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Dec 17

Goodbye pizza, hello toast. Welcome to your Brexit diet – The Guardian

As we stare at the cliff-edge of a disastrous no-deal Brexit, following a nine-month state of emergency owing to a deadly pandemic, I know that I am not alone in wondering what food, exactly, will make its way to our tables this January.

Reports that supermarkets have been told to stockpile in anticipation of food shortages are not reassuring, though we should take comfort in the fact that Marchs panic-buying frenzy has limbered us all up somewhat. We are now a nation of preppers. As one shrewd commentator pointed out, you can now repurpose old Soviet jokes: A man walks into a shop. He asks the clerk, You dont have any meat? The clerk says, No, here we dont have any fish. The shop that doesnt have any meat is across the street.

Lets set aside the fact that, by this point in the year, we are all sick of cooking for ourselves. At first many of us, myself included, channelled our anxious energy/desperate fear of mortality into food. It was all sourdough and making your own pesto back then, but by this point its a Good Day if I can summon the energy to put a potato in the microwave. Is this what life is, just an endless cycle of meal preparation? I always thought my mother was a hero, but now I look at her (on a screen, obvs) with the kind of respect mafiosi afford family members who have done serious time. How many carrots has that hand chopped? If she had a ring, Id kiss it.

So whats on the menu? Thankfully, MailOnline has provided us with a handy graphic predicting our post-Brexit food future, and spoiler alert most of it is beige. I considered momentarily whether this was some kind of meta-commentary on the racism at the heart of the Brexit vision, but concluded that Brexiteers dont really do semiotics. Unless you count the post-referendum graffiti on the Polish cultural centre, or the National Front posters that appeared after the vote, or Farage standing in front of that Ukip billboard.

I dont know about you, but I for one am excited that pizza (dough is made from wheat varieties that thrive in other climates) is to be replaced with (checks menu) is that toast? And chips? Never mind. If I dont fancy a toast-and-chips extravaganza and my usual, house deposit-sapping avocados are rotting in a shipping container somewhere near Dover while a lorry driver defecates in a hedgerow, there is always (picks up menu again) egg on toast with a glass of milk. Oh.

Look, Ill put my cards on the table: I am the metropolitan elite. I like garlic in my food, and wine lots of wine. Wine made in France, where they have been making it for quite a while. Sort of know what they are doing, there, the French. It doesnt even irk me that they keep the best for themselves. Honestly, Im happy with a bog-standard Ctes du Rhne. My husband makes country wines, and it is as surprising as it is true, that you can make a rather nice tipple from parsnips, but you wouldnt want to drink it all the time, and I expect some of you will remain wedded to the grape (some friends I stayed with in Provence I told you: metropolitan elite were amused by the notion of parsnip wine. Direct quote: Mais, ce nest pas du vin, a).

Perhaps mead will make a comeback. Mead and (refers back to menu) mutton why does it all feel like the menu at a medieval banquet? The point is, Britain was not better before it joined the European Union, food-wise. My mother can still remember a time when yoghurt was not really a thing. My grandfather used to reminisce about being sent to Soho by a certain Mrs Cambruzzi who worked in the canteen at St Thomas hospital, so that he could make her famous spaghetti at home. It was the only part of London where you could source the ingredients.

European food has now enriched and enlivened our diets for so long that I really dont know how we could do without it. Supermarket spinach-and-ricotta tortellini is now the opium of the masses. The UK is the worlds largest importer of halloumi. Do we really want to face a future without squeaky cheese? What will vegetarians eat at BBQs? (The answer is: turnips.)

In some ways, those of us who have been students are prepared for the coming flavour famine. Ill never forget the time I ran out of money and had to eat the corned beef and tinned oysters from the back of the cupboard. I even resorted to stealing another girls instant noodles (yes, Sophia, it was me, I lied. I had the munchies). My flatmate and I once tried to make potato pancakes from a packet of Smash. What we ended up with was fried Smash. A fine accompaniment to mutton, I think youll agree.

Furthermore, thanks to Covid, we have already adopted a grandparents attitude to sellby dates. Ham looking a bit green? Just trim those bits off. Cheese gone a bit furry? Penicillin!

Best to start carb-loading on toast and chips now because, I dont know about you, but Im gearing up for the fight of my life. No Little Englander is taking my poisses away from me. So what if the house starts to go a bit pungent? Ill have six of those, please. Welcome to Supermarket Sweep.

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Goodbye pizza, hello toast. Welcome to your Brexit diet - The Guardian


Dec 17

The Health Benefits of Adding Nutritional Yeast to Your Diet – The Beet

Love Parmesan, but are trying to ditch dairy?Listen up:Youll probably also dig nutritional yeast, or nooch, as some fans like to call it. While theres nothing cheesy in it,nutritional yeast is often described as having a rich cheese-like flavor, one reason youll see it used on everything from pasta to popcorn.

Although nutritional yeast frequently guests stars in vegan fare, you dont have to be vegan to eat it. In fact, no matter what your diet, everybody can benefit by shaking a little moreof itinto their meals.

