The Lowdown on Glycemic Index (GI) and Load (GL)
The Losdown on Glycemic Index & Load Research on Glycemic Index: Vega-López et al. (2018) examined evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) and human observational studies for associations between different glycemic index (GI) diets and: Short-term outcomes (e.g., satiety). Long-term health outcomes (e.g., weight, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes). The strongest intervention studies typically […]
Coffee: Health Boost or Bad Habit?
Few beverages are as quintessentially American as coffee, though its roots stretch far beyond our morning mugs. It’s a daily ritual for many, but the interplay between coffee and health is as complex as the beverage itself—offering a mix of benefits and risks that hinge on consumption, preparation, and personal health goals. Coffee’s “Big Shots” […]
Gut Health and Happiness Hack: Science Says Eat More Plants
Boulder is famous for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and healthy lifestyle. But did you know that Boulder is also home to one of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the human gut microbiome? The American Gut Project, led by researchers at CU-Boulder and UC-San Diego, has analyzed the stool samples and dietary habits of […]
Antioxidants: Ace Your Health!
Antioxidants are like the superheroes of your body. They’re tiny molecules that protect your cells from harm caused by toxins and stress like midterms, air pollution, poor sleep, and even too much exercise. How does this happen? Toxins and stress can produce free radicals, unstable molecules that wreak havoc in the body. But what are these free […]
Blueberries: Nature’s Tiny Health Powerpunch
We’ve all heard blueberries are good for us, but are they really? And if so, why? Here’s the skinny on one of Boulder’s favorite berries. Blueberry’s Health Benefits Heart Health: Blueberries’ antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Brain Boost: Regular consumption has been linked to improved […]
Smoothies: Your One-the-Go Nutrition Health Hack
Smoothies are all the rage these days, but are they really all they’re cracked up to be? From the green vegetable variety to the more-like-milkshake fare, we’ve got the skinny on smoothies here. Do you want to boost your health, energy, and mood with a simple and delicious drink? If so, you might […]
How to Beat Inflammation (and Why)
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, infection, or stress. It helps to heal and protect you from harm. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can cause more harm than good. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, such as: Weight gain and obesity. Cardiovascular disease. Mood and depression. Cognitive function […]
Type 2 Fun: Your New Number One!
Have you ever done something that was hard, uncomfortable, or even painful in the moment, but rewarding and satisfying after? If you live in Boulder, you probably have. You might even be that person who wakes up before dawn to engage in some epic all-day (and sometimes all-night) climbing, skiing, running, or cycling adventure. You […]
Cold Plunging: What’s the Skinny?
You’ve probably heard of cold plunging, the wellness trend that involves jumping into ice water for a few minutes. Sounds crazy, right? Well, not so fast. There’s actually some science behind this practice, and it might have some surprising benefits for your health and well-being. But before you grab your swimsuit and head to the […]
Let’s Talk About Blueberries!
Let’s Talk About Blueberries! Blueberries are rich sources of a variety of beneficial antioxidants, including flavonoids (mainly anthocyanidins), polyphenols (procyanidin), phenolic acids, pyruvic acid, chlorogenic acid, and many others (Ma et al., 2018). Through these antioxidants (especially polyphenols, anthocyanins, and carotenoids), blueberries have preventative/protective and reductive effects against cancer, obesity, inflammation, aging, degenerative diseases, cognitive […]