News 9 speaks with a registered dietitian on selecting the best foods to maintain physical and mental strength.
With an estimated cost reaching up to $50 billion, the importance of health and food choices has been a hot topic recently. To provide invaluable insights, we invited an expert in the field. Joining us on Daybreak is Elizabeth White, a registered dietitian at Southern New Hampshire Health. Thank you for being here this morning! As students return to school and many people settle back after vacations, we’re reminded that flu season and other illnesses are still prevalent. What foods can everyone incorporate into their diets to bolster their immune systems and maintain optimal health?
“Thank you for having me,” Elizabeth replied. “When it comes to enhancing immunity, it’s essential to understand that no single vitamin or mineral can outshine the others. The key is variety. In nutrition, we often say ‘eat the rainbow’ because different nutrients correspond with different colors of food. For instance, we have lycopene and beta-carotene, among many others. It’s crucial to include a range of colors in your diet — reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and whites. Each color offers unique health benefits.”
“It’s reassuring to hear you say ‘eat the rainbow,’ as I often told my kids the same thing,” responded the host. Changing the subject, there’s news that the Department of Health and Human Services may take stricter measures against sugary drinks commonly consumed from cafes like Dunkin’ and Starbucks — local favorites. Can you detail the health risks associated with these sugary beverages?
“Consistently consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to significant health issues,” Elizabeth explained. “These include weight gain, cavities, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. For example, many sugary drinks can contain around 80 grams of sugar on average, with some topping out at 172 grams! To put that into perspective, four grams of sugar is equivalent to one teaspoon. That means an average beverage can contain around 20 teaspoons of sugar, while the highest may even have nearly 43 teaspoons, approaching a cup of sugar. It certainly seems excessive.”
“Many shoppers feel overwhelmed upon entering a grocery store. What strategies can you suggest to help them make healthier choices while shopping? What specific things should they look for on labels?”
“From a nutrition standpoint, we prefer not to label foods as simply ‘good’ or ‘bad,’” Elizabeth noted. “Instead, we look at whether foods assist in achieving your health goals or not. If there’s one thing I would recommend paying attention to on labels, it would be the amount of added sugar. Added sugars contribute empty calories without any vitamins, minerals, fiber, or even hydration. So, it’s definitely wise to keep an eye on added sugar content.”
“It’s clear we should aim to reduce added sugars in our diets. Thank you for such insightful information today!”
News 9 speaks with a registered dietitian on choosing the right foods to keep your body and mind strong.
News 9 connected with registered dietitian Elizabeth White to discuss vital food choices that can strengthen both the mind and body.
We had the opportunity to speak with registered dietitian Elizabeth White regarding essential food choices for maintaining physical and mental strength.