Nutritional yeast is a flaky, yellow-colored yeast that typically grows on cane or beet molasses, says Willow Jarosh, M.S., R.D., owner of Willow Jarosh Culinary Nutrition in New York City. Because its a deactivated yeast, its not alive when you use it in your kitchen. And while it has similar properties as brewers yeast, the two are different.

If that hasnt sold you on tryingit yet, maybe the nutritional benefits will. Start with B vitamins. Just two tablespoons ofit contain all eight of the B vitamins you need and well over 100 percent of the recommended daily value of five of them, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, says Sharon Palmer, M.S.F.S., R.D.N., a plant-powered dietitian in Los Angeles who offers free resources at sharonpalmer.com. And on that B12 note, youll get more than a days worth of vitamin B12 in those same two tablespoons. B12, which occurs naturally in animal products, is key for vegetarians and vegans, Palmer says. Its important for regulating blood and nerve cell health and preventing a specific type of anemia, and a lack of B vitamins overall can lead to depression.

Nutritional yeastalso contains eight grams of protein and four grams of fiber, namely a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan which is the main fiber in oats, too. Beta-glucan helps lower total and LDL cholesterol levels and can lower your risk for heart disease, says Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., San Francisco-based dietitian and co-founder of Appetite for Health and AFH Consulting.

And if youre looking for amino acids, youll get all nine in the powder, says Angela Wortley, R.D.N., dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor in Ann Arbor, Mich., adding that its chromium may be beneficial for blood sugar control. And dont forget the zinc; two tablespoons has 20 percent of your daily value of zinc, Palmer adds.

Just note, though: Nutritional yeast may not be for everybody. People with health conditions like migraines and inflammatory bowel disease may find that nutritional yeast worsens symptoms, though smaller amounts may be tolerated, Wortley says. And of course, if youre sensitive or allergic to yeast products, you should avoid nutritional yeast.

Nutritional yeastlovers are fans of this crazy-sounding food for several reasons, starting with flavor. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy and nutty flavor to foods, Wortley says.

In fact, because of its cheese-like flavor, nutritional yeast can be beneficial not only for vegans who are eschewing dairy but even people who cant tolerate dairy, Jarosh says. It also adds a umami flavor, which has an added benefit. If you need to reduce your salt intake, nutritional yeast can help you reduce salt without limiting flavor, she adds. And its an easy way to add flavor to vegetables, especially if you dont like the taste of plain vegetables.

If you want to experiment with the food, Jarosh recommends using it in or on anything that Parmesan cheese might be found in. Start simple and use it as a seasoning for something like scrambled tofu, sauted greens or popcorn. And lets not forget the famous kale chips, which almost always havethisyellow powder on them.

Once youve gotten the hang of shaking it on foods like pasta, potatoes and vegetables, you can also use it in sauces, dressing, soups and vegan cheeses, Wortley says. And either by itself or with other seasonings and ingredients like breadcrumbs, it can be a fabulous breading for tofu.

When shopping for nutritional yeast, look for a brand thats fortified in vitamin B12 (not all are). Then check for it in the bulk section, which is the most cost-effective way to buy it, Wortley says. Cant find it locally? You can also order it online.

Nutritional yeastmight not make national headlines anytime soon, but thats no reason not to give this flavor-filled, nutritionally dense food a shake. Chances are, it will soon become your favorite kitchen helper.

Turn nooch into a Parmesan-like topping with this recipe from Wortley:

Add quarter cup of nutritional yeast, one cup walnuts, another cup of nuts like raw cashews or Brazil nuts, and a pinch or two of salt to a food processor. As an option, add a teaspoon of garlic or onion powder. Process until its a grainy texture like Parmesan. Just dont overprocess it or it could turn into a nut butter consistency. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four weeks.

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The Health Benefits of Adding Nutritional Yeast to Your Diet - The Beet


Dec 17

Dietary supplements are largely unregulated. That’s just dumb – Los Angeles Times

Whatever else weve learned from the race to come up with a COVID-19 vaccine, its clear that consumers depend on federal authorities to make sure the medicines we take are safe and effective.

So why do those same authorities all but shrug off the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements those over-the-counter herbal and holistic remedies intended to address potentially serious ailments?

These products are sold without any requirement for upfront evidence of effectiveness and without a need for regulatory approval prior to being offered to consumers.

While many if not most supplements are benign and pose no apparent health threat to the public, the largely free rein given to the $35-billion industry creates an unwelcome opportunity for unscrupulous businesspeople to indulge their worst tendencies.

Case in point: Checks worth a total of nearly $775,000 are currently being mailed to more than 13,000 consumers nationwide as part of a settlement between the Federal Trade Commission and a Colorado supplements company called AS Research.

The settlement involves a supplement called Synovia, intended to relieve arthritis and joint pain.

The FTC found that AS Research made misleading health claims and used phony testimonials, including one in which a user said he gave away his walker after using Synovia.

The complaint says theres no truth to AS Researchs claims that Synovia is clinically proven to significantly reduce arthritis pain and restore damaged cartilage.

