Hormesis and the Power of Plants “Bitter-tasting chemicals made by plants act as natural pesticides. When we eat plant-based foods, we consume low levels of these toxins, which mildly stresses cells in the body in much the same way that exercise or going without food for long periods does. The cells do not die—in fact, they get stronger because their response to the stress shores up their ability to adapt to still more stress. This process of bolstering cellular resilience is called hormesis—and a growing body of research indicates that it accounts for the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables.” Source: Chemicals that plants make to ward off pests stimulate nerve cells in ways that may protect the brain against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dr. Mark P. Mattson's research, continues to fascinate us with findings on the true value of vegetables, emphasizing their role in triggering cellular adaptive responses that promote resilience and longevity, b...
"Watermelon Sugar High" - High on GI, not GL While Harry Styles captures the intoxicating allure of "Watermelon Sugar" in his song, his focus isn't on nutritional guidance. He explores the metaphorical sweetness of pleasure and desire. In contrast, let's take a closer look at the practicalities of how watermelon impacts blood sugar levels, considering both its glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL). You might have heard the advice to avoid high-GI foods when trying to lose weight. This often includes warnings about grapes and watermelon due to their sugar content. But does this mean we need to completely banish these fruits, especially when they're in season, bursting with nutrients and fiber, and readily available fresh and local? Well, to get to the bottom of that, you'll have to stick with me until the end of this (admittedly long) post, or you can simply scroll ahead if you're impatient! ☕ Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load The glycemic in...