Over the last few years, there has been a dietary shift toward consuming more fats. If you are like me and try to follow the latest trends, you may have some questions. I grew up during the time when the thinking was, if you consume too much fat in your diet, it will make you, well, fat. We had skim milk, margarine, low fat this, fat free that. Then came the Atkins diet which went against all the dietary guidelines of the time. Fast forward to 2024, we now embrace the Keto Diet and the Paleo Diet.
If you are making a shift toward one of these diet’s, or just a general cooking oil user, it is important to understand how to store your fats/oils and how to use them. The fats we consume in our diet produces many benefits for the body. They digest slowly, help us to feel full, helps with the absorption of vitamins D, E, A, and K, provides warmth for the body, protects our organs, provides the cholesterol which i the building block of our hormones. But, a diet high in the wrong kinds of fat can lead to tumors, cancer, obesity, heart disease, gall bladder and liver disorders.
There are 4 categories of fats, saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats. Saturated fats can be found in animal products and a few plant products such as coconuts, peanuts, and palm kernel. These fats are solid at room temperature. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables. These fats are liquid at room temperature and may start to solidify when chilled. Monounsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, and vegetables and are considered the most stable and best used for cooking. These oils are liquid at room temperature and may solidify when chilled. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat and can be lab created to make liquid oils solid like margarine and shortening. This type of fat is extremely unhealthy and can lead to heart disease.
Choosing how you store your oils is very important due to their unique composition of fatty acids, which impacts stability and shelf life. Light, heat, and air exposure can break these oils down causing them to become rancid. Rancid oils taste bad and also contain free radicals which are detrimental to our health. Nut oils, once opened, should be stored in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and other cooking oils should be stored in a cool dark area.
Some common cooking oils and the temps you should use them are as follows:
Avocado Oil- 520 degrees, best used for grilling, roasting, searing, and stir frying
Canola Oil- 400-475 degrees, good for deep frying and other high heat cooking
Coconut Oil- 350-450 degrees
Corn Oil- 400-450 degrees and good for high heat frying
Olive Oil- 325-375 degrees good for drizzling, low heat sautéing and salad dressings
Refined Sesame Oil- 410 degrees
https://acupuncturewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACUPUNCTURE_WELLNESS_LOGO_1_for_web-e1472469077700.png00markadminhttps://acupuncturewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACUPUNCTURE_WELLNESS_LOGO_1_for_web-e1472469077700.pngmarkadmin2024-11-13 16:03:082024-11-13 16:03:11What’s The Skinny On Fats (pun intended)
Men’s reproductive health is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. I’m 52, have children that are 25, 23, and 20 years old. Needless to say, I haven’t had to pay much attention to my reproductive system in a few years. Well that all changed a couple of years ago. I will spare the gory details; but ended up getting a prostate biopsy. If you ever had one, you know it’s no picnic. Modern science needs to develop a better method for screening for prostate cancer. Thankfully the test was negative.
I have been an acupuncturist for 25 years, know the female hormonal and reproductive systems like the back of my hand; but prior to my needing a prostate biopsy, knew very little of there inner workings of my own hormonal system. A healthy reproductive system is not only vital for fertility, but also plays a key role in hormone regulation, energy levels, and mood. One of the most effective ways to support reproductive health is through proper nutrition. Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and sperm production. Zinc, for instance, is a vital component in sperm formation and testosterone synthesis, while selenium acts as an antioxidant protecting sperm from oxidative stress. Incorporating rich in these nutrients, like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and lean meats, can significantly enhance reproductive function.
In addition to these specific nutrients, overall dietary patterns also matter. A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased oxidative stress, both of which can negatively impact reproductive health. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats supports not just reproductive health but overall vitality. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries and leafy greens, can help protect sperm from damage, while foods high in healthy fats, like avocados and olive oil, support hormone production. By making mindful dietary choices, men can significantly improve their reproductive health, boost their fertility, and enhance their overall quality of life.
https://acupuncturewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACUPUNCTURE_WELLNESS_LOGO_1_for_web-e1472469077700.png00markadminhttps://acupuncturewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACUPUNCTURE_WELLNESS_LOGO_1_for_web-e1472469077700.pngmarkadmin2024-09-03 18:22:132024-09-03 18:37:26Don’t Forget About The Dudes
-The Earth Element, represented by the spleen-pancreas, regulates the “center”, that which is constant, from where it harmonizes the effects of the four seasons
– The Inner Classic
The Earth element in Chinese Medicine governs the spleen/pancreas and the stomach. The seasons associated with the Earth Element are late Summer to early Fall. The energy is particularly strong around the Fall Equinox, which is September 22nd this year. The Spleen and Stomach organ systems are responsible for digestion and the assimilation of nutrients from the foods turning it into Qi and Blood, or energy and nourishment. In particular, the creation of Wei Qi or immune system energy. It is important to eat foods the nourish and harmonize the Spleen and Stomach as to build a strong immune system in preparation for the Winter months and the cold and flu season. foods that nourish the Spleen and Stomach are mildly sweet in taste, yellow or golden in color, and round in shape.
