Highlights

Health is not just a mind-set - it's a way of living. Diet culture is the in-thing these days and there is mushrooming of the number of health and wellness options in the industry. In the quest for eating healthy, people often end up pursuing diets that are just passing fads and not sustainable in the long run. A new research suggests that the consequences of dieting and even talking about dieting are much more pronounced in children than their adult counterparts.

Research suggests that the number of children and teens developing eating disorders continues to grow, thanks to excessive diet culture. These eating disorders can affect their health, both physical and mental, for many years to come, and thus, may be harmful for children. Diet culture is especially harmful for children since they are in the most need of a balanced diet with ample quantities of all the nutrients, which gives energy and encourages growth. If kids take up dieting, they are at a high risk of developing deficiencies of nutrients such as iron and calcium that are essential to the functioning of the body.

Jennifer Anderson, who is the founder of an Instagram page called 'Kids Eat In Color', feels the issue rings pretty close to home. "I've heard preschool teachers saying that kids will look at another kid's lunch bag and see chips, and tell them, 'Your mom's giving you poison'," said Anderson. Parents too have a vital role in preventing children from getting addicted to any diet culture. One way is to block, delete or avoid installing apps or watching shows which promote excessive dieting. With steps like these, children will stay put to eating a balanced diet and reduce risk of them developing any eating disorders.

About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.

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Here's Why Ending Diet Culture In Children Is More Important Than Them Eating Vegetables - NDTV Food

Don't go for the newest diet people are talking about, just eat healthier foods instead

LAUREN PETTIT | DAILY EVERGREEN ILLUSTRATION

Move over paleo, these diets don't solve the issue of being a healthier person. Instead focus on foods that are healthier and cutting calorie counts to achieve a healthier lifestyle for yourself.

There are so many options when looking for a newdiet plan. There is keto, vegan, intermediate fasting, vegetarian, paleo, detoxor juice cleanse and much more to choose from. These diets are trendy andunhealthy.

Fad diets often lead people to believe that there is a one-size-fits-all diet, and this is the one. The secrets out there isnt one perfect diet for all of us, said Lauren Keeney, a registered dietitian nutritionist and the owner and operator of Integrated Health LLC located in Moscow.

College is a colliding environment of lack of money and energy. When a student is lacking money, it is easier to buy staple items. These items look like ramen, canned veggies or soup and anything else that can be found at a low price. These low-price items are high in cholesterol and fat and they lack many of the key nutrients that are needed in a balanced diet. Low-cost foods also increase weight gain and fatigue.

It can come as no surprise that many college students are hopping on diet trends to lose weight fast, in the high stress and low energy environment. These fad diets are used to change a students look, weight and energy level.

I have done every diet you can do, from keto to fasting, said Hannah Bidon, a WSU junior majoring in nutrition and exercise physiology and minoring in psychology.

The diet is a quick fix that can have little tono effect on a students daily eating habits.

In my experience, I gave up and I couldnt doit. This was because it was unnatural for my body, Bidon said.

Starting a new diet can be exciting at first. Eventually the diet will come to an end, leaving the body feeling unhealthy and overall useless. Cutting out key components to a diet can harm the body.

Eat foods that your body craves and foods that make your body feel good, energized and satisfied. This means, eat what you enjoy and enjoy what you eat physically, mentally and emotionally, Keeney said.

Cutting out just carbsand fat can affect the body. Unless there are dietary restrictions or religiousguidelines, an individual should provide their body with all food groups.

The students that want to change their diets for ethical and environmental reasons are very different from those who want to lose 10 pounds in eight days. They try the new diets of detox, juice cleanse, one large meal a day, keto, paleo and much more. There are fewer extreme ways of dieting and healthy choices.

Diets come to an end and so does that healthy eating. Many times, the diet trend does not change an individuals overall eating habits or relationship with food.

In the end I gained the weight back or felt unhealthy after the diet, Bidon said.

Diets dont last forever, it is easier to makelife changes.

What many young adultslack in their diet is having a healthy relationship with food, Keeney said.

The best advice I was given was to balance the plate. Have all the food groups represented on the plate. Fruit and veggies, grain (bread, potatoes and more), protein (fish, eggs, tofu and nuts) and dairy (milk, yogurt and cheese).

Add more color to your diet, this way you canensure youre getting a variety of nutrients to support your overall health,Keeney said.

Students can add nutritious and need food groupsby adding in diverse veggies and sides to their main dish.

Take top ramen, for example. Overall it is not healthy. But it is cheap, so it is a staple in any students dorm, apartment, or house. It can be made healthier by adding a protein (I like an egg or two) and some green veggies. It not only looks more appetizing it can be more nutritious and filling.

Why even diet when it can end in gaining the weight back? I suggest making little healthy changes that can improve overall attitudes towards food. Little changes can make a big difference.

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OPINION: Research before you try a diet - The Daily Evergreen

When Jeff Lewis first started to develop symptoms of multiple sclerosis, he brushed them off. I couldnt get my right and left leg in sync when I was walking my right leg was delayed, the Houston-area chef tells Yahoo Lifestyle. But I was a typical male and I ignored it for a very long time.

Things got progressively worse from there, Lewis says. It wasnt until his vision started deteriorating at a concert that he finally admitted something was wrong. I was at a concert and, whenever I looked at the exit sign, everything would shake, he explains. I later found out that I was going completely blind in my right eye and my left eye was trying to compensate. At this point, Lewis says, he finally told his wife that, something was wrong.

Lewiss symptoms would get worse from there. I also lost the ability to speak, he says. Lewis finally saw his family practitioner who referred him to a neurologist. He was given four different MRIs and, finally, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and usually progressive autoimmune disease that damages the sheaths of the nerve cells in a persons brain and spinal cord, according to theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society. MS patients can have symptoms like difficulty with balance, trouble walking and involuntary muscle spasms. They can also struggle with invisible symptoms like fatigue, numbness and tingling, weakness, pain, cognitive changes and bladder and bowel issues.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society reports that more than 2.3 million people have MS worldwide.

Former chef Jeff Lewis in his element, the kitchen. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Lewis)

At the time of his diagnosis, Lewis had started his own catering business and was even cooking for NBA players. My diagnosis happened around the same time as my company took off, he says. I had also just had my son. I just thought, Why did this happen to me?

Lewis says he was initially shocked by the diagnosis but, I wanted to be strong for my family. But three days later, he says, he went on his porch and cried like a baby. I just didnt understand why this was happening, he says. I couldnt see and I could barely talk. MS symptoms can be exacerbated by heat and stress two factors that were common for Lewis in his job and his neurologist recommended that he stop his work as a caterer. My entire world was crashing, Lewis recalls. But that night, I just decided Im going to fight this thing as hard as I can and make sure that Im doing everything I can.

Lewis started taking medication a shot he took every other day but it gave him flu-like symptoms. My quality of life sucked, he says. But he eventually transitioned to a newer medication that involved taking a pill a day, and didnt have the same side effects.

Despite his doctors recommendation, Lewis wasnt quite ready to give up his work yet. That came later, when he was cooking at the 2013 NBA All-Star game. While I was in the kitchen, it got too hot and my legs went out on me, he says. I had to stop and I sold the business.

Lewis eventually transitioned to working in real estate, but food has remained an important part of his life and treatment. I started eliminating a lot of the fried foods that I love, limiting my red meat intake and trying to have as many fruits and vegetables as possible, he says. Lewis also avoids processed foods and limits alcohol to social occasions. I was never a heavy drinker, so that transition was much easier for me, he says.

And, Lewis says, changing his diet has had its benefits. I feel like the combination of my diet and medication has helped. I can now see with both eyes and my speech is back.

While Lewis says he has symptoms from time to time,, he adds that, for the most part, my quality of life and outlook is so much better.

Lewis has also experimented with what he calls unconventional foods like Caribbean sea moss. A friend recommended it to me, he says. I take a tablespoon a day. It tastes horrible, but I genuinely feel like its helping me to stay afloat, along with eating better and taking my medication.

Experts generally recommend that patients with multiple sclerosis strive to follow the samelow-fat, high-fiber diet recommendations from the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

While theres no set diet, a number of diets have been proposed, Amit Sachdev, MD, medical director for the Department of Neurology at Michigan State University, tells Yahoo Lifestyle. Most diets that people with autoimmune diseases adhere to are focused on limiting carbohydrates and processed foods, he adds. Those can include diets that are gluten-free, paleo, Atkins, ketogenic and even Weight Watchers. The key is to maintain a healthy body environment, says Sachdev. A healthy body is important for all organ systems, including the brain and spinal cord.

The role of diet in MS symptoms is still being studied in humans, but eating well can cause improvements in fatigue and improvements in quality of life, Barbara Giesser, MD, neurologist and MS specialist at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

Its generally recommended that people with MS also limit how much alcohol they have. Its not the alcohol affects MS per se, but its a neurotoxin in anybody, Giesser explains. Alcohol can also impair balance and coordination, which can be a problem for some people with MS anyway. It also doesnt interact well with some MS medications.

Processed foods should also be kept to a minimum, says Sachdev. Good nutrition is an important part of avoiding bad days, he explains. Getting the most out of your meal times is the most important part of good nutrition. Its far more important than trying to supplement afterward.

Jeff Lewis enjoying life with his wife, Angela, and their two children. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Lewis)

Lewis says its important for him to eat well to stay healthy. You are what you eat, and thats true with MS too, he says.

Now, he says hes trying to be flexible with what every day will bring. With MS, you dont know whats coming, he says. Im not fearful about it, though. I just do my best and go about my day.

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'You are what you eat': Why this former chef changed his diet after being diagnosed with MS - Yahoo Lifestyle

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At first glance, the practice of intermittent fasting may appear similar to other trends that have captured the attention of the diet science world. In recent years, many have advocated for the practice of intermittent fasting, claiming benefits such as increased lifespan, mitigation of chronic disease risk, and improvements in physical performance. However, the actual potential for intermittent fasting in disease management and its benefit for healthy individuals have been a topic of debate.

According to a review published in The New England Journal of Medicine, evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials on intermittent fasting have found benefits for a number of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and neurologic disorders. Several of the benefits of intermittent fasting were found to be unassociated with its effects on weight loss. Some of these identified benefits include improvements in glucose regulation, blood pressure, heart rate, as well as in the efficacy of endurance training and abdominal fat loss. While the review authors noted that we do not fully understand the specific mechanisms of how intermittent fasting facilitate these benefits, it is thought to be due to a phenomenon known as metabolic switching.

Intermittent fasting utilizes distinct periods of feeding and fasting. In the fasted state, cells increase glucose regulation and stress resistance and suppress inflammation. This occurs in concert with the catabolism of triglycerides stored in adipose tissue, which subsequently leads to the production of ketone bodies that can serve as an energy source for tissues including the brain. In the fed state, cells use a glucose-based metabolism to engage in tissue-specific growth and plasticity. One of the more notable effects of switching between these 2 metabolic states is that the respiratory-exchange ratio in fasted individuals is reduced, which may indicate greater metabolic flexibility and energy production.

Intermittent fasting brings about an adaptive and evolutionarily conserved cellular response across a number of organ systems, which in turn leads to improved glucose regulation, increased stress resistance, and suppression of inflammation. Were built to function mentally and physically well in a food deprived state. Of course, in the wild its not voluntary fasting theres food scarcity and food deprivation, noted Mark Mattson, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and co-author of this review. He added that, During evolution, presumably, the brains and bodies that functioned well in a food deprived state were those that were successful in getting food and surviving and passing their genes on.

Although this eating pattern has shown potential for treating or managing chronic disorders including obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, cancers, and neurodegenerative brain diseases, the review authors highlighted that further research is needed to generalize these findings to groups not involved in each study. Moreover, although preclinical animal studies have shown intermittent fasting to extend lifespan, clinical research in this area is limited due to the lack of longitudinal study data.

While an intermittent fasting eating pattern may be appropriate for some individuals, it can be difficult to adhere to and may not be the ideal pattern for everyone. I think its important that when we are looking at intermittent fasting or any diet, what works needs to be sustainable over a long period of time, indicated Fatima Cody Stanford MD, MPH, MPA, an obesity medicine physician, scientist, and policy maker at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Clinicians who consider prescribing this eating pattern should also determine its appropriateness for their respective patients. This may include consulting a dietician and/or psychologist to determine whether a given patient is a good candidate for intermittent fasting. Furthermore, clinicians may want to discuss the willingness or ability to sustain such an eating pattern for an extended period of time with each patient. Because many individuals are accustomed to 3 meals with interspersed snacks as part of their daily routine, switching to this eating pattern may prove to be an early challenge in their treatment course.

It is also important to counsel patients on the initial adverse effects that may be associated with this eating pattern, such as irritability and reduced ability to concentrate during periods of food restriction. In order to ameliorate these adverse effects, it may be appropriate to consider a gradual transition into this eating pattern.

Intermittent fasting may have gained traction as a diet fad, but preliminary research has established a clear, if untested, scientific and medical benefit via its use as a prescribed and monitored eating pattern.

