Is Drinking Black Coffee on an Empty Stomach Good or Bad for Blood Sugar?
The effect of coffee on blood sugar levels? Hello, nutritionist. I would like to ask about a question that has been bothering me. Is it advisable or not to drink black coffee on an empty stomach in the morning? I have seen various opinions; some say that long-term coffee consumpt...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Your question: Does drinking coffee on an empty stomach improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar? 1. Black coffee without added sugar, cream, or milk has no effect on blood sugar levels or insulin sensitivity. 2. The effect of coffee consumption on insulin sensi...[Read More] Is Drinking Black Coffee on an Empty Stomach Good or Bad for Blood Sugar?
The Best Time to Drink Coffee for Optimal Health and Performance
The correct timing for consuming coffee? Hello, nutritionist. Thank you for taking the time to understand my question. I would like to ask about the correct timing for drinking coffee (referring here to unsweetened black coffee). I am 54 years old and have a habit of jogging in t...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding the timing of coffee consumption, individual factors should be considered. You may have seen different research reports on this topic. If you have blood sugar issues, it is advisable to discuss this with your physician. Generally, as long as it is not consumed in...[Read More] The Best Time to Drink Coffee for Optimal Health and Performance
Edible Fruit Skins and Top Anti-Cancer Foods to Include in Your Diet
Fruits with edible skins and the intake of anti-cancer foods? Hello doctor, I have two questions to ask. 1. Which fruit peels are safe to eat and which should not be consumed? For example, is it suitable to eat kiwi skin along with the flesh? Some articles suggest it can be eat...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Many fruit peels contain higher levels of phytochemicals (e.g., polyphenols, indoles, flavonoids, lycopene, allicin, etc.) compared to the flesh, but the hardness of the peel may retain various pesticides or other substances, so not all fruit peels are suitable for raw con...[Read More] Edible Fruit Skins and Top Anti-Cancer Foods to Include in Your Diet
Understanding Appetite Issues: Tips for Healthy Weight Loss
Weight loss with loss of appetite? I am 156 cm tall and weigh 63 kg, and I have maintained this weight for about six to seven years (I know this is above the normal BMI). I usually eat very little; I don't snack in between meals and I don't have late-night snacks. I typ...
Dr. Fan Chunmei Reply:
Hello: Based on your height and weight, your BMI of 25.9 falls into the overweight category. If you want to continue losing weight, the principle is to eat less and move more. Your caloric intake should not fall below the basal metabolic rate of 1200 calories. It's important...[Read More] Understanding Appetite Issues: Tips for Healthy Weight Loss
Understanding the Discrepancies in Dietary Supplement Nutritional Values
Health supplements The reason why many commercially available foods exceed the recommended daily values is multifaceted. Some products may have daily reference values that exceed 100% to 200%, and in some cases even reach 1000%, while others may only contain around 30%. This vari...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: 1. Can we make consumers feel that they are getting more value for their money? Or should we make consumers believe that dietary supplements can enhance their health? However, if I were a manufacturer, I would definitely design the content to be competitive; even well-kn...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancies in Dietary Supplement Nutritional Values
Struggling with Low Appetite and Weight Gain: Seeking Solutions
Weight gain, body weight Hello Doctor: I am currently about 185 cm tall but weigh only 52 kg. I have undergone an endoscopy and other related examinations in the gastroenterology department, and there were no signs of parasites or other issues. However, I often lack appetite and ...
Dr. Zhang Huangyu Reply:
Hello, based on your statement, I recommend that you first visit a healthcare facility for a detailed examination and diagnosis at a family medicine or general internal medicine outpatient clinic. The physician should determine the underlying cause of the abnormalities. After tha...[Read More] Struggling with Low Appetite and Weight Gain: Seeking Solutions
Understanding Healthy Weight Management During Adolescence
Weight Loss During Adolescence Hello, nutritionist: I am currently 13, almost 14 years old, with a height of 167 cm. My weight used to be stable at 54 kg, but I feel that I look quite overweight. I resorted to not eating (not eating for five days and then only one meal for two da...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, Xiao Xuan. Based on your height and weight, your calculated BMI is 19.4, which falls within the standard range for adolescents. (You can check the National Health Administration website for more information: https://km.hpa.gov.tw/ChildBMI/ChildBMI.html). As for waist-to-hi...[Read More] Understanding Healthy Weight Management During Adolescence
Does Eating Guava Before Bed Lead to Weight Gain or Weight Loss?
