Question of the Month Page

ASK BONNIE for January 2001

Question #1:

Local grocers have discontinued both Felischmann's Fat Free Squeeze Margarine and Promise Ultra Fat Free Margarine. I use them for my husband who is on a restricted low fat diet. Can you give me any alternatives?

Answer #1:

I'm very pleased that they have been discontinued because they are loaded with toxic chemicals and/or transfatty acids. Fabulous, non-hydrogenated substitutes would include Spectrum Spread (many varieties) and Smart Beat. I also do not recommend lowfat diets to most people. Even the American Heart Association now recommends moderate fat diets containing low saturated fat, no hydrogenated fat, high Omega 3 fats (especially fish, walnuts, and canola oil), and moderate Omega 6 fats (avocado and olive oil).

Question #2:

I have been drinking milk most of my life for the calcium, but recently have been hearing it may make you absorb less calcium. Can you clear this up for me?

Answer #2:

Nurses Health Study, the most comprehensive research study available, reported in 1997 that a high intake of dairy products did not protect women against hip fractures, and in fact, was associated with an increased risk of them. I would suggest eating foods high in calcium other than dairy products, such as green leafy vegetables (kale, collard greens), broccoli, and soybeans. Supplementing your diet with calcium is also suggested. The most absorbable and least aggravating to the GI tract is Microcrsytalline Hydroxyapatite (MCHC), a whole bone food. Instead of a pure calcium extraction, MCHC mirrors the matrix of whole bone, making the absorption, overall strength and vitality of the bone optimized. In addition, supplementing with magnesium every time you ingest calcium supplements is recommended. Magnesium and calcium should be in balance, although in 72% of the United States is deficient in magnesium. Magnesium is also crucial to bone health and assists with calcium absorption. Speak with your licensed health professional about the right calcium and magnesium dosage for you.

Past Ask Bonnie entries: 1999 June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec,
2000 Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec

Would like your question to be considered for Ask Bonnie?
Type in your question below with your email address and see if it appears next month!

Please type in any comments or questions here.
Do not forget to leave us your email address.

ASK BONNIE appears each month on http://www.nutritionalconcepts.com

© Copyright 2001 Nutritional Concepts, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any page on this website in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice nor is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, or treat any disease. For health problems relating to individual needs, consult your physician before adopting any suggestions made by the website.