Reference

De Cabo R and Mattson MP. Effects of intermittent fasting on health, aging, and disease [published online December 26, 2019]. New Engl J Med. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1905136

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The Biggest Diet Trend of 2020 Is Not A Diet - Medical Bag

Meal residues entering the colon are metabolized by the gut microbiota and may lead to functional digestive symptoms in the general population. New research shows that probiotics may help improve the tolerance of a plant-based flatulogenic diet.

Although under physiologic conditions meal ingestion has a pleasurable dimension, a large proportion of the general population presents functional digestive symptoms including abdominal bloating, distension and discomfort. And gastrointestinal discomfort usually appears in the context of a plant-based diet rich in fermentable residues for our gut microbiota.

A new exploratory intervention study, led by Dr. Fernando Azpiroz from the Digestive System Research Unit at University Hospital Vall dHebron (Barcelona), shows the potential role of a fermented milk product with a probiotic bacterium in improving digestive comfort in response to a plant-based diet in healthy individuals.

Briefly, 63 healthy adult subjects received a 3-day high-residue dietincluding foods such as legumes, vegetables, whole grain cereals and fruitbefore and after 28 days consumption of a fermented milk product with lactic acid bacteria and the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CNCM I-2494. In an initial phase, participants received their habitual diet followed by a 3-day flatulogenic diet. Those subjects with at least 50% daily adherence to the flatulogenic diet and an increase in flatulence score equal to or higher than 2 then entered the 28-day administration phase consisting of 2 daily pots of a fermented milk product with B. lactis CNCM I-2494 and lactic acid bacteria.

The 3-day flatulogenic diet induced gas-related symptoms, increased the daily number of anal gas evacuations and dampened digestive well-being, compared with the habitual diet. These findings were in agreement with a previous study that found patients complaining of flatulence had an increased number of gas evacuations related with abdominal symptoms, which was tied to instability in the gut microbial ecosystem.

Consuming the fermented milk product for 28 days reduced the subjective flatulence sensation and improved digestive well-being, which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of daily anal gas evacuations.

Although fermented milk product consumption did not lead to changes in fecal microbiota diversity, some associations were found between the product and both clinical parameters and the relative abundance of some gut bacteria.

For instance, the reduction in the number of anal gas evacuations correlated with a decrease in the relative abundance of Mogibacterium and Parvimonas and an increase in Desulfobibrionaceae. Furthermore, the reduced flatulence sensation was associated with a depletion in the relative abundance of Methanobrevibacter species and an increase in Succinivibrio.

On the whole, these findings show that the inclusion of a fermented milk product with a probiotic bacterium in the diet of healthy subjects may help improve the tolerance of a plant-based flatulogenic diet. The authors suggested that the improvement of digestive symptoms through intake of a fermented milk product could be related to both the gut microbiota metabolism of plant substrates and an effect probiotics have on gut sensitivity. Due to the high prevalence of functional digestive symptoms among the general population, exploring the role of probiotics for managing them might be worthwhile.

This review article belongs to the special issue Food and Diet for Gut Function and Dysfunction in the peer reviewed open access journal Nutrients. This issue was instigated by the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, guest edited by Profs Fernando Azpiroz and Paul Enck, and made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Danone.

Reference:

Le Nev B, Martinez de la Torre A, Tap J, et al. A fermented milk product with B. lactis CNCM I-2494 and lactic acid bacteria improves gastrointestinal comfort in response to a challenge diet rich in fermentable residues in healthy subjects. Nutrients. 2020; 12(2), 320. doi: 10.3390/nu12020320.

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A fermented milk product with a probiotic bacterium may improve the tolerance of a flatulogenic diet in healthy subjects - Gut Microbiota for Health

Nutrition has been a buzz word within the Fittest Loser Team Challenge the past few years and many participants have discovered that diet may be more effective than working out when it comes to losing weight.

Many of this year's participants have tried different diets throughout the years, including keto, paleo, Mediterranean and dieting programs like Weight Watchers. Some have found success with these diets while others continue to struggle with weight loss.

"We want to learn more about nutrition and healthy eating and participate in a life change and not just a diet," said Denice Sbertoli from team "Fab Friends" of Wood Dale. "We are looking for a better food relationship."

We all know how easy it is to make poor food choices due to stress, convenience, lack of planning or general lack of knowledge.

Fortunately, team participants can gain a better understanding of food by attend several classes as part of this challenge. They include grocery store tours with a registered dietitian, nutrition classes provided by Profile by Sanford in South Barrington, and healthy cooking demonstrations at Cooking Skills Academy in Itasca.

