Every time I tell someone that I am studying to become a Registered Dietitian, I get asked some sort of interesting, burning, sometimes outlandish question that a person just HAS to know and has decided that I am the perfect person to answer them. I have compiled a list of some of my favorites, along with links to additional information on each question. Alright, its not quite 101 that I listed here, but it is as many as I could think of. And maybe some of these were YOUR burning nutrition questions you just didn't get the chance to ask me. Enjoy!
Is Goat's Milk Lower in Lactose than Cow's Milk?
There is slightly less lactose in goat's milk—9 grams per cup compared to 12 grams in cow's milk. If you are lactose intolerant and would like to try goat's milk, start with a small serving with meals.
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Does Grape Juice Have the Same Heart Benefits as Red Wine?
Recent studies suggest that red and purple grape juices may offer some of the same heart benefits of red wine.
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What Foods are Good Sources of Potassium other than Bananas and Orange Juice?
Fruits and vegetables are among the best sources of potassium, a mineral that helps normalize blood pressure.
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What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a grain that cooks faster and is higher in protein than many other grains.
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Will Eating Lots of Sugar Cause Diabetes?
Just eating a lot of sugary foods does not cause diabetes.
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There are many options to choose from, including foods fortified with whole grains. The Dietary Guidelines recommend at least three servings of whole grains every day.
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What Does 'Organic' Mean on a Food Label?
The term organic has specific guidelines defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program.
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Is Flaxseed a Good Source of Fiber?
Yes, one tablespoon of whole flaxseed has three grams of fiber while the same amount of ground flaxseed has two grams of fiber.
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Is a Tomato a Vegetable or a Fruit?
This issue has a long history - it was even brought before the United States Supreme court in 1893.
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How Can I Get My Family to Be More Active?
As with healthy eating, kids are more likely to want to be active when other family members are active too. Here are some tips for getting family members together for physical activities.
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How Many Calories Do I Need a Day Now That I'm Over 50?
The number of calories you need each day depends on your age, gender and activity level. The estimated calorie needs for adults age 51 and older are listed.
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Plantains belong to the banana family, but are starchy, low in sugar and contain more vitamin A and vitamin C than bananas.
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My Child Likes Fruit but Won’t Eat Vegetables. Is that Okay?
Each fruit and vegetable choice offers a unique combination of nutritients. Be sure to choose a variety.
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What is Pre-Diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Pre-diabetes may be related to too little insulin being produced or decreased response to insulin by the body.
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How Can I Get Enough Calcium in My Diet if I Follow a Vegan Lifestyle?
Milk and dairy products are not the only calcium-rich foods. Low oxalate greens such as bok choy, broccoli and Chinese cabbage are good sources of calcium.
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I Have a Hard Time Getting my Child to Eat Meat. What Else Can I Feed Him for Protein?
There are plenty of options for high-protein foods. This food group includes not only meat but also legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds.
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Does Eating Breakfast Really Help with Weight Loss?
At this time, research has not demonstrated a consistent link between eating breakfast and body weight. Some studies show a relationship between skipping breakfast and a strong prevalence of obesity.
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Are Shrimp and Shellfish Still Considered Bad if You Have High Cholesterol?
A diet high in cholesterol can elevate blood cholesterol. The Dietary Guidelines suggest consuming less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day.
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I Am Supposed to Limit My Sodium Level. What Can I Do to Add Flavor to Foods?
An easy way to reduce sodium intake is to stop using the salt shaker at the table - instead, add flavor during food preparation with flavor-enhancing ingredients like:
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Why Does Yogurt Have So Much Sugar?
Yogurt has a high amount of sugar but it can still be a healthy choice for your nutrition goals. The "sugars" on the Nutrition Facts panel include both naturally-occurring and added sugars.
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What are the Best Bets on a Chinese Restaurant Menu?
There are plenty of healthy options at Chinese restaurants. Soups, such as wonton or hot-and-sour, are healthy and filling. Dishes that are heavy on the vegetables and include lean protein such as:
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When eggs are hard cooked, the protective coating is washed away, leaving bare the pores in the shell for bacteria to enter and contaminate it.
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Are Easter Eggs Safe to Eat?
Hunting for Easter eggs is a favorite pastime for many. But how are those eggs afterwards? Are they safe to eat?
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Does Chocolate Have a Lot of Caffeine?
Chocolate does contain caffeine, but not much. A 1-ounce milk chocolate bar or an 8-ounce glass of chocolate milk each contain about 5 milligrams of caffeine.
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Why Is the Inside of a Hard-Cooked Egg Green?
A green ring on a hard-cooked yolk is a result of overcooking. It’s caused by sulfur and iron compounds in the egg reacting on the yolk's surface.
