Nutrition Archives - Cathe Friedrich

5 Ways a Mediterranean Diet Lowers the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

March 3, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

It’s one of the most diverse diets in the world. The Mediterranean diet offers variety but also a multitude of potential health benefits. In fact, some of the longest living populations in the world eat a traditional Mediterranean diet. What’s more, evidence suggests that eating Mediterranean style lowers the risk…

Do Diet Sodas Increase the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke?

March 3, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Diet sodas sound like a healthier alternative to soft drinks. These fizzy beverages lack the sugar and high-fructose corn syrup that makes soft drinks so harmful. Instead, they’re sweetened with artificial sweeteners of various types, including aspartame and sucralose. So, what’s not to love about them? You sometimes hear that…

5 Foods that Fight Inflammation

February 24, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Inflammation is an overreaction of the immune system. We depend on our immune system to fight foreign invaders, like bacteria, viruses, and to be on alert for abnormal cells that can develop into cancer. But sometimes it is turned on even when there is nothing harmful to fight. This is…

Is One Form of Protein Best for Older Adults with Muscle Loss?

February 17, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids. The amino acids are strung together into longer chains like beads on a string. Each amino acid is joined to the next by strong peptide bonds. When you consume dietary protein, your stomach breaks the peptide bonds and your intestinal…

6 Surprising Factors That Can Lead to a Nutrient Deficiency

February 10, 2019February 10, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Nutrients – we know we need them in balanced ratios. Nutrients fall into two main categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are the components of food that supply your body with energy. They include carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Although protein is secondary as an energy source you need the amino acids…

Are the Vitamins in Supplements the Same as the Vitamins in Food?

February 3, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

We eat food mainly for the macronutrients it contains, but we need micronutrients too. Macronutrients are the components of food that supply energy. They include carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Of these, carbohydrates and fat are most important as a source of energy. Your body normally doesn’t use protein as…

Does a Fast Food Diet Cause Inflammation?

February 3, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

“Fast food isn’t good for you!” How many times have you heard that mantra? But the convenience of pulling into a drive-thru window and grabbing a bag of hot food is too much to resist. Are you trading convenience for health? Eating a fast food diet is linked, in some…

The Healthy Food You Should Never Eat Raw

January 13, 2019 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Do you top your salads with sprouts? These days, you have an abundance of sprouts to choose from. Some of the most popular are broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, clover, and mung bean sprouts and they’re readily available in little plastic packages at many grocery stores. Unlike the mature plant, sprouts…

How important is eating the peel of a fruit ?

Is Unpeeled Fruit More Nutritious?

December 30, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Fruit is naturally sweet and tasty and it’s a good alternative to dessert when you need a “sweet” fix. Fruit is also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients. Biting into an apple or spooning up a bowl of berries certainly beats nibbling on something processed and sweet…

Nutrients you only find in meat and dairy products.

6 Nutrients You Find Only in Meat and Dairy

December 30, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Plant foods have so many health benefits. Unfortunately, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out, most of us don’t get enough plants in our diet. In fact, only one in ten individuals meet the recommended guidelines for consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.…