We asked team captains to tell us what their team would like to cut out of their diets. Of course, the usual suspects were mentioned: sugar, carbs and alcohol, but a new goal has been making an appearance -- processed foods.

We've offered nutritional tours in the past, and one of the main focal points for successful healthy shopping and avoiding processed foods is to shop the perimeter of the store.

Some other healthy eating goals for teams include increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, trying meatless Monday, reading labels, reducing sodium consumption and meal prepping.

Kari-Ann Ryan of Midwest Moving & Storage's "Midwest Movers & Shakers" says she has been packing a lunch more often than she has in the past and uses the app My Fitness Pal to help keep track of her food intake.

The "Cast-A-Weighs" are also adapting their regular routine to include healthy lunches and snacks while being smart shoppers.

Other hot topics being discussed are healthy alternatives to comfort foods and go-to dishes that are quick to serve.

Kim Holm of "Size: Sexy" from NEC Display Solutions in Downers Grove says: "I am going to try cauliflower instead of rice and pasta alternatives. I have also found a low-carb bread."

Emilia Ivanova of Coldwell Bankers Real Estate's "Meltaways" from Schaumburg says her team has been trying apple chips instead of potato chips to snack on between meals.

Some teams have mentioned successes and routines but are looking for other ways to prepare their favorite healthy options. A team member of Bloomingdale Park District's "B-Fit, B-Fabuless" recommends using different spices and rubs. The team also spends time searching for new recipes to try and share with each other.

There are many ways to help make the transition to a healthier diet easier. The support of teammates is one strategy.

Ron McCormick of The Salvation Army's "Block the Plate" in Hoffman Estates mentions that "teamwork and helping each other" is helping him reach his healthy eating goals.

The Fittest Loser Team Challenge will honor top teams and individuals as determined by weight loss and participation in challenge activities. Those awards, as well as a team captain champion, will be announced at the Fittest Loser Finale on Tuesday, May 12, at Chandler's Banquets in Schaumburg. Participants and the general public are invited and can register at events.dailyherald.com. Follow the teams' progress and join the discussion on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TheFittestLoserDH.

Continue reading here:
Fittest Loser Team Challenge: Healthy lifestyle more effective than a diet - Chicago Daily Herald

It's not uncommon for Instagram users to find a bunch of influencers touting a new diet or exercise routine in their feeds.

Though those influencers claim to promote healthy living or body positivity, their perfectly posed images can reinforce an unhealthy behavior an obsession with healthy eating.

Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which people become super fixated on the quality of food that they eat. It's not as common as anorexia or bulimia, but the disorder is growing more relevant in certain circles.

American culture's focus on nutrition, fitness, weight and appearance causes some people to latch onto certain fad diets that remove large categories of foods in an attempt to become healthier, according to Dr. Maija Broox Bruzas, a licensed psychologist at Penn Medicine's Center for Weight and Eating Disorders.

"Instagram and healthy food blogs can lure people in and then people can become obsessed with crafting the optimal diet and improving their health," Bruzas said. "Also, a lot of blogs have anecdotal reports about the benefits or harms of certain foods, which are not always based on solid research evidence so people can latch onto false information and then drastically change their diet based on that information and become scared of eating foods they read were harmful."

About 1 % to 7% of the general population has orthorexia nervosa, but its prevalence tends to be higher among athletes, dietitians, medical residents and ashtanga yoga practitioners.

People withorthorexia nervosaare very rigid with their diet, focusing only on foods that are perceived to be healthy or serve as a cure for a medical condition.

It all comes down to the purity of the food, said Erin Wickersham, a registered dietitian at Virtua Health,

People with orthorexia nervosa will exclude large categories of food including those they enjoy because they perceive the foods as unhealthy or harmful.

They are likely to spend large amounts of time reading about the effects of foods on health, searching for perceived healthy foods, and preparing them accordingly, Bruzas added. They also may develop a fear of foods they consider harmful and avoid social gatherings involving food.

Obsessive compulsive disorder behaviors are also common among people with orthorexia nervosa, Wickersham said. And that affects their ability to enjoy time with family and friends.

People with orthorexia nervosa tend to judge their personal worth on whether they can adhere to their strict dietary rules. In some cases, they may even develop a strong belief in the magical curative properties of certain foods. For example, they may believe food can cure a major medical illness without any other intervention.

How dangerous is orthorexia nervosa?

