cave man days has now gone haywire due to the abundance of fructose in the modern food supply. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and what this means for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Reference: Johnson, R. J., Tolan, D. R., Bredesen, D., Nagel...

Mar 05, 202312 min

New Study Shows Portion Control Beats Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years as a viable weight loss strategy. But is skipping the morning meal really necessary for dropping pounds? Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of a new study comparing intermittent fasting to portion control, and the meat timing strategy that works best for most people. Reference: Zhao, D., Guallar, E., Woolf, T. B., Martin, L., Lehmann, H., Coughlin, J., Holzhauer, K., Goheer, A. A., McTigue, K. M., Lent, M. R., Hawkins, M.,...

Feb 27, 202312 min

The World Health Organization Names Trans-Fats a "Toxic Chemical that Kills"

In her book The Science of Skinny, Dee claimed the invention of trans fats as the worst nutritional disaster in history. Now a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) agrees. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the new report, why the WHO is calling for a global ban on trans fats, and what you can do to avoid trans fats in your foods. Reference: World Health Organization Department of Nutrition and Food Safety. (2023). Countdown to 2023: WHO report on global trans-fat elimination 20...

Feb 19, 202314 min

Are Grapes a Natural Sunscreen?

Grapes contain a myriad of phytonutrients that protect against many diseases. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of a recent study that showed how eating a specific amount of grapes defends against the UV sun rays that lead to sunburn. Reference: Pezzuto, J. M., Dave, A., Park, E.-J., Beyoğlu, D., & Idle, J. R. (2022). Short-term grape consumption diminishes UV-induced skin erythema. Antioxidants, 11(12), 2372. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/12/2372...

Feb 05, 202311 min

Six Cups of Mineral Water a Day Could Keep Alzheimer's Away

Several studies show that consumption of up to 1.5 liter a day of silicon-rich mineral water offers clinically significant protection against cognitive decline. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study and why silica in particular is the curative mineral in water that protects against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Links to Study Reference: Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22976072/ Full Text: https://vaccinepapers.org/wp-content/uploads/Silicon-Rich-Mineral-Wate...

Jan 29, 202315 min

GMO Purple Tomato Coming to a Market Near You in 2023

A team of British scientists have spent the last 14 years experimenting with genetically engineering a tomato that contains significantly higher levels of anthocyanins, a phytonutrient gives many fruits and vegetables their red, purple, or blue flesh or peel--such as blueberries, strawberries, eggplant, and red cabbages. It has recently been approved by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for U.S. import and cultivation. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how this pur...

Jan 22, 202312 min
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