It also says AS Research tried to get customers to upgrade to an enhanced version of Synovia for an extra $9.95 beyond the standard cost of nearly $70, including shipping, for a one-month supply.

In fact, the complaint says, Defendants ship the same product to all consumers, whether or not they pay an additional $9.95 per bottle.

An FTC spokesman told me about 10% of the Synovia settlement cash is going to California residents.

No one at AS Research responded to my requests for comment. The settlement says the owners of the company neither admit nor deny any of the allegations against them.

The practices described by the FTC are obviously skeevy. But weve seen a number of similar instances in recent years, and especially since the outset of the pandemic.

In one such case, I wrote in April about the FTC cracking down on a Los Angeles businessman named Marc Ching, whose company, Whole Leaf Organics, sold a supplement called Thrive that purportedly treats, prevents or reduces the risk of COVID-19.

The company represented that the benefits of Thrive are clinically or scientifically proven, the FTCs complaint says. In fact, there is no competent and reliable scientific evidence that Thrive or any of its ingredients treats, prevents or reduces the risk of COVID-19.

A Los Angeles Times investigation subsequently found that Ching allegedly engaged in troubling practices involving pet-related businesses and an animal-rescue charity.

The questionable supplements sold by both AS Research and Whole Leaf Organics could have been stopped in their tracks if the Food and Drug Administration required supplement makers to meet safety and efficacy requirements similar to those for makers of prescription drugs.

Pharmaceuticals have to undergo multiple tests and trials before theyre approved for use by consumers. The process typically takes years, although the urgency of finding a COVID vaccine accelerated things in a big way.

Supplements, on the other hand, are largely unregulated prior to hitting store shelves.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and lawful, well-manufactured and properly labeled, and the FDA is authorized to take action when it identifies a violation, said Courtney Rhodes, a spokeswoman for the agency.

In other words, the FDA will weigh in only after a problem arises. The FTC, for its part, focuses on potentially deceptive marketing practices, which, again, typically come to light only after a product goes on sale.

Currently, the FDA has no systematic way of knowing what dietary supplement products are on the market, when new products are introduced or what they contain, Rhodes acknowledged.

The FDA has proposed strengthening its oversight of supplements, but Congress has shown no interest in giving it that power.

Thats clearly not good enough, as recent crackdowns demonstrate.

Daniel Fabricant, chief executive of the Natural Products Assn., a trade group representing the supplements industry, told me theres no need for supplements to be overseen as rigorously as prescription drugs.

They look like drugs, but theyre not drugs, he said. Thats like saying we should put orange juice through clinical trials to make sure it contains vitamin C.

Yeah, no.

Federal law says companies cant claim a supplement will cure an illness but they can say a supplement may be good for addressing certain conditions. For example, you cant say melatonin will cure insomnia but you can say it may help you get to sleep.

The problem is that, in the eyes of at least some consumers, this may be a distinction without a difference.

Walk through the supplements aisle of any big drugstore and its hard not to come away with the impression that the various bottles of pills have medicinal value.

At the very least, the FDA should require that supplement companies demonstrate upfront that their products can do what they say perhaps not as meticulously as testing for prescription drugs, but at least enough to satisfy modest safety concerns.

Cracking down after a health-related product reaches store shelves seems wholly inadequate.

Particularly at a time like this.

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Dietary supplements are largely unregulated. That's just dumb - Los Angeles Times


Dec 17

This Expert Grill Master Lost 140 Pounds on a Plant-Based Diet – The Beet

'Plant-based barbeque' might sound like an oxymoron, butserial entrepreneur, professional barbeque master, and American Royal winner Brian Rodgerswas weighing in around 300 pounds and eating meaty barbeque all day long. Then, he was diagnosed with six life-threatening diseases, turned to a plant-based diet,and transformed his health. Instead of ditching barbeque, he gave it a plant-forward makeover and used BBQ to help others live a healthier life.

In this episode of Awesome Vegans, Brian joins me to share his story of how he lost 140 pounds and created Fools Gold, a line of plant-based barbeque sauces and rubs for tofu, tempeh, sweet potatoes, and more. Brian was determined that if he had to give up meat, he would never have to give up the barbeque. Read on to see how Brian changed his life and adapted his passion to serve his health, and improve the health of others.

Here is a short excerpt from our longer interview, which you can watch below.

Brian Rodgers: I was 300 pounds about a year ago and, for everybody watching this, Im not 300 pounds. Now Im 160 pounds. Yay! So how it started for me: Im from Kansas City born and raised, home of barbeque! Ive been doing professional barbeque for over thirty years and won the American Royal actually, the largest barbeque contest in the world in 1999. So, Ive got a love for the barbeque chops!

I moved to Colorado, about two years ago, and I was still doing barbeque. However, I went to my doctor and I was diagnosed as being morbidly obese. I was 300 pounds. And I also got diagnosed with six life-threatening diseases. I was diagnosed with liver disease, with Despedida, I had severe hypertension. I even had a buffalo hump. I dont know if youve ever seen a buffalo how they have that little extra piece of fat behind their head. Well, humans can get that, too. I did not know that until I went to the doctor. I was diagnosed with buffalo hump, as well.

