Nutrition Diva

Every week, Monica Reinagel peels back the layers of nutrition news and research, answers listener questions, and helps you feel more confident about your food and nutrition choices.

What are nightshades and are they inflammatory?

In this episode, we separate fact from fiction, explain who might truly be sensitive to nightshades, and why most of us shouldn’t avoid these nutritious foods.Find a full transcript here. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

09-03
12:58

Nutrition Diva Mailbag: Answers to your latest questions

Answers to listener questions about coffee and cholesterol, “natural” nitrites from celery powder, hazards of home-frying, and whether ketone energy drinks are a smart choice for athletes.Find a full transcript here.Additional episodes mentioned in this episode:029 ND Looking for Mr. Goodbar096 Nutrition Month: Fuel for Young Athletes139 ND Do B Vitamins Give You Energy?343 ND Fat or Carbs: Which Is the Body's Preferred Fuel Source541 Are Sports Drinks the Best Way to Replace Electrolytes? New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

08-27
16:55

Are protein pastas worth the money?

The pasta aisle has become increasingly crowded with new, protein-enhanced options. Are they worth the premium price? Find a full transcript here.Additional episodes mentioned in this episode:Resistant starch: Your questions answered New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

08-20
17:54

Toxic tea bags? Sorting fact from fear

Once again, the internet is warning us that a healthy habit might actually be harming us. The latest scare is about tea. Are you actually brewing up a cup of microplastics, heavy metals, and chemical additives? Find a full transcript here.Additional episodes mentioned in this episode:What's the difference between hazard and risk?Research mentioned in this episode: 2013 analysis of commercial teasAdditional resources from this episode: Plastic Free Tea Bags: Which Brands are Microplastic Free in 2025 New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

08-13
14:49

How safe is your tap water?

How to find out what’s in your water and find the best water filter for your situation.Find a full transcript here. Other Nutrition Diva episodes mentioned in this episode: Dirty Dozen - Much Ado About Nothing?Research mentioned in this episode: EPA’s CCR Finder NSF’s websiteTap Water Database New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

08-06
15:15

Two big reasons to rethink your fish oil supplement

A shockingly high percentage of fish oil supplements are actually rancid–which means they may be doing more harm than good.Additional episodes mentioned in this episode:Fish oil and omega 3 fatsFish oil and prostate cancer riskIs it time to stop taking fish oil?Could fish oil actually increase your risk of cardiovascular events?Are omega-3 eggs as good as eating fish?Research mentioned in this episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37712532/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3217043/https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2670752  New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

07-30
13:47

Can HMB help prevent age-related muscle loss?

A new meta-analysis evaluates the potential benefits of this muscle-building supplement. Can it make a significant difference? Find our new Staying Strong as We Age playlist on these topics.References from this episode:Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between body flexibility and sarcopenia - PubMedEffects of protein supplementation on muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance in older adults with physical inactivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

07-23
10:09

Resistant starch: Your questions answered

Resistant starch acts more like fiber than starch—and may offer unique benefits for blood sugar, gut health, and more. In this episode, we break down the different types, where to find them, and how they compare to other sources of fiber.Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/resistant-starch-your-questions-answered/transcriptMentioned in this episode: Episode 915, Multi-grain vs whole grainEpisode 560, Fiber 2.0—Fiber's New Science of Health-Boosting BenefitsEpisode 728, Tapping into the many benefits of resistant starchesReferences:Wang, Y., Chen, J., Song, Y.-H., Zhao, R., Xia, L., Chen, Y., Cui, Y.-P., Rao, Z.-Y., Zhou, Y., Zhuang, W., & Wu, X.-T. (2019). Effects of the resistant starch on glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, and lipid parameters in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31168050/Yuan, H. C., Meng, Y., Bai, H., Shen, D. Q., Wan, B. C., & Chen, L. Y. (2018). Meta-analysis indicates that resistant starch lowers serum total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29914662/ New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

07-16
19:34

Are protein powders as filling as protein from real foods?

Are protein powders as filling—or as effective—as whole food sources like meat, fish, or tofu?   New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

07-09
15:40

What’s the problem with seed oils? (Reissue)

Influencers are sounding the alarm about the many alleged dangers of seed oils. Let’s look at the evidence.Related listening:Does the Ratio of Omega-6 Fats Really Matter? (Nutrition Diva #185)New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Diabetes and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  LINKS:Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/whats-the-problem-with-seed-oils-reissue/transcriptFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/QDTNutrition/Newsletter: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/nutrition-diva-newsletterWellness Works Here: https://wellnessworkshere.comQuick and Dirty Tips: https://quickanddirtytipscom New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

07-02
12:18

Are you making your smoothies all wrong?

Studies suggest that common ingredient combinations can reduce nutrient absorption. But don’t abandon your smoothie routine just yet.   New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

06-25
09:16

Are GLP-1s the “cure” for our addictive food supply?

