Power Issue 2012 Jo Lee - JO LEE Magazine

YOU ARE WHAT YOU ATE – YOU’LL BECOME WHAT YOU EAT
And I ’ll Bet The Sweeps On That!
By Dr. Andrea Buckett
Toronto – Canada
Q: Is turkey bacon healthier than
pork bacon? Françoise-Marie –
Leon, France
AB: I love this question Françoise-
Marie! It is funny that people
automatically assume that this is a
healthier choice. The fact is turkey
bacon can contain just as much
fat and sodium as its traditional
counterparts. It is also interesting
that the low-fat options often
have even higher sodium content.
Turkey is also likely to contain just
as many nitrates, which is another
health concern for many. As always,
reading the nutrition label on the
package is the most important factor.
When it comes to bacon, I like to
choose organic, at the very least, and
pasture-raised when possible.
Q: I’ve recently heard about the
effects of BPA – what are the main
sources? Cortnee – Honolulu,
Hawaii
AB: Cortnee, BPA is a chemical
which is used as a lining in virtually
all canned goods. BPA serves as a
barrier between the food and the
metal of the can, keeping the can
from eroding. The problem is that
BPA can leach into the foods and
then into our bodies. Once in the
body it has the ability to interfere
with hormonal and reproductive
health. BPA is also found in plastics
such as baby bottles, condiment
bottles and water bottles, another
reason to switch to glass.
Q: I love my daily dose of espresso,
but I worry about caffeine intake.
Should I switch to tea or regular
coffee? Winston – Hong Kong
AB: In terms of caffeine, Winston,
it is interesting to note that a daily
consumption should not exceed
around 500 mg/day or the equivalent
of three to four cups of regular coffee.
Espresso actually comes in much
lower with 70mg of caffeine for a
one-ounce shot. Other sources of
caffeine are Coca-Cola (35 mg/12ounce
can), black tea (50mg/eight
ounces), Mountain Dew (54mg/12
ounces). So enjoy your espresso
knowing that it actually contains less
caffeine than some other beverages.
The only reason to cut back on your
consumption is if your caffeine fix
makes you jittery or exacerbates
anxiety or stress.
Q: Is it true that vinegar aids weight
loss? Alessio – Trento, Italy
AB: Vinegar has been revered as a
weight-loss aid for years, Alessio.
There is, in fact, some truth to this
folklore! The chemical compound
known as acetic acid, which gives
vinegar its characteristic bite, is
responsible for its weight-loss action.
Acetic acid appears to speed up
metabolism as well as influence genes
that cause the body to store less fat
around the waist. While this may
not translate into huge weight loss –
it certainly doesn’t hurt.
JL
Jo Lee Power 2012 63