BR: Yes, yes it is.

BR: Its an actual diagnosis. Its related to several different diseases which- Im not a doctor, I dont even enjoy science or medicine. You have some amazing doctors on your show, Im sure they could tell you exactly what it is. But yeah, so its a fatty build-up behind your neck. I basically decided I was going to have to do something to change or I had to get gastric bypass surgery. Those were my two choices.

So, I went to the gastric bypass surgeon to see what that was all about. And he said, Were going to dissect your body. Were going to do all these different things to you. You could die, and then he dropped the bomb on me. He said, Now Brian, we talked a little bit before we started here and I know how much you love barbeque, and thats what you eat and youre a big foodie.

Im also a classically trained chef as well. He said, So I just want you to know that your taste buds are going to probably change. In fact, you probably wont like barbecue anymore. And that was it for me! That was it for me! That was the trigger!

BR: That was the trigger! He said I could die, you know and that was a lot, but giving up barbeque? I was not ready to do that. So, I started the next day, I went cold tofurky. I havent eaten a piece of meat since. I dont do dairy, I dont really do oil too much. I just stopped eating salt for the most part. And I went on a mission to see if I could still eat [plant-based] barbeque and here I am. I lost 120 pounds and I reversed all six diseases within six months of that first appointment. And now Ive gone on to lose another 20 so Ive lost 140 pounds since Ive started. Im maintaining it and Im still eating [plant-based] barbeque.

EA: Oh, I love this! I want to step back. First of all, shout out to the human body. We can abuse it for decades and sometimes knowingly we dive into the bag of chips and we know were being bad, and we try to retreat. Sometimes unknowingly, meat and dairy are served to us as healthy foods and so we dont even know that were doing something bad for the body literally since were weaned from our mothers. We are talking about decades of abuse. Listen to that! In six months, your body bounces back. Im incredulous and in awe of what the human body can do.

So, when you start to shift the Titanic and you say, Okay, no more meat because I dont want to go under the knife, and I dont want to die either. Im just going to do food as medicine. You decide that the easiest way to do this, the lowest hanging fruitis to change what I eat. Did you have any trip-ups, pitfalls, anything that kind of set you back a little bit? Or was it smooth sailing the whole way?

BR: Oh, every day is still [a challenge]. I got to tell you it was a lot easier to lose the weight and reverse the disease than it was to get it. I worked really hard at putting that 300 pounds on. And Ive been fighting childhood obesity since I was eight years old.Thats what Im all about. Thats what my foundation is. Fools Gold barbeque, thats what we do. All the things we do is about fighting the incredible disease of childhood obesity.

Ive been [personally] fighting it since I was eight years old and nothings ever worked. So, do I have trip-ups? Every single day. Every day its still a challenge. But Ive met so many incredible people that I didnt even realize this whole world of plant-based and veganism existed until I stepped into it. But yeah, challenges every single day. Every single day I want to do something that I know is not right for my body and its not an easy journey, particularly when you lose as much weight as I did. Its a mental challenge, too.

So, I mean I still look in the mirror sometimes and still see my old 300-pound self. Its a crazy thing, your brain takes a little bit to catch up with you. And my doctor is always telling me, Brian thats going to go away. Brian thats going to go away. But its really weird when your wife says, Brian youre 160 pounds and you walk past a store or in a mirror and you see a 300-pound man. I mean, I dont know if youve seen my before and after pictures, but its pretty dramatic.

So, yeah, its a battle. Its a battle every day but its a great battle. It is such an amazing battle that Ive dropped everything else. Ive had a lot of successes in my life. I sold a company to one of the big credit bureaus and made a lot of money. Now Ive dropped everything else and Im on a mission. Im on a mission to kind of be the lead generation aspect of plant-based and plant-based barbeque!

Not everyone can go cold Tofurky, like Brian, but Brian shows us that just because you give up meat and dairy, doesnt mean you have to give up taste! And I can vouch for this! Barbeque tofu, tempeh, and sweet potatoes are the bomb! You can find recipes here.

For the full interview, click here.

Elysabeth Alfano is a plant-based business consultant and helps people transition to a plant-based diet. Follow her @ElysabethAlfano on all platforms and at ElysabethAlfano.com

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This Expert Grill Master Lost 140 Pounds on a Plant-Based Diet - The Beet


Dec 12

Looking for an effective weight loss diet? Try the low-calorie, high-protein Atkins diet – Times Now

Looking for an effective weight loss diet? Try the low-calorie, high-protein Atkins diet  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: The Atkins diet is popular among people who enjoy eating different types of food. The basic idea behind the Atkins diet is to impose restrictions on the intake of certain kinds of carbohydrates to aid the process and maintenance of weight loss.

It also helps in improving one's eating habits. This diet promotes the intake of healthy fats that can help improve levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol in the blood. Furthermore, it encourages protein intake, which would mean the consumption of fewer calories as protein induces a feeling of being full. The Atkins diet has four phases to it.

