Nutrition Archives | Health Clover

7 Pro Tips for Mixing Protein Powder With Coffee

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

A protein shake in the morning is a great start to the day. There’s no limit to the healthy ingredients you can throw in a shake, so it’s easy to keep it fresh. And the big dose of protein keeps me feeling full all the way until lunch time. I’m also a red-blooded American, so I like to have morning coffee every day, too. Before I moved to Asia, I homebrewed Starbucks coffee every day for 20 years. To this day, something about a Starbucks coffee just makes the world seem good again. But when I make a protein shake, it’s usually pretty big. Drinking both a coffee and a protein shake is too much. So for me, it’s better to combine coffee and protein powder into one drink. It’s just more manageable. Problem is, protein powder doesn’t play nice with hot coffee. Worst case you get a lumpy mess with […]

Fat Burning Protein Powder is a Myth, a Gimmick

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Fat burning protein powder isn’t a real thing. So please don’t be a sucker and purchase a product that advertises itself as such. “Fat burning” is a marketing gimmick used to promote all kinds of products. I don’t know how they are allowed to get away with it because it is patently untrue. But they do it because it works. And it works well. Unwitting consumers gobble up “fat burning” foods because it sounds like a magical, easy way to lose weight. Wouldn’t it be great if all we needed to do to lose weight was eat fat burning products. No exercise, no diet plan necessary. What a dream. It sounds too good to be true, and it is to get to be true. The truth is that no food or product can “burn” fat. Everything we consume breaks down into the basic nutritional components of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and […]

Protein Powder Often Still Edible After Expiration Date

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Protein powder is expensive. Don’t trash it just because it’s past the expiration date. The truth is that protein powder usually doesn’t spoil until years after the printed expiration date. In this article, I explain why that is the case. And I show you how to examine protein powder for telltale signs that it is going bad. Learn why in most cases, old protein powder is perfectly safe to eat, although it might not taste as good as it once did. An expiration date is a notoriously conservative estimate The FDA requires that all perishable foods have an expiration date printed on the packaging. Expiration dates, however, are merely conservative estimates on when food will begin to turn. It is well documented that foods are often edible past this date. Therefore, it’s never a good idea to discard food solely based on the expiration date. It’s more accurate to use […]

Mixing Protein Powder with Oatmeal is a Great Match

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Is it a good idea to put protein powder in oatmeal? Absolutely. Oatmeal is super healthy, but nutritionally it is almost all carbohydrates. So it is good idea to enhance the nutritional profile of oatmeal by mixing in any number of additional ingredients. (See my list of the top 10 ingredients to put in oatmeal.) There are a couple of easy ways to get your protein powder/oatmeal fix. You can simply add a scoop or two of protein powder directly to your morning bowl of oatmeal. Or if you like to make protein shakes, try blending in a few tablespoons of oatmeal flakes. (There are tips on both of these methods below.) Protein powder nicely complements high-carb oatmeal Oatmeal is made by simply cutting dried oats into flakes. Why is it so healthy? Because oats are great source of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Complex carbohydrates digest slowly, keeping you feeling […]

Can Diabetics Drink Protein Powder Shakes?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Is it safe for diabetics to consume protein powder? Yes, however, it is important for diabetics to choose a powder that is sugar-free and as close to pure protein powder as possible. Many protein powders have artificial flavors and added sugars to make the powder taste more palatable. For this reason, diabetics should check the nutrition label and ingredients list carefully. Also, when making protein shakes, diabetics also need to be mindful of the added ingredients they use to flavor the shake. Fruits, for example, are often added to protein shakes to give them flavor and increase nutritional value. Diabetics should keep in mind, however, that sugar from fruits that have been liquefied in the blender absorb into the bloodstream much faster than whole fruits. Protein powder and diabetes Increasing dietary protein is an excellent way for diabetics to control blood sugar. Why? The human body needs about 50 g of protein […]

Here’s Why Soy Milk Won’t Make You Fat

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Is it really true that drinking lots of soy milk promotes weight gain? A quick Google search demonstrates that opinions are all over the map. For example, some health websites (here and here) sound the alarm against soy milk. They say it is not only fattening but also highly unhealthy. These claims generally revolve around pesticides used in producing soybeans, and the unproven idea that estrogen-mimicking compounds (phytoestrogens) in soy milk wreak havoc on men’s hormones. This article even goes as far as saying that soy milk is so unhealthy that it should never have any place in anyone’s diet. Well, as an avid soy milk drinker and a student of nutrition, I feel confident and entitled to speak my own two cents on the issue. As background: I drink soy milk nearly every day as a creamer for my coffee, in my oatmeal and breakfast cereal, and just by itself is a refreshing drink. […]