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Is It Done Yet?
When cooking chicken and other poultry, use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature and determine doneness; don't rely on visual cues.
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What Makes Hard-Cooked Eggs Hard to Peel?
The fresher the egg, the more difficult it is to peel after hard cooking.
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Is Lactose-Free Milk Real Milk?
Yes, lactose-free milk is real milk. The enzyme lactase has been added to break down the lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.
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Should I Worry About Moldy Food?
If you find foods in your refrigerator or pantry that have mold on them, there are some guidelines you should follow to handle the moldy foods properly.
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While there are some naturally occurring trans-fats in animal foods, most of the trans-fat in our food system is created through a process called hydrogenation.
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Any Tips on Packing Picnic Coolers?
When transporting food to another location, keep it cold to prevent growth of harmful bacteria. Use an insulated cooler with enough ice packs to keep the food at 40 degrees F. or below.
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Is Whole Milk Good For Toddlers?
Discuss the appropriate choice for your child with your pediatrician or registered dietitian.
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What Foods are Best for Backpacking?
If you are going for a day hike, just about anything will do as long as it can fit in your backpack and you can keep perishables cold – sandwiches, fried chicken, salads, cheeses – or choose non-perishables.
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How Do I Know When Grilled Meat or Chicken is Done?
Meat and chicken can brown quickly on the grill. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe minimum internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria.
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Does Grilled Food Cause Cancer?
Some research has suggested eating grilled, fried or broiled meats may increase cancer risk. However, based on present research findings, eating moderate amounts of grilled meats cooked without charring and to a safe temperature does not pose a problem.
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Some bottled water can be classified by its origin, such as mineral, spring and well water, while other types may come from municipal water that is treated before its bottled.
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Is Fruit Juice Good For My Baby?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that fruit juice offers no nutritional benefits to children younger than 6 months.
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Are Men Over 50 at Risk for Osteoporosis?
While the incidence of osteoporosis is higher among women, more than 2 million American men suffer from osteoporosis. One in four men age 50 and older will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
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What Foods are High in Iron?
Iron-rich food sources include red meat, chicken, turkey, pork, fish, kale, spinach, beans, lentils and fortified breads and cereals.
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How Should I Select Canned Produce?
Fresh fruits and vegetables can sometimes be expensive or favorites hard to find. When using canned instead of fresh or frozen, consider the following tips to get the most out of your canned fruits and vegetables.
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What Is GERD and How Is It Managed?
"GERD" is gastric reflux disease which occurs when the contents of the stomach flow backward into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, pain and difficulty swallowing.
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In the National Labeling and Education Act, certain foods are exempt from nutrition labeling. These include ready-to-eat food that is not for immediate consumption and food that does not contain significant amounts of nutrients.
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Should I Eat Something before I Go to the Gym after Work?
Eating before exercise, as opposed to exercising on an empty stomach, has been shown to improve performance. A snack eaten before a workout provides fuel for your body to function at its best.
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Does Microwaving Food Destroy the Vitamins?
Whether you're zapping food in your microwave or cooking it on the stove, it's the amount of heat and cooking time that affects vitamin loss.
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What Do the Dates Stamped on Food Packages Mean?
The most common labels are sell-by, use-by and expiration date. Here's what they mean.
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Is Goat's Milk Lower in Lactose than Cow's Milk?
There is slightly less lactose in goat's milk—9 grams per cup compared to 12 grams in cow's milk. If you are lactose intolerant and would like to try goat's milk, start with a small serving with meals.
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The canola plant was developed from its close relation, the rapeseed plant, using traditional plant breeding methods. The oil extracted from canola seeds is very low in saturated fat and an excellent source of mono- and polyunsaturated fats.
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Are Simmering and Braising the Same Thing?
Recipes often use instructions like simmer or braise without any further explanation. Both culinary terms refer to moist-heating cooking methods that use water or water-based liquids such as broth to cook foods.
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What Does BMI Mean? Will It Tell Me My Ideal Body Weight?
BMI — Body Mass Index — is a measure of your weight in relation to your height.
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Does "Made with Whole Grains" Mean the Food is a Good Whole-Grain Source?
"Made with whole grains" means that the product has some whole grain in it, but the product is not 100 percent whole grain.
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What Can Reduce the "Fire" Caused by Eating Hot Chili Peppers?
Try dairy foods. Capsaicin in chili peppers stimulates pain receptors in your mouth. Casein, the main protein in milk, washes away the capsaicin that makes your mouth and throat burn.
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If I am Trying to Cut Back on Caffeine, Will Switching from Espresso to Coffee Help?
