The Framingham Heart Study has been tapped again, this time its data has been used to show that those who drink one or more sodas (diet included) a day may be 48% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome compared to those of us who drank less.  Metabolic syndrome is a grouping of problems that needs to include three out of the five listed: high blood pressure, increased abdominal fat/waistline, increased fasting blood sugar, increased fasting triglycerides and decreased good cholesterol (HDL).  

Many people that I’ve worked with as a Nutritionist report having up to 4-5 diet sodas a day!  Especially with diet sodas, people feel that they are “free”….perhaps of calories, but not in regards to “staining” your health!  It is a very difficult habit for many people to break – perhaps this recent report will encourage a needed change.  For every soda that someone has, it is more likely that they won’t consume water.

In traditional fashion, the soda industry is fighting back, calling the findings, “oversimplified”.  Of course, there are many lifestyle choices that also contribute to metabolic syndrome, however, soda is no health drink!  Prior studies have shown that by association people who consume sodas are also more likely to eat high fat meals that are also high in calories and low in fiber.  I really had a good laugh when I read a statement from Roger Clemens, a spokesperson for the Institute of Food Technologists.  He said, “It’s way too soon to stop drinking diet soda”.  Does it have health benefits that should make us hold onto it?  It was also mentioned that diet sodas are 99% water and thus, it seems “implausible” that there could be a connection with metabolic syndrome….unless, of course, that 1% is really bad!

Most people are confused about whether nuts are good for you or not. Most would rather snack on chips all day rather than nuts because "nuts are too fattening". If you are confused, then take a look at this and it should help you choose nuts that either are nutritious or fattening.

Raw nuts are high in vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and fat. But we do need fat and this is one of the good fats that is usable to the body. A handful of raw almonds daily, plus other good raw nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame) are highly nutritious and beneficial to the body. If you soak your nuts first - even 30 minutes, but perferably a few hours - they are much more easily digestible.

Roasted nuts on the other hand are the problem. Once nuts are roasted, the structure in the nut completely changes, the fat separates, and it is not recognized and a source of nutrition, but a toxic fat. Plus, roasted nuts usually have fat added to them in the roasting process that increases the calorie count as well as the toxic fats.

If you want to see the difference with your own eyes, try this test and see for yourself:
1) Place 1 cup water in the blender with a handful of raw nuts. Blend for at least one minute. What you will get is nutritious nut milk.
2) Now place 1 cup water in the blender with a handful of roasted nuts. Blend for at least one minute. What you will get is dirty brown water and if you let it set for a few minutes, the oil will separate and come to the top.

This is the way in which your body will utilize them as well - as a nutritious milk or a dirty brown liquid with toxic fat!