Can Soy Milk Cause Bloating, Gas, Indigestion?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 5 Comments

There is nothing intrinsic to soy milk that would directly cause stomach bloating, indigestion, or flatulence. Soy milk is, of course, made from soybeans. And beans are notorious for causing gas. But most of the fiber that could promote bloating and flatulence is removed during processing. Soy milk is generally well-tolerated and digests quite easily. I drink it daily, both in my morning coffee and my breakfast cereals. I believe it to be a healthier substitute for cows milk, and can personally attest that soy milk doesn’t bloat. But there are some instances when soy milk can cause issues for certain people. Soy intolerance The only time soy milk should cause digestive problems is for a small percentage of people who have a congenital condition called soy intolerance. Soy intolerance, or soy sensitivity, is when a person’s digestive system is unable to properly break down soya products. Often, the problem lies specifically with an inability […]

5 Reasons Not to Freeze Soy Milk

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Can you freeze soy milk to preserve it for use at a later time? Yes, freezing soy milk will prevent it from spoiling. And from a nutritional standpoint, it won’t degrade the product or make it unhealthy to consume. On the surface, it would seem that freezing soy milk is a viable option for increasing storage life. But freezing has many downsides, too, which in my opinion makes it unappealing for most situations. Let me explain. Why doesn’t soy milk freeze well? The freezing process significantly degrades the the product quality in several different ways. First, thawed soy milk just doesn’t taste as good as it did before being frozen. The texture and flavor of soy milk are adversely affected by freezing. Soy milk is carefully formulated to mimic the consistency, thickness, and texture of cows milk. But soy milk is more delicate than dairy milk and doesn’t lend itself as well to freezing. When […]

How to Heat Up Soy Milk Properly Without Curdling

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated March 15, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Can soy milk be heated without ruining its taste and consistency? Yes, it is perfectly okay and safe to heat up soy milk for your morning coffee or breakfast cereal. But you must heat it slowly to prevent the dissolved solids from coagulating into unsightly tofu that floats on top. You see, chemically, soy milk differs quite a bit from cow’s milk and they have different heat profiles. Cows milk heats beautifully and the milk solids stay dissolved. But soy milk solids tend to curdle when boiled or heated very quickly. Heat soy milk slowly, under low temperature Thankfully, there are some tricks you can use to prevent this from happening. For best results, don’t warm up soy milk too quickly, under high heat. The faster you heat it, the more likely it is to curdle. If using a microwave, change the settings from default (usually 10, the highest heat) […]

Can Dogs and Cats Drink Soy Milk?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated March 1, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Yes. In moderation, it is safe for both cats and dogs to drink soy milk. Soy milk and other soy products are not toxic or poisonous to either cats or dogs. There are a few caveats to keep in mind, however. Some brands of soy milk contain additives that are difficult for dogs and cats to digest, causing upset stomach or flatulence. Additionally, some pets may be allergic to soy milk. Read on for the full story. Soybeans are healthy for cats and dogs Soy milk is made by grinding and boiling soybeans, then filtering out the fiber and particulates. Soybeans are a very healthy plant-based source of protein. In fact, soy is one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein. This means soy protein contains a good quantity of all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Very healthy. Today, many commercial cat and dog foods even […]

Soy is a Complete Protein Source for Vegetarians

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated May 19, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Soy milk, tofu, and soy protein powder are all excellent sources of complete protein for vegetarians. In fact, soybeans are one of the few plant-based sources of complete protein. Most sources of complete protein come from meat and dairy. A complete protein is one which contains an adequate proportion of all nine essential amino acids required for the dietary needs of humans. The nine essential amino acids are tryptophan, threonine, leucine, lysine, isoleucine, methionine+cystine, phenylalanine+tyrosine, valine, and histidine. Soybeans contain all the essential amino acids required for human nutrition. Although soy milk isn’t dairy, it is a complete protein source like cows milk. Essential amino acids are those which the body cannot produce on its own. They must be obtained directly from dietary sources. On the other hand, nonessential proteins can be produced by the body if they are not obtained from food. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. The body combines […]

Ganoderma for Diabetes: How Effective Is It?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated January 3, 2019 | Leave a Comment

A growing body of evidence suggests that ganoderma (reishi mushroom), an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, may assist the sufferers of type II diabetes. However, much of this less than rock-solid evidence is based on research from non-Western universities, and the countless anecdotes relayed by believers. Much of the research linking ganoderma to lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus was conducted at universities in China, and its territories Taiwan and Hong Kong. Western research on the subject is scant. There, ganoderma is considered a homeopathic treatment, not a true medicine. The dearth of Western research is also likely due to the lack of potential money making opportunities from any links found between diabetes and ganoderma. Ganoderma is a mushroom, after all. It is difficult, if not impossible, to patent a medicine based on an herb. That is primarily why pharmaceutical companies have no interest in researching ganoderma […]

Gradually Transition to a Vegetarian Diet and Feel Better

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Wondering exactly how to become a vegetarian? People make the decision to give up or reduce the amount of animal meat that they consume in their diets usually for either health or ethical reasons. It is well known that a vegetarian diet has a number of benefits for human health and the worlds environment. But often it is not entirely clear how to become a vegetarian or even what that means. Vegetarian can mean a lot of different things First, decide on what type of vegetarian you want to be. Do you want to give up all meat including fish? Do you want to stop eating dairy products such as cheese and ice cream, as well? There are many varieties of vegetarianism and you can tailor your version to meet your specific needs and goals. It is often best to choose an ultimate goal, such as becoming a vegan (who does […]

What Makes Olive Oil So Healthy?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Olive oil is world renowned for its health benefits. The Mediterranean diet has olive oil as one of its centerpieces, and those countries where people eat a traditional Mediterranean diet, such as Greece and Italy, enjoy the benefits of one of the longest life spans and lowest cancer rates in the world. Over the last couple of decades, the health benefits of olive oil have started to gain traction in the American culinary arena. How does olive oil benefit health? Although most people today have a vague notion that olive oil is good for them, many people don’t understand exactly why. For instance, olive oil is almost pure fat, so how can it really be good for you since we are taught that we should lower our intake of fats to reduce our risk or cardiovascular disease. The fact is that our body needs fat as it is one of the […]

Where to Buy Ganoderma Coffee

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 7 Comments

There are two places that you can buy ganoderma coffee, either locally or online. Your best bet is probably going to be purchasing it online because it can be difficult to find in local retail stores, unless you have health food stores in your area and you know where to look. You may check the bottom of this page for photo links to three quality ganoderma coffees available at Amazon. If you live in a metropolitan area, then there’s a good chance you can find it locally but you may have to do a little bit of hunting. Sometimes Whole Foods stores stock the product, if you have any in your area, but it is kind of hit or miss. If you check around to a few health food stores you’re bound to find some ganoderma coffee, but they may not have a very wide selection to choose from. If […]

Coffee with Reishi Mushroom Extract

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Adding a little bit of ganoderma mushroom extract to your coffee is a great way to incorporate the reishi mushroom into your diet and enjoy its many health benefits. The most popular ways to eat reishi mushroom are either mixed into coffee or tea, or by taking extract supplements. Mushrooms in your coffee probably sounds a bit strange if you’re unfamiliar with the practice. But in China and other Eastern civilizations, the ganoderma mushroom is considered a highly medicinal herb that is used to treat a variety of health problems. Why you should add mushroom extract your coffee The reishi mushroom is known to reduce blood sugar levels in people who consume it. It also helps stimulate the liver and bile production, which helps to filter and flush toxins from your body. It also contains many antioxidants which are helpful in warding off free radicals. There are many more health […]

Benefits of Ganoderma: Reishi Mushroom Tea

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Ganoderma lucidum tea, or reishi mushroom tea, is a great way to incorporate the medicinal herb in to your diet and claim its health benefits for yourself. Not many people in the Western world are familiar with ganoderma, but in Eastern cultures such as China, it is considered a miracle herb. Ganoderma is somewhat bitter tasting, so it is not recommended that you add it directly to your food. It is a great idea, however, to add it to your tea or coffee and then use a natural sweetener such as honey to make the taste more palatable. How to make ganoderma lucidium tea If you want to make it to yourself, I recommend that you use pre-ground ganoderma rather than purchasing the home mushrooms yourself and trying to grind them.The mushrooms are very tough and course and difficult to grind, and you will save yourself much trouble and effort […]

