Diet
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Summer BBQs: Savouring Flavour, Avoiding Risk
The aroma of sizzling hamburgers, the sight of colorful salads, and the sound of laughter floating on a warm summer breeze are emblematic of one of summer’s most cherished traditions: the backyard barbecue. BBQs bring families and communities together, offering a relaxed way to enjoy delicious food and good company. However, as we gather around the grill, it’s crucial to remember that food safety is just as important as the fun, especially during the summer months. In the summer, when the heat is in full swing, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply and spoil food. Thus, summer barbecues often become hotspots for potential food-borne illnesses, also known as food…
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Why Ingredients Matter for Your Health
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience often dictates our food choices. When pressed for time, it’s tempting to simply grab pre-packaged meals or snacks without much thought, and our hectic schedules make it easy to overlook the importance of scrutinizing food labels. However, the small print on the back of the package holds a wealth of information that’s critical to our health and well-being. In this article, we delve into the reasons why everyone should make reading food ingredient labels an essential part of their grocery shopping routine. Deciphering Nutritional Content A pivotal reason to read food labels is to understand the nutritional content of the food you’re buying. In Canada,…
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Cool Summer Eats: Oven-Free Healthy Foods
As the temperatures rise, it’s time to rethink our approach to cooking and embrace lighter, refreshing foods that keep us cool and nourished during the warmer spring and summer months. To avoid heating up our kitchens, we can explore alternative cooking methods and focus on seasonal ingredients that provide optimal nutrition while helping us beat the summer heat. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of healthy summer foods and share tips on how to avoid using your oven to stay cool and refreshed. Emphasize Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Summer is the season for an abundance of fresh, vibrant produce. Fill your plate with a colorful assortment of fruits and…
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Navigating Life with Celiac Disease
Celiac disease, a common autoimmune disorder in which the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide. Celiac disease can be challenging to manage, especially for those who are newly diagnosed, as it requires significant lifestyle and dietary changes. Symptoms of Celiac Disease Symptoms of celiac disease can vary greatly among individuals, making it difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include: Gastrointestinal issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain are common symptoms. Fatigue: Many people with celiac disease experience chronic fatigue and a lack of energy. Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss…
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The Mood-Boosting Power of Bananas
Bananas, aside from being delicious and convenient, hold a myriad of health benefits. One such advantage, which often goes unnoticed, is their potential impact on our mood. The secret lies in the nutritional content of bananas, especially their rich concentration of tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin. Bananas and Tryptophan: A Connection Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning it must be obtained through our diet as our bodies cannot produce it. Bananas are a significant dietary source of tryptophan. Once ingested, tryptophan is converted into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, among other things. Serotonin is often referred to…
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Top 5 Foods for Better Rest
An integral part of maintaining optimal health is ensuring we get enough quality sleep. Interestingly, the food we consume throughout the day can have a significant impact on how well we sleep at night. In this article, we will explore this unique connection and identify the top five foods that can contribute to improving the quality of your sleep. The Food-Sleep Connection Our bodies function on an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm, which influences many aspects of our health, including sleep. Various factors, such as light exposure and physical activity, can affect the circadian rhythm. Another essential factor is nutrition. Certain foods contain components that can promote sleep,…
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How Poor Diet and Inactivity Sabotage Global Health
In the 21st century, the world faces an unprecedented challenge when it comes to public health. Among the leading risks to global health are an unhealthy diet and a lack of physical activity, both of which contribute significantly to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. This article delves into the consequences of poor dietary habits and inactivity, and discusses evidence-based strategies to tackle these growing health threats. The Consequences Obesity Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, affecting both developed and developing countries. An unhealthy diet, characterized by the excessive consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and sugary beverages, coupled with insufficient…
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How to Improve Your Nutrition
Nutrition is a key component of overall health and well-being. It refers to the study of how the body uses nutrients in food to sustain life, growth, and development. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall quality of life. In this article, we will discuss some easy ways to improve your nutrition and how those improvements can benefit your health. 1. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to improve your nutrition. A balanced diet should include a variety of foods from all the food groups, including fruits,…
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Leafy Greens Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
A new study has found that people who consume more green leafy vegetables had fewer brain proteins linked to Alzheimer’s disease. In the study, 581 individuals with an average age of 84 at the time of the dietary evaluation agreed to donate their brains upon death for the advancement of dementia research. To assess their food intake, participants completed annual questionnaires regarding the amount of food they consumed across various categories. The study investigated the adherence of individuals to the MIND and Mediterranean diets. Although these diets share similarities, such as the inclusion of vegetables, the Mediterranean diet additionally advises consuming fruits and three or more servings of fish per…
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Going Green for Brain Power
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale are not just great for your physical health, but they also have an abundance of brain-healthy nutrients that can help slow cognitive decline. Research suggests that including these plant-based foods in your diet can help improve brain function, memory, and overall cognitive health. Vitamin K, Lutein, Folate, and Beta Carotene are some of the essential brain-healthy nutrients found in leafy greens like spinach and kale. Let’s take a closer look at each nutrient and how they benefit brain health. Vitamin K Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone health. However, research shows that…