Eat or Pass with Dr. Casey Means (Seeds & Nuts, Wild vs. Farmed Salmon, Dirty 12 vs. Clean 15) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn about the net benefits of eating certain foods and whether to eat them or pass based on roasted pumpkin seeds, farmed salmon, and the dirty dozen vs. clean 15 produce.

Key Insights

• 🌱 Raw pumpkin seeds are healthier than roasted ones, as roasting at high heat and with seed oil damages their fats.
• ❓ Farmed salmon is a better choice compared to ultra-processed microwave meals but not as optimal as wild-caught salmon.
• ⚖️ The dirty dozen vs. clean 15 debate emphasizes the balance between nutrient density and pesticide exposure in produce choices.
• 🤑 Prioritizing nutrient-rich non-organic vegetables over high-glucose options is recommended.

Transcript

nobody will disagree that twinkies are just not good for you skittles are not good for you no one's gonna be like i kind of think they're okay right how can we start to make better choices around certain things is what i want to dig into and then go through like three three categories of food and say like eater pass so like should you eat this thin... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Are roasted pumpkin seeds good for you?

Roasted pumpkin seeds are not as healthy as raw pumpkin seeds. Roasting them in seed oil and high heat can damage the omega-6 fats and create oxidative stress in the body. It is always best to choose raw, unroasted pumpkin seeds for maximum benefits.

Q: Is farmed salmon a good option for a healthier diet?

While farmed salmon is not as ideal as wild-caught salmon due to higher omega-6 levels and potential environmental toxins, it is a better choice compared to ultra-processed microwave meals. However, if possible, opt for a small amount of high-quality salmon and combine it with affordable organic vegetables and beans for a nutrient-rich meal.

Q: Should I avoid vegetables listed in the dirty dozen?

The dirty dozen list highlights produce with higher pesticide loads, but it's crucial to consider cumulative toxic burden. Spinach and kale, despite being on the dirty dozen, are highly nutrient-dense and have no glucose spike. Washing them thoroughly and adding antioxidants can help minimize pesticide exposure. It's better to prioritize nutrient-rich non-organic vegetables over high-glucose options like corn.

Q: How can I afford organic food on a budget?

Look for sales on organic foods in grocery stores to make organic options more affordable. Buy frozen organic produce, which is often cheaper and just as nutritious as fresh produce. Increasing the diversity of your diet through smart and scrappy shopping can help you eat organically without breaking the bank.

Q: Are roasted pumpkin seeds good for you?

Roasted pumpkin seeds are not as healthy as raw pumpkin seeds. Roasting them in seed oil and high heat can damage the omega-6 fats and create oxidative stress in the body. It is always best to choose raw, unroasted pumpkin seeds for maximum benefits.

More Insights

• Raw pumpkin seeds are healthier than roasted ones, as roasting at high heat and with seed oil damages their fats.

• Farmed salmon is a better choice compared to ultra-processed microwave meals but not as optimal as wild-caught salmon.

• The dirty dozen vs. clean 15 debate emphasizes the balance between nutrient density and pesticide exposure in produce choices.

• Prioritizing nutrient-rich non-organic vegetables over high-glucose options is recommended.

• Affording organic food can be possible by seeking sales, purchasing frozen organic produce, and diversifying your diet through smart shopping.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Roasted pumpkin seeds offer some nutrients but are best consumed raw. If you have no healthier options, choosing roasted pumpkin seeds is better than cookies or chips.

• Farmed salmon is not as good as wild-caught but is a healthier alternative to ultra-processed microwave meals. Still, it's advisable to consume a small amount of high-quality salmon and supplement with inexpensive organic vegetables and beans.

• The dirty dozen vs. clean 15 debate highlights the importance of maximizing nutrient intake while minimizing toxic burden. While spinach and kale have higher pesticide loads, their nutrient density makes them a better choice than corn, which has fewer pesticides but causes a high glucose spike.