Disease Proof : Disease Proof : Health & Nutrition News & Commentary : Dr. Joel Fuhrman

An upcoming study in the Journal of Nutrition claims removing sugary snacks, i.e. vending machines, from schools makes kids more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. And this effect held up even when kids returned home. Most likely because kids are already full, having not eaten empty calories. Currently, 72% school districts limit the fat in cafeteria food and number of vending machines; The Orange County Register reports.

According to the CDC, many schools are already selling less junk. And other officials are working hard to get soda machines out of schools. College is a little different, but my school was loaded with vending machines, snack foods and fast food, and kids ate it up!

Via That’s Fit.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

In the fall, a report by the California Food Policy Advocates gave U.S. school food a failing grade, citing poor nutritional quality, i.e. kids aren’t eating enough fruits and vegetables. And now, a new release from the Institute of Medicine, in Washington D.C., reveals school food provides more than half of a student's nutrient intake during the school day, making school meal programs the perfect vehicle for teaching children the importance of good nutrition; Reuters investigates.

But not all U.S. schools are devoid of good health and nutrition. Recently, schools like Anthony Elementary, Leavenworth, Kansas and South Elementary, Pinson, Tennessee, were praised for their efforts to get kids healthy, by opening onsite wellness centers and eating lunch in the classroom, to promote a family-like atmosphere.

Even Prince Charles wants kids to reconnect with healthy food.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

A new study in Journal of the American Medical Association has determined people with diabetes who get cancer are more likely to die. Researchers examined studies involving 125,000 people from 10 countries. Revealing female diabetics had a 76% higher risk of death from uterine cancer, 61% higher risk for breast cancer and 32% higher risk for colorectal cancer; Reuters investigates.

Try preventing both diseases! Fruits and vegetables are potent cancer and diabetes fighters.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

A new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals breast cancer survivors who consume fruits and vegetables beyond current recommendations, more than 5 servings per day, had less risk of reoccurring tumors. Researchers claim estrogen causes many common types of breast cancer and eating lots fruits and veggies helps lower levels of harmful estrogen; Reuters reports.

Not exactly a new revelation, but still cool! Fruits and vegetables, such as kale, arugula, watercress, bok choy, broccoli and cabbage, have powerful anti-cancer effects, like halting the growth of breast cancer cells and inhibiting the progression of lung cancer. And, previous research has determined eating fruits and vegetables helps reduce men’s risk of colon cancer.

Also, earlier this month, a study showed fruits and vegetables help strengthen bones too.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Now, I love fruits and veggies and I’ve got a bunch of tattoos myself. But I'd never go that far! However, if you think its a good idea, Eating Cleveland has more. Here’re my favorites:

• Beet

• Avocado

• Pomegranate

• Basil & Cilantro

• Strawberry

• Artichoke

• Carrot

All my tattoos are black, so maybe I could get an eggplant or a plum, but probably not. Oh, and girls. If you have tattoos, chances are I want to date you. Wink, wink.

Via Serious Eats.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (3)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

It might look like food. But those are actually all sorts of rocks and gems. And it’s a horrible way to get your vitamins and minerals. Ouch!

Now, while I appreciate the artistic vision, it’s not nearly as awesome as last week’s fruit and veggie masterpieces.

Via Serious Eats.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Dr. Fuhrman explains that diets high in animal products and low in fruits and vegetables weaken bones. And a new study seems to agree. Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals eating a lot of protein and grains produces excess acid, causing calcium excretion, hurting bones, but diets rich in fruits and vegetables help strengthen skeletal health; via NewsWise.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

The supermarket is a treacherous place. Plenty of fruits and veggies, but wall to wall candy, cookies, bacon bits, chips and soft drinks too. So, when shopping, resist temptation. Try leaving kids at home, shoppers with kids buy 40% more groceries and avoid big shopping carts, people buy 30% more stuff when pushing around a giant cart; from Parade Magazine.

Via That’sFit.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (4)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link