Health Benefits of Ganoderma Extract

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Ganoderma extract is taken from a mushroom, sometimes called reishi mushroom, that grows on wood. The extract enjoys extensive use in traditional Asian medicine, especially in China and Vietnam. In China it is sometimes called the “miracle herb” because of its extensive medicinal benefits to health. In Western culture, it is considered an alternative medicine but still maintains moderate popularity. It is frequently used by cancer and AIDS patients in the Western world as a way to stimulate the immune system, among other things. A look at the medicinal benefits of ganoderma extract Although mostly unapproved by the FDA for medicinal usage, it is nonetheless accepted folk remedy for many health problems. In China, the extract is held in high esteem and accepted as a treatment for health maladies ranging from cancer to high cholesterol. Let’s take a look at some of the purported health benefits of Ganoderma: antioxidant: ganoderma […]

Instant Coffee Health Risks – is Instant Coffee Bad for You?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

It is a myth that instant coffee poses a significant health risk, or is any more dangerous than regular coffee. The main negative health consequences you can get from drinking instant coffee are the caffeine, unless you drink decaffeinated, and the various toxins that are present in low quantities in all types of coffee. Healthfulness of instant coffee versus brewed coffee Chemically, instant coffee and brewed coffee are virtually the same, the only difference is in the way the products are produced. Instant coffee is either freeze-dried or spray dried after the brewing process in order to dehydrate the coffee. The consumer simply rehydrates the coffee when he places the instant coffee grounds in a couple of hot water. But the coffee itself that is processed by the digestive system is virtually the same. There are no added chemicals or additives in instant coffee that should pose a danger to […]

The Health Benefits of Coffee Enemas

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated June 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

A coffee enema has the same net effect on the body as a powerful laxative in that it helps to eliminate constipation, but its main health benefit lies in its ability to speed and aid the removal of toxins from the bloodstream. Coffee enemas are thought to stimulate bile production by the liver which enhances the filtering of impurities from our body. The caffeine in the coffee enlarges the veins of the liver and expands the bile duct which increases the flow of bile. Bile is produced and stored in the gallbladder, but it is released in the small intestine to help in the digestive process of lipids, which are fat molecules and cholesterol. Bile acts as a surfactant in the small intestine, helping to break down the fat molecules and triglycerides. The coffee enema has an added health benefit of improving symptoms of constipation. It stimulates peristalsis, which is […]

Is French Press Coffee Bad for You?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

If you love to drink coffee like I do, you may have heard that regular coffee drinkers tend to have higher cholesterol levels than those who do not partake. Well, research has shown that there are certain methods of brewing coffee that have a more negative effect on your cholesterol level than others. Many coffee connoisseurs prefer the taste of French press coffee to other methods. Rather than using a paper filter, a French press uses a metal mesh to filter the coffee grounds from the liquid. This method of filtering allows more of the natural oil from coffee beans to pass through to the final product, giving the taste more depth and complexity. Coffee brewed without a paper filter may pose a risk of higher cholesterol levels It turns out that the use of the paper filter during the brewing process is beneficial to health because it not only […]

Health Benefits of Dandelion Root Coffee & Tea

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

In America, dandelion is known more as a weed than a food source. But in Eastern cultures and especially China, dandelion is revered as having special medicinal properties. It is recognized as an herbal treatment for a wide range of medical symptoms from inflammation to liver problems. In many cultures, dandelion can also serve as a substitute for coffee. The dandelion roots are roasted, dry, chopped, and ground and they then have a similar texture and taste as coffee beans. The practice of using ground dandelion roots as a substitute for coffee dates back to the early 19th century when it was discovered that bush people were utilizing the herb in this fashion. Since then, the practice has become more commonplace and many outdoors people and those close to nature choose to make dandelion coffee. But the health conscious are also taking advantage of the health benefits of dandelion, and […]

The Best Protein Sources for Diabetics

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Diets high in healthy proteins and low in simple carbohydrates can help diabetics stabilize their blood sugar. Why is this so? Americans eat, on average, about 100 grams of protein per day. This is 100% more than the recommended amount of 50 grams per day. Our body needs about 50 grams of protein per day to build muscle, repair tissue, grow hair and nails, etc. Excess protein in the diet is converted to glucose (sugar) and used as fuel, just like carbs. But protein metabolizes to sugar more slowly. It takes about 3 hours for protein to be metabolised into glucose and released into the bloodstream. For diabetics, this is key. The slow conversion of protein to sugar (as compared to carbs) means that a diet high in healthy proteins is helpful in maintaining proper blood sugar levels. This is also why it is a good idea for a diabetic’s bedtime […]

