'Tis the season for pumping up immune health with pumpkin seeds! Listen in this week as Dee explains the differences between green pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) and white pumpkins seeds, and howi Incorporating pumpkin seeds into your diet can give your immune system a natural boost and help your body stay resilient. Reference: Hussain, A., Kausar, T., Sehar, S., Sarwar, A., Quddoos, M. Y., Aslam, J., Liaqat, A., Siddique, T., An, Q. U., Kauser, S., Rehman, A., & Nisar, R. (2023). A r...
Oct 27, 2024•9 min
Grounding, also known as earthing, is a simple concept that involves connecting the human body with the energy naturally present in the earth. Listen in this week as Dee dives into the science behind its potential health benefits. Learn what earthing is, how it works, and why it may help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and support overall well-being. References: Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Brown, R. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wo...
Oct 20, 2024•11 min
There is scant scientific evidence that compounds found in nightshade vegetables—such as tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants—aggravate the pain and inflammation of arthritis. However, some people with arthritis feel that eating nightshades make their condition worse...and decades of research by a horticulture professor at Rutgers University may explain why. Listen in this week as Dee dives into the science behind the connection and examines whether nightshades truly contribute to inflamma...
Oct 13, 2024•12 min
Unlike cow milk, camel milk has low levels of lactose, fat, and cholesterol, and is naturally non allergenic. Once only available in the middle east and Africa, farmers in the U.S. are now supplying this nutritious mil to Americans. Listen in this week as Dee explores its unique nutritional profile, including essential vitamins, minerals, and its potential to boost immunity and improve digestion. References: Ombarak, R. A., Hussein, E. O. S., Suliman, G., Alhimaidi, A. R., Ammari, A. A., Ba-Awad...
Oct 06, 2024•10 min
The FDA required food manufacturers to remove artificial trans fats from their products by June 18, 2018, due to their negative impact on health. Despite the ban, consumers should still be cautious of foods containing trans fats due to ingredients like mono- and diglycerides, which are not regulated as trans fats. Listen in this week as Dee discusses what mono- and diglycerides are, and why they are a concern for your health. References: Kalmus, S. (n.d.). What is bad about mono- & diglyceri...
Sep 29, 2024•14 min
Apeel is an edible coating made of fatty acids that is used on apples and other produce, both conventional and organically grown, designed to extend their shelf life, but there's no label on the produce to let you know it's there. How concerned should you be? Listen in this week as Dee discusses what Apeel is, why the fatty acids it's made of may be a concern, and where you can find produce not coated with Apeel. References: Apeel. (2024). Product information. https://www.apeel.com/product-infor...
Sep 22, 2024•13 min
A recent study found that dark chocolate and other cocoa products are contaminated with lead and cadmium, two neurotoxic metals associated with cancer, chronic diseases, and reproductive or developmental issues, especially in children. Surprisingly, even organic dark chocolate, grown with fewer pesticides, was found to have some of the highest concentrations of these harmful metals. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study and whether it's still possible to enjoy the health...
Sep 15, 2024•14 min
A new review study involving over 55,000 people showed that those who chose specific foods while following a Mediterranean Style Diet were less likely to contract Covid-19. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study and which foods were the most effective at warding off the virus. References: Halim, C., Howen, M., Fitrisubroto, A. a. N. B., Pratama, T., Harahap, I. R., Ganesh, L. J., & Siahaan, A. M. P. (2024). Relevance of Mediterranean diet as a nutritional strategy in ...
Sep 08, 2024•11 min
A recent study suggests that a low-fat vegan diet is more effective than a Mediterranean diet for reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the methodology and results of the study, and what they mean for your health. References: Kahleova, H., Znayenko-Miller, T., Motoa, G., Eng, E., Prevost, A., Uribarri, J., Holubkov, R., & Barnard, N. D. (2024). Dietary advanced glycation end-products and their associations with body weight on a Mediterranean di...
Sep 01, 2024•10 min
The AGE Conundrum: Are Your Favorite Foods Harming You? Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are harmful compounds lurking in everyday foods that have been linked to inflammation, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Listen in this week as Dee explains what foods AGE's are found in and how you can avoid their harmful effects. References: Uribarri, J., Woodruff, S., Goodman, S., Cai, W., Chen, X., Pyzik, R., Yong, A., Striker, G. E., & Vlassara, H. (2010). Advanced glyc...