The foods allowed include eggs, sardines, salmon, coconut oil, avocado oil, chicken, pork, bacon, spinach, asparagus, kale, sunflower seeds, almonds, walnuts, dark chocolate,green tea and coffee. Limited amounts of alcohol are also allowed.

The food to be avoided are candy, soft drinks, canola oil, soybean oil, wheat, rice, potatoes, bananas, grapes, apples, turnips, carrots, lentils, chickpeas and beans.

Bottom line: If you are looking for a healthy and easy to follow a diet to start your weight loss plan, the Atkins diet would be an effective choice to go with.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Looking for an effective weight loss diet? Try the low-calorie, high-protein Atkins diet - Times Now


Dec 12

High-Protein Diet: This Dry Matar Mushroom Recipe Is The Perfect Winter Protein Fix – NDTV Food

High-Protein Diet: Dry matar mushroom is a unique recipe you have to try.

Highlights

Winter season comes with a host of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables which are loaded with immunity and good nutrition. But with the harsh cold weather comes laziness and lethargy. People unknowingly pile up the calories due to lack of movement in the chilly temperatures. Thus, it is of the utmost importance to keep a check on weight and diet in the winter season. This dry Matar Mushroom recipe is the ideal way to load up on protein in winters and thus work towards weight loss journey.

Not many are aware that both peas (Matar) and mushrooms are great sources of protein in the winter season. As per the USDA, they both contain a total of 10 grams of protein per a single cup serving. Further, according to the book, 'Healing Foods' by DK Publishing House, green peas' "fibrous content makes it useful for maintaining a healthy digestive tract." Matar is a part of the Indian diet in a number of different dishes, right from Paneer Matar to Methi Malai Matar. But this unique dry Matar Mushroom recipe is one which is truly a class apart in terms of both taste and health.

(Also Read:These Scrumptious Matar Ke Kebab BalanceHealthAnd TasteLike Nothing Else)

High-Protein Diet: Peas are a great source of protein in winters.

Promoted

Start by heating up cumin, ginger and asafoetida in a pan. Saute till they start to sputter, and then add yogurt and stir vigorously. Continue adding more yogurt till the oil starts to separate. Now mix in the spices and peas along with mushrooms. Mix and let it cook till the peas start to soften. Serve hot and fresh!

Click here for the step-by-step recipe of dry matar Mushroom.

About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.

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High-Protein Diet: This Dry Matar Mushroom Recipe Is The Perfect Winter Protein Fix - NDTV Food


Dec 12

How your diet could help boost immunity as COVID-19 and the flu loom – nj.com

Maybe youre popping vitamins and upping your intake of key nutrients in the hope of strengthening your bodys defenses against COVID-19 and the flu.

But is this a sound strategy?

We consulted Dr. Nora Zabel Tossounian, an internist at Hackensack Meridian Health Primary Care and Womens Health in Lodi.

She cautions against too many megadoses of vitamins or overeating a certain type of food just because it may supply a specific nutrient.

There are some good medical studies that support it and there are some that dont, she says of foods and supplements touted as immune boosters. The main thing that it boils down to is healthy lifestyle habits and the importance of good, balanced nutrition and exercise and sleep. Cant beat that.

A vitamin-based defense and clean eating may possibly help mitigate health risks on some level, but theyre not a substitute for wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding crowds and washing your hands.

While some supplements may be advisable, Zabel Tossounian says we should start with our plates. Make that a moderately clean plate.

I always tell my patients to try to get the nutrients as much as possible from food thats minimally processed, she says.

Ditch juices in favor of whole fruit (in moderation), she says, and try to cut down on processed, refined and bleached carbohydrates.

That doesnt mean buying something just because it says natural or organic on the label.

Many people try to say, Well, these potato chips ... they say theyre natural, she says. Thats a processed carb.

Baking, a favorite pandemic pastime, can make us more vulnerable to reward eating. As we eat more carbs, our bodies produce more insulin to keep up with the sugar. Cookies can seem like a good quick fix for stress, but if we're trying to avoid inflammation, insulin spikes are not our friend. Steve Hockstein for The Star-Ledger

Zabel Tossounian points out that carbs in excess are problematic because they cause belly fat and weight gain and increase insulin levels.

What does that have to do with immunity?

Insulin is known to be a pro-inflammatory marker, she says. It can make it more challenging for our immune system to fight off infections.

Of course, starting in March, when grocery stores began to feel the strain of the pandemic, a whole lot of people were panic-buying chips, cookies and other treats. Even if the irony is a time-honored one, we were using unhealthy behavior to try to soothe our fears about the health crisis.

A lot of us during these stressful times tend to overeat or emotionally eat, Zabel Tossounian says. Mindful eating is so important. Sometimes we do make the wrong choice intentionally because we need to have that satisfaction.

If opting for oat milk, nut milk or other milk alternatives, look for products fortified with vitamin D. But this may not be enough to reach an optimal vitamin D level.Thomas Urbain | AFP via Getty Images

Want to enlist vitamin D in strengthening your bodys defenses?