Will eating guava before bed make you gain weight? I read online that taking vitamin C before bed is best, so recently I've been eating a guava and a kiwi before sleeping. However, I've seen some websites say that eating before bed can lead to weight gain, while others ...
Dr. Zhang Huangyu Reply:
1. To ensure normal metabolic function in the body, it is recommended to avoid eating for two hours before bedtime, especially for those with blood sugar control issues, weight management concerns, or poor gastrointestinal function. 2. There is no direct correlation between vitam...[Read More] Does Eating Guava Before Bed Lead to Weight Gain or Weight Loss?
Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Nucleic Acid Supplements
Could you please provide more details regarding dietary supplements? Hello, Dietitian Tsai Hsiu-Wen: First of all, thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I appreciate your hard work. Thank you! The company Fuzhizhi from Japan primarily offers a nucleic acid beverage c...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Currently, there are no relevant studies indicating that nucleic acids can inhibit cancer cell growth. In Taiwan, nutritional health components are categorized into food, health foods, and pharmaceutical-grade products, each with different ingredients and regulations. Gene...[Read More] Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Nucleic Acid Supplements
Understanding Protein: Key Questions for Fitness Enthusiasts
Protein Issues Hello, nutritionist. I am a fitness enthusiast and have recently started purchasing whey protein powder to supplement my protein intake. I have some questions regarding protein that I do not fully understand. After researching online, I found various answers, which...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello fitness enthusiasts, 1. Tannins in tea can indeed bind with proteins, affecting absorption. However, previous studies primarily focused on high concentrations of tea and milk, so the impact of regular brewed tea on protein absorption is not as significant. If you are still...[Read More] Understanding Protein: Key Questions for Fitness Enthusiasts
Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Sesame and red meat? Hello, is sesame difficult to digest? Is it true that nutrients can only be absorbed if it is ground into powder or paste? What is the correct way to consume it: raw, cooked, ground into powder, or made into paste? Additionally, sesame is high in calcium and ...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Sesame is rich in nutrients, including sesamin, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. The alpha-linolenic acid found in unsaturated fats can reduce inflammatory responses in the body and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Sesamin can decre...[Read More] Sesame and Red Meat: Nutritional Insights and Digestive Concerns
Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
Athlete weight loss Hello, doctor. I am an athlete (in wrestling) and I need to control my weight due to competitions. However, I previously made a friend who taught me an extremely unhealthy method (inducing vomiting). Although I know it is very harmful, it allowed me to eat wit...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Inducing vomiting is a harmful method for the body, and it is recommended that you choose healthier ways to control your diet. Athletes can opt for a high-protein, low-carbohydrate approach to weight management. Excessive carbohydrate intake is still a primary cause of wei...[Read More] Healthy Weight Management for Athletes: Overcoming Unhealthy Habits
Daily Consumption of Berries for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Guide
Endometriosis & Adenomyosis Hello, doctor. I have endometriosis and adenomyosis. Can I consume berries (such as blueberries, acai berries, blackberries, etc.) every day? I am having difficulty understanding the difference between isoflavones and flavonoids, and I would apprec...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Flavonoids are a class of plant pigments and are a type of cyclic compound. To date, over four thousand different flavonoids have been identified, which are widely found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, roots, bark, tea leaves, and red wine. Flavonoids can be subdivide...[Read More] Daily Consumption of Berries for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: A Guide
Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Nuts After Circumcision?