The Health Risks of Coffee Mate Creamer

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Non dairy coffee whitener is seemingly ubiquitous wherever coffee is served these days. Unless you’re at an upscale shop like Starbucks they probably are not going to offer fresh cream or milk, but instead will have little packets of coffee creamer available. There is definitely a convenience factor to coffee whiteners like Coffee Mate because they don’t need to be refrigerated and they have a very lengthy shelf life. It is also quite cheap, and you can buy a container that will last you months or years for just a little bit of money. Most people don’t give a glancing thought as to any negative impacts that these creamers could have on their health. We have become so accustomed to them, and the serving size is so small that we think they just can’t really have any negative health impacts. Unhealthy ingredients including trans fat in coffee whitener The fact […]

The Best Coffee Creamers for Diabetics

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 37 Comments

There is a lot of debate lately about whether coffee and coffee creamer tends to increase or decrease the blood glucose levels of diabetics. There is evidence to support both sides of the argument at this time, and there is just no clear cut answer. It doesn’t affect every person in the same way, either, which adds to the confusion. Some studies suggest that only black coffee reduces your risk for developing diabetes, and that coffee taken with creamer does not have the same beneficial effects. But that hypothesis is up for debate too. I happen to prefer my coffee with cream, mainly because it blunts the high acidity level of the coffee and makes it taste better. With cream, the taste is softened and much of the bitterness seems to be removed from my taste buds. If you’re diabetic, please be vigilant with blood sugar monitoring when testing out […]

Is It Healthy to Drink Coffee Every Day?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

I love coffee and I used to drink it everyday. In fact for about 20 years I ground my own coffee beans and brewed my own pot of coffee every morning. I love the robust taste and the deep complexity of flavors you can get with different types of coffee beans. My favorite brand of coffee was of course Starbucks and I knew all the different kinds of beans they have and tried them all. I had my favorite, which was Sulawesi that I always came back to. I never really gave too much thought to whether it was healthy or not, because it made me feel good when I drank and that was good enough for me. But is it really healthy to drink that much coffee? Coffee is one of those foods that you can find arguments on both sides of the fence as to whether it is […]

Can Kids Drink Decaf Coffee?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 7 Comments

Is drinking decaf coffee harmful to children? You’ve may have heard the saying that drinking coffee will stunt your growth, but that is just a clever saying that a parent came up with to convince his child not to drink it. Is there really any truth to it? Coffee contains some substances which could be harmful to children, but it will not hurt them if ingested in moderation. And “moderation” is the key word here. The bigger problem is that there is really no nutritional value to coffee, other than the minimal antioxidants it contains. We normally want our children to always consume food and drinks that have a high nutritional quality, specially because this is during their formative years and anything they eat could play a part in their growth and development. No long-term studies that I know of have been performed on the effects of coffee with kids. […]

Where to Buy Avocado Oil Online or Locally

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 2 Comments

Avocado oil is one of the healthiest and most delicious oils, and can be used for cooking, bread dipping, or drizzling over fresh fruits and vegetables. As extra-virgin olive oil has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity in recent decades, avocado oil has been gaining market share as well. The smooth, nutty, buttery flavor of avocado oil also makes a great change of pace from more traditional oils. Nutritionally, avocado oil is 100% fat –but it’s the healthy kind of fat that lowers LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol. Avocado oil contains mostly super-healthy monounsaturated fat in the form of oleic acid. For health reasons, many people are choosing healthier plant-based oils over the more traditional butter and lard. Current nutritional guidelines suggest that 30% of the caloric content of a healthy diet should be obtained from healthy unsaturated fats such as avocado oil. Saturated fats are unhealthy and what […]

Are Avocados Fattening? No, Just Loaded With Healthy Fats

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

There is a misperception about avocados, and that is that they will make you fat. The confusion stems from the quite high fat content of avocado. A whole medium-sized avocado contains approximately 24 g of total fat, a whopping 30% of the recommended daily allowance. Most fruits contain little fat, but the avocado is packed with it. Historically, prior to the 1990s, nutritionists advised that foods high in fat should be avoided. Because of fat’s high caloric content per gram, it was believed that a diet high in fat caused weight gain. At that time, little differentiation was given to the different type of fats, what we now refer to as “good” and “bad” fats. About 30 years ago, however, research began to show that some types of fats are actually beneficial to general health and weight maintenance. Today, health experts tout the avocado’s fantastic nutritional content, despite it’s heavy […]

