|
Did you know that refrigeration can actually cause certain foods to spoil faster?? It's true. In fact, here are 7 foods that you should never put in your refrigerator.
1. Bananas- Storing bananas in the refrigerator can actually disrupt the ripening process. In fact, once refrigerated, a banana may never be able to resume the ripening process even if returned to room temperature. 2. Sweet Potatoes- When exposed to cold temperatures, starches found in potatoes will turn to sugar, disrupting their flavor and texture, not to mention increasing their sugar content. If you prefer tasteless potatoes that cause weight gain, however, please refrigerate. 3. Tomatoes- Ever had a really amazing tomato right out of the fridge? Probably not!! Tomatoes actually lose their flavor and become mushy when refrigerated. 4. Apples- Same as above, apples lose their texture and flavor when refrigerated. Instead, place an apple in the fridge about 30 minutes before eating if you prefer your apples cold. 5. Onions- If you love soggy onions while also causing the rest of your food to taste and smell like onions, then you'll definitely want to refrigerate you onions immediately. Otherwise, try storing them in a paper bag (within a cool, dark cabinet) for maximum shelf-life. 6. Avocados- Much like the banana, refrigeration shuts down an avocado's ripening enzymes. If you want guacamole next month, this may be OK, but if you're like me, you probably want guacamole today. 7. Coffee- Contrary to popular belief, coffee is best stored at room temperature to allow the natural oils within the coffee bean to activate its pungent aromatic scent. On the flip side, refrigeration can actually cause coffee to absorb odors from other foods in your fridge. Onion flavored coffee anyone?? BIOTRUST NUTRITION
0 Comments
Health experts tout superfoods as nutrient-packed foods that can do everything form increase your energy to protect you from cancer, heart disease, and life-threatening illnesses. But just because a food has been labeled as a superfood doesn't mean it actually is one. Take these five superfoods foods for example. Despite their "healthy food" label, many of them lack scientific data to back up their claims, don't contain nearly as many nutrients as they're presumed to, and can even include some harmful side effects. There's nothing super about that!
1. GOJI BERRIES. Often sold in juiced and dried form, Healthline says that goji berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, can lower you blood sugar and blood pressure, and may even reduce inflammation. Mother Jones concedes that goji berries do contain pyhtochemicals, which are plant compounds that can prevent heart disease, cancer, and brain deterioration, but adds that they are not really miracle cure for everything from obesity to sexual dysfunction. In fact, in 2006, the Food ad Drug Administration reprimanded two different goji product manufacturers for making unsubstantiated health claims, according to Mother Jones. In addition, eating this superfood may cause some unwanted side effects. Livestrong states that goji berries may interfere with diabetes medications and can irritate the digestive system, causing diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and in extreme cases, vomiting. Finally, Livestrong notes that although it is rare, goji supplements may affect you body's ability to clot blood properly. 2. ACAI BERRIES. The Global Healing Center states that antioxidant-rich acai berries have anti-aging effects, aid in weight loss, fight off cardiovascular disease and cancer, increase energy, improve mental function, and reduce irritation. If you think these benefits sound too good to be true, you aren't alone. Many experts share that sentiment. The Mayo Clinic notes that research on acai berries is quite limited, and many of the health claims surrounding the superfood haven't been proved. Best Health adds that acai berries are high in antioxidants, but they degrade quickly after the berries are picked from the acai palm. This means that by the time you purchase acai berries, any of their original nutrients are gone. Instead of paying for pricey acai, Best Health advises you to stick to the less expensive options, such as grapes, blackberries, and blueberries. Finally, WebMD writes that despite the weight loss hype surrounding acai, there is a lack of scientific research to support those claims. 