Podcast
Diet Science
Hosted by Dee and Michael McCaffrey · EN
Diet Science is a fun 7 to 8 minute weekly program with insights and straight scoops on today's health and diet issues from Dee McCaffrey, CDC. Dee is an Organic Chemist who lost 100 pounds, nearly half her body weight, and has kept it off for 20 years by staying away from processed foods. She's the author of The Science of Skinny, released by Perseus June 2012, and The Science of Skinny Cookbook, which was released December 2014.
11episodes
Episodes
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The Power of Pili Nuts
Oct 1000:13:10Tap to summarizeEncased in a black shell that resembles a minature avocado lies the powerful pili nut, a type of tropical tree nut indigenous to the Philippines. Listen in this week as Dee delves into the nutritional profile of this amazing tropical nut and why you may want to make it your next pantry staple.Reference: Millena, C. G., & Sagum, R. S. (2018). Philippine pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) varieties as source of essential minerals and trace elements in human nutrition. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 69, 53–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2018.02.008
Transcribe →Berry Dirty: Why Blackberries Made the 2025 Dirty Dozen
Aug 300:30:22Tap to summarizeThis week, Dee dives into the recently released Environmental Working Group's (EWG) 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce, commonly known as "The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Lists", with a spotlight on blackberries—a new addition to the Dirty Dozen list, coming in at number ten. Listen in as Dee explains why blackberries made the list for the first time this year, and delves into the other produce items on both the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Lists to help you make safer, cleaner decisions for your plate and your health.References: Blackberries: Dirty Dozen newcomer. (2025, June 11). Environmental Working Group. https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/blackberries.php?Get a downloadable copy of the EWG's 2025 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce (Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 Lists): https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
Transcribe →New Blood Test Can Reveal Your Ultra-Processed Food Intake
May 30, 202500:09:44Tap to summarizeIn a groundbreaking new study, researchers have developed a blood and urine test capable of identifying how much ultra-processed food is in your diet. By analyzing metabolites—chemicals produced as the body breaks down food—researchers can now distinguish between individuals who consume high amounts of ultra-processed foods and those who eat little to none. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the details of this study and how the test works, what it means for the future of nutrition research and personalized nutrition, and how it could help guide healthier food choices.Reference: Abar, L., Steele, E. M., Lee, S. K., Kahle, L., Moore, S. C., Watts, E., O’Connell, C. P., Matthews, C. E., Herrick, K. A., Hall, K. D., O’Connor, L. E., Freedman, N. D., Sinha, R., Hong, H. G., & Loftfield, E. (2025). Identification and validation of poly-metabolite scores for diets high in ultra-processed food: An observational study and post-hoc randomized controlled crossover-feeding trial. PLoS Medicine, 22(5), e1004560. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004560
Transcribe →Sorghum: The Supergrain Hiding in Plain Sight
May 12, 202500:10:01Tap to summarizeFrom its impressive nutritional profile to its role in blood sugar balance and gut health, sorghum just might be the next superfood you’ve never heard of. Listen in this week as Dee digs into the ancient grain that’s quietly stealing the spotlight in modern nutrition. Whether you're curious about how to cook it, bake with it, or just want to diversify your plate—Dee lays it all out for you.Reference: Stefoska-Needham A. (2024). Sorghum and health: An overview of potential protective health effects. Journal of Food Science, 89(S1), A30–A41. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.16978
Transcribe →Methyl Adaptogens: Your New Anti-Aging Dream Team
May 4, 202500:06:21Tap to summarizeThe results of a new study shows that consumption of polyphenols in certain foods--known as methyl adaptogens--can turn back your biological clock. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study and reveals the short list of common foods that literally help you age better from the inside out.Reference: Villanueva, J. L., Vita, A. A., Zwickey, H., Fitzgerald, K., Hodges, R., Zimmerman, B., & Bradley, R. (2025). Dietary associations with reduced epigenetic age: a secondary data analysis of the methylation diet and lifestyle study. Aging. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.206240
Transcribe →Cocoa and Carob: A Sweet Duo for Managing Diabetes
Apr 27, 202500:06:57Tap to summarizeA new study shows that a specific blend of cocoa and carob powder improves metabolic health markers in people with Type 2 diabetes. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the study, the specific ratio of cocoa to carob used in the study, and how this delicious duo offers a new strategy for supporting blood sugar balance.Reference: Villalva, M., García-Díez, E., Del Carmen López De Las Hazas, M., Lo Iacono, O., Vicente-Díez, J. I., García-Cabrera, S., Alonso-Bernáldez, M., Dávalos, A., Martín, M. Á., Ramos, S., & Pérez-Jiménez, J. (2025). Cocoa-carob blend acute intake modifies miRNAs related to insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic subjects: A randomised trial. Food & Function, 2025(8), 3211–3226. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/fo/d4fo04498c
Transcribe →Can You Be Healthy with High Cholesterol?