The Health Benefits of Avocado Seed Extract

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 2 Comments

The health benefits and nutrition of avocado are well-documented. Avocados are an esteemed member on the list of super foods. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, and a terrific source of the healthiest type of fat called mono-nucleic acid. What most folks don’t know, however, is that a potent avocado extract is also available as a nutritional supplement. What is avocado extract? Avocado extract is simply a reduced version of the fruit itself, or of the avocado seed. It comes in several forms such as liquid, powder, pills, and capsules. Similar to vitamin pill, but concentrated with the nutrients of avocado. Most avocado extract purchased today is of the avocado seed and not of the fruit itself. Most people prefer to eat a delicious avocado rather than get its nutrients from a supplement. Obviously, it is always better to get nutrition directly from whole foods. So extract of the […]

Avocado Seeds Are Edible and Healthy to Eat

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 66 Comments

Can you eat an avocado seed? Many people believe the avocado pit is toxic and if you eat it you’ll get sick. That is a myth, and the truth is that avocado seeds are edible and highly nutritious, although slightly bitter tasting. The myth may be related to the fact that avocado flesh and many parts of the avocado tree, such as the bark and leaves, are toxic to some animals including cats, dogs, horses, and especially birds. Is it true that avocado pits contain cyanide? Avocado seed contains amygdalin which is broken down into only trace amounts of cyanide during digestion. The amount of cyanide is not nearly enough to be dangerous to humans. It is perfectly safe for people to eat avocado seeds, though not so for many animals. It is not cyanide that causes problems for these animals, though, but a toxic fatty acid called persin. Preparing an avocado seed for consumption […]

Eating Avocado Promotes Healthy Cholesterol Levels

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | 1 Comment

Does an avocado have cholesterol, and if so, how much? How does avocado affect both HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in the body? In order to answer these questions, let’s take a look at some of the facts about avocado cholesterol. Avocados do not contain cholesterol The most important thing that you need to know about avocados is that they do not contain any cholesterol at all. That’s right, zilch, zero cholesterol. All cholesterol comes from food derived from animal sources and none from plant sources. No plant-based food contains cholesterol, and that means that you may eat as much fruit and vegetables, including avocado, as you like and it will not increase your cholesterol levels, at least your bad cholesterol levels. Avocados may increase HDL cholesterol In fact, eating avocado may well help you reduce your cholesterol levels. Avocado is high in monounsaturated fat, also called oleic acid, which […]

The Ideal Climate for Growing Avocado Trees

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

What is the proper climate to grow an avocado tree, and are there any restrictions as to their growing conditions? What kind of soil do they prefer, and what are the optimal conditions as far as watering and sunlight? Avocado trees are native to South and Central America and thrive in tropical environments, but can also do well in subtropical climates. In the United States, they may be grown in the southern region of the country from central and southern California across to Texas and North Carolina and can survive low temperatures in the range of 40 to 45°F. Soil conditions for Avocado Trees An avocado tree is very finicky about its soil conditions. It is prone to root rot, and therefore must be planted in soil that is well-drained as it cannot tolerate root saturation for more than 48 hours. They are also sensitive to salt toxicity so the […]

Using Olive Oil as a Skin Moisturizer Won’t Clog Your Pores

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Olive oil absolutely will not clog your pores, and in fact it is used as an essential ingredient in many skin creams and lotions because of its extreme moisturizing qualities. Many people even use olive oil facials and apply it directly to the skin as an all-natural type of moisturizer. Olive oil has many essential nutrients and enzymes that are beneficial to not only the skin, but also the hair, including eyelashes. It may be rubbed directly into the skin and hair and allow to set for a period of time in order to be fully absorbed for extreme moisturizing. What does clog up pores is the dirt and debris that accumulate on your skin, and olive oil actually works as an effective cleaning agent to remove this unwanted debris. To keep your pores clean, regularly wash your skin with a gentle soap, dry the skin and then apply a […]

