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Diet Science

Health & Wellness Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Study Shows Soybean Oil Consumption Linked to Diabetes and Negative Impact on Brain Health

4/28/2024
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. Reference: Martinez-Lomeli, J., Deol, P., Deans, J. R., Jiang, T., Ruegger, P., Borneman, J., & Sladek, F. M. (2023). Impact of various high fat diets on gene expression and the microbiome across the mouse intestines. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49555-7

Duration:00:12:04

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A Cup of Navy Beans a Day Keeps the Colorectal Cancer Away

4/22/2024
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., Browman, G. J., Dennison, J. B., Vykoukal, J., Luna, P. N., Siu, W., Wu, R., Murage, E., Ajami, N. J., Mcquade, J. L., Wargo, J. A., Long, J. P., Do, K.-A., Lampe, J. W., … Daniel, C. R.. (2023). Modulating a prebiotic food source influences inflammation and immune-regulating gut microbes and metabolites: Insights from the BE GONE trial. Ebiomedicine, 98, 104873. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(23)00439-5/fulltext

Duration:00:07:06

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How Autophagy Keeps You Healthy

4/15/2024
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., Palikaras, K., Simonsen, A., Johansen, T., Tavernarakis, N., Rubinsztein, D. C., Partridge, L., Kroemer, G., Labbadia, J., & Fang, E. F. (2021). Autophagy in healthy aging and disease. Nature Aging, 1(8), 634–650. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-021-00098-4#

Duration:00:08:53

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What is Buckwheat Honey?

4/8/2024
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

Duration:00:06:53

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New Study Links Artificially Sweetened Sodas with a 20% Increase in Atrial Fibrillation Risk.

3/31/2024
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), or an irregular heartbeat, is a condition that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and blood clots. A new study has found that drinking diet sodas puts you at a 20% higher risk for AFib. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of the study, and how much diet soda per week poses the highest risk. Reference: Sun, Y., Yu, B., Yu, Y., Wang, B., Tan, X., Lu, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, K., & Wang, N. (2024). Sweetened beverages, genetic susceptibility, and incident atrial fibrillation: A Prospective cohort study. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 17(3). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCEP.123.012145

Duration:00:09:20

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EWG's 2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 List is Here!

3/24/2024
The Environmental Working Group's 2024 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ (aka the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 List) was released on March 20, 2024, and the results are shocking! Listen in this week as Dee talks about the list, what it means for your health, and how to strategize your grocery budget to ensure the least amount of pesticide exposure. Get the Guide at https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/

Duration:00:09:54

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Unlocking the Link Between Diet and Chronic Pain: A Call for Healthier Habits

3/17/2024
A recent study shines light on the profound impact of diet on chronic pain. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the findings of the study, and the strong undercurrent of desire among chronic pain sufferers to adopt healthier eating practices. Reference: Dong, H. J., Brain, K., Olsson, M., Dragioti, E., Gerdle, B., & Ghafouri, B. (2024). Eating habits and the desire to eat healthier among patients with chronic pain: A registry-based study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 4705. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10897138/ Video Link: Dee Talks About Nutrition Changes for Gout: https://processedfreeamerica.org/dee-talks-about-gout/

Duration:00:09:16

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FDA Announces Qualified Health Claim for Yogurt and Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

3/10/2024
Following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), yogurt manufacturers in the United States will now be allowed to state on their labels that yogurt may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Listen in this week as Dee discusses which type of yogurt qualifies, and why eating yogurt may help with blood sugar control. Reference: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024, March 1) FDA announces health claim for yogurt and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-announces-qualified-health-claim-yogurt-and-reduced-risk-type-2-diabetes

Duration:00:13:28

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How the "Fasting Mimicking Diet" Lowers Biological Age

3/3/2024
As its name suggests, the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a dietary approach that provides the same health benefits typically seen with water-only fasting, but you still get to eat! Listen in this week as Dee discusses the FMD and a recent study showing that following the FMD for just 5 days a month could wind back your interal clock nearly three years. Reference: Brandhorst, S., Levine, M. E., Wei, M., Shelehchi, M., Morgan, T. E., Nayak, K. S., Dorff, T., Hong, K., Crimmins, E. M., Cohen, P., & Longo, V. D.. (2024). Fasting-mimicking diet causes hepatic and blood markers changes indicating reduced biological age and disease risk. Nature Communications, 15(1). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-45260-9

Duration:00:12:40

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Study Shows Wasabi Help Impove Memory

2/25/2024
A new study adds wasabi to the list of foods that show significant improvement in both working and episodic memory. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study and what you need to know about sources of wasabi. Reference: Nouchi, R., Kawata, N. Y. S., Saito, T., Nouchi, H., & Kawashima, R.. (2023). Benefits of wasabi supplements with 6-MSITC (6-methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate) on memory functioning in healthy adults aged 60 years and older: Evidence from a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 15(21), 4608. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214608 Link to Wasabi supplement: https://realwasabi.com/products/nutrasabi-pure-wasabi?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=b3c59c575&pr_rec_pid=7159750426789&pr_ref_pid=7222982082725&pr_seq=uniform

Duration:00:07:17

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Health Benefits of Parsnips

2/18/2024
The parsnip is a humble root vegetable that is highly underrated. Listen in this week as Dee discusses their rich nutritional profile, health benefits and why parsnips deserve a prime spot on your plate. Reference: Kenari, H. M., Kordafshari, G., Moghimi, M., Eghbalian, F., & TaherKhani, D. (2021). Review of pharmacological properties and chemical constituents of Pastinaca sativa. Journal of Pharmacopuncture, 24(1), 14–23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8010426/ Link to Parsnip Recipes: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/parsnip-recipes

Duration:00:10:06

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What is the Best Oil for Moisturizing Wood Cutting Boards?