Postoperative Diet After circumcision, is it okay to eat nuts such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, or macadamia nuts? I found conflicting information online; some say you shouldn't eat pumpkin seeds after surgery, while others say it's fine, so I'm asking here. Also, si...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Unless you have an allergy to pumpkin, there is no need to restrict its consumption. Pumpkin is rich in nutrients and beneficial for health. When using plastic bags for pasta with vinegar, be cautious, as the vinegar may leach harmful substances from the plastic. Therefore...[Read More] Post-Surgery Diet: Can You Eat Nuts After Circumcision?
The Best Time to Drink Fresh Milk for Optimal Nutrition and Sleep
Regarding the timing of consuming fresh milk? I have read online that some people say breakfast should be consumed with fresh milk, while others suggest that fresh milk is best consumed within 1 to 2 hours after breakfast. Some say it can be consumed about 3 hours after breakfast...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Regarding the timing of drinking fresh milk, generally speaking, individuals with normal digestive function will not be affected by consuming liquids in terms of digestion and absorption. Drinking milk during the day will not impact sleep, and if your weight is maintained ...[Read More] The Best Time to Drink Fresh Milk for Optimal Nutrition and Sleep
Is Lutein Supplement Safe for Family with Hormone-Related Cancer?
Lutein supplementation for women's cancer? Hello, my family member was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago and is now considering taking lutein supplements to support eye health. However, due to a family history of hormone-related cancers, we are unsure if the ingred...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello AA: I would like to know the ages of your family members. As a nutritionist, I would still recommend consuming natural foods. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids, so it is advisable to eat more foods rich in carotenoids, such as corn, pumpkin, and papaya, among others. Th...[Read More] Is Lutein Supplement Safe for Family with Hormone-Related Cancer?
Can You Take Calcium Supplements Daily with B Vitamins?
Health supplements Hello, Dietitian Tsai: May I ask if calcium tablets (Ting Li) can be taken daily? Is it safe to take them simultaneously with B vitamins? Thank you.
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Calcium supplements come in different types, and even within the same brand, some may contain vitamins while others include different minerals, with varying dosages. There are even more varieties of B vitamins available on the market. It is recommended to consult with a ph...[Read More] Can You Take Calcium Supplements Daily with B Vitamins?
Struggling with Weight Gain: A Guide for Teens Facing Nutritional Challenges
I am too thin? I am currently in the first year of junior high school, and I haven't developed yet. I haven't had my menstrual period, and I am very thin, weighing only 29.9 kilograms and standing at 148 centimeters tall. Please help me! No matter how much I eat, I can&...
Dr. Xie Peiru Reply:
Hello: Based on your height and weight, your BMI is 13.65 kg/m², indicating that you are underweight. There could be many possible reasons for this, such as insufficient caloric intake, increased caloric demands, or a high metabolic rate, among others. It is recommended that you ...[Read More] Struggling with Weight Gain: A Guide for Teens Facing Nutritional Challenges
Which Fruits Should You Eat Before or After Meals?
Regarding fruits? Hello: It is said online that some fruits are suitable to eat before meals, while others are not. Is this correct? Which fruits are not suitable to eat before meals? Are there any fruits that are not suitable to eat after meals? Thank you!
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello, the timing for fruit intake should be based on individual constitution and condition. For those with gastric ulcers, it is advisable to avoid eating acidic fruits on an empty stomach. If someone has a duodenal ulcer, they should refrain from consuming fruits immediately af...[Read More] Which Fruits Should You Eat Before or After Meals?
Protein Alternatives for Seniors: Healthy Diet Tips for Your Mom
Diet for the elderly: alternative sources of protein? My mother is 65 years old, 160 cm tall, and weighs 50 kg. She had a health check-up a month ago, and her overall health is good with no significant diseases, but she has a fibroma in her left breast. The doctor advised her not...
Dr. Cai Xiuwen Reply:
Hello! Your mother's current dietary pattern indeed lacks protein. I wonder if there has been a significant weight loss after one month of dietary control, or if she is experiencing any weakness. Protein provides the body with many hormones and is essential for their normal ...[Read More] Protein Alternatives for Seniors: Healthy Diet Tips for Your Mom