Kale, berries, cacao, eggs, sweet potatoes, greek yogurt and more are among the dozens of foods that are labeled "superfoods." This new group of products is advertised as being nutritionally dense — or containing high amounts of vitamins/minerals per calorie — ways to improve your diet and prevent disease simply by consuming them.
Food is something some of us take for granted. While most Americans have access to food, not all have access to healthy food and reliable sources to obtain it. Communities without accessible grocery stores are known as food deserts. Even agriculturally rich areas like Wisconsin have food deserts — which are a primary cause of food insecurity. Contrary to popular belief food deserts are quite prevalent in both urban and rural areas. In fact, being on UW’s campus likely puts you in a food desert. While you may be surrounded by dozens of cafes and restaurants, there are not many options within walking distance for affordable, healthy food for students and others living in the downtown area.
Dairy foods have been a hot topic in nutrition in recent years. Some tout milk products as a source of calcium, vitamins and protein for bone and muscle health, while others say it is harmful, causing skin breakouts and delivering high levels of saturated fat to the diet. Both of these claims carry some truth, but the magnitude of these statements is difficult to assess.
Of the many events to come from 2020, perhaps one of the more positive was a renewed set of dietary guidelines for Americans. In a nation riddled with chronic disease, informing the public about what to eat could be crucial in battling obesity and related health issues. The guidelines included information designed to combat our nation’s growing health problems, but many believe it failed to do what was necessary to help a large part of the U.S. population.
Water is a strange player in global health in that it is necessary to live, but provides no real nutrients. Increasing water consumption is often touted as a method for improving health, yet most do not know why this is. Though we hear this advice frequently, few people follow it. Despite water’s documented benefits, research shows that a large portion of the U.S. is chronically dehydrated.
Change is an exciting thing, and being able to see positive transformations of one’s body is as thrilling a change as any. Whether you are trying to take pounds off or put them on, chances are you have considered following a diet. While some diets are rigid due to biological reasons (e.g. diabetes) or religious grounds — e.g. avoiding pork as a Muslim — many choose to follow them in hopes of achieving dream physiques.
From a young age, breakfast being the “most important meal of the day” phrase has been ingrained into our brains. And now, as more and more research about breakfast comes out, scientists have data about how significant eating after waking up is for performance. UW Health says, “it gives your metabolism, your body’s engine, a boost and provides needed energy.” Let’s dig into the science of breakfast.
Nutrition is a strange topic. While focus on what we put on our plates has never been greater, widespread misinformation makes dietary decisions for the conscious consumer quite difficult.
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