Oils
Safflower oil, Sunflower oil, Corn oil have some of the most troubling Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratios (bad). Avoid these.
The power of whole foods vs processed food: Ground Flax Seed vs Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil will go rancid in just a couple of days, but ground flax seed, even at room temperature in an airtight container can last 6 months. The difference is the antioxidants present in the whole food (even ground) which is stripped out in the oil processing. It is precisely those antioxidants you want at work in your body.
Protein
The reason your body has such a different reaction to animal vs plant proteins is due to the “amino acid profile.” This means refers to the molecular structure of the protein itself. This amino acid profile is sometimes rated as high quality protein or low quality protein, meaning how similar is the protein’s structure to protein found in the human body. The more similar the protein, the “higher quality.” Interestingly, it is far healthier to eat “low quality” protein and this is born out even in plant based sources. The higher the quality of plant protein, the more measurable IGF-1 reaction. Studies have shown high intake of soy based proteins (think protein powders, not the whole food, which is self limiting) can increase IGF-1. Take away: “low quality” proteins are the way to go and let your body assemble the protein in the way it wants to from the more simple amino acid structures.
Dairy and Meat Effects on Osteoporosis
There is now sufficient evidence to declare as a myth the idea that consumption of animal products, particularly dairy, because of its acidic nature raises the PH level of the body which then tries to compensate by leaching calcium from the bones to balance the PH. Without question, the lab, the urine output of someone that eats a steak is very high in calcium, but what the evidence now shows is the source of this calcium is not the bones.
Too Much Fruit?
A study was done where participants were given 23 servings of fruit a day, which is the fructose load of a 2 liter of coke a day. Increased liver fat? Increased blood pressure? Increase body fat? No! This is the power of whole foods and FIBER.
Smoking and Ulcerative Colitis
UC is an auto-immune disorder. Smoking actually makes this condition better smoking is a immune system suppressing activity. This goes back to my theory as to why smoking is a contributing factor to almost all ailments. Your body is so busy protecting the critically important lungs at the expensive of almost everything else.
Vegans and Zinc
A recent study out of Sweden shows that B-12 deficiency in vegans is not far off from the mainstream (but still supplement with B-12, there is no downside). Instead, the significant nutrient of concern for vegans is zinc. There is no good test that can be done to determine zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency can manifest as a decrease in a sense of taste and an increase in illnesses (like colds) because the immune system depends on zinc. Be sure you consume good source of zinc: eat beans, legumes, pumpkin seeds - both excellent sources.
Vegan Diet Failures
The number one cause of a vegan diet failure are social pressures. I am glad you all are here!
Process Meat and Second Hand Smoke
Consuming processed meat carries the same increased risk for colorectal cancer (30%) as there is in an increased risk of lung cancer by living with a smoker! Think about that in the context of a school lunch program.
When To Eat?
Chronobiology. Eating the same number of calories in the morning results in less fattening than eating those in the evening. You also get less blood sugar increases and smaller spikes in triglycerides. Front load your calories in the day: large breakfast, and eat a lighter dinner earlier. This evidence is supported by the blue zone in Loma Linda eating patterns.