Sources of vitamin D in your diet could include milk, cheese and yogurt. Zabel Tossounian tells her patients to stick with varieties that have reduced fat. Those who are lactose intolerant or vegan can opt for nut milks or milk alternatives like soy, almond, hemp and coconut. Oat milk has become one of the most popular, but check the labels.

Sometimes they may not fortify with vitamin D, Zabel Tossounian says. And even if they are fortified, the amount can be less than optimal.

The majority of patients in our practice tend to be vitamin D-deficient, she says. Many take supplements. (You can always ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level.)

Avocado on toast or not may have become a trendy food associated with the finances of millennials, but it is also a source of fiber, protein, healthy fat and vitamin C.Anna-Rose Gassot | AFP via Getty Images

Some studies in COVID patients have shown that (zinc) does help with the mechanism of the immune system fighting off this virus, Zabel Tossounian says. We also use it to a certain extent in certain hospitalized patients.

Natural sources of zinc include mushrooms, beans, chickpeas and nuts.

Most fruits and vegetables do have a fair amount of zinc, she says. Zinc is very important.

She tells patients who would prefer a supplement that they can try 50 milligrams of zinc a day.

Vitamin C is most traditionally associated with a perceived defense against ailments like the common cold.

Many patients during this time will down glasses of orange juice or take megadoses of vitamin C, Zabel Tossounian says. First of all, orange juice contains a lot of carbs.

People wanting to limit carbs should stay away or stick to one serving, she says. Those who are worried about acid reflux can avoid orange juice altogether in favor of a 500-milligram daily supplement. The catch: only do this if you can drink at least 64 ounces of water per day.

The reason for that is long-term, higher doses of vitamin C in some patients can increase the risk of kidney stones, Zabel Tossounian says. Another option is to only take a vitamin C supplement during the fall and winter months.

Salmon: a good source of protein and healthy fats.Eric Piermont | AFP via Getty Images

Zabel Tossounian says that in order to avoid lopsided diets that are too heavy on the carbs, for instance, she counsels patients to make one third of their plate low-fat protein, one third vegetables and one third minimally processed starch.

Salmon is a good go-to protein and supplies necessary healthy fats, she says. Another option is baked or boiled (not deep-fried) chicken as long as the skin is removed.

Vegans and vegetarians can opt for beans, bean-based pastas and avocado for protein (and healthy fats). They can also choose plant-based meat substitutes, though Zabel Tossounian says to watch the fat content on your favorite plant-based burgers. Either limit how many times theyre in the rotation or cut down on fats and oils elsewhere in your meal.

She tells patients to limit red meat ideally lean cuts to no more than twice per week.

About those processed carbs. A lot of patients have been coming to Zabel Tossounian with weight gain in the pandemic what some have been calling the COVID 19.

In the beginning of the pandemic, aisles that normally stocked flour and sugar were half (or all) empty since many people started baking.

They loved it and they did with their families, she said. As we know, food, in all cultures, is a way of connecting with your loved ones. The kitchen became the most important room in the entire home.

Has your kitchen become a production line for cakes and cookies in the pandemic?Sarah Rice | The Star-Ledger

Why not focus on food when you can plan your day around the meal youre going to have at night? Of course, that makes it easier to overeat or stray from good eating, especially if theres a sense of reward involved.

A lot of it comes from entitlement, Zabel Tossounian says. Had a bad day at work or had a difficult Zoom meeting? You know, Im entitled to that Snickers bar. It gives temporary satisfaction. All of us do it, were human.

She suggests eating clean 80 to 90% of the time and leaving a bit of room for indulgence.

More vitamin D and C may not mean much without vitamin sleep and exercise.

Moving for at least 30 minutes five days a week can help us feel better.

Why? Its not just the lack of guilt for not exercising were talking about here. The happy hormones, or endorphins, released during a workout can help to ease stress, anxiety and depression.

This 24 Hour Fitness gym in Springfield reopened in September. If you can't get to a gym or don't feel comfortable going, there are many free options for online workouts. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media

Another benefit of exercise is that when you start thinking about how many pushups you may need to cancel out a candy bar, you may think twice and temper emotional eating, Zabel Tossounian says.

Even if your gym has gone out of business, there are ways to stay fit in the winter. Zabel Tossounian often recommends that patients check out free resources like the YMCA 360 website, which has on-demand fitness videos, or workouts on the Nike Training Club app.

Some local gyms are still offering online classes and virtual memberships to a wide range of workout programs are available online.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter.

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How your diet could help boost immunity as COVID-19 and the flu loom - nj.com


Dec 12

The Benefits Of Adding Hemp Seeds To Your Daily Diet – Benzinga

This article was originally published onCannabis & Tech Today, and appears here with permission.

Do you know that incorporating hemp seed into your diet comes with loads of health benefits?

This superfood is loaded with ahigh concentration of beneficial minerals and vitamins.

If you are looking to add hemp seeds to your diet, you should know how to use them and why theyre beneficial.

Here, you will learn about their health benefits and how to incorporate them effectively into your day-to-day diet.

Hemp plants are a special type ofCannabis sativagrown primarily for industrial use.

This plant produces hemp seeds.