3. COCONUT WATER. Coconut water is often promoted as a beverage that's more hydrating than sports drinks and regular water. Life Hack says nutrient-rich coconut water aids in weight loss, boosts hydration, regulates digestion, and reduces blood pressure. Despite those benefits, many in the health industry advise against purchasing this drink. A Time poll asked five health experts whether they believed coconut water to be worth the price and hype surrounding it--four said no. Nancy Clark, a registered dietitian and sports nutrition counselor, told Time in her response that she recommends natural foods. like potassium-rich bananas or potatoes, over coconut water. The New York Times reports that Vito Coco, a leading brand of coconut water, used to advertise the drink as having 15 times more electrolytes than sports drinks. But a 2010 class-action lawsuit said that some of the mineral contents on is packages were exaggerated, and as a result of the suit, Vita Coco stopped comparing coconut water to sports drinks. The bottom line: Stick with water and bananas, as coconut water hasn't proven itself to be any more spectacular than either! 4. CHIA SEEDS. Chia seeds were given their superfood status because they aid in weight loss, reduce glucose levels, and improve your mood, notes Mind Body Green. Science-Based Medicine adds that health experts believe that the soluble fiber found in chia seeds can help lower your cholesterol and prevent the absorption of fat. But don't rush out to buy a bunch of the cure-all seeds just yet; they aren't as healthy as you may think. Contrary to popular belief, a study published in Nutrition Research found that chia seeds do not promote weight loss or alter the disease risk in overweight adults. Science-Based Medicine says that while chia seeds contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, eating them won't provide you with very many cardiovascular benefits. Science-Based Medicine explains that the body has a hard time converting alpha-linolenic acid to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 fatty acid that is a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. Instead of chia seeds, Science-Based Medidcine suggests eating fish, which is a great source of DHA. Recent research has even revealed that eating chia seeds may put you in danger. They can potentially block your esophagus and shouldn't be eaten in their dry, raw form, particularly by people who have a history of swallowing problems or a constricted esophagus, writes Health Day. 5. ALMOND MILK. Care2 explains that almond milk, which is often advertised as being a healthier alternative to milk and soy milk, has seen a huge spike in sales since 2012. Almond milk contains fewer calories than soy, has no saturated fat or cholesterol, and is a good source of vitamin D and E. However, there is very little protein in almond milk, though, so those who drink it are advised to supplement their diet with other protein sources. Additionally, Livestrong notes that people absorb the nutrients in milk and other dairy products far better than those found in plant-based milks, such as almond. Furthermore, many commercially produced versions of almond milk aren't nearly as nutritious as they're presumed to be. Superhuman Coach says they often contain a blend of harmful additives, so be sure to read the ingredients list before purchasing! There is one other factor that makes this superfood unworthy of its super status: The Atlantic reports that it requires 1.1 gallons of water to produce one almond, and California, a state that's suffering form severe drought, is the nation's leading almond producer. This means that almond production is delpeting the state's already sparse water supply, which is causing other ecological concerns. The Atlantic writes that thousands of endangered king salmon in northern California's Klamath River are threatened by low water levels because water is being diverted to almond farms. As long as you don't have a dairy intolerance, choose milk instead; it has more nutrients and is environmentally friendly. Organic of course!! Green tea might be tasty and refreshing, and it might seem like a ;natural way to ward off cancer, but in concentrated amounts it can also damage your liver. Comfrey is so dangerous that comfrey tea is no longer sold in the United States, and other herbs have also sent some people to the hospital.
New guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology caution consumers aboute relying too much on "natural" or "herbal" products, especially in the mistaken belief that they might be safer than prescription drugs. They're often not, says Dr. Herbert Bonkovsky, of the Carolinas HealthCare Systems in Charlotte, who helped write the new guidelines. "A lot of consumers have a preconceived notion that if it's a natural product, it must be safe. But that is not necessarily the case," says Bonkovsky. "Currently, there is not actually very much effective oversight. It's pretty much up to the manufacturers of these supplements to guarantee what's actually in there." Some products, such as concentrated green tea extracts, may contain many more times the safe dose of a product. Other timers, products may be contaminated. Recent examples include "all Natural" slimming products that contained not only the discontinued prescription drug sibutramine, but phenolphthalein, a laxative that's also been pulled out of pills because it might cause cancer. Tylenol can cause deadly liver damage, as can overdoses of vitamin A. Then there are the sexual enhancement products that are contaminated with prescription drugs. But sometimes it's the herb itself that is dangerous, says Bonkovsky. Obviously, there are lots of things in botanicals, hundreds maybe even thousands of compounds," he said. Here are five of the American College of Gastroenterology is warning about: GREEN TEA "Green tea is widely used. If you drink a few cups a day, it is unlikely you will suffer any adverse reaction, but the extracts are concentrated formulations," says Bonkovsky. The active ingredients are a class of compounds called catechins. "They can deplete some of the protective molecules in cells such as glutathione that are there to protect us from injury. A high dose of green tea extract can lead in susceptible persons to actually quite severe or even fatal liver injury," Bonkovsky said. One of the catechins most suspected is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). "We don't really fully understand the basis for the susceptibility, but it seems likely to be a combination of genetic factors...but also maybe related to their diets, to whether or not they have been drinking alcohol," he added. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has rejected some of the health claims made by makers of products using green tea. COMFREY Comfrey has toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver, sometimes fatally. Comfrey is no longer sold in the U.S., except in creams or ointments, but even used this way the alkaloids can build up in the body. KAVA Kava kava is made from the roots of the plant Piper methysticum, best known as the basis for a ceremonial drink in Oceania, but also sold to treat anxiety and insomnia. It's been documented to have caused liver damage in as many as 100 people, however, and its use is banned or restricted in Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and Britain. SKULLCAP Slullcap was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Chinese skullcap is a different species, but both are suspected of causing liver damage. Skullcap is often used in products containing multiple herbs, so it's not entirely clear that skullcap is entirely to blame. But it's something to keep an eye on. CHAPARRAL Chaparral, an extract of a shrub known as creosote bush, is used by people believing it can benefit conditions ranging from skin rashes to cancer. The suspected liver-damaging compound is one called NDGA. It's possible that people with liver injury form the herb are having a type of allergic or immune reaction to it. But it's been severe enough in some cases to have forced an emergency liver transplant. Liver injury is difficult to diagnose, Bonkovsky says. "Symptoms are pretty non-localized," he said. They can include feeling tired, low appetite, a feeling that food isn't as tasty as usual. "There might be some pain in the area of the liver, in the right upper part of the abdomen," he said. Jaundice-yellow skin-is a big red flag, as is dark-colored urine. "If people have any sign of that, they should stop whatever they are taking and seek medical attention," said Bonkovsky. There are plenty of BAD carbs out there and you don't have to completely eliminate carbs from your diet in order to burn fat fast, especially is you choose the right sources.
Having said that, below are 4 choices for belly-blasting carbs that'll leave you full and satisfied, while helping you toward your fat loss goals. #4- BERRIES & CHERRIES Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries (although not technically a berry) are some of the best carbs you can eat. The are high in fiber, packed with antioxidants, and score extremely low on the glycemic index, especially cherries which come with a GI of just 22. Enjoy fresh berries for dessert, it's a nutritious way to finish off any meal. Great for a snack, too! Try them on top of Greek yogurt...yummy!! #3- SPROUTED GRAIN BREAD Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel 4:9 bread (one of the most popular brands of sprouted grain bread) is a great way to include bread in your diet on occasion without all the issues associated with white breads and even 100% whole wheat breads. Instead, Ezekiel bread is organic, sprouted, 100% whole grain flourless bread. A 2-slice serving even contains 8 grams of complete protein and 6 grams of fiber, so don't give up the bread, just choose the right kind! #2- QUINOA While brown rice is thought to be the healthy grain, there's one even better, and that's quinoa. Quinoa is a gluten free grain that contains double the protein of brown rice along with greater fiber content and a lower glycemic load. Not only that, but quinoa is the ONLY grain to contain complete protein and the full spectrum of amino acids. It comes in several varieties, including "oatmeal-like" flakes and it's wholegrain rice-like form. Enjoy it as an oatmeal substitute for breakfast, in salads or casseroles, or as a wholesome whole-grain, high protein side item to any lunch or dinner meal. #1- BEANS, LENTILS, AND OTHER LEGUMES Beans and lentils, part of the "legume" family, just may be the #1 choice for a healthy carb. Packed with loads of fiber and protein, these guys come in so many different varieties that you'll never get bored. Lentils, chickpeas, black eyed peas, black beans, red beans, kidney beans, navy beans, butter beans, lima beans, pinto beans...and the list goes on. Because of their fiber & protein content, along with their versatility, try something from the legume family in at least on of your meals daily. Biotrust Nutrition |
Archives
November 2017
Categories |
RSS Feed