Aug 26, 2024•10 min
Erythritol is a common sweetener used in baked goods, beverages, gum, and candy, and is often found in keto-friendly and other reduced-sugar products. However, recent research suggests that consuming even typical amounts of erythritol may elevate the risk of blood clots and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. Listen in this week as Dee explores the findings of this study and why erythritol might not be the safest option for reducing sugar intake. References: Cleveland Clini...
Aug 18, 2024•13 min
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association explores the effects of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on cholesterol and heart health. Researchers found that both high and low usage of EVOO in the diet were linked to reductions in LDL-C, the "bad" cholesterol associated with heart disease. But during a 4-week carryover period, an interesting twist was revealed. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study, it's pros and cons, and how it could impact your h...
Aug 12, 2024•13 min
Monch Monch is a revolutionary, tasteless powder that you mix with water before meals to block sugar absorption and minimize insulin and glucose spikes from refined carbs. But does it really work? Listen in this week as Dee explains what Monch Monch is, how it impacts your health, and whether it's right for you. Learn more about Monch Monch: https://www.monchmonch.shop/pages/science
Aug 04, 2024•12 min
A new study reveals how the frequency of your bowel movements could be an important indicator of your long-term health. Infrequent poopers showed signs of decreased kidney function, while those who went more often than average exhibited signs of impaired liver function. Listen in this week as Dee explains why the type and frequency of your bowel movements can affect your health well beyond the gut. References: Johnson-Martínez, J. P., Diener, C., Levine, A. E., Wilmanski, T., Suskind, D. L., Ral...
Jul 29, 2024•12 min
Saccharomyces boulardii is a strain of probiotic yeast that was first isolated from the superfoods mangosteen and lychee fruit in 1923 by the French scientist Henri Boulard (hence the name). Today it is considered a "super probiotic" due to its unique properties and wide range of health benefits that set it apart from many other probiotic strains. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the key reasons why S. boulardii holds this distinction. Link to Saccharomyces boulardii supplement: https://amzn...
Jul 21, 2024•8 min
Studies show that obese individuals have more Firmicutes and fewer Bacteroidetes in their gut bacteria compared to those who are not overweight. Research suggests that consuming apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help improve this ratio. Listen in this week as Dee explains ACV's impact on the gut microbiome and its role in weight loss. Link to Dee's Apple Cider Vinaigrette recipe: https://processedfreeamerica.org/dees-olive-oil-apple-cider-vinaigrette/ References: Bouderbala, H., Dib, W., Kheroua, O....
Jul 11, 2024•10 min
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a harmful compound produced by gut bacteria. Elevated TMAO levels can significantly influence the development of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and fatty liver disease. Listen in this week as Dee explains which foods increase the production of TMAO in the gut, and how you can optimize the health of your gut. References: Li, X. S., Obeid, S., Klingenberg, R., Gencer, B., Mach, F., Räber, L., Windecker, S., Rodondi, N., Nanchen, D.,...
Jul 08, 2024•10 min
The term "planetary health" refers to the natural systems that are essential for the health and survival of the human population. A commission of leading scientists from 16 countries have developed a "flexitarian" type diet designed to optimize human health and environmental sustainability on Earth. Listen in this week as Dee explains the parameters of the Planetary Health Diet and how it can improve your health. Reference: Healthy diets from sustainable food systems: Summary report of the EAT-L...
Jul 01, 2024•14 min
A study examining ancient mummies from various countries revealed that one-third of them had atherosclerosis (plaques in the arteries), a precursor to heart disease, regardless of following Paleo-type or Mediterranean-type diets. This ratio mirrors what we see in modern populations. Listen in this week as Dee uncovers how we can harness the power of diet to overcome our genetic predispositions and lead healthier, heart-friendly lives. Reference: Thompson, R. C., Allam, A. H., Lombardi, G. P., Wa...
Jun 23, 2024•7 min
A new study shows that a high-fat diet suppresses the expression of a protein called Jak3, which causes a cascade of inflammation that starts in the intestine, moves through the liver and on to the brain, ultimately causing Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of this study and what it means for your health. References: Kumar, N., Mishra, J., Morales, R., & Kumar, P. (2024). Kinases in Gut-Liver-brain communication and neuroinflammation. Journal of Biol...
