In the pursuit of good health, we often forget the profound impact that food can have on our well-being. As the famous physician Hippocrates wisely stated in 400 BC, “Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Today, more than ever, we recognize the importance of nutrition in preventing and treating diseases. The antioxidants in colorful foods like berries, peppers, carrots, sweet potatoes, and greens, as well as essential vitamins like C, found in kiwi fruits and citrus foods, all contribute to our overall health. Furthermore, the balance of macronutrients—protein, fats, and carbohydrates—plays a crucial role. It’s clear: food is indeed medicine.
In recent years, a new term has emerged: nutraceuticals. These are dietary supplements derived from food that are sold in various forms, such as pills or powders, offering both medicinal and nutritional benefits. Nutraceuticals range from vitamins and herbal remedies to fortified cereals. In an upcoming episode, we will explore the nutraceuticals commonly found on cereal boxes. It’s fascinating to note that three-quarters of Canadians consume these supplements, highlighting their growing popularity. Dr. Paul Spagnuolo, our esteemed guest today, has dedicated his research to evaluating the therapeutic potential of nutraceuticals.
From the research I have done into his work, he has been at this for a while and while now talking about metabolic health – a topic that we had Dr. B weigh in on in Episode 147, metabolic flexibility.
Today on EAT THIS with Lianne, we talked about how to help your metabolic health and even deal with insulin resistance with a component found in an avocado!
The astonishing array of components present in our food continues to astound researchers. However, unlocking the full benefits often requires consuming large quantities of a particular ingredient. For instance, lycopene, known for its prostate health benefits, is found in tomatoes. However, a medium-sized tomato contains only 4 mg of lycopene, which may not provide the desired impact. Consequently, experts like food scientists and professors must employ innovative techniques to extract and concentrate these valuable components. Dr. Spagnuolo is among these dedicated individuals, actively working to understand how avocado compounds influence cell metabolism and combat leukemia.
Dr. Spagnuolo joined the Department of Food Science in 2016 after holding an Assistant Professor position at the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo. His research focuses on the development of nutraceuticals as novel therapeutics and understanding cellular mechanisms by which nutraceuticals influence cell biology. As a leading nutraceutical researcher, Dr. Spagnuolo works to help understand how avocado compounds affect cell metabolism and leukemia.
What we discussed:
- Understanding Metabolic Health and Insulin Resistance
- Causes and Prevalence of Insulin Resistance
- Dr. Spagnuolo’s Research Findings
- Other Noteworthy Research on Health and Disease Prevention
- How to Learn More
In a world where pharmaceuticals often dominate the conversation around health, it’s refreshing to see researchers like Dr. Paul Spagnuolo emphasize the potential of food as medicine. Our understanding of metabolic health and insulin resistance is evolving, and by harnessing the power of components found in avocados and other nutrient-rich foods, we can take control of our well-being. Let’s embrace this new frontier of research and nourish our bodies with the healing power of food. After all, our health is in our hands, or rather, on our plates.
Product details: https://www.metavo.com/
Instagram page: metavohealth
