Tag Archives: nutrition facts

Friday Fun Facts on Nutrition – Issue #1

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fun facts on nutritionGreetings to you,

Welcome to the first edition of our “Friday Fun Facts on Nutrition” series. Get ready to be intrigued and inspired by some fascinating and little-known tidbits about the food we eat.

  1. Carrots Were Originally Purple

Here’s a fun one: the original color of carrots was purple, not orange. Orange carrots were developed by Dutch farmers in the 17th century through selective breeding to honor the House of Orange (the royal family of the Netherlands). Purple carrots are still a popular option and are rich in plant chemicals that are healthy for the heart and act to delay cellular aging.

Reference: Simon, P. W. (2000). Domestication, Historical Development, and Modern Breeding of Carrot. Plant Breeding Reviews, 19, 157-190.

  1. Honey Never Spoils

Archaeologists have found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are over 3,000 years old and still perfectly edible! Honey’s low water content and acidic pH create an inhospitable environment for bacteria, making it one of the few foods that can last indefinitely.

Reference: Snowdon, J. A., & Cliver, D. O. (1996). Microorganisms in honey. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 31(1-3), 1-26.

  1. Tomatoes Were Once Considered Poisonous

Believe it or not, during the 18th century, Europeans considered tomatoes to be poisonous. This was due to their similarity to the deadly belladonna nightshade herbal plant. It wasn’t until the late 1700s that tomatoes became a staple in the European diet. Today, they’re celebrated for their high vitamin C and lycopene content, a red-colored plant chemical which is good for the heart and can also help to slim the waistline.

References: 1. Rick, C. M. (1980). Tomato. Economic Botany, 34(2), 107-129.
2. A study on tomato juice from the China Medical University in Taiwan.

Fun and Health Go Hand-in-Hand

Join us next week for some more “Friday Fun Facts on Nutrition.”  Here’s to your good health and well-being.

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, stronger hair and nails, and more energy.

The Top 8 Nutrition Facts and Myths

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nutrition factsThe Top 8 Nutrition Facts and Myths

In the world of nutrition, myths and news headlines can often overshadow the truths, which can leave us wondering about what to put on our plates.

The larger truth is that we are all unique individuals who may have different nutritional needs. There are many different diets such as Mediterranean, Paleo, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, etc.

Often, when it comes down to every-day reality, there’s no “one diet fits all” approach and eating a variety of healthy foods is what matters.  The best advice is to enjoy whole, unprocessed single foods like vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, yams, potatoes, squash, and healthy oils like olive and coconut oil. Especially healthy are leafy greens, salmon and sardines.

And most important, laying aside what any particular diet recommends, if a certain food disagrees or agrees with you, you’re the boss!

With that in mind, here are some of the most common nutrition facts and myths, backed by research studies.

1. The Egg Controversy – One of the Healthiest Foods on Earth

Eggs have been criticized earlier for their cholesterol content. However, research published in Medical News Today, which cites many journal studies, has shown that dietary cholesterol from eggs doesn’t significantly affect blood cholesterol levels. In fact, eggs are one of the healthiest foods around. They nourish and support various parts of the body, including the brain, thanks to the B-vitamin choline, the eyes with the plant chemicals lutein and zeaxanthin, and the muscles with high-quality protein.

2. Omega-3 Fats – Essential for Well-being

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for heart and brain health. A variety of sources, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, provide these essential fats. The benefits of omega-3s are extensive, including reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and improving cognitive function. Including these foods in your diet, such as eating fish a few times a week, can help you meet your omega-3 needs.

3. Bone Broth – A Liquid Goldmine for Health

Bone broth is often spoken of as a health revolution, and with good reason. This liquid gold is rich in collagen, as described in Nutrition Insight.  Collagen can greatly benefit the joints, skin, and gut health. Additionally, bone broth provides essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, making it a nourishing food for overall well-being.

4. Butter – A Healthy Pleasure

Butter, once called a dietary villain, has been freed from these comments by recent studies in nutrition journals. Moderate consumption of butter, especially from grass-fed sources, may not be as harmful as previously thought. It provides essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, making it a flavorful addition to your diet.

A study from the Journal “Animals” says: “Butter is the oldest animal fat known to man and occupies an important place among the fat products on the market. Butter is a product with high nutritional value and health-promoting properties, as well as great flavor and aroma values.”

5. Fruits and Vegetables – Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses. A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition supports their role in preventing diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The nutrition facts show that they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, making them essential for overall health.

Aim to eat vegetables and fruits that cover all the colors of the rainbow and have a good variety of them.  It’s the color pigments in these foods that provide their health benefits, so the brighter the better.

6. Protein and Bone Health – Building A Strong Foundation

The myth that protein destroys our bones and leads to osteoporosis is not one of the proven nutrition facts. Research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that protein is essential for maintaining bone health. Adequate protein intake, along with sufficient calcium and vitamin D, can actually reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

So, embrace meats and plant-based protein sources for strong bones.  And include fruits and vegetables in your diet to combine the protein with these balancing foods.

7. Sunshine and Vitamin D – A Natural Solution

Satisfying a vitamin D deficiency is as simple as taking a walk in the sun. Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine highlights the role of sunlight in the synthesis of vitamin D in our skin. Just 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight exposure a few times a week can help you meet your vitamin D needs naturally. If sunlight exposure is limited, supplements might be needed.  Vitamin D is a factor in bone strength, sleep and insomnia, immune function, and preventing diabetes.

8. Calcium and Magnesium – A Dynamic Duo for Strong Teeth and Bones

Both calcium and magnesium are essential for dental and bone health. Research suggests that maintaining the right balance between these minerals is vital. A recommended ratio is around 2:1 calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). This duo supports bone density and is proven to provide better sleep.  Vitamin D also plays a role in both bone strength and remedying insomnis.

In closing, the best nutritional advice is to enjoy whole, unprocessed single foods and if a certain food disagrees or agrees with you, follow your intuition!

This health news is shared by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the original calcium and magnesium based sleep aid Sleep Minerals II, and Joints and More, a natural supplement for joint relief, less aches and pains, and more energy.