June 25, 2011

Is Organic Produce Better?

Fruits & vegetables offer plenty of health benefits. However, over the past couple decades, concerns about pesticides have been expressed. As a result, some people choose to only eat organic produce. (There are also some non-nutritional reasons for their decision.)

Since organic tends to be expensive & tough to find in certain areas, some people have instead chosen to limit or eliminate produce from their diet.

Keep eating fruits & veggies. Even the Environmental Working Group (producer of the "Dirty Dozen" list) prefers regular produce over empty calorie snacks. If you only have a little extra money for organics, their list may help you decide what to buy organic. The highest levels of pesticides are found in apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, & spinach. Check out the full list at http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/list/.

Consider local produce (like a Farmer's Market). Some small farms may be using organic farming methods. They may be exempt from or unable to afford the labeling. With less travel time, less chemicals may be needed & the produce may last longer.

There is not conclusive evidence to prove that all organic produce is healthier or better for you than the conventional version. There are also disputes regarding the types, amounts, & potential effects of chemicals used on produce. For more info, check out:

June 18, 2011

Juice VERSUS Fruit-- Which is healthiest???

So, how does a glass (8 ounces) of 100% juice stack up against the fruit it's made from???


Medium orange = 60-70 calories, 3 grams fiber, & 12 grams sugar
vs.
Orange juice = 110 calories, 0 fiber, & 21 grams sugar


Medium apple = 95 calories, 4 grams fiber, & 19 grams sugar
(if you peel it, you lose half the fiber...)
vs.
Apple juice = 110-120 calories, 0 grams fiber, & 28 grams sugar


1 cup fresh grapes = 60 calories, 1 gram fiber, & 15 grams sugar
vs.
Grape juice = 152 calories, 1 gram fiber, & 36 grams sugar


Nutritional information from http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-food-calorie-counter. (It has over 37,000 entries!)

June 12, 2011

Are You Vitamin D-ficient?

Despite having sufficient food & lots of options, many Americans are vitamin deficient. Vitamins & nutrients play crucial roles in keeping your body working properly. They may also help protect you from some chronic diseases.

Unfortunately, vitamin deficiencies may have subtle, vague or even no symptoms. Most vitamin levels are checked via blood test.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans identified 10 nutrients that are commonly lacking:
  • Calcium

  • Vitamins A, C, D, E, & K

  • Potassium

  • Fiber

  • Choline

  • Magnesium
Your body accepts nutrients from food better than from supplements. So, small dietary or lifestyle changes are often helpful. However, in some situations, supplements may be recommended.

For more details & tips, check out http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/10-missing-nutrients. Or, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

June 4, 2011

Pyramid Out, Plate In...

This week, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) shelved the Food Guide Pyramid. Cited as too complex, they have chosen to use the image of a plate instead.

My Plate take-home messages:
- Eat sensible portion sizes.
- Fill half of your plate with fruits & veggies.
- At least half of your grains (e.g., pasta, rice, bread, cereals) should be whole grains.
- Choose low or no-fat dairy products.
- Limit foods with excess salt & sugar.

To learn more, check out http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.