Berry Dirty: Why Blackberries Made the 2025 Dirty Dozen

This 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 ​List​s", 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/

From 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

The 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

A 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

Groundbreaking 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

If 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/

Beef 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

In 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

A staple of the Native American diet for centuries, Red Cactus Pears are packed with incredible health benefits. Listen in this week as Dee discusses why this small, watermelon-like fruit is a true superfood, and how to incorporate it into your meals.Reference:Giraldo-Silva, L., Ferreira, B., Rosa, E., & Dias, A. C. P. (2023). Opuntia ficus-indica fruit: A systematic review of its phytochemicals and pharmacological activities. Plants, 12(3), 543. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9919935/Link to Red Cactus Pear Fact Sheet: https://www.friedas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CactusPearsFactSheetNL.pdf

Known as the "universal antioxidant," alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerhouse for fighting oxidative stress and supporting overall health. Listen in this week as Dee explores how ALA helps combat diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, fatty liver, and more—plus, why it’s essential for your metabolism!Reference:Salehi, B., Berkay Yılmaz, Y., Antika, G., Boyunegmez Tumer, T., Fawzi Mahomoodally, M., Lobine, D., Akram, M., Riaz, M., Capanoglu, E., Sharopov, F., Martins, N., Cho, W. C., & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2019). Insights on the use of α-lipoic acid for therapeutic purposes. Biomolecules, 9(8), 356. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6723188/Link to purchase Alpha Lipoic Acid: https://amzn.to/43FqMFh