Further, hemp plants are versatile, resilient, and grow extremely fast.

These plants can be processed and refined to produce a wide range of useful products, including paints, clothing, biofuel, biodegradable plastics, among others.

It will interest you to know that hemp seeds THC content is minimal.

Therefore, they are not psychoactive and do not get you high when you consume them.

One significant hemp strain that you should know is the Sour Diesel hemp flower.

It is a hybrid of Super Skunk and Chemdawg 91.

The strain has a unique aroma, flavor, and effect.

It has been used to develop other hemp strains.

Its well balanced andSour Diesel hempis a powerful antioxidant.

You might not reap this products full health benefit if you dont consume it the right way.

In other words, you must eat the right amount of these seeds for significant results.

Adding theseedsto your diet is straightforward.

You can add them to your salad or take them raw and even add the product to muffins, homemade bars, and other baked foods.

Hemp seeds come with a nutty flavor that is similar to that of pine nuts and sunflower seeds.

To gain the full health advantages of hemp seed, you must not exceed the products recommended daily intake.

Bear in mind that your daily intake might change if you intend to use the seed as a food supplement or treat a particular health condition.

Generally, the minimum recommended daily consumption of shelled hemp seeds is 42g.

If you plan to use hemp seed as a medication or food supplement, do not hesitate to contact your nutritionist or health care professional for advice.

Hemp seeds andCBD hemp oilare now available online from a variety of retailers.

With hemp seeds, you can enjoy the health benefits of cannabis without feeling the high.

Virtually all parts of the hemp plant are nutritious.

Apart from that, they containCBD, which can help alleviate the symptoms of several ailments.

Here are some of the health advantages of incorporating hemp seed in your daily diet:

Hemp seedcontains beneficial ingredients that help to keep your skin smooth and glowing.

The product contains Vitamin E and omega fatty acid that nourishes the skin, improving your skin texture.

Furthermore, it may also reduce the damaging effects of some environmental pollutants like Ultra Violet rays, dirt, among others, ensuring that your skin feels and looks attractive.

Hemp seed can also be used to treat skin disorders.

It contains the right proportion of Omega 3, responsible for alleviating skin conditions like eczema.

It works by moistening the affected region, reducing inflammation, and removing skin patches.

Furthermore, these seeds can alleviate psoriasis by minimizing water loss from the skin.

Hemp seed also reduces dark circles, pigmentation, fine lines, and the appearance of wrinkles by maintaining the skins oil level.

Hemp seeds are also useful for weight management as it contains abundant fiber that can help boost the digestion rate.

These seeds contain soluble and insoluble fibers.

The presence of both fibers in the seed helps to minimize belly fat.

The soluble fibers enhance the activities of gut microbes that can digest soluble nutrients. Also, insoluble fibers minimize toxin deposits in the body and improve gut health.

Stress can influence both the mental and physical well-being of the body, affecting an individuals overall condition adversely.

Some of the problems associated with chronic stress are premature aging, insomnia, loss of appetite, overheating, and an increased chance of developing health issues.

This superfood contains a large proportion of micronutrients that helps combat the symptoms of stress disorder in people.

It reduces stress by supplying the body with essential nutrients that will enable you to stay healthy.

Some of these nutrients include calcium, zinc, arginine, calcium, magnesium, glutamine, etc.

Hemp seeds also contain magnesium, a nutrient that improves thequality of sleep.

Therefore, you can alleviate insomnia and other stress-induced sleep disorders with the proper intake of this product.

The presence of omega fatty acid in Hemp seed gives it the ability to improve the health condition.

This superfood can maximize good cholesterol and reduce triglycerides in the body to enhance an individuals health.

Furthermore, it reduces the chances of developing conditions that restrict blood flow to the heart and boost artery pressure by balancing platelet aggregation.

Hemp seed is a dominant source for omega acid because it comprises bothomega-6 and omega-3, the most significant fatty acid.

It can also stimulate the production of docosahexaenoic omega acid (DHA) and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) in the body, which could minimize the chances of developing health conditions.

Hemp seed can be used in the treatment of inflammation and alleviate the pain associated with it.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is one of the constituents of Hemp seed that can reduce the severity of joints, tissue, and muscle inflammations; and alleviate pain in people suffering from intense pain.

This product has an antioxidant property, which makes it useful in treating muscle cramps and discomfort.

Apart from their nutritional benefits, you can use hemp seeds to combat and alleviate several health conditions that cause discomfort and pain in the body.

You can take the seeds raw, press to make oil, or grind them into a fine meal.

You should endeavor to visit your doctor or nutritionist for the recommended daily intake if you intend to use it to supplement or treat a health condition.

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The Benefits Of Adding Hemp Seeds To Your Daily Diet - Benzinga


Dec 12

Is Height Genetic? Why and Why Not? – Healthline

Humans come in a variety of heights and genetics play a key role in determining whether you will be short or tall.

Theres much more than just heredity to consider before assuming a person will automatically be the same height as their parents. Medical conditions, hormonal deficiencies, and more can all contribute to how tall you are.

Read on to learn about all of the components that contribute to a persons natural height.

