Nutrition Know-How
First for Women
By: Ann Louise Gittleman
April 7, 2008

Does pineapple really eliminate cellulite?

Last spring I bought an anticellulite cream, but the results weren’t ideal because I didn’t have time to apply it every day.  Now I’m hearing that a pineapple diet can eliminate cellulite.  It sounds so easy—does it work?  Pineapple can smooth away cellulite, thanks to its stores of bromelain.  This enzyme dissolves the trapped waste that slows the movement of lymph fluid and leads to puckered areas on the skin’s surface.  Bromelain also has been shown to neutralize bradykinins, polypeptides that promote fat storage on the thighs.  A 24-hour cleanse is an easy way to reap the benefits of pineapple.  To do: Consume your fill of fresh raw pineapple for one day while drinking plenty of water.  After doing this cleanse one day a week for two consecutive weeks, you should notice a reduction in cellulite.

Why can't I stop myself from eating at night?

I used to love having ice cream for an after-dinner treat, but lately it’s been making me crave even more desserts.  So I get stuck grazing for hours, plus I feel hungry late into the night.  Why does dessert make me overeat like this?  Your nighttime cravings may be linked to your body’s circadian rhythm.  Normally this internal timekeeper synchronizes appetite signals with sleep-wake patterns—it’s why people tend to experience hunger during the day, not while asleep.  But scientists recently found that consuming fatty snacks at night can interfere with appetite signals to “set back” the body’s clock, triggering P.M. cravings.  Eat a cookie and the body clock “rewinds” even more, leading to longer-lasting cravings the next night.  To help reset your body clock, enjoy desserts containing tryptophan.  The body converts this amino acid into melatonin and serotonin, neurotransmitters that help regulate circadian rhythm.  Low-fat frozen yogurt is a tryptophan-rich treat.  Or try one of my favorites: apple-oatmeal crisp.  (To make: Mix sliced apples with a bit of ground flaxseed and top with rolled oats; drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees F until the crust is golden.)

Can a dietary tweak prevent memory loss?

My mom is only 64, but she’s already showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.  I know this condition can be hereditary, but is there anything I can do to lower my risk?  One of your best defenses against Alzheimer’s disease is to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA.  New research shows that DHA strengthens the myelin sheath, the fatty layer that surrounds nerve cells in the brain and ensures they communicate properly.  DHA also thwarts the buildup of memory-depleting amyloid plaques in the brain.  Both effects help prevent Alzheimer’s.  I advise consuming between 200 mg and 500 mg of DHA daily.  One great non-fish source is omega 3-enriched eggs (like Eggland’s Best).  Or try a supplement like Carlson The Very Finest Norwegian Fish Oil ($19 for 120 softgels, at secure.unikeyhealth.com), which delivers 100 mg of DHA per softgel.