Dietitians’ tips for sustainable eating that are good for you and the planet

March is National Nutrition Month, and the theme for 2023 is “Fuel for the Future.” It underscores the importance of choosing nutritious foods that are also good for the environment. One example of choosing foods that benefit our plant would be eating legumes (beans, lentils, peas) instead of meat as a source of protein. “Generally, plant-based foods […]

I’m a cardiovascular dietitian. Here are 7 things I eat and avoid for heart health

It’s no secret that the choices we make can affect our heart. This includes diet, physical activity, smoking and sleep patterns. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adults has heart disease. Additionally, 103 million Americans have high blood pressure, which increases their risk of a heart attack or stroke. Read more from UC Davis Health: Know the heart […]

Dark chocolate health benefits? The good and the bad to this sweet treat

Nothing celebrates Valentine’s Day like a lovely heart-shaped box of chocolates. In recent years, chocolates – specifically dark chocolates – have been praised as a healthy treat. Most dark chocolate is rich in plant chemicals called flavanols. Flavanols are antioxidants linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Read more: 5 ways to keep your heart healthy and happy In […]

4 ingredients that can add nutrients to your soup

For some, colder months are synonymous with soup season. From creamy tomato to hearty chili, soup is a great way to add local produce. While some soup recipes are already pretty healthy, there are even more ways to add nutrients to your cozy bowl. Here are four different substitutions and additions you can make to […]

4 health benefits of walnuts and how much you should eat

The history of walnuts can be traced back to ancient Persia, where they were once meant for royalty. Eventually, walnuts made their way to California where they were listed in the state’s top 10 agricultural commodities of 2021. Walnuts have been considered valuable throughout history, but why? We might find the answer by looking at the nutritional […]

9 healthy eating tips that can help reduce inflammation

Inflammation is quite the buzz word in the health and wellness space recently. But what is it, and why does it matter? Inflammation is one of the ways the body protects itself from harm. It is an important body process, but if it goes unchecked, it can lead to health problems. Following a more anti-inflammatory eating […]

Health benefits of winter squash and ways you can cook them

Have you ever wondered about the benefits of vibrant winter squash? How do the different colors play a role in improving your health? One of the many reasons squash is in high demand during the colder seasons is its high fiber and nutritional density. Some health benefits include improving blood pressure, supporting gut health, and decreasing your risk […]

How do energy drinks affect your health?

Many people enjoy energy drinks for that quick boost of energy they provide. However, these drinks can have some negative impacts on your health and heart. Energy drinks are very easy to get, and many people drink them without thinking about how they might affect their health. With the rise in popularity of these drinks, […]

If olives are botanically classified as a fruit, can we say that olive oil is fruit juice? While we may not consume olive oil in the same way that we do apple or orange juice, there’s a reason people have used it for centuries. It’s popular for cooking, as a skin moisturizer, to strengthen hair, and even as a remedy for sore throats and wounds. You might think this “green gold” is a much less healthy counterpart to your morning fruit juice. However, olive oil has been shown to provide many health benefits if you consume it regularly. Health benefits of olive oil Olive oil has various health benefits. The majority of the fats in olive oil are made up of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). These have been shown to increase levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) while lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Out of all plant-based cooking oils, olive oil has the highest levels of MUFAs. This, along with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in olive oil, may reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. It may also help protect your body from harmful chemicals that have been linked to chronic diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease. Types of olive oils While olive oil has many great benefits, it’s worth noting that different types of olive oils vary in nutritional quality. This is because they have different amounts of beneficial compounds like polyphenols (compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics) and other antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains the highest percentage of polyphenols and antioxidants. That’s because it goes through a single processing procedure whereas other types are processed more. More processing causes more polyphenols and antioxidants to be lost. Virgin olive oil (VOO) is only slightly more processed than EVOO. It still contains most of the olives’ polyphenolic and antioxidant compounds but not as many as EVOO. VOO is also milder in flavor. Finally, “light,” “pure,” and refined olive oils are more moderately processed. This leads to the mildest flavor, meaning they contain much less of the beneficial compounds. Recommended oil intake The daily recommended intake for oil varies depending on age, sex, and activity level. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 27 grams (just under 2 tablespoons) of any type of added oils per day for a 2,000 calorie diet. Ways to add olive oil into your diet Here are some ideas for adding olive oil – to replace other types of fats – into your diet so you can reap its benefits: Use it as a salad dressing: Mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar and mustard for a simple and delicious salad dressing. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies with a bit of olive oil and roast them in the oven for a healthy side dish. Use it for cooking: Olive oil may be used for cooking. The more refined types of olive oil may be heated to a higher temperature than EVOO, though EVOO may be used at lower cooking temperatures. If you want to maintain the integrity of the flavor and quality of the olive oil, use your higher quality EVOO as a finishing oil.
If olives are botanically classified as a fruit, can we say that olive oil is fruit juice? While we may not consume olive oil in the same way that we do apple or orange juice, there’s a reason people have used it for centuries. It’s popular for cooking, as a skin moisturizer, to strengthen hair, and even as a remedy for sore throats and wounds. You might think this “green gold” is a much less healthy counterpart to your morning fruit juice. However, olive oil has been shown to provide many health benefits if you consume it regularly. Health benefits of olive oil Olive oil has various health benefits. The majority of the fats in olive oil are made up of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). These have been shown to increase levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL) while lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Out of all plant-based cooking oils, olive oil has the highest levels of MUFAs. This, along with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in olive oil, may reduce plaque buildup in your arteries. It may also help protect your body from harmful chemicals that have been linked to chronic diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease. Types of olive oils While olive oil has many great benefits, it’s worth noting that different types of olive oils vary in nutritional quality. This is because they have different amounts of beneficial compounds like polyphenols (compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics) and other antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains the highest percentage of polyphenols and antioxidants. That’s because it goes through a single processing procedure whereas other types are processed more. More processing causes more polyphenols and antioxidants to be lost. Virgin olive oil (VOO) is only slightly more processed than EVOO. It still contains most of the olives’ polyphenolic and antioxidant compounds but not as many as EVOO. VOO is also milder in flavor. Finally, “light,” “pure,” and refined olive oils are more moderately processed. This leads to the mildest flavor, meaning they contain much less of the beneficial compounds. Recommended oil intake The daily recommended intake for oil varies depending on age, sex, and activity level. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 27 grams (just under 2 tablespoons) of any type of added oils per day for a 2,000 calorie diet. Ways to add olive oil into your diet Here are some ideas for adding olive oil – to replace other types of fats – into your diet so you can reap its benefits: Use it as a salad dressing: Mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar and mustard for a simple and delicious salad dressing. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies with a bit of olive oil and roast them in the oven for a healthy side dish. Use it for cooking: Olive oil may be used for cooking. The more refined types of olive oil may be heated to a higher temperature than EVOO, though EVOO may be used at lower cooking temperatures. If you want to maintain the integrity of the flavor and quality of the olive oil, use your higher quality EVOO as a finishing oil.

Olive oil health benefits and why you should add it to your diet

If olives are botanically classified as a fruit, can we say that olive oil is fruit juice? While we may not consume olive oil in the same way that we do apple or orange juice, there’s a reason people have used it for centuries. It’s popular for cooking, as a skin moisturizer, to strengthen hair, […]

Care after illness or hospital discharge (reablement)

If you or someone you know has been in hospital or had an illness or fall, you may need temporary care to help you get back to normal and stay independent. This short-term care is sometimes called intermediate care, or aftercare. Reablement is a type of care that helps you relearn how to do daily […]