Actually, espresso has less caffeine than coffee! If you are trying to decrease your caffeine intake, consider changing to black or green tea.
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My Doctor Said I Need to Gain Weight. What Should I Eat That’s also Healthy?
For some people who are too thin, weight gain can be just as hard as weight loss. You need to eat more calories than you burn, but do this in a healthful way. Here are a few tips to get you started.
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I Need Some Ideas on How to Make Healthier Choices at a Sandwich Shop.
If you are looking to make healthy choices, remember it's okay to make requests. Here are a few tips for making healthy choices.
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Why Do Products Say They Have No Trans Fat, But I See Hydrogenated Oil Listed in the Ingredients?
Trans fats are mainly found in food prepared with partially hydrogenated oil. The FDA requires food labels to include the trans fat content per serving of the food, but a food label can read "0 grams" of trans fat if there is less than 0.5 grams per serving.
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Well-planned vegetarian diets can be nutritionally adequate and provide many health benefits during all states of the lifecycle including pregnancy.
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Is Couscous a Grain?
Couscous may look like a grain but it’s actually a type of pasta made from ground semolina wheat.
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I've Heard That Low-calorie Sweeteners Can Increase Your Appetite. Is This Accurate?
A recent analysis of published research concluded that low-calorie sweeteners do not affect appetite in adults.
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How Much Exercise Do I Need to Lose Weight?
To lose weight, your goal should be one hour of moderate activity each day. This will burn about 2,000 calories per week, helping you achieve gradual, maintainable weight loss.
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Are Energy Drinks Better for Workouts?
For workout sessions that are of low to moderate intensity and will be lasting an hour or less, water is a good choice before, during and after exercise.
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Does Your Stomach Really Shrink When You Eat Less?
Your body doesn’t work that way. When you cut back on your portions, your stomach keeps its normal size even if your appetite isn’t as big.
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Coconut water contains electrolytes and minerals and is often marketed as a sports drink. It is a good source of fiber, potassium, magnesium and vitamin C.
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How Can I Spot a Fad Diet?
There are many popular diets you can choose from but fad diets have some things in common.
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What Is Meant by the Term 'Lean Cuts of Meat?'
When shopping for meat, words like round, loin or leg indicate cuts that are lean or lower in total fat and saturated fat. If you’re not sure of the cut, ask the butcher or check the label.
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Which Dishes Are the Healthiest At an Italian Restaurant?
If you enjoy Italian food, you can eat pasta and still follow a nutritious and healthy meal plan.
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What Foods Are Good Sources of Vitamin D?
Get the recommended amount of vitamin D by eating foods that are good sources of it — such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products.
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Is it True That Cinnamon Can Lower Blood Sugar in People Who Have Diabetes?
Although early studies suggested that cinnamon might be effective for lowering blood sugar (glucose) levels, recent studies show conflicting results.
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Can Certain Foods Help Prevent Macular Degeneration?
Research suggests that antioxidants may help prevent or slow the development of some age-related changes in the eyes such as macular degeneration.
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What is Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is an aromatic, long-grain rice with a distinctive aroma and flavor much like that of popcorn or roasted nuts.
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What Are B-complex Vitamins?
The B-complex vitamins are a family of vitamins with related roles in promoting health. They are: thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin and pantothenic acid.
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Lentils are quick and easy to prepare without pre-soaking. Try adding them to soups, stews and salads.
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How Do You Eat a Pomegranate?
Pomegranates can be messy to prepare. Select one that has a deep color and is heavy for its size and try this 3-step process.
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Does Sugar Make Kids Hyperactive?
There's no scientific evidence to support any link between eating sugary foods and hyperactivity. Even so, many parents and other caregivers seem reluctant to give up this idea.
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How Can I Get My Kids to Eat Breakfast?
For kids and teens, a morning meal is especially important. Make breakfast fun by planning it with your child or trying non-traditional foods.
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Do Men Have Eating Disorders?
Yes, both men and women may develop an eating disorder; however some groups are more at risk than others.
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Is Anorexia the Only Kind of Eating Disorder?
Anorexia is just one category of eating disorders. Eating disorders are medical illnesses that involve extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors focusing on weight and food issues.
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How Much Fluid Should You Drink When Breastfeeding?
During breastfeeding you need about 13 cups of fluids daily. Drink more if you're thirsty.
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Fennel has a broad, off-white base and light green, celery-like stems with bright green foliage. Fennel can be eaten raw or cooked like other vegetables by grilling, boiling or sautéing.
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What is the Morning Banana Diet?
The Morning Banana Diet which first gained popularity in Japan has now spread around the world. The basic rules of the diet are simple.
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If your burning nutrition question hasn't been answered, feel free to ask!
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