2/11/2024
If you favor using wood cutting boards, wood utensils, and wood butcher blocks, you know they need to be moisturized to keep them from drying out. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the best food grade antibacterial oil to beautifully moisturize your wood cutting boards. Reference: International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2012). Mineral oil, untreated or mildly treated. Chemical Agents and Related Occupations - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304428/ Link to Dee's recommended MCT oil: https://amzn.to/3OFIkbY

Duration:00:12:00

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Protein Overload: How Much is Too Much for Your Health?

2/4/2024
Americans are fixating on protein while neglecting the crucial role of fiber in their diets. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the optimal protein intake, debunking the myth that more is better. Link to purchase Dee's recommended protein powder: https://processedfreeamerica.org/is-whey-the-only-way/

Duration:00:11:53

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Taking a Daily Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement Boosts Brain Health and Slows Memory Loss

1/28/2024
While the impact of multivitamins on overall health sparks ongoing debates, a fresh study hints at their potential to put the brakes on memory loss. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the outcomes of the study, and what to look for in a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement. Reference: Vyas, C. M., Manson, J. E., Sesso, H. D., Cook, N. R., Rist, P. M., Weinberg, A., Moorthy, M. V., Baker, L. D., Espeland, M. A., Yeung, L., Brickman, A. M., & Okereke, O. I. (2024). Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 19(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.011 Scroll to the bottom of this page for Dee's Multivitamin/Mineral Recommendations: https://processedfreeamerica.org/shining-light-on-calcium-and-vitamin-d-requirements/

Duration:00:13:24

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What is CoEnzyme-Q10?

1/22/2024
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant made within the body. However, there are a number of circumstances that interfere with its production, leaving the body vulnerable to severe free radical damage. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of CoQ10, the conditions that may benefit from increased amounts of CoQ10, and the best food sources and forms of supplemental CoQ10. Link to CoQ10: https://amzn.to/3nE3vwM

Duration:00:13:26

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Duckweed Unleashed: Twice the Heart Health Power of the Traditional Mediterranean Diet

1/14/2024
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology showed that eating a greener version of the Mediterranean diet that includes duckweed and other high polyphenol foods was twice as effective in reducing life-threatening blood vessel stiffness. Listen in this week as Dee explains what the "Green Mediterranean Diet" consists of, what duckweed is, and how you can benefit from both. Reference: Tsaban, G., Shalev, A., Katz, A., Yaskolka Meir, A., Rinott, E., Zelicha, H., Kaplan, A., Wolak, A., Bluher, M., Stampfer, M. J., & Shai, I. (2023). Effect of lifestyle modification and Green Mediterranean Diet on proximal aortic stiffness. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 81(16), 1659–1661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.02.032 Link to Podcast on Duckweed: https://processedfreeamerica.org/is-duckweed-a-reliable-source-of-plant-based-vitamin-b12/ Link to Purchase Duckweed: https://amzn.to/42eM7mx

Duration:00:12:44

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Did the Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages Curb Consumption?

1/7/2024
Five U.S. cities implemented a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages between 2017 and 2018, as a key policy to reduce cardiometabolic diseases and other health conditions. Did consumers reduce their consumption? Listen in this week as Dee discusses the results of a recent study that examined the correlation between increases in prices of sugar-sweetened beverages and purchases. Reference: Kaplan, S., White, J. S., Madsen, K. A., Basu, S., Villas-Boas, S. B., & Schillinger, D. (2024). Evaluation of changes in prices and purchases following implementation of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes across the US. JAMA Health Forum, 5(1), e234737. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2813506

Duration:00:09:28

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What Helps with Bloating?

12/31/2023
One of the top-trending health-related questions searched on Google in 2023 was "What helps with bloating?" Listen in this week as Dee provides insight into why bloating is such a common problem and what you can do to improve digestion and stop the bloat! Link to Purchase Digestive Enzymes: https://amzn.to/3DBV9OR Reference: Di Stefano, M., Miceli, E., Gotti, S., Missanelli, A., Mazzocchi, S., & Corazza, G. R. (2007). The effect of oral alpha-galactosidase on intestinal gas production and gas-related symptoms. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 52(1), 78–83. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17151807/

Duration:00:18:40

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Rhodiola for Anxiety

12/17/2023
Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb with health benefits documented in medical texts dating back to 77 AD. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how rhodiola enhances brain functions and reduces anxiety. Link to Purchase Rholiola: https://amzn.to/41kHmHC

Duration:00:08:35

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The Benefits of Ashwagandha

12/11/2023
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has over 4,000 years of traditional use in India for improving many conditions. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the many benefits of Ashwagandha! Link to Purchase Ashwagandha: https://amzn.to/46SNk3m

Duration:00:08:04