598: Your guide to superfoods, cravings, & blood sugar | Amy Shah, M.D.
Digest
This podcast features Dr. Amy Shaw discussing various aspects of health and wellness. She highlights the importance of superfoods like kiwi, citrus fruits, blueberries, and cruciferous vegetables for mood and overall health, emphasizing the benefits of sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables and the fiber in kiwi skin. The discussion then delves into the significance of flavonols and flavonoids, plant compounds found in foods like cocoa and tea, for enhancing healthspan and lifespan. Dr. Shaw stresses the importance of prioritizing foundational health habits such as exercise and nutrition before considering more advanced interventions. She addresses misconceptions about chocolate, advocating for concentrated cocoa extracts like Cocopro for optimal flavonol intake. The conversation also covers managing cravings by differentiating between true hunger and dopamine-driven cravings. Finally, Dr. Shaw shares her sleep routine, emphasizing sleep hygiene and the use of supplements like magnesium and tart cherry, and details the benefits of Japