In Japanese, maitake literally translates to dancing mushroom. Legend has it that this beneficial mushroom received its name because people danced with happiness after finding it in the wild. Maitakes are adaptogens that exhibit impressive healing properties. Researchers note that adaptogens help the body fight mental or physical difficulties, regulating systems in the body that are out of balance. 

What Are Maitake Mushrooms?

These edible mushrooms are native to China, but they also grow in Japan, Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. You may also know maitake mushrooms as hen of the woods or sheep’s head mushrooms. They exhibit a tasty umami flavor, making it a sought after culinary ingredient, but they also offer an impressive nutritional profile. Maitakes are naturally rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, potassium, fiber, vitamins B, C, and D, copper, amino acids, and other minerals. They are also low-calorie, low-sodium, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. 

Maitake mushrooms are of great interest to scientists because of their unique antioxidant profile. Existing research points to the fact that these mushrooms have a unique way of supporting overall health and fighting certain illnesses. They have many bioactive compounds, which likely contribute to their many medicinal properties. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of maitake mushrooms. 

They Provide Cancer Support

According to research, the beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms have an anti-tumor immune response. Some scientific studies on mice found that maitakes blocked tumor growth. Additional research found that beta-glucans potentially enhanced the activity of certain immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These cells help to identify and destroy cancer cells. Maitake mushrooms also promote apoptosis, which is programmed cell death that eliminates abnormal (cancerous) or damaged cells. Some studies suggest that maitake mushroom extracts may induce apoptosis in breast cancer and bladder cancer cells. One such extract, which is available in supplement form, is maitake D-fraction. Vitamin C helps to enhance this extract’s function to make it more effective in the body. 

They May Support Healthy Blood Sugar

A study from 2015 found that maitake mushrooms had a positive effect on rats with type 2 diabetes. Over the course of the study, the rats consumed maitake mushrooms, which had a positive effect on blood glucose levels. Study authors were able to conclude that the bioactive compounds in maitake mushrooms helped improve glucose tolerance. A separate study on diabetic mice found that maitake mushroom powder exhibited anti-diabetic properties, improving the condition of the mice over four months. Human research is necessary, but initial studies on animals are promising. 

They Promote Fertility

Before we explain how maitake mushrooms promote fertility, it’s crucial to understand that research is limited. Additionally, the research was specifically focused on how they affected women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition that causes the ovaries to develop fluid-filled cysts around their outer edges. These cysts contain follicles, but don’t release eggs, resulting in infrequent periods, excess hair growth, and lack of ovulation. A Japanese study from 2010 monitored women with PCOS who either took a maitake mushroom extract or the clomiphene citrate drug. At the end of the study, the maitake extract induced ovulation in 77% of PCOS participants, showing a very similar result to the prescription drug. 

They May Reduce Blood Pressure

Earlier in the article, we discussed the D-fraction maitake extract, which can induce apoptosis. In an animal study, researchers gave that D-fraction extract to rats and found that it reduced age-related high blood pressure. The extract also improved insulin sensitivity, which could help explain why maitake can aid with cholesterol reduction. In an older study from 1989, researchers fed maitake mushrooms to rats for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the rats had lower blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. The ability to lower all of these markers suggests that maitake mushrooms may be able to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. 

They Support Immune Function

The beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms work to encourage optimal immune function. The polysaccharides work to optimize immune response, enhancing the body’s overall resilience towards foreign invaders. The bioactive polysaccharides support humoral and cellular immunity, two actions that ward off pathogens. This is particularly useful whether a virus is going around the office, or you are stressed and have a weakened immune system. When compared to shiitake mushrooms in a 2014 animal study, maitake mushrooms stimulated a more intense immune response. 

They May Balance Cholesterol Levels

If you have higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease. Although high cholesterol can result from poor diet and genetics, health experts suggest that insulin resistance plays a role in cholesterol levels. As it turns out, the antioxidants in maitake mushrooms work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. When inflammatory markers reduce, less cholesterol accumulates in the arteries. That ultimately helps protect you from heart disease.

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It’s no secret that new weight loss drugs are highly sought after in the United States. The reason for that is because they are highly effective, so long as you continue using them. Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and other similar medications work by recreating the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that the gut produces once you finish eating. This hormone reduces both hunger and cravings, helping you to eat less, which promotes weight loss. 

What happens when you stop taking these medications, though? Recent research suggests that you can regain weight once you stop taking them. Health experts have started to refer to this weight gain as “Mounjaro plateau” or “Ozempic rebound.”

Why Do People Stop Using These Medications?

People stop taking these medications for numerous reasons, with a common one being the high cost, which is especially true for people without health insurance. Even if you have health insurance, many providers don’t offer coverage for these drugs. There is a huge demand, supply issues, and many unwanted side effects that come from using these medications. In fact, clinical trials found that up to 10% of users stop using these medications because of side effects, including nausea and disruptive bowel movements. 

It’s possible that the number of people who stop using these medications is higher than that 10% figure. Patients may have less aftercare, support, and accountability than they do in clinical trials. That means there is most likely a higher percentage of people who experience unwanted side effects, which could be easily managed. Doctors also state that people stop using these medications once they meet their goal weight. 

Why Do You Gain Weight Post-Medication?

Ozempic, and other related drugs, were originally intended to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. During clinical trials, researchers observed weight loss to be a surprising side effect. That got them thinking, so they started to prescribe these medications for weight loss (an off-label purpose). 

In present day, many people with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or fatty liver disease, have been struggling to lose weight for 20 to 30 years. Drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy help people lose weight by temporarily altering hunger mechanisms. Basically, they provide a synthetic form of GLP-1, which is the hormone that helps you feel satiated and less hungry. At the same time, these drugs also promote an increase in insulin response to food, which works to regulate blood sugar. They also reduce the release of glucagon, a hormone that opposes insulin and tends to increase blood glucose levels. 

When you stop taking these medications, the body naturally produces more ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Once off the medications, the body’s metabolic rate slows down. The combination of a slower metabolic rate and a rapid onset of hunger causes weight gain, especially if there is no modification in lifestyle or diet. 

How Common Is Weight Gain After Stopping Ozempic?

If you use Ozempic to lose weight, the last thing you want is to see the weight return once you stop taking the drug. As it turns out, it is very common for a person to gain weight after quitting Ozempic or similar medication. One study found that people who stopped taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) and quit lifestyle interventions gained two-thirds of their weight back within a year. Another study monitored people who stopped taking tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro. Within one year of quitting the drug, they gained more than half the weight they’d lost while on the drug. 

The Takeaway

Before you take any GLP-1 agonist (such as Ozempic), consult your healthcare professional and make sure you understand the risks. Are you using the drug for short-term or long-term results? If you decide to take Ozempic, make sure you understand what will happen once you stop. Your healthcare professional may be able to provide guidance, nutritional advice, and an exercise regimen to help stave off the weight you lost while on the drug.

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Collard greens often have a negative reputation because they aren’t always prepared in the healthiest way. A lot of preparations involve bacon, ham hocks, turkey legs, and a lot of salt, and the greens are cooked down to a point where they have a lot less nutritional value. In truth, collard greens are very healthy, incredibly versatile, and exhibit some seriously impressive health benefits. 

What Are Collard Greens?

Kids may not be the biggest fans of collard greens, but these nutritious leafy greens should be on your grocery list. Collards belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy. Just like other cruciferous vegetables, collards contain sulforaphane, which is a compound that helps to fight inflammation, balance hormones, and fight free radicals. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of collard greens. 

They Contain A Lot Of Nutrients

Collards are nutrient-dense greens that contain a lot of vitamin A, with one cup providing over 300% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). They also provide B vitamins (particularly folate) and vitamin C, with one cup providing 50% of the RDI. Folate is the naturally occurring form of folic acid, and a cup of collards provides about 44% of the RDI of folate. Just like kale or Swiss chard, collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K1, providing an impressive 1,045% of the RDI in one cup. Collards also offer other nutrients, including manganese, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. 

They Exhibit Anti-Cancer Activity

As previously mentioned, collards provide a lot of vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which encourage a healthy immune system. Optimal immune response is essential for protecting the body foreign invaders and cancer. Research shows that collard greens contain glucosinolates and sulforaphane, both of which are subjects of cancer research. Scientists say that glucosinolates are converted into isothiocyanate (ITC), which protects cells from damage that can lead to cancer, particularly colon, oral, breast, and skin cancers. By increasing your consumption of leafy greens, you may help reduce your risk of cancer. 

They Support Gut Health

Collards, just like other leafy greens, contain fiber, which works to optimize digestive health by promoting a healthy microbiome. Researchers note that fiber contributes to regularity, which helps you avoid constipation. Additionally, some studies have identified a unique sugar in leafy green vegetables (sulfoquinovose), which works to feed the good bacteria in your gut. That ultimately supports the digestive process. 

They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

According to research, some of the compounds in collard greens may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. For that reason, incorporating collards into your diet may help reduce the risk of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Collard greens also contain lutein, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and other antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress. Lowering the amount of oxidative stress in the body may help reduce inflammation, which may decrease the risk of certain health conditions. 

They May Help People With Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, collards are rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and satiates you after a meal. Increasing your fiber intake has been associated with a lower risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. The belief is that fiber reduces inflammation and levels of glucose in people with type 1 diabetes. Other research shows that fiber works to maintain healthy insulin and blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. More research is necessary to see how the fiber in collards directly benefits diabetic patients. 

They May Improve Bone Health

The impressive amount of vitamin K1 in collard greens, in addition to the vitamin K2 in animal foods, is critical for healthy bones. The body requires vitamin K for calcium absorption, which reduces the risk of fractures. Because collard greens contain both calcium and vitamin K, adding them to your diet can help keep your bones healthy. For reference, the average vitamin K recommendation for adult males is 120 micrograms (mcg) per day and 90 mcg per day for adult women.

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Can you imagine a life without pickles? You probably can if you dislike them, but that signature briny crunch out of the jar is on another level of delicious. If you are like most people, you probably associate the word “pickle” with the classic cucumber variety. There are many other pickled foods, including various fruits and vegetables. 

Natural pickling and fermentation are traditional forms of food preservation, enhancing the quality of foods. Fermentation is an external, predigestion process that converts complex nutrients into simpler ones. Common fermented foods include sourdough, vinegar, and wine. Pickling is a more controlled form of fermentation that uses salt and examples include miso, sauerkraut, and olives. 

What Are The Health Benefits Of Eating Pickled Foods?

Pickled and fermented foods are some of the most common sources of probiotics. When eaten in conjunction with prebiotics, you can help create the best environment for gut microbes to flourish. The gut also houses the enteric nervous system, which is a second nervous system. Eating pickled and fermented foods can help support the connection between shared cells from both of these systems. 

Eating naturally pickled and fermented foods can encourage the healthy growth of gut microbes. That process can help prevent the growth of unwanted or unhealthy microbes from developing. Pickled and fermented foods can also help to suppress inflammatory responses commonly associated with allergies, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Because of that, fermented foods may aid immune function. Plus, pickled and fermented foods tend to contain a high concentration of vitamins, including vitamins A, C, and K. Pickles are especially high in those vitamins because water is drawn out of the pickles by the salty brine. 

A few studies found that some vinegar-based brines in pickles may help stabilize blood glucose levels. By regulating blood glucose levels, you help prevent feelings of intense hunger. You also help to curb blood sugar spikes, which can lead to energy crashes. 

Nutritional Value Of Pickles

Like most vegetables, pickles are mostly water and contain very little protein and fat. They have a high concentration of vitamins because the salty brine draws out the water from the pickles. Although the nutritional value varies from pickle jar to pickle jar, the average whole dill pickle contains the following:

• 20% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin K
• 3%-4% of the RDI of vitamin C
• 6% of the RDI of calcium
• 2% of the RDI of potassium
• 1% of the RDI of vitamin A

Pickles also contain phosphorus, folate, and are great sources of beta-carotene. Studies indicate that beta-carotene can help lower the risk of several chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes and age-related macular degeneration. If you want to learn how to make pickles, read on for four amazing recipes. 

Fermented Dill Pickles

Eating fermented foods is highly beneficial for your digestive health. Dare we say that these pickles are better than your granny’s homemade ones? You be the judge!

Click here to start pickling them pickles. 

Homemade Dill Pickle Sauerkraut

Get ready for a recipe that will help improve gut health. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also 100% Full Body Cleanse Approved.

Click here to start pickling that kraut. 

Easy Raw Refrigerator Pickles

Attention cleansers: You finally have a raw vegan pickle recipe! Once you make these, you’ll be wondering where they were all your life.
Click here to start pickling them pickles.

Homemade Pickled Red Onions

This easy pickled red onion recipe is about to be your new favorite topping to a variety of dishes. Here’s a tip: they go great on tacos!

Click here to start pickling them onions. 

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What are enzymes and how do they benefit the body? They are biological catalysts that accelerate certain chemical reactions in the body. Think of an apple that starts to turn brown from air exposure. Well, that is because enzymes in the apple react to the oxygen present in the room. There are other enzymes that are particularly beneficial for digestive health, breaking down the food you eat and aiding nutrient absorption. 

You can obtain enzymes from a variety of sources, including supplements and foods. Nutritionists encourage people to consume foods that are rich in digestive enzymes as they optimize digestive health. Of the many enzymes in existence, there are three primary types of digestive enzymes, which work to break down macronutrients: 

• Amylases work to break down starches, which provide most of the energy that the body uses.
• Proteases help the body break down proteins, contributing to the repair and growth of bodily tissues.
• Lipases help the body digest fats and break down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. 

You can obtain most digestive enzymes from fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and many other foods. Continue reading to learn about great foods that are rich in digestive enzymes. 

Papaya

You may or may not be familiar with papain, a protease enzyme that aids protein digestion. Initial research indicates that papain may relieve heartburn and treat symptoms such as bloating and constipation. Although papain is available in supplement form, you can easily obtain it by eating some papaya cubes. Just make sure that you don’t eat too much. 

Bananas

Similar to honey, bananas contain amylase, which works to break down starch into sugars. Amylases are also responsible for sweetening bananas as they ripen, according to a 2016 study. Bananas also contain maltase, which breaks down malt sugars, food starches, and absorbable glucose. Research indicates that green bananas seem to be the most beneficial sources of digestive enzymes. Although some cereals contain small amounts of maltase, bananas are better and more nutritious whole-food options. 

Avocados

A 2016 review found that avocados are great sources of lipase. As stated earlier, lipase works to break down fats into smaller fatty acids, which the body can absorb more easily. The pancreas makes lipase, however, eating avocados can support digestion in other ways, as they are high in healthy fats and fiber. 

Garlic

If you love garlic, you are in luck! Keep the vampires and bloating at bay because garlic is rich in alliinase, which researchers have linked to lower blood pressure levels. Not only does that make alliinase a great enzyme for digestive health, but also for people at risk for heart problems. 

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, a protease that works to break down proteins during the digestive process. Bromelain may also reduce sinus and nasal inflammation, and some studies indicate that it aids wound healing and immune function. On top of all that, researchers note that bromelain exhibits antimicrobial properties, which have proven to fight Candida albicans, a bacteria that may cause fungal infections. 

Honey

Studies show that honey is one of the most potent enzymatic foods in existence. Raw organic honey contains diastase, amylase, glucose oxidase, alpha-glucosidase, and invertase. Similar to amylase, diastase works to break down starch by turning it into sugars. More research is necessary regarding the amount of honey you should consume for optimal digestive health. 

Kimchi

Kimchi, among other fermented foods, is great for the digestive system. It is a great source of lipase, protease, and amylase, all of which form during the fermentation process. Not only does that enhance the nutritional value of kimchi, but it also works to optimize digestive health.

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Research shows that aloe vera juice may be beneficial for people with diabetes. Aloe vera contains active components that help in lowering high blood pressure. It’s also been shown to lower blood glucose levels. Please consult with a doctor before consuming.

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One of the biggest lies in the modern world is that artificial sweeteners can prevent diabetes and obesity. These sweeteners exist in low-calorie and diet foods and beverages. Although the marketing makes it seem like these are healthier food and beverage options, there are serious health risks associated with these artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda (sucralose). Research continues to uncover the negative health effects of artificial sweeteners like sucralose. 

Instead of grabbing one or two white or brown cane sugar packets, people opt for yellow or pink packets of artificial sweeteners, such as Splenda. The “sugar-free” option is a healthier substitute, or at least that’s what manufacturers want you to think. The reality is that it is better to opt for healthier sugar alternatives that provide natural sweetness, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

What Is Sucralose?

As a chlorinated sucrose derivative, sucralose is derived from sugar and contains chlorine. There is a multistep process that goes into creating sucralose. One has to replace three hydrogen-oxygen groups of sugary with chlorine atoms. This process ultimately intensifies the sweetness of sucralose, which was found via the development of an insecticide compound. Later, the public was introduced to sucralose as a “natural sugar substitute.” And in 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sucralose for use in 15 food and beverage categories. These categories included products like gum, water- and fat-based products, baked goods, frozen dairy desserts, and beverages. 

Data shows that the range of product utilization with sucralose is quite extensive. It is very popular in food and beverage products because it is readily soluble with ethanol, methanol, and water. For this reason, it has applications in water- and fat-based products. Other artificial sweeteners, like saccharin and aspartame, are not as soluble. 

Reasons To Avoid Sucralose

Linked To Leaky Gut Syndrome

As of now, the understanding is that the body cannot digest sucralose. It travels through the digestive tract and damages as it goes, harming the intestinal walls, which can potentially cause leaky gut syndrome. According to one animal study from Duke University, Splenda reduces beneficial bacteria in the gut and increases fecal pH levels. That indicates the amount of nutrients you can absorb in the gut. 

Associated With Weight Gain

Isn’t it interesting that the food that was supposed to help you lose weight does the opposite? There are epidemiological human studies that suggest an association between the consumption of artificial sweeteners and weight gain. Artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Although these studies didn’t directly identify sucralose’s effect on weight gain, they did show that it doesn’t help with weight loss. 

One study monitored two groups of children, which received either an eight-ounce can of no-calorie sweetened beverage or sugar-sweetened beverage. At the end of the study, the overall calorie consumption was greater for the group that consumed sugar-sweetened beverages. That said, the sucralose group gained more weight during the study period. 

Increases Risk Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Ongoing evidence supports that sucralose may cause symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. One researcher made note of this years ago after examining a rapid increase of IBS among residents of Alberta, Canada. Sucralose seems to have a more detrimental effect on gut bacteria than other artificial sweeteners. A more recent study found that the use of artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, doubles the risk of Crohn’s disease. 

May Increase Diabetes Risk

One study found that consuming sucralose dramatically increased the risk of diabetes. Another small study found that daily consumption of diet soda increased the risk of metabolic syndrome by 36% and type 2 diabetes by 67%. Researchers note that these findings indicate that sucralose is one of the many unexpected triggers of diabetes. The answer, then, is that sucralose is dangerous for diabetics and non-non-diabetics alike. 

For the first time, researchers evaluated this phenomenon in human subjects. 17 obese and insulin-sensitive individuals took oral glucose tolerance tests after consuming sucralose with water. The tests revealed an increase in peak plasma glucose concentrations, but they also noted a 23% decrease in insulin sensitivity, which prevents glucose absorption in cells.

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A life without sugar is seemingly impossible for some, but it is doable. Is it an enjoyable life, though? We don’t endorse eating spoonfuls of cane sugar or corn syrup, and yet this is how most Americans live their lives. The average American adult consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugars per day, which equates to 270 calories. Occasionally, the sugar that people consume comes from honey or agave, but most added sugar comes from prepared or processed foods. 

Keeping your daily sugar intake under control is easier said than done. But there is an important note about sugar, and that is the difference between added and natural sugars. The sugars that negatively affect your health are added sugars, and we’ll describe how these two types of sugar differ below. 

Added Sugars vs. Natural Sugars

Natural sugars, as you may deduce from the name, occur naturally in food. Fructose in fruit or lactose in milk are naturally occurring sugars. Added sugars, as the name implies, do not naturally occur in foods; rather, manufacturers add them to foods to enhance the flavors. If you see cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, brown sugar, or even certain maple syrups on ingredient lists, then those foods contain added sugars. 

Chronically overeating added sugars, be they from soft drinks, condiments, snacks foods, packaged, desserts, or cocktails, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and other chronic health conditions. Recent research found that people who consumed a higher amount of added sugars had an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This is why we encourage people to learn to read ingredient lists, especially since they often detail how many grams of added sugar are in the food. Instead, it’s better to focus on natural sugars, because they are often accompanied by fiber, for example, in an apple.

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb is that women should stay under 24 grams of added sugars per day, while men should stay under 36 grams per day. To help you keep your sugar intake in a healthy range, dietitians recommend following these tips.

Avoid Sugar-Free Foods

When you see “sugar-free” on a certain packaged food item, you get excited. Swapping sweetened foods for sugar-free foods is not exactly a wise choice. Sugar-free foods may be lower in calories, but research suggests that eating these foods can interfere with glucose metabolism. These foods are artificially sweetened and they can negatively impact gut microbiome and increase sugar cravings. Should you choose to eat some of these foods, do so with mindfulness practices in place to remain in control of your eating.

Always Check Nutrition Labels

Learning to read nutrition labels can be challenging, but you can click here for a detailed explanation. While you don’t need to count every gram of added sugar you eat, having a reference point for the amount you should eat in a day can be highly beneficial. This is especially true for people who want to keep their sugar intake in check. If a strawberry yogurt has 22 grams of added sugar per serving, that nearly fulfills your “allotment” for the day. Ideally, choose foods that only have five or six grams of added sugar per serving. That said, pay attention to the serving size and how many servings are in the food. A food or drink may have 5 grams of added sugar per serving, but there are 10 servings in that food or drink.

Don’t Even Look At Sugary Condiments

Soda is an obvious sugar bomb, but so are condiments like salad dressing, barbecue sauce, ketchup, etc. These condiments are loaded with unhealthy fats and added sugars to make them taste great. Pasta sauce is another sneaky source of sugar. Fresh tomatoes contain natural sugars, but they are acidic. When processed and incorporated into sauce, manufacturers have to add extra sugar to neutralize the acidity. Choose tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes that are free of added salt and sugar.

Enjoy Fruit, But Not As A Whole Meal

You don’t have to be afraid of fruit, but you also don’t want fruit to make up the majority of your meal. An acai bowl is seemingly innocent and healthy, when it can actually contain 95 grams of sugar. Most of these sugars are natural, but 95 grams of any type of sugar in one sitting is just too much. Smoothies are great because you can incorporate fruits and vegetables. Add some healthy fats and protein with almond butter and don’t forget the greens! Spinach is a great leafy green for smoothies because it doesn’t have a strong flavor. Try to use a half-cup of fruit in your smoothies. 

Practice Smart Portions

It’s important to have your cake and eat it too, so long as you do so with healthy portions in mind. The more “off-limits” you make certain foods, the more you’ll want to overeat them when you allow yourself to have them. If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy a smart portion of a little something sweet every night. If you struggle with portion control, though, consider buying sweets that are individually wrapped. Mini dark chocolate bars are excellent, clocking about 5.5 grams of added sugar per bar, depending on the type of bar you purchase.

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Over the past half-century, type 2 diabetes cases in the United States have steadily increased. According to historical evidence, just 1% of American adults had the disease in 1958. By 2020, that number increased to 13%, which accounts for about 34 million people. It is a very serious health problem that needs to be addressed. 

One of the key tools that physicians use to manage or prevent diabetes in patients is the glycemic index (GI), which indicates the impact of carbohydrate-containing foods on blood glucose levels. The sale, which was developed in 1981, uses a one to 100 scale. Many people believe the GI scale to be a metric for health nutrition. Glucose, or sugar, has a GI of 100, and other foods fall somewhere on the scale. The number corresponds to how much a food will spike blood sugar levels in comparison to glucose. In practice, it looks like:

• Low GI foods: Foods (assigned values from one to 55) that cause a slow and steady release of glucose into the bloodstream.
• Medium-GI foods: These range from 56-69
• High-GI foods: These rapidly spike blood sugar and crashes in blood sugar levels follow. They rank 70 and higher. 

The Problem With The GI Scale

The use of this 40-year-old scale has become controversial among scientists and medical practitioners. GI index ignores several factors that determine how quickly the body digests and absorbs carbohydrates. Other key omissions include how foods are grown, stored, manufactured, and stored. The scale also doesn’t take food combinations and serving sizes into account. The main consideration that experts use is that high-GI foods are less optimal for diabetics, but low-GI foods are optimal. Understanding how foods affect blood sugar is useful, regardless of your diabetic status. The GI scale doesn’t account for other critical factors, and the four reasons below indicate why the scale isn’t the most useful tool for blood sugar-friendly foods.

The GI Of Foods Is Subject To Change

There are a few variables that can modify a food’s GI. Preparation or natural processes, such as the ripening of a fruit, can change the GI of a food. The riper a banana gets, the higher the GI goes. Rice, for example, is an example of a food that has a higher GI when freshly prepared. Once the rice cools and you reheat it, however, the GI decreases. This has to do with the formation of resistant starch in cooked, then cooled carbs. 

Portion Sizes Aren’t Considered

It’s no secret that portion sizes in America are quite excessive. The GI scale doesn’t consider how much food people eat in one sitting. GI values were assigned to foods based on a serving of a food that contained 50 grams of carbohydrates. This serving size makes sense for some foods, for example, a cup of cooked white rice that has a GI of about 73 and you get 50 grams of carbs from it. That is a reasonable portion of rice, but the problem lies in how foods differ.

In order to hit 50 grams of carbs from rice milk, which has a GI of 86, you would have to drink four whole cups. Most people don’t consume a quart of rice milk in one sitting, so the drink’s GI may not be meaningful. Portion sizes reveal a more accurate picture of how specific foods impact blood sugar during a meal. That is why the glycemic load was created. Unlike GI, the glycemic load accounts for the glycemic index and the portion of the food you eat. Watermelon, for example, is high on the GI scale at 76, but it is low in terms of the glycemic load of eight, when you consider the portion size. 

Some High-GI Foods Are Very Nutritious

If you only focus on the GI of a food, you are most likely overlooking other key nutrients that it offers. High-glycemic foods, such as whole grains like oats, contain beneficial fiber that acts as a physical barrier that slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Even though a banana may have a higher GI, it also contains potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Now, the pendulum also swings the other way. Not all foods that have lower GI numbers are optimal choices for your health. Potato chips, for example, have a lower GI than a bowl of oatmeal and sweet potatoes. Those potato chips are rich in saturated and trans fats, excess sodium, and other processed ingredients, whereas the oatmeal and sweet potatoes contain more nutrients, less fat, and more fiber. 

It Focuses On One Macronutrient

In addition to GI’s other shortcomings on this list, the final one is that it focuses on a singular macronutrient: carbohydrates. The GI scale doesn’t look at the complete nutritional profile of a meal. People tend to eat carbs like potatoes or rice with other foods, not on their own. If you pair starches with other foods like lean protein sources and green vegetables, for example, you mitigate how quickly the body digests those starches. That means that the time it takes to raise blood sugar levels is much slower. Eating carbohydrates on their own can spike blood sugar levels in a much more dramatic way than if you consume them with healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein. Approximations of a full meal’s GI are often 50% over the actual value, according to researchers. 

The GI scale is very subjective and nuanced, and learning to consider other factors of nutrition can be highly beneficial. Don’t simply look at food through the GI lens because it may cause you to focus on the wrong foods.

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You’ve heard the stories about people losing 40 pounds in two months and you want a piece of the pie. After doing your research, you concluded that the ketogenic (keto) diet is right for you and you can’t wait to get started. As attractive as the keto diet may be, it can be difficult to jump into a very carb-restricted eating plan. This is especially difficult when you consider that so many foods in the Standard American diet are carb-rich and on the keto diet’s naughty list. 

What Is The Keto Diet?

The keto diet is a low-carb, high fat diet that is very similar to the Atkins diet and other low-carb diets. Essentially, you replace most carbohydrates with fat to put your body in the metabolic state of ketosis. In this state, your body becomes efficient at burning fat for energy, as opposed to burning glucose for energy. Additionally, the body turns fat into ketones in the liver, which work to supply energy to the brain. 

In the beginning of the keto craze, the diet was outlined as about 70-70% daily calories from fat, 20-25% from protein, and 5-10% from carbs. However, these percentages have adjusted because health experts noted that that approach to the keto diet increased the risk of heart problems. This was because of the meat-centric, dairy-rich keto recipes that people consumed. Now, there is keto 2.0, which has adjusted percentages for carbs, protein, and carbs. You can learn more about keto 2.0 by clicking here. 

How To Start

The main reason people have subscribed to the keto diet is for weight loss. Anecdotal reports suggest that it is a quick fix, but the benefits may be short-term if you immediately switch back to your pre-keto eating habits. The most important thing to do in regards to starting the diet, though, is to do your research. Figure out what are the diet’s main principles and understand which foods are low-carb and which ones are high fat. You’ll soon learn that many foods are off limits because you cannot enjoy refined or whole grains, baked goods, starchy vegetables, legumes, pasta, bread, or sweetened beverages. 

Choose Healthy Proteins

It can be very easy to buy all of the meat and chow down when you’re following the keto diet. Keep in mind that focusing on unhealthy meats that are not sustainably raised can have long-term effects on your overall health, especially your heart. Bison, tempeh, wild caught tuna, tofu, free-range and organic poultry, wild caught salmon, and organic eggs are great sources of protein. Now, protein doesn’t just come from animal products. Nuts, which are keto-approved, supply the body with lots of fat and protein. Almonds, peanuts, peanut butter, walnuts, and more are excellent to consume when following the keto diet. 

It’s Not A Quick Fix

When you start keto, you have to think about why you are doing the diet in order to stay on track. Making your food choices for the right reasons can keep the drive alive. The “why” reminds you of your goal and the reason you started the diet in the first place. According to dietitians, it is helpful to think of keto as a lifestyle choice, as opposed to a quick fix diet. In the beginning, stick to keto as strictly as possible to help the body’s transition into ketosis. There will likely be some wiggle room down the line, in regards to what you can enjoy. For example, a glass of wine, a slice of dessert, or other carbohydrates may not kick your body out of ketosis after following it religiously. Keto 2.0, for example, is not an all-or-nothing approach to keto, which makes it more accessible. 

Plan Your Meals Ahead

When you have your meals planned, you can easily stick to the diet. You should always plan your snacks, and meals at least a day in advance, but this isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Statistically, people are more successful at adhering to diets when they meal plan for the entire week. If you decide that you want to go out to eat, look at the restaurant’s menu to see if keto-approved options are available. Because of the popularity of the diet, there are many restaurants that actually cater to keto followers. 

Don’t Skimp On Vegetables

Sure, vegetables have carbs, but there are many veggies that don’t have high carb count. Plus, the carbs from vegetables are complex, which are much healthier than the carbs from refined grains, bread, or other processed foods. Load your plate with vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and roast them as opposed to steaming them. You can impart a bit more flavor during the roasting process, especially in regards to seasonings and adding high-fat coconut oil.

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