Foods That Nourish The Spleen And Stomach
Millet Tofu
Corn Sweet Potatoes
Carrots Sweet Rice
Cabbage Rice
Garbanzo Beans Amaranth
Soy Beans Peas
Squash Chestnuts
Potatoes Apricots
String Beans Cantaloupe
Yams
In general, people with a Spleen/Stomach imbalance will be chronically tired, have physical and mental stagnation, and compulsive, “stuck” behavior that prevents them from creatively developing their personalities. They typically have weak digestion, may have nausea, a poor appetite, a dull sense of taste, abdominal bloating, and loose stools. Patients may have blood-sugar issues and struggle to loose or gain weight.
https://acupuncturewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACUPUNCTURE_WELLNESS_LOGO_1_for_web-e1472469077700.png00markadminhttps://acupuncturewellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ACUPUNCTURE_WELLNESS_LOGO_1_for_web-e1472469077700.pngmarkadmin2024-08-22 16:55:212024-09-03 18:26:22Eating With The Seasons
What’s The Skinny On Fats (pun intended)
Over the last few years, there has been a dietary shift toward consuming more fats. If you are like me and try to follow the latest trends, you may have some questions. I grew up during the time when the thinking was, if you consume too much fat in your diet, it will make you, well, fat. We had skim milk, margarine, low fat this, fat free that. Then came the Atkins diet which went against all the dietary guidelines of the time. Fast forward to 2024, we now embrace the Keto Diet and the Paleo Diet.
If you are making a shift toward one of these diet’s, or just a general cooking oil user, it is important to understand how to store your fats/oils and how to use them. The fats we consume in our diet produces many benefits for the body. They digest slowly, help us to feel full, helps with the absorption of vitamins D, E, A, and K, provides warmth for the body, protects our organs, provides the cholesterol which i the building block of our hormones. But, a diet high in the wrong kinds of fat can lead to tumors, cancer, obesity, heart disease, gall bladder and liver disorders.
There are 4 categories of fats, saturated, polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, and trans fats. Saturated fats can be found in animal products and a few plant products such as coconuts, peanuts, and palm kernel. These fats are solid at room temperature. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables. These fats are liquid at room temperature and may start to solidify when chilled. Monounsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, and vegetables and are considered the most stable and best used for cooking. These oils are liquid at room temperature and may solidify when chilled. Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat and can be lab created to make liquid oils solid like margarine and shortening. This type of fat is extremely unhealthy and can lead to heart disease.
Choosing how you store your oils is very important due to their unique composition of fatty acids, which impacts stability and shelf life. Light, heat, and air exposure can break these oils down causing them to become rancid. Rancid oils taste bad and also contain free radicals which are detrimental to our health. Nut oils, once opened, should be stored in the refrigerator to keep fresh. Olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and other cooking oils should be stored in a cool dark area.
Some common cooking oils and the temps you should use them are as follows:
Avocado Oil- 520 degrees, best used for grilling, roasting, searing, and stir frying
Canola Oil- 400-475 degrees, good for deep frying and other high heat cooking
Coconut Oil- 350-450 degrees
Corn Oil- 400-450 degrees and good for high heat frying
Olive Oil- 325-375 degrees good for drizzling, low heat sautéing and salad dressings
Refined Sesame Oil- 410 degrees
Don’t Forget About The Dudes
Men’s reproductive health is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. I’m 52, have children that are 25, 23, and 20 years old. Needless to say, I haven’t had to pay much attention to my reproductive system in a few years. Well that all changed a couple of years ago. I will spare the gory details; but ended up getting a prostate biopsy. If you ever had one, you know it’s no picnic. Modern science needs to develop a better method for screening for prostate cancer. Thankfully the test was negative.
I have been an acupuncturist for 25 years, know the female hormonal and reproductive systems like the back of my hand; but prior to my needing a prostate biopsy, knew very little of there inner workings of my own hormonal system. A healthy reproductive system is not only vital for fertility, but also plays a key role in hormone regulation, energy levels, and mood. One of the most effective ways to support reproductive health is through proper nutrition. Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels and sperm production. Zinc, for instance, is a vital component in sperm formation and testosterone synthesis, while selenium acts as an antioxidant protecting sperm from oxidative stress. Incorporating rich in these nutrients, like nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and lean meats, can significantly enhance reproductive function.
In addition to these specific nutrients, overall dietary patterns also matter. A diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased oxidative stress, both of which can negatively impact reproductive health. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats supports not just reproductive health but overall vitality. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries and leafy greens, can help protect sperm from damage, while foods high in healthy fats, like avocados and olive oil, support hormone production. By making mindful dietary choices, men can significantly improve their reproductive health, boost their fertility, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Eating With The Seasons
Earth Element
-The Earth Element, represented by the spleen-pancreas, regulates the “center”, that which is constant, from where it harmonizes the effects of the four seasons
– The Inner Classic
The Earth element in Chinese Medicine governs the spleen/pancreas and the stomach. The seasons associated with the Earth Element are late Summer to early Fall. The energy is particularly strong around the Fall Equinox, which is September 22nd this year. The Spleen and Stomach organ systems are responsible for digestion and the assimilation of nutrients from the foods turning it into Qi and Blood, or energy and nourishment. In particular, the creation of Wei Qi or immune system energy. It is important to eat foods the nourish and harmonize the Spleen and Stomach as to build a strong immune system in preparation for the Winter months and the cold and flu season. foods that nourish the Spleen and Stomach are mildly sweet in taste, yellow or golden in color, and round in shape.
Foods That Nourish The Spleen And Stomach
In general, people with a Spleen/Stomach imbalance will be chronically tired, have physical and mental stagnation, and compulsive, “stuck” behavior that prevents them from creatively developing their personalities. They typically have weak digestion, may have nausea, a poor appetite, a dull sense of taste, abdominal bloating, and loose stools. Patients may have blood-sugar issues and struggle to loose or gain weight.