Do the new anti-obesity medications treat a metabolic disease or a psychological one?   New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

06-18
15:42

BONUS: Dirty Dozen - Much ado about nothing? (Reissue)

Monica revisits The Dirty Dozen list and whether or not these foods with the highest level of pesticides are, in fact, unsafe to consume. This is a reissue of an episode that aired in 2024, and remains relevant, as the 2025 Dirty Dozen was recently released. Related listening:What exactly are the advantages of eating seasonally? (Nutrition Diva #761)Pesticides on Our Plates: Is Our Food Safe to Eat? (Nutrition Diva #499)Mentioned in this episode:Calculate - Safe Fruits and Veggies New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

06-16
04:19

Should certain foods come with warning labels?

Former FDA Commissioner David Kessler believes it’s time to treat certain foods the way we treat cigarettes. But food is not tobacco. Dr. Kessler's new book Diet, Drugs, and DopamineRelated Episodes:A provocative new study on ultra-processed foods | Nutrition DivaThe surprising links between UPFs and diet quality | Nutrition Diva   New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

06-11
14:32

Can we really be addicted to food? (With Dr. David Kessler)

Today's episode explores whether certain foods can be addictive, with insight from Dr. David Kessler, former FDA Commissioner and author of "Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine." Monica and Dr. Kessler discuss the concept of food addiction, compulsive eating, and the brain's reward system.Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/can-we-really-be-addicted-to-food-with-dr-david-kessler/transcriptReferencesEvidence for sugar addiction: behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent, excessive sugar intake - PubMedAddiction-like reward dysfunction and compulsive eating in obese rats: Role for dopamine D2 receptors - PMCFemale mice are more prone to develop an addictive-like phenotype for sugar consumption | Scientific ReportsFrontiers | Shifts in naturalistic behaviors induced by early social isolation stress are associated with adult binge-like eating in female ratsAddictive Junk Food: A Simple Story for a Complex Problem - ConscienHealthChemical Complexity of Food and Implications for Therapeutics | New England Journal of Medicine New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

06-04
16:57

Molecular Hydrogen: Legit breakthrough or the latest overhyped supplement?

There’s a lot of buzz about molecular hydrogen–and there is some science to talk about. Let’s sort the hope from the hype. References: Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?—A Systematic Review - PMCYou might also like these related episodes from topics discussed in this episode:Red yeast rice extract BerberineFatty liver Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/molecular-hydrogen-legit-breakthrough-or-the-latest-overhyped-supplement/transcript New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

05-28
11:13

BONUS: Keeping our bones and bodies strong as we age (Stronger Bones at Every Age, Part 4)

As we enter our senior years, bone loss accelerates and the risk of fractures rises—but there’s still plenty we can do. In this final episode of our special series "Stronger Bones at Every Age," we share practical nutrition, lifestyle, and exercise strategies to preserve bone density, reduce fall risk, and maintain mobility and independence in later life."Stronger Bones at Every Age" is a special limited series made possible in part by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. This series is dedicated to providing the same evidence-based, unbiased information you've come to expect from the Nutrition Diva, reflecting the editorial integrity and professional expertise of our host.For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, visit https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/bones.You can also find citations for the entire series at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/bones#citations. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

05-26
23:43

Beef vs. beans: A shootout at the breakfast corral

Fiber and protein can both work to tame your appetite. But both have a lot of other important jobs to do as well. Can we optimize for both? Transcript: https://nutrition-diva.simplecast.com/episodes/beef-vs-beans-a-shootout-at-the-breakfast-corral/transcript New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

05-21
13:00

BONUS: Maintaining bone health during the hormonal changes of midlife (Stronger Bones at Every Age, Part 3)

During midlife, the focus shifts from building bone to preserving it. In the third installment of our special series "Stronger Bones at Every Age," we explain how nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle habits in your 30s to 60s can help maintain bone density, prevent loss, and support long-term skeletal health."Stronger Bones at Every Age" is a special limited series made possible in part by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff. This series is dedicated to providing the same evidence-based, unbiased information you've come to expect from the Nutrition Diva, reflecting the editorial integrity and professional expertise of our host.For more information on the topics discussed in this episode, visit https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/bones.You can also find citations for the entire series at https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/bones#citations. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

05-19
24:33

Multi-grain vs whole grain

Do you think of these labels as being more or less interchangeable? Today, we’ll clear up some of the confusion around multi-grain and whole grain labels. New to Nutrition Diva? Check out our special Spotify playlist for a collection of the best episodes curated by our team and Monica herself! We've also curated some great playlists on specific episode topics including Staying Strong as We Age, Diabetes, Weight Loss That Lasts and Gut Health! Also, find a playlist of our bone health series, Stronger Bones at Every Age. Have a nutrition question? Send an email to nutrition@quickanddirtytips.com.Follow Nutrition Diva on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more diet and nutrition tips. Find out about Monica's keynotes and other programs at WellnessWorksHere.comNutrition Diva is a part of the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network.  

05-14
13:12

Lori

vegetables the ND answer is always vegetables. I think I can stop listening now because vegetables

04-05 Reply

Melika Hadizadeh

Love your podcast. Thanks a lot ♥️

08-24 Reply

Jen B

great info as always:) thank you

06-28 Reply

Maryam Ebrahimikia

hi thanks for all. how can I have transcripts of episodes??

05-16 Reply

Jan Gabehart

3 of my favorite Podcast folks all together. Yay!

07-13 Reply

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