Organically Grown Fruits and Vegetables

Originally posted by Metal Brain
Yes. In larger amounts that would be true, but I think they are talking about a glass or two of wine. It is not like wine is the only caloric intake. Wine is just part of the diet. You need to consider that.

If your calorie intake is too high so that you are gaining too much weight and you drink at least some wine, how small of that non-zero amount of the wine you drink and therefore how small a contribution that wine makes to your total calorie intake doesn't change the fact that it would still contribute to at least a small part of your total calorie intake and, therefore, it would contribute to you gaining too much weight. It would be just a matter of how much contribution.
If everything else is kept equal including how much of each type of other food and drink you consume and the rate at which your body is burning up calories, if you stop drinking that wine, you wouldn't gain weight so fast.

You could also imply that, say, eating ice cream (or any particular food you can name providing it contains some calories ) will not cause any excessive weight gain if you eat only a very small amount of it; that, for the same reason, would also be false if your total calorie intake is still too high.

Originally posted by humy
Yes, but that probably doesn't apply to wine so that you loose weight by drinking it; unless you drink so much that you puke.

😀

2 interesting articles:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/environmental-health-reasons-dairy.htm

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/10-false-nutrition-facts-everyone-knows.htm

-m.

Originally posted by mikelom
2 interesting articles:

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/environmental-health-reasons-dairy.htm

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/10-false-nutrition-facts-everyone-knows.htm

-m.

I have just read the second link and I am impressed with the myths it debunks.
I am particularly impressed by the fact that it doesn't fail to mention the usual fat myth and it says a few things about that I already knew such as:

"..Avoiding fats in dairy was supposed to translate into healthier hearts and slimmer waistlines. The idea that saturated fat increased the risk of cardiovascular disease became popular in the 1950s. (One cup of whole milk has 4.6 grams of saturated fat, 22 percent of the current Recommended Daily Allowance.) However, emerging research finds dairy fat isn't bad for our hearts or our weight. As counterintuitive as it seems, the opposite could be true. Consuming full-fat whole milk has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes, as well as lower blood pressure [sources: Giles-Smith, Teicholz]..."

But, what it says next surprises even me where it says:

"...Whole milk seems to fight obesity, too. A study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care" found that if full-fat milk, butter and cream were part of the diets of middle-aged men, they were far less likely to become obese over a 12-year period compared with men who didn't consume high-fat dairy. A meta-analysis of 16 studies, published in the "European Journal of Nutrition," reported the consumption of high-fat dairy was linked to a lower risk of obesity. Similar findings have been reported for children [source: Aubrey].

The benefits lie in whole milk's complex and beneficial fats, which include more than 400 different fatty acids mixed in a healthful milieu of protein, calcium and other nutrients. In addition, scientists suspect whole milk may contain a yet-unnamed substance that alters the metabolism to burn fat for energy, instead of storing it [sources: Giles-Smith, Teicholz]...."

I am not sure exactly how scientifically reliable the above info is but, judging from my impression of the link so far, I assume it is probably sound.

Originally posted by humy
I have just read the second link and I am impressed with the myths it debunks.
I am particularly impressed by the fact that it doesn't fail to mention the usual fat myth and it says a few things about that I already knew such as:

"..Avoiding fats in dairy was supposed to translate into healthier hearts and slimmer waistlines. The idea that saturated fat in ...[text shortened]... above info is but, judging from my impression of the link so far, I assume it is probably sound.

Impressive findings. Thanks, humy and mikelom.

Originally posted by humy
I have just read the second link and I am impressed with the myths it debunks.
I am particularly impressed by the fact that it doesn't fail to mention the usual fat myth and it says a few things about that I already knew such as:

"..Avoiding fats in dairy was supposed to translate into healthier hearts and slimmer waistlines. The idea that saturated fat in ...[text shortened]... above info is but, judging from my impression of the link so far, I assume it is probably sound.

I thought it was well-known that people who have a high-fat and high-protein diet tend to be less obese. The point is that these foods tend to be more filling per calorie than high-carbohydrate foods, and for the vast majority of obese people the problem is simply that they ingest too many calories because they cannot control their appetite. So people who drink full-fat milk will be on average slightly less obese than people who drink no milk or low-fat milk, because those people will, on average, consume more carbohydrates.

Originally posted by KazetNagorra
The point is that these foods tend to be more filling per calorie than high-carbohydrate foods,

I wouldn't really put it that way. Its more a case of sugar being addictive. If you eat sugary things, it makes you crave more. Its more of a craving than a feeling of hunger, so I wouldn't describe it as being 'less filling'.

7 Scientifically Proven Ways To Stimulate Brain Cell Growth/ Neurogenesis Boost Brain Power, Brain Phenomenon

"Neurogenesis - “The birth of new neurons in the brain; also referred to as the process in which neurons are created.”