Jun 16, 2024•6 min
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone naturally produced in the intestines during meals. It helps regulate blood sugar and weight by increasing insulin, slowing stomach emptying, and promoting fullness. Medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® mimic the effects of GLP-1 but can be expensive and have unpleasant side effects. Listen in this week as Dee explores research on foods and probiotics that naturally boost GLP-1, offering similar benefits without the high costs and side effects. Refere...
Jun 10, 2024•11 min
A study published in the British medical journal BMJ pooled data from 14 studies involving nearly 10 million people to look at connections between consumption of ultra-processed foods and various health outcomes. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of this massive study and what it means for your health. Reference: Lane, M. M., Gamage, E., Du, S., Ashtree, D. N., McGuinness, A. J., Gauci, S., Baker, P., Lawrence, M., Rebholz, C. M., Srour, B., Touvier, M., Jacka, F. N., O’Neil, A.,...
Jun 03, 2024•9 min
Gugulipid, also known as gum guggul, is an extract of the resin from a West Indian tree that has documented cholesterol lowering properties. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the specific compounds in gugulipid that decrease elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, and the proper way to take this effective supplement. References: Urizar, N. L., & Moore, D. D. (2003). Guguglipd: A natural cholesterol-lowering agent. Annual Review of Nutrition, 23 , 303–313. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.n...
May 27, 2024•11 min
In a recent study, researchers found that the diet of some ancient hunter-gatherers primarily ate plant foods, including beans and grains, with only a small percentage of meat in their diet. This new understanding contrasts with the meat-centric modern Paleo diet. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and what it means for your health. References: Moubtahij, Z., McCormack, J., Bourgon, N., Trost, M., Sinet-Mathiot, V., Fuller, B. T., Smith, G. M., Temming, H., Steinbren...
May 20, 2024•11 min
HDL is an acronym for "high-density lipoproteins"--compounds made in the body that are considered the "good guys" in the cholesterol game. They help to keep the "bad cholesterol" from building up and forming plaque in the arteries. Having high levels of HDL reduces the risk for both heart disease and stroke. Listen in this week as Dee elevates your understanding of cholesterol and explores natural strategies to boost your HDL levels. References: Stadler, J. T., & Marsche, G. (2021). Dietary ...
May 13, 2024•17 min
Bergamot, a citrus fruit hailing from the groves of southern Italy’s Calabria region, has been shown in clinical trials to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase good cholesterol. Listen in in this week as Dee discusses the results of clinical studies using bergamot and the virtues of this super fruit. Reference: Lamiquiz-Moneo, I., Giné-González, J., Alisente, S., Bea, A. M., Pérez-Calahorra, S., Marco-Benedí, V., … Mateo-Gallego, R. (2020). Effect of bergamot on lipid profile in...
May 06, 2024•9 min
In 2015 a research team at UC Riverside found that soybean oil consumption induces obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice. Now, a new study by the same team shows that oil could also affect genes in the brain related to conditions like autism, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and depression. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of this study and how the changes in microbiome caused by soybean oil consumption are linked to negative iimpact on brain function. Refer...
Apr 29, 2024•12 min
A recent study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that patients with a history of colorectal cancer who added a cup of navy beans daily to their regular meals saw positive changes in their gut microbiome after just 4 weeks. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of this study and how the changes in microbiome aid in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment. Reference: Zhang, X., Irajizad, E., Hoffman, K. L., Fahrmann, J. F., Li, F., Seo, Y. D., Brow...
Apr 22, 2024•7 min
Autophagy is a natural biochemical self-preservation process whereby the body cleans out damaged cells in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells. There are certain diet and lifestyle factors that aid or inhibit autophagy, leading either to improved health or accelerated degeneration. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the mechanisms of autophagy and the best ways to ensure its optimal benefits. Reference: Aman, Y., Schmauck-Medina, T., Hansen, M., Morimoto, R. I., Simon, A. K., Bjedov, I.,...
Apr 16, 2024•9 min
Buckwheat honey is a type of honey produced by bees that collect nectar solely from the flowers of the buckwheat plant. This gives the honey a unique flavor and much higher antioxidant levels than clover or other types of honey. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many unique health benefits of buckwheat honey! Link to purchase buckwheat honey: https://amzn.to/4apKkhr
Apr 08, 2024•7 min
