Nutrition Archives - Cathe Friedrich

Display of whole grains and whole grain products

Are Whole Grains Good or Bad for Your Gut and for Your Health?

June 17, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

The debate about the health benefits of whole grains continues. On one hand, you have research, like a Harvard study, showing whole grain consumption is linked with a lower risk of premature mortality. On the other side are people in the low carb and Paleo camp who believe that all…

Wicker tray with variety of raw mushrooms on wooden table

Are Mushrooms a Good Source of Plant-Based Protein?

June 10, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

You probably think of animal foods as being the best source of protein, but plants can supply your body’s protein requirements as well. With so much interest in the environment, health, and animal welfare, it’s not surprising that people are actively exploring more plant-based protein options. Whole grains, nuts, legumes,…

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What Are Phytochemicals and What Role Do They Play in Health?

May 20, 2018May 20, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Plant foods are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they also provide a diverse array of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are compounds that don’t offer nutritional value but are still biologically active in the body. Phytochemicals come in many forms and have confusing names, like flavonoids, carotenoids terpenes, lignans,…

image of an assortment of beans on black wooden background. Soybean, red kidney bean, black bean,white bean, red bean and brown pinto beans

5 Surprising Facts about Beans

May 6, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

No doubt about it, beans are a nutritionally dense food and an inexpensive one as well. All varieties of beans are a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins and minerals. Despite sporting a stellar nutritional profile, most people don’t eat a lot of beans…

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Why Energy Drinks and Exercise Don’t Mix

May 6, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Do you sip a cup of coffee or two before a workout? What about an energy drink? Studies show that caffeine improves exercise performance for moderate-intensity, endurance exercise. Whether caffeine is effective for short periods of anaerobic exercise is less clear. During sub-maximal, endurance exercise, drinking as little as 2…

image of green healthy vegetarian food for lunch with friends

5 Tips for Building Muscle When You Eat a Plant-Based Diet

April 15, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

A common misconception is that you can’t get enough protein to build muscle unless you consume meat and dairy. But, the success of some natural, vegan bodybuilders show this simply isn’t the case. Plants are a source of protein too and some, like soy, are a complete protein source. Complete…

image of close-up arrangement mixed, assorted berries including blackberries, strawberry, blueberry, raspberries and fresh leaf isolated on white.

5 Healthy Reasons to Eat Berries

April 15, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Luscious berries in brilliant shades of red, purple, and blue. Who can resist their allure? But, berries aren’t just tantalizing to the taste buds, they have some surprising health benefits. Whether you enjoy them freshly picked from a garden or from your local farmer’s market, you’ll find lots of reasons…

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5 Reasons You Feel Sleepy & Less Productive after a Meal & What You Can Do about It

April 15, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Have you ever felt a wave of sleepiness come over you after a meal? When it does, you might feel like curling up in a chair and taking a siesta, but that’s not always possible. The larger the meal you ate, the more likely you are to feel sleepy. That’s…

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4 Reasons Supplements Aren’t Always All They’re Cracked Up to Be

April 15, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

We live in a society where ordering fast food from a drive-in window and heating up packaged foods in a microwave is the norm. Most people are so pressed for time that they grab what’s convenient, even if it is overly processed and devoid of nutrients. There’s a reason there’s…

image of an appetizer with rare fried tuna and salmon on restaurant table

Fish is Healthy but Here’s Why You Might Not Want to Order It at a Restaurant

April 8, 2018May 19, 2018 by Cathe Friedrich

Cathe Friedrich

Fish enjoys somewhat of a health halo, thanks to the high omega-3 content of fish, particularly fatty fish, like salmon. So, you might feel a bit virtuous when you choose the fish entrée at a restaurant over a pasta dish or a steak. Yet that seafood entrée may not be…