Genetics are among the prominent factors that contribute to how tall youll be.

As a general rule of thumb, your height can be predicted based on how tall your parents are. If they are tall or short, then your own height is said to end up somewhere based on the average heights between your two parents.

Genes arent the sole predictor of a persons height. In some instances, a child might be much taller than their parents and other relatives. Or, perhaps, they may be much shorter.

Such key differences may be explained by other factors outside of your genes that contribute to height.

Aside from genetics, there are other factors to consider that can determine a persons height, especially during childhood and adolescence.

While eating more vegetables wont automatically make you taller, getting adequate nutrition during your growing years is critical in human development, including your height.

A diet based on whole, nutritious foods can ensure you will grow up to the height your genes might dictate. On the flip side, a poor diet could lead to a shorter stature compared to your parents.

Eating healthy isnt so simple for all families. Children of a poor socioeconomic status may be at risk of a lack of access to nutrition, along with poor access to adequate health care. This, in turn, can contribute to a shorter height.

You may notice that boys grow slower than girls at first, due to differences in puberty milestones. Overall though, adult males tend to be an average of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) taller compared to adult females.

During puberty, hormones are essential for regulating body growth. These include thyroid hormones, human growth hormones, and sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

Any abnormalities in these hormones could alter growth as well as your overall height. Children who develop hypothyroidism (low thyroid) or pituitary gland disorders may experience shorter than average height compared to their parents.

Rarely, hormonal disorders can contribute to being taller than normal. For example, gigantism is caused by too many human growth hormones produced by pituitary gland tumors.

Some conditions present at birth may dictate a persons height. For example, achondroplasia (dwarfism) is a rare bone growth disorder that runs in families.

Another congenital disorder that can cause short stature is known as Turner syndrome. This rare condition causes delays in puberty. Unlike achondroplasia, Turner syndrome doesnt run in families.

Other congenital disorders lead to a taller than normal stature. These include Marfan and Klinefelter syndromes.

Marfan syndrome is caused by connective tissue enlargements, while Klinefelter syndrome occurs when males are born with an additional copy of the X chromosome.

Overall, theres no way you can increase your height. Each person is born with genes that will help dictate how tall they become, but other factors such as inadequate nutrition or medical conditions may alter this outlook.

Hormonal conditions may be the few exceptions. If a lack of thyroid or human growth hormones is detected during childhood, then taking medications may help reverse the effects on height.

However, once you reach adulthood, taking hormonal replacements wont make you taller. At this point, your full height has already been achieved, and taking any medications or supplements wont make a difference.

Its important to focus on good nutrition during childhood, but sticking with these habits will also contribute to your overall health into adulthood and beyond regardless of your height.

Poor posture and lack of exercise can also contribute to poor stature, so correcting these items may help increase your height (or the appearance of it).

Its widely regarded that your genes will dictate how tall you become. However, there are other exceptions to this rule, including your gender, access to nutrition, and any underlying medical or congenital conditions you may have.

See a doctor if you have any concerns about your height, or if you have a child who isnt reaching their growth milestones. They can discuss nutritional issues with you, and they may help rule out the possibility of any hormonal issues.

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Is Height Genetic? Why and Why Not? - Healthline


Dec 12

Exclusive: Fardeen Khan shares his workout routine and diet plan! The actors 20 kilo weight loss process – Times of India

A few years ago Fardeen Khan left everyone shocked with all that weight he had piled up on. Likewise, a few days ago he left everyone surprised, this time for looking much lean, in his fittest avatar! Well, frankly, when that initial picture came I had not even weighed myself. When I realised that it was time to focus on my health, I did check my weight and I had touched 100 kgs, says Fardeen with a smile, whos now lost 20 kilos!My effort was to regain my health physically, emotionally and mentally. I underwent a complete lifestyle makeover to achieve that. I gave up drinking one year ago, six months ago I quit smoking too. I also introduced changes to my food habits. Otherwise, I have been quite flirtatious with my diet. I also workout regularly these days, elaborates Fardeen.The actor began his fitness journey in May, when he came across the book The Fatburn Fix by Catherine Shanahan. At the time, I was 98 kilos. The book did impress me as it was educational. It took me through the nutritional changes I need to do in order to feel good. It also taught me about my metabolism and the changes I should make for my betterment.The Heyy Babyy actor also hired a fitness trainer. He says, The last few months I have been in London. So, I began taking virtual sessions with fitness trainer James Wallace from August. I converted the garage of my house into a gym. I ordered barbells, weight plates, dumbbells, a bench and I started working out with my wife (Natasha) in company. She has been an inspiration. She is much into fitness. She was my motivational factor as she has six packs and all! I was like I have a lot of catching up to do with my partner.Now in Mumbai, Fardeen is following a ketogenic diet and working out five days a week with James, virtually. By January he is looking at knocking down five more kilos! I literally feel like I am in my 30s again. I feel like a car whose all cylinders are working fine now (laughs!), he signs off.

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Exclusive: Fardeen Khan shares his workout routine and diet plan! The actors 20 kilo weight loss process - Times of India



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