Does Olive Oil Make You Fat?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Olive oil is 100% fat, but it should not be considered “fattening” because that is a negative term. Olive oil consists of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are the good kind of fats that enhance your health. Studies show that these unsaturated fats help to increase the “good” cholesterol levels in your blood which reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. A healthy diet should get about 30% of its calories from fat but the type of fat you eat, either saturated or unsaturated, is critical to your cardiovascular health. You should try to get the vast majority of your fat from vegetable sources such as olive and canola oil, as opposed to saturated fat which comes from animal sources and is linked to increased cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries. All fats are high in calories If you’re worried about weight gain from olive oil, remember that […]

Does Olive Oil Go Bad?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Yes, olive oil does go bad after a period of time that is influenced heavily by the conditions in which the oil is stored. Once olives are picked, they slowly start decay just like any other food, and the nutrients and enzymes that make olive oil famous for its healthful properties begin to break down and turn rancid. The best time to consume olive oil is within the first six months after production, as it will have the most flavor and antioxidant retention during that time. After about a year, the oil will not have the same taste as before, though some people are more sensitive to the degradation than others. The oil will not make you sick, but it will not be as good for you as when it was fresh. Olive oil bottles are supposed to have manufacturing dates and expiration dates printed right on the label, however, […]

Rice Bran Oil Versus Olive Oil, a Comparison

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

When comparing the health, cooking, and nutritional properties of rice bran oil versus olive oil, you’ll find more similarities than you will differences. Because both are natural vegetable oils, they have many things in common, but with some subtle differences. In the Western world, extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its healthful properties. But in much of the Far East, rice bran oil takes its place near the pinnacle of healthiest oils, due mainly to rices ubiquity in that part of the world. I live in Thailand, and in Thai language the word for “eat” literally means “eat rice”. That is how ingrained into the culture rice is in this part of the world. So here, rice bran oil is king, and many Thai people have never even tasted olive oil. Which is healthier? The research on olive oil is quite conclusive that it is very healthy when consumed […]

Is Soy Milk Considered a Dairy Product?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Soy milk is blended to mimic the taste and consistency of cows milk. And there’s good reason for this. People are already comfortable with and enjoy the taste of regular milk. This makes the taste of soy milk more acceptable to consumers, and has helped fuel its dramatic rise in popularity. But is soy milk truly a dairy product? Or does it just taste and sound like one? Definition of dairy The dictionary defines dairy as “foods that are made from milk, such as cream, butter, and cheese.” As in: a dairy-free diet and I was advised not to eat too much dairy. So, what are the ingredients in soy milk? Pure soy milk is made with only two ingredients: soybeans and water. Dry soybeans are crushed into a powder and dissolved into boiling water. Any undissolved solids are then filtered out. So by definition, pure soy milk is not a dairy product. […]

How Much Sugar Is in Soy Milk?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

Regular soy milk generally tastes a little sweeter than cows milk. So exactly how much added sugar is there in a typical soy milk, and how concerned should you be about it? Soy milk is formulated to mimic the taste and texture of dairy milk. There is a good reason for this. People already enjoy and are used to the taste of cow’s milk. Mirroring this taste makes it easier and more comfortable for people to make the transition to soy milk. So, yes, sugar is added to regular soy milk to help maintain that taste consistency. Soy milk is marketed as, and truly is, a healthier alternative to cow’s milk. Indeed, as a plant-based milk, it has no cholesterol, lactose, and only .5 g of saturated fat per cup — much less than the 4.6 g in cow’s milk. But how about the sugar content? How much sugar is […]

Shelf Life of Soy Milk: How Long Will it Last?

by Ryan McCaffery | Last updated August 7, 2018 | Leave a Comment

How long can one expect a container of soy milk to stay fresh before spoiling? Before answering the question, it’s important to understand that many different variables have an affect on the shelf life of soy milk. For example, is it refrigerated? Opened or unopened? Is it vacuum-packed with preservatives, or homemade fresh? Obviously, all of these have a substantial impact on how long soy milk stays fresh. Let’s take a look. Big-brand, unrefrigerated soy milk Let’s start with the big-brand, store-bought, unrefrigerated type of soy milk. Because based on volume sold, this is by far the most popular and common. I’m talking about brands such as Vitamilk, that don’t require refrigeration before opening. These soy milks have an amazing shelf life of a year or longer for unopened containers. They are vacuum sealed, removing all oxygen from the container, while the soy milk is still steaming hot. This seals […]