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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Apeel On Your Produce May Not Be Appealing!
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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 b…
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The Dark Side of Dark Chocolate: Heavy Metals in Your Favorite Brands
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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 conc…
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Study Shows Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Your Risk of Covid-19
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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, …
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Does the Vegan Diet Outshine the Mediterranean Diet for Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Health?
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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…
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The AGE Conundrum: Are Your Favorite Foods Harming You?
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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.…
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Recent Study Sparks New Concerns that Erythritol Increases Risk for Heart Attacks and Strokes
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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 we…
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Heart Health & EVOO: Why Less May Be More
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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…
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Monch Monch: An Innovative Biohack to Reduce the Impact of Sugar Consumption
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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:…
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Gut Check: The Surprising Health Impacts of How Often You Poop
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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 mo…
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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. …
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Gut Health Revolution: Apple Cider Vinegar's Role in Weight Loss
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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 App…
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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 optimiz…
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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 parameter…
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Heart Matters: Unraveling Diet, Genes, and Cardiovascular Health
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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 o…
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New Study Explains Why Alzheimer's is Being Called "Type 3 Diabetes"
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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. R…
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Natural Ways to Boost GLP-1 Without the Drugs
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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 …
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Comprehensive New Study Presents Strongest Evidence Yet Linking Processed Foods with Chronic Disease
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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…
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Gugulipid (Guggul): A Natural Way to Lower Cholesterol
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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., &…
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Plants Over Meat: New Study Reveals What Our Ancestors Really Ate
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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…
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High on HDL: Elevating Good Cholesterol Naturally
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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…
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Citrus Bergamot: a Cardiovascular Super Hero
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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., …
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Study Shows Soybean Oil Consumption Linked to Diabetes and Negative Impact on Brain Health
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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…
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A Cup of Navy Beans a Day Keeps the Colorectal Cancer Away
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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 micro…
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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 autoph…
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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…
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New Study Links Artificially Sweetened Sodas with a 20% Increase in Atrial Fibrillation Risk.
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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…
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EWG's 2024 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 List is Here!
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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 expos…
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Unlocking the Link Between Diet and Chronic Pain: A Call for Healthier Habits
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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 hab…
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FDA Announces Qualified Health Claim for Yogurt and Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
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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 a…
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How the "Fasting Mimicking Diet" Lowers Biological Age
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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 y…
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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-…
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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 …
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What is the Best Oil for Moisturizing Wood Cutting Boards?
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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,…
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Protein Overload: How Much is Too Much for Your Health?
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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/…
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Taking a Daily Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement Boosts Brain Health and Slows Memory Loss
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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.,…
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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 so…
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Duckweed Unleashed: Twice the Heart Health Power of the Traditional Mediterranean Diet
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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, …
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Did the Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages Curb Consumption?
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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…
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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,…
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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/41kHmHCBy Dee and Michael McCaffrey
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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/46SNk3mBy Dee and Michael McCaffrey
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Will the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Finally Take a Stance Against Ultra-Processed Foods?
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Three decades ago a team of independent nutrition experts was recruited by the USDA to create the first Food Guide Pyramid published in 1992 to help Americans get healthier. But, the USDA caved to food industry interests and modified the experts' recommendations, and have never taken a clear stance against processed foods. As a result, Americans ar…
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New Study Confirms Aspartame Raises Insulin Levels
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A new study reveals that diet sodas sweetened with the artificial sweetener aspartame (also known as Equal) increase insulin levels the same as regular sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the impact this has on weight gain, diabetes and overall health. Link to The Science of Skinny: https://amzn.to/3SOpLp3…
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A special type of fiber has been found to be especially effective at suppressing appetite and tamping down cravings. Listen in this week as Dee discusses how beta glucan works in the body and which food sources are the best. Link to Muffin Recipe: https://processedfreeamerica.org/dees-flourless-oat-bran-muffins-apple-cinnamon/…
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Vitamin K-Rich Diet Prevents Diseases of Aging
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Promising research shows vitamin K provides defense against age-related conditions like osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the role of vitamin K in bone health and beyond. Reference: Xv, F., Chen, J., Duan, L., & Li, S. (2018). Research progress on the anticancer effects of vitamin K2. Oncology letters, 15(…
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The Link Between Diet, Gut Microbiome, and Depression
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A study looking at gut bacteria levels in over 2,500 people has linked low levels of certain types of gut bacteria with higher incidence of depression, affirming previous research linking diet quality to this mood disorder. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the the results of this study and the foods that influence a healthy gut and balanced moo…
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Is the OMAD Diet a Viable and Safe Approach to Long-Term Health?
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The OMAD (one meal a day) diet is making big and bold promises for weight loss and better health, including delaying the aging process. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the research and whether this dietary approach is a viable option for you. Reference: Meessen, E. C. E., Andresen, H., van Barneveld, T., van Riel, A., Johansen, E. I., Kolnes, …
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Thermogenic Super Spices to Rev Up Metabolism
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Most everyday kitchen spices have a long history of medicinal use, and many of them are good for increasing metabolism in the body due to their thermogenic properties. Listen in this week as Dee discusses five common spices that are known for their ability to lower inflammation, rev up metabolism and burn fat more efficiently.…
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The Younger You Start, The More Walnuts Can Protect Your Heart
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A new study shows that walnut consumption is especially potent for heart health, and the earlier you start, the better the benefit. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of the study and why walnuts are an important shield against heart disease. References: Steffen, L. M., Yi, S. Y., Duprez, D., Zhou, X., Shikany, J. M., & Jacobs, D. R.,…
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Can Psyllium Husk Compare to Ozempic for Weight Loss?
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Psyllium husk has been dubbed by some social media blogs as a "poor man's" Ozempic. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the similarities and differences between psyllium husk and the popular weight loss drug, and suggests a novel natural alternative that has shown significant improvements in body weight, abdominal circumference, and body fat perce…
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