The growth of new brain cells occurs in the region of the brain called the “hippocampus.” The ‘hippocampus’ is an area involved with memory, learning, and other cognitive functions. In order to live and become part of our brain, new neurons formed in the hippocampus-region need support from surrounding nutrients from blood and glial cells.

Most importantly, they need support from other surrounding neurons - otherwise these new brain cells will die. Though thousands of new brain cells are formed and produced via the hippocampus each and every day, many die quickly after birth. When we can keep them alive for this crucial period after birth, we are able to effectively boost the power of the human brain by adding new brain cells to the bank of existing cells.

Though neurogenesis is most active during prenatal development, there is growing evidence that certain activities also induce the growth of new brain cells [neurons] in the brain. Provided below are 7 researched and proven ways to grow new brain cells and provide a safe haven for effective neurogenesis.

1. An Exercise Regimen

Everybody knows that exercise is good for your overall health and heart, but in recent findings, powerful evidence has proven that exercise is great for your brain. Scientific experiments have discovered that mice consistently using running wheels had around 2x the amount of hippocampal neurons (brain cells) as the mice that didn’t exercise.

Another study at Colombia University found that humans who had a exercise training program were able to grow and maintain new brain cells and nerve cells in the hippocampus region of the brain. The specific area called the “dentate gyrus” is responsible for helping produce neurogenesis. Even more studies have discovered that those who exercised had 2 - 3x increases in the birth-rate of new neurons!

2. Eating Blueberries

Eating blueberries can trigger the growth of new brain cells? That’s right! 19-month-old rats that were put on a blueberry enriched diet [equal to about 1 cup per day for humans] were more skilled at navigating through mazes than rats who weren’t fed blueberries. Scientists know for a fact that blueberries promote the growth of new neurons. In order to track the growth of neurons, researchers injected dye into rats.

They saw that in the hippocampus region, new brain cells were generated. Scientists figure that “anthocyanin dye” - the dark bluish-dye found in blueberries caused the neurogenesis. The anthocyanin-dye contains chemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce the growth of neurons. There is growing evidence that the “anthocyanin dye” has the same effect on the brains of humans!..."

Related: For more information on brain foods, read the article Brain Foods: 50 Good Brain Foods.

http://www.biotele.com/facts.html

Questions: Blueberries! Do you agree with these findings and are these claims significant?

Eat Smart for a Healthier Brain

"Add these 'superfoods' to your daily diet, and you will increase your odds of maintaining a healthy brain for the rest of your life." By Carol Sorgen WebMD Feature Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

"There's no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. But research is showing that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain well into your old age if you add these "smart" foods to your daily eating regimen.

Blueberries. "Brainberries" is what Steven Pratt, MD, author of Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, calls these tasty fruits. Pratt, who is also on staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif., says that in animal studies researchers have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Studies have also shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats. Ann Kulze, MD, author of Dr. Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss & Lifelong Vitality, recommends adding at least 1 cup of blueberries a day in any form -- fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried.

Wild salmon. Deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, says Kulze. Both she and Pratt recommend wild salmon for its "cleanliness" and the fact that it is in plentiful supply. Omega-3s also contain anti-inflammatory substances. Other oily fish that provide the benefits of omega-3s are sardines and herring, says Kulze; she recommends a 4-ounce serving, two to three times a week.

Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, says Pratt, explaining that higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini. Raw or roasted doesn't matter, although if you're on a sodium-restricted diet, buy unsalted nuts.

Avocados. Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health, says Pratt. "I don't think the avocado gets its due," agrees Kulze. True, the avocado is a fatty fruit, but, says Kulze, it's a monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow. "And healthy blood flow means a healthy brain," she says. Avocados also lower blood pressure, says Pratt, and as hypertension is a risk factor for the decline in cognitive abilities, a lower blood pressure should promote brain health. Avocados are high in calories, however, so Kulze suggests adding just 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado to one daily meal as a side dish.

Whole grains. Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole-grain breads, and brown rice can reduce the risk for heart disease. "Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow," says Pratt. "If you promote cardiovascular health, you're promoting good flow to the organ system, which includes the brain." While wheat germ is not technically a whole grain, it also goes on Kulze's "superfoods" list because in addition to fiber, it has vitamin E and some omega-3s. Kulze suggests 1/2 cup of whole-grain cereal, 1 slice of bread two-thee times day, or 2 tablespoons of wheat germ a day."

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/eat-smart-healthier-brain

> I welcome your comments on the validity of dietary benefits from these foods in maintaining a healthy brain.

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
[b]7 Scientifically Proven Ways To Stimulate Brain Cell Growth/ Neurogenesis Boost Brain Power, Brain Phenomenon

"Neurogenesis - “The birth of new neurons in the brain; also referred to as the process in which neurons are created.”

The growth of new brain cells occurs in the region of the brain called the “hippocampus.” The ‘hippocampus’ is ...[text shortened]... b]Questions:[/b] Blueberries! Do you agree with these findings and are these claims significant?[/b]

I am afraid most albeit not all of these health claims are nonsense that just don't hold up to scientific scrutiny.

For example, they say:

“19-month-old rats that were put on a blueberry enriched diet [equal to about 1 cup per day for humans] were more skilled at navigating through mazes than rats who weren’t fed blueberries. ...”

But don't say the size of there rat population therefore we don't know if their result has any statistical significance nor did they say whether the control group was fed the same quantity of none blueberry fruits.

They then say:

“...Scientists know for a fact that blueberries promote the growth of new neurons. ...”

arr, so that means they already decided their conclusion BEFORE the experiment? oh very scientific! 😕

Their conclusion is then that:

“anthocyanin dye” - the dark bluish-dye found in blueberries caused the neurogenesis. The anthocyanin-dye contains chemicals that can cross the blood-brain barrier and produce the growth of neurons. ...”

BUT, because they presumably probably didn't give the control rat group none blueberry fruits, they cannot safely conclude that this result is due to anthocyanin-dye in the blueberries in particular and not due to to some other nutritional factor common to most fruits such as high potassium levels etc. So they are jumping to whatever conclusions they want to be true instead of scientifically looking for all alternative possible explanations.

That doesn't mean that anthocyanin-dye doesn't have some benefit to the brain, only that we cannot rationally conclude that it does from their experiment.

I am afraid the same applies to most but not necessarily all the health claims in your post that came after this one i.e they are flawed.
The only health claim out of the ones you listed that I am aware has some real rock hard scientific evidence to support it in the form of actual statistics is that moderate exercise seems to help maintain a generally healthier brain although exactly why this is, despite several explanations put forward, is still currently a complete scientific mystery.

humy, does your meal diet include any items you believe relate to good health? If so, please list them. Thanks.

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby (OP)
Organically Grown Fruits and Vegetables

Week ago I listened to an hour long presentation by a Keynote Speaker and Lecturer on "Mechanistic" (outside in) vs. the "Vitalistic" (whole body) approaches to modern medicine. The "New Start" his summary was as follows: Nutrition: Buy Organic for the minerals content (especially Asparagus, Spinach and Carrots) along with lean protein; Exercise: Walking (preferably early in the day) is preferred because it resets the biorhythms of the human body; Water: Drink one half of your body weight in lbs. / in ounces each day (180 lbs. = nine 10 ounce glasses daily); also that Watermelon contains the highest beneficial alkaline content which the acidic content of the body requires... I'll continue with "Start" if there's interest.

Q. Does this doctor sound credible and what are your views on the benefits of Organically Grown Fruits and Vegetables?
_______________________________________________

Since July 24, 2014, when I started this thread my diet has included organically grown fruits and vegetables. Fully realize what I'm about to say will be ascribed to or dismissed as imagination, but I'm sleeping more soundly than in years.

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
Since July 24, 2014, when I started this thread my diet has included organically grown fruits and vegetables. Fully realize what I'm about to say will be ascribed to or dismissed as imagination, but I'm sleeping more soundly than in years.

Did you change from non-organic fruit and veg to organic fruit and veg, or did your change from something else to fruit and veg?

Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
humy, does your meal diet include any items you believe relate to good health? If so, please list them. Thanks.

OK, but first: I avoid red meat partly because of the clear causal link between the heme-iron in red meat and cancer and I also try my best to avoid sugary foods and all processed 'junk foods' although I admit I sometimes do on the rare occasion give in to temptation.

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts -because the anti-cancer chemicals in them.

-that's it I am afraid! They are the only foods that I eat that have any special heath benefits backed up by scientific evidence that has yet to be debunked. I eat plenty of other perfectly healthy foods such as onions etc but, unlike the brassicas, all the commonly said health benefits from the many other different kinds of fruit vegetables have been shown to be myth. For example, the onions I eat, contrary to popular opinion, don't help to stop heart disease in particular although there have been a number of flawed studies that say it does )

I do eat small amounts of food supplements for health reasons. These are:

vit D and calcium (because I had mild vit D deficiency a few years ago and because of my age )

125mg of L-carnosine per day (there is apparently some claimed evidence that it may slow down the aging process but not sure how reliable that info is but I still take it in the hope that it works )

Half an aspirin each day (although the claim that it helps to prevent heart disease is myth, it does lower the risk of cancer although it must be taken with great caution because even the tiny amounts I take can increase the risk of strokes and fatal kidney damage )

One tablet of folic acid per day (although the claim that it helps to prevent heart disease is myth, it reduces the risk of strokes )

Note that I do not take antioxidant vitamin tablets such as vitamin C because taking these supplements, contrary to common belief, has been scientifically shown to lower, not rise, life expectancy in humans.

I also practice intermittent fasting for health reasons.

Originally posted by twhitehead
Did you change from non-organic fruit and veg to organic fruit and veg, or did your change from something else to fruit and veg?

Non-organic to organic transition almost completed; looking for a few difficult to find items: organic broccoli and asparagus.