Apr 20, 202500:12:49Tap to summarizeGroundbreaking new research challenges conventional beliefs about cholesterol and heart disease. A one-year prospective study of 100 metabolically healthy adults following a long-term ketogenic diet found no correlation between extremely high LDL cholesterol and the progression of coronary artery disease. Listen in this week as Dee explains the study, the importance of personalized risk assessment, why cardiac imaging might matter more than cholesterol levels alone, and what this means for patients, practitioners, and the future of cardiovascular health.Reference: Soto-Mota, A., Norwitz, N. G., Manubolu, V. S., Kinninger, A., Wood, T. R., Earls, J., Feldman, D., & Budoff, M. (2025). Plaque begets plaque, ApoB does not. JACC Advances, 101686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101686
Transcribe →Thyroid Signals: What Your Body’s Symptoms Are Really Saying
Apr 13, 202500:11:29Tap to summarizeIf you’re struggling with fatigue, chronic constipation, weight gain, or weight loss resistance, an underactive thyroid could be the hidden cause. Listen in this week as Dee explains how the thyroid gland plays a big part in regulating metabolism, digestion, and energy, and the role of diet and lifestyle in treating the root cause of thyroid hormone imbalance.Work with Dee: https://deemccaffrey.com/
Transcribe →Talkin’ Tallow: Is This Rendered Beef Fat Good for Your Health?
Apr 7, 202500:11:02Tap to summarizeBeef tallow, aka rendered beef fat, was once a staple in American home cooking and fast-food kitchens throughout much of the 20th century. Though it declined in popularity due to concerns over its saturated fat content, it’s now making a comeback. Listen in this week as Dee breaks down the sizzling truth about beef tallow—its nutritional perks, potential pitfalls, and whether it earns a spot in a healthy diet.Reference:Limmatvapirat, C. (2020). Beef tallow consumption and health. The Journal of Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 1(2), 16–34. https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jcra/article/view/222030
Transcribe →Longtime Efforts to Ban Artificial Food Dyes & Preservatives Finally Coming to Fruition!
Mar 30, 202500:11:27Tap to summarizeIn March 2011, Processed-Free America (aka Center for Processed-Free Living) submitted arguments against artificial food coloring to the United States Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Now, 14 years later, the country is starting to pay attention. Listen in this week as Dee discusses the recent ban on 7 food dyes in West Virginia, and similar proposed bans in 23 other states. She explores the science behind artificial colorings, the potential effects on behavior and health that led to this decision, and tips on how to avoid artificial colors in your diet. References:Link to Processed-Free America's arguments against artificial food colors: https://processedfreeamerica.org/center-submits-arguments-against-artificial-food-coloring/Rogers, K. (2025, March 29). Over half of US states are trying to eliminate food dyes. Here’s what you can do now. CNN Health. https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/29/health/food-dye-bans-states-wellness/index.htmlHere's the link to Dee's book The Science of Skinny (the chapter she was referring to is Chapter 7: Food Chemistry Gone Mad): https://amzn.to/426Bwdu
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