Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that contributes to the growth and repair of body tissues. Most vitamins are obtained from food, as the body does not naturally produce them or produces them only in very small amounts. Vitamin C occurs naturally in many foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale. While a balanced diet should be sufficient to obtain healthy levels of vitamin C, many adults resort to vitamin supplements to eliminate the risk of deficiency. Vitamin C supplements can.. READ MORE »
In recent years, diet and nutrition have blown up in the arena of public interest. More and more people are understanding the importance of nutrition in maintaining both physical and mental health. Superfoods are a popular choice for those looking to maximize their nutritional intake. Each year, these nutrient-foods emerge boasting their capacity to positively impact health. Many superfoods are packed full of numerous healthy compounds, from antioxidants to vitamins to fibre. Some of these foods have been in the running for years, while others are making their debut and taking the nutrition market by storm. Here’s a closer look.. READ MORE »
Students taking nutrition courses have likely heard about omega-3 fatty acids, particularly as they’ve been said to play a key role in our diet. Understanding the impact of these fatty acids on our overall health and wellbeing is incredibly important, allowing us to promote healthy eating habits that encourage healthy aging. Omega-3 can typically be found in fatty fish, fish oil, oysters, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, to name a few sources. These foods have been known to provide us with a variety of health benefits, often attributed to their high omega-3 content. But can they also promote healthy.. READ MORE »
In recent years, public interest in nutrition has grown, as research advocates for the health benefits of different diets. Nowadays, the pescatarian diet is becoming increasingly popular, as people look for ways to develop healthier and more sustainable eating habits. A pescatarian – also called a pesco-vegetarian – is someone who eats fish and seafood along with a vegetarian diet. Along with a host of environmental benefits that come with reduced meat consumption, the pescatarian diet is praised by nutritional experts for being low in saturated fats, high in fatty acids, and providing a good source of protein. For those.. READ MORE »
It may come as no surprise that a diet heavy in meat diet is often frowned upon. In fact, the consumption of large amounts of red meat, and particularly processed meat, has been shown in research to be associated with many harmful health consequences—like cardiovascular disease, colorectal cancer, and even type 2 diabetes. To stave off these negative health effects, many have promoted white meat instead. But is white meat truly much healthier? Students in nutrition and health studies understand the value of a healthy diet and the role it plays in our overall well-being. Knowing the difference between these.. READ MORE »
Food sensitivity is a broad term used to encompass any minor allergy, intolerance, or reaction to certain ingredients in food. Nowadays, it’s commonly heard in reference to foods such as dairy, gluten, or soy. Food sensitivities may trigger any number of physical symptoms, including headaches, nausea, digestive issues, or skin flare-ups. These symptoms tend to be unpleasant, but are generally not life-threatening. While “food sensitivity” remains an uncertain diagnosis, a trained health practitioner will be able to perform a range of different tests in order to narrow down the potential source of a reaction. If you’re interested in learning more.. READ MORE »
Edible oils may not be the most visible part of our diet, but they can play a huge role in our nutrition and health. They typically refer to vegetable oils or fats that are extracted from seeds or fruits, containing mixtures of triglycerides. These edible oils can be used in a variety of meals and cooking processes, often used as salad dressing or in a pan frying. Examples include olive oil, canola oil, palm oil, and grape seed oil to name a few. These oils are produced as a result of specific processing, which serves to isolate triglyceride oils and.. READ MORE »
As people get older, their nutritional needs are likely to change. This is based on a multitude of factors, including changes in their overall health, as well as nutrient or vitamin deficiencies. While certain nutritional habits are always important to follow, such as eating fruit and vegetables and drinking lots of water, other variables will become increasingly important depending on a person’s age and development. Ultimately, the cornerstone of anyone’s diet should be food rich in nutrients, so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age. However, practicing good dietary habits is important at all stages of a person’s.. READ MORE »
The term “gluten-free” has been a buzzword for some time now in association with food and dieting. Although this type of diet is typically meant for people who cannot eat gluten, such as those with gluten ataxia or celiac disease, it’s a diet that has been followed by numerous people without either of these conditions. Some believe that gluten-free dieting provides significant health benefits even if they do not have a condition making it difficult to consume gluten. However, there is minimal scientific evidence to support these claims. As such, it’s important for a nutrition and health professional to understand.. READ MORE »
Carbohydrates, typically thought of as starches and sugars, are considered to be our bodies’ main source of energy. These carbohydrates can be found in a wide range of food items, from starchy vegetables to processed candy. Endurance athletes have to pay particular attention to their diet, selecting food options that support their training and lifestyle. Acting as fuel for the body, carbohydrates can significantly impact an athlete’s health and performance. Here’s a closer look at the role carbohydrates play in their diets for students interested in learning more about nutrition and health. Understanding Carbohydrates and Their Role in Athletes’ Diets .. READ MORE »
