“Dietary fiber is a broad term that refers to the non-digestible components of fruits and vegetables. Gut microbes break down certain types of fiber, releasing micronutrients trapped in the fiber matrix and producing beneficial metabolic byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids.”
“Naturally occurring forms of vitamin K include phylloquinone, known as vitamin K1, and a family of molecules called menaquinones, known as vitamin K2. In this Aliquot, Dr. Bruce Ames and I discuss the differences between (and dietary sources of) vitamins K1 and K2 and their effects on human health.”
“Continuous glucose monitors – CGMs, for short – are wearable devices that measure blood glucose levels through a tiny sensor placed under the skin. The CGM communicates with your smartphone and provides nearly real-time information about your blood glucose levels.”
“Sugar substitutes are food products or additives that provide the sweet taste of sugar, without the calories. Evidence suggests that sugar substitutes have surprising effects on human metabolism and these effects vary person-to-person, based on the overall makeup of an individual's gut microbiome.”
“Building muscle mass in one's early years is essential for staving off the age-related loss of muscle mass and may promote longevity. In this Aliquot, Dr. Stuart Phillips discusses the importance of building muscle through resistance training and why starting early is important.”
“Having sufficient muscle mass markedly reduces a person's risk of dying prematurely. Although some studies suggest that eating less protein promotes longevity, those studies might not take into account the periods of disuse and disability that often occur in real life.”
“Consuming sufficient protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. Emphasis on specific amino acids within protein, particularly the branched-chain amino acids, probably isn't necessary unless you're an elite athlete or an older adult.”
“Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscles. Aiming for about 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (about 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound) is optimal for maintenance on the lower end and building muscle on the higher end.”
“While animal-derived protein has the advantage of containing more amino acids that promote hypertrophy – particularly leucine – research suggests that plant-based proteins can be more viable for supporting muscle than previously thought.”
“Lifestyle factors, such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and others, can temper some of the risks associated with carrying APOE4. This Aliquot focuses on the ones that can have the greatest benefits – and the ones that do the most harm.”