It's generally not as dangerous as anorexia or bulimia, Bruzas said. But it can prove damaging to a person's physical and mental health.

Excluding certain food groups can lead to malnutrition.A person with orthorexia nervosa may suffer vitamin and mineral deficiencies and lose too much weight. Digestive cleanses also can lead to negative physical effects.

They are also at greater risk for gastrointestinal problems, loss of bone density, significant fatigue, dizziness and cardiovascular conditions, like a slow heart rate.Women may develop amenorrhea, the absence of monthly menstruation.

"A key goal of treatment would be changing problematic thoughts about foods, increasing dietary flexibility and actively trying perceived unhealthy foods, and learning healthy ways to cope with difficult emotions that arise after eating those foods," Bruzas said. "It would also involve developing positive self-worth from other aspects of the self and from engagement in other life pursuits."

Orthorexia nervosa generally requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes mental health, nutrition and medical care, Wickersham said. She said that she is interested in better understanding the people the disorder affects and learning how to identify red flags to prevent it.

"As a dietitian, I spread the message that there is no one food group that makes us healthy," she said. "People with orthorexia nervosa fail to see that healthy eating is about healthy eating patterns and a balance of foods."

The term orthorexia nervosa is relatively new, having only been coined in 1998. The disorder is not yet formally recognized in the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual and studies on treatment are lacking.It wasn't until 2018 that a clear set ofdiagnostic criteria was defined for the condition.

People with orthorexia nervosa currently are diagnosed as having another specified eating disorder, an unspecified eating disorder or an avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.

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Obsessing over a healthy diet can lead to an unusual eating disorder - PhillyVoice.com

Thinking about starting a new diet? While the amount of information available can be overwhelming, its possible to find a diet that is safe, suitable and effective for your lifestyle.

Emily Monfiletto, senior registered dietitian with Baylor Medicine, discusses what you need to know about the MIND diet.

A: The Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, or MIND diet, is a combination of the Mediterranean eating pattern as well as the DASH eating pattern. Researchers have looked at the possibility that a combination of these two eating patterns could potentially delay or prevent Alzheimers disease.

More research is needed, but the thought is that this combination may work by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which causes damage to cells especially brain cells.

A: The studies that have been conducted so far are observational, but the research is promising. Observational studies have found that individuals who followed the MIND diet rigorously lowered their risk of developing Alzheimers disease by 53%. Individuals who followed the MIND diet moderately saw a 35% reduction in risk for developing the disease.

A: The recommended foods are: vegetables, (especially green, leafy vegetables), berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultry and wine.Note that it is not recommended to drink more than one glass (five ounces) of wine daily when following this plan.

Discouraged foods are: butter or margarine, cheese, red meat, fried foods, pastries and sweets.

A: Overall, there are many benefits to the MIND diet outside of brain health. The diet is high in fiber as well as lower in saturated fat and added sugar. This can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also potentially work for weight loss, but should be individualized based on each person and their goals.

A: This is a healthy eating pattern for anyone to follow. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, you can modify the plan based on your needs.

A: Typically, there are none. If you are not used to consuming higher amounts of fiber, you will want to slowly increase intake of higher fiber foods to help avoid typical side effects such as bloating or gas.

A: Drinking wine is not mandatory. If you are currently not drinking, or have health conditions where it is not recommended to drink alcohol, then it is best to continue to avoid. You can still gain plenty of benefits from following this particular eating pattern with or without wine.

Debating Diets: What does it mean to be flexitarian?

See more from the Debating Diets series.

-By Nicole Blanton

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Debating Diets: What is the MIND diet? - Baylor College of Medicine News

1 1/2 cups whole wheat pasta, uncooked (use your favorite pasta shape)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon dried parsley

3 cups fresh vegetables, washed and chopped. Any of these vegetables will work great: carrots, celery, broccoli, green pepper, cucumber, onion and many more.

Wash hands with soap and water. Cook pasta according to package directions. In a small saucepan, make dressing by combining vinegar, water, sugar, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dill weed and dried parsley. Bring to a boil then remove from heat and cool. In a large bowl, combine pasta and vegetables. Pour cooled dressing mixture over pasta and vegetables, stir well and refrigerate 3 to 4 hours before serving. Garnish the pasta salad with fresh herbs or parsley.

Serving Size is 1/6 of recipe. Per serving: 260 calories, 13g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 90mg sodium, 33g total carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 4g protein

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Eat.Move.Connect. Recipe: Add more veggies to your diet with Vegetable Pasta Salad - Crow River Media