Tag Archives: Health and Nutrition

To Sip Or To Not Sip? The Benefits of Coffee on Health

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Alexandra Ensing | 2 comments

Image Courtesy of: Flickr Commons

After water, coffee is the most popular beverage consumed worldwide. There are countless reasons that people consume coffee on a day-to-day basis. Many people drink it to stay awake during a long day. Some people drink it in the morning to wake themselves up. According to the National Coffee Association, in 2012 over 64% of U.S. adults over the age of 18, regularly drank coffee. Many people wonder if this number is something to worry about – what kind of effect does coffee have on our overall health? Luckily for all those coffee drinkers out there, there are numerous health benefits for drinking that morning cup of joe.

In a recent study, coffee has been found to have a positive effect on Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder caused by progressive impairment of neurons in the brain, usually occurring in the aging population. When these neurons function normally, they produce dopamine; a transmitter that serves as a messenger between parts of the brain. This lack of dopamine seen in Parkinson’s disease causes poor coordination and muscle motion, ultimately leading to loss of control of body movements. The caffeine in coffee helps prevent the dopamine deficits that are characteristic of Parkinson’s. Therefore a higher intake of coffee is associated with a lower incidence of Parkinson’s disease.

Both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Effect the Aging Population
Image Courtesy of: Flickr Commons

According to this same study, coffee may prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease as well. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of brain disorder that causes problems with behavior and memory, occurring more frequently in the aging population and those with damaged neurons in the brain. A component of coffee beans called Trigonelline showed regeneration of nerves in the brain, significantly improving memory in Alzheimer’s patients. To be clear, coffee consumption does not cause a decline in the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, it is associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s, and a reduction of some of the common symptoms of Alzheimer’s patients.

Additionally, another study showed that coffee drinking is inversely associated with mortality, meaning coffee consumption is associated with living a longer life. A comparison was done between men who drink coffee and men who don’t, and it was seen that coffee drinkers had a 10% lower risk of death. When comparing females, a 15% lower risk of death was seen in those drinking coffee. Coffee consumption was also found to be inversely related to major causes of death such as heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes and infections.

These studies have shown that coffee consumption has an inverse relationship with death and disease of many causes. All in all, coffee is surprisingly found to have an overall positive effect on people’s health. So welcome that morning coffee, and know that it is having a positive effect on your health!

Check out this video on the positive effects of coffee!

YouTube Video Courtesy of: Natural Foods Diet

Posted by: Alex Ensing

2 Comments

Posted in Science Communication

Tagged Alzheimers, Caffeine, Coffee, Health, Health and Nutrition, Health Improvement, Parkinsons

Organic: The All-Star of Produce?

Posted on February 7, 2015 by harsheen chawla | 2 comments

For many health-conscious individuals, organic food is the only option at the grocery store. The label must indicate it comes from a trusted source, safe from all the pesticides and toxins that conventional foods are bathed with. However, organic may not be so safe, or healthy, after all.

Various ways in which products are labelled organic. (Via Shuttershock)

First, let’s start off with the claim organic food companies make – the perception that organic foods are healthier than conventional ones and that there is a decreased risk of exposure to pesticides in these foods. But adding a label termed ‘organic’ does not necessarily mean that the product is pesticide-free. In fact, several organic farmers can and do use pesticides during their harvest. The pesticides that they use, however, are deemed to be “natural” which differ from the synthetic pesticides most conventional farmers use. However, there are several synthetic pesticides that are approved for use in organic farming as well.

Of course, one would assume that natural pesticides are safer than synthetic ones used in various crops and livestock, but there are many exceptions. For example, nicotine sulfate and rotenone are commonly used natural pesticides that are more harmful than some synthetic ones used in conventional products. Organic foods are also expected to contain fewer residues of pesticides than conventionally grown foods. And although there may be a difference in the amount of residue left, the actual level of contamination for both foods have often been below an acceptable range. Therefore, organic isn’t necessarily a synonym for ‘safe.’

A cartoon exemplifying how pesticides can be harmful. (Via Nutrionize.Net)

The organic food industry has gained popularity since they usually do not disclose the pesticides they use when growing their products. In fact, there are studies that have been done in their favor that show how beneficial organic products are and how they limit exposure to various pesticides. The problem with studies like these, for example, is that they only focus upon the presence of synthetic pesticides. However, as we now know, natural pesticides do not necessarily mean that they are less harmful than those found in the conventional section of the grocery aisle.

So what exactly does organic mean? As Epipheo explains in his video below, organic “really has nothing to do with how nutritious the food is for you.”

So although organic foods have gained popularity amongst a world of health-conscious individuals, adding organic to a label doesn’t necessarily mean it is healthy, safe, or nutritious. You might be exposed to less pesticides with these foods than conventional products, but there’s no consensus on whether organic truly is your best choice!

– Harsheen Chawla

2 Comments

Posted in Public Engagement, Science Communication

Tagged Food and Health, Health and Nutrition, Natural Pesticides, Organic, Synthetic Pesticides

Almond Milk: Just Another Passing Craze?

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Krystyna Pangilinan | 2 comments

These days, most people try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with organic foods and working out being top priorities. But is it possible that we’ve gotten a little overly obsessed with being healthy? Take almond milk, for example. A year ago, I hadn’t even heard of it, and believe me – I’m one of those health nuts, telling people not to eat this or that because of its lack of nutritional value. But when I immediately substituted dairy milk with almond milk, was I blindly hopping onto another one of those passing health crazes, or is almond milk better for us?

Silk, Pure Almond Image Courtesy of: Google Images

Silk PureAlmond Milk, Source: Flickr Commons

Almond milk gained immense popularity over the past few years, as a substitute for people who are lactose intolerant or vegans. It is essentially a blend of almonds and water, and can be easily made at home, or purchased at grocery stores (but be warned, like all “healthy” foods, it is slightly overpriced). However, people are still unsure as to why it’s healthier than dairy milk.

Almonds, Source: Flickr Commons

Let’s start with almonds. Almonds, one of the healthiest nuts in the world, are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, protein, fiber, potassium and magnesium. An article from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture states that almonds contain antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, and help prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, and protect from risk of cancer. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which boost overall immune systems and cardiovascular health. In a recent study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, almonds were found to reduce desire-to-eat sensations after consumption , lowering weight gain risk. All in all, almonds are nutritional with many health benefits.

So what about almond milk? Well, like everything, there are pros and cons to drinking it. It contains the same minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants found in natural almonds, and basically has the same health benefits (as long as no additives or sweeteners are added). Compared to dairy milk, it contains fewer calories, saturated fats, and cholesterol, making it better for people on diets or with heart problems. However, it contains less calcium and protein than dairy milk; therefore, to maintain a healthy level of these, other sources of protein and calcium are necessary. Furthermore, it is not a substitute for almonds – unfortunately, there are only about four to five almonds in one cup of milk. (So if you trying to attain the same amount of nutrients in a glass of milk as a handful of almonds, I recommend you go for the almonds.)

That being said, almond milk isn’t just a passing health craze…it really is good for you! As long as you replace the calcium and protein found in dairy, almond milk is a great substitute for dairy milk. But just remember to eat more almonds in general – they are the real nutritional powerhouse here.

Check out this upbeat video on the health benefits of almonds below:

YouTube video courtesy of: Everyday Health

Posted by: Krystyna Pangilinan

2 Comments

Posted in Issues in Science, Public Engagement, Science in the News

Tagged Almond milk, Almonds, Food and Health, Health and Nutrition, Nutrition

Living LARGE

Posted on January 25, 2015 by navjitmoore | 1 comment

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “living large”? Well, most of us will think of an individual who is living life to the extreme, maybe spending a ridiculous amount of money or living a very extravagant lifestyle. However, for far too many parents and children in North America, “living large” has a very serious and negative connotation. I am referring to the epidemic of obesity in children in North America. Fortunately, a new study has shown that a program that aims to reduce childhood obesity is working well in the U.S.

The study, “Changes in Body Mass Index Associated With Head Start Participation” focuses on a program funded by the U.S. government for low income households. The Head Start program focuses on health, nutrition, exercise, and early education for the young children. Basically, the program promotes healthy living and provides a well-structured plan to achieve it. The program includes health and nutritional services, such as meal plans, activity outlines, and family counselling. The study looked at two groups of children, one with a healthy BMI and another who were overweight or obese. The researchers monitored the children’s BMI throughout two academic years. The study led by Dr. Lemung found that children who were obese and overweight who participated in the program had a significantly healthier BMI by kindergarten than those who were in a primary health care system.

Complications of Obesity Source: Wikimedia Commons

Furthermore, a recent CBS news article published in January 2015 focused on the obesity epidemic amongst children in the United States. The article states that about a quarter of the children from ages two to five are either obese or overweight. Moreover, it states that as children enter adulthood, obesity seems to follow. Unsurprisingly, this trend is noted to lead to future health risks for the children. The health risks include a higher chance of developing diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and much more.

Nutritional Food Choices, Source: Flickr Commons

Unsurprisingly, young children living large with no plans to improve their health can threaten their future wellbeing. We need to ensure younger generations are able to thrive in the future and not be held back by complications of obesity. Fortunately, programs such as Head Start have shown to prevent and treat obesity at a very young age. In conclusion, more programs and preventative measures for obesity should be implemented around the world. In turn, these type of initiatives will provide a great way to ensure children get a “head start” in living healthy and not LARGE.

Check out the video created by Jessie Deen for more information on childhood obesity and prevention:

Posted By: Navjit Moore

1 Comment

Posted in Biological Sciences, Issues in Science, Science Communication, Science in the News

Tagged Childhood Obesity, Health and Nutrition, Prevention Methods

Are Multi-Vitamins a Multi-Hoax?

Posted on January 18, 2015 by harsheen chawla | Leave a comment

Growing up, my parents would hand me a multivitamin each night. It was usually the ones that looked like a gummy bear, so I always considered it be candy and took it willingly. However, their reason for giving me this supplement was not as a mere treat but more so based on what many consumers falsely believe: Multivitamins can improve your overall health.

Image showing a few types of multivitamins.
(Via Flickr)

Multivitamins are advertised to be beneficial for your body, marketed as a dietary supplement with vitamins and other nutritional components. The billions that the multivitamin industry has earned is proof of how many people believe that these supplements can aid in meeting their needs. However, there is now increasing evidence to prove otherwise that these supplements are considered to be inadequate. In the video by Beadledom911 posted below, multivitamins are concluded to have no impact on our overall health.

Many consumers take these supplements in the hopes of improving their health or filling in the nutritional gaps they may have from their daily diet. However, researchers have urged consumers to stop consuming these pills at all since there is less evidence to prove their benefits and more so that demonstrate how ineffective supplements truly are. As Susan Taylor Mayne suggests, the most effective way to receive vitamins is through your diet and not these supplements. Consuming vitamins in a supplement form is less beneficial than eating natural foods itself since they preserve the nutrients more so than pills.

The multivitamin industry is strategic in how they approach their consumers and feed them false information about the benefits of their products. In fact, their strategies have been proven to be so effective that as much as $1.3 to $1.7 billion are spent annually on supplements alone in the United States. These companies appeal to a general population that, for the most part, has a balanced diet. Thus, the benefits they claim of improving your overall health are insignificant for these consumers.

An exaggeration of how some marketers advertise their supplement products.
(Via Wikimedia)

Ironically, those that consume vitamin supplements are the ones who least need them. Consumers mainly purchase multivitamins for the desire to improve their overall health, not to meet a specific need. But if vitamins are so beneficial for us, then wouldn’t more of them be better? Wrong. As the video posted above suggests, there are no significant health improvements from multivitamin intake; therefore, it has no meaningful effect on treating, preventing, or improving your overall health.

So, unless you’re trying to meet a specific need, avoid the “gummy bears” because it would be more beneficial for you to consume the real candy than the one in the supplement aisle.

Harsheen Chawla

Tag Archives: Health and Nutrition

To Sip Or To Not Sip? The Benefits of Coffee on Health

Organic: The All-Star of Produce?

Almond Milk: Just Another Passing Craze?

Living LARGE

Are Multi-Vitamins a Multi-Hoax?

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Tag Archives: Health and Nutrition

To Sip Or To Not Sip? The Benefits of Coffee on Health

Organic: The All-Star of Produce?

Almond Milk: Just Another Passing Craze?

Living LARGE

Are Multi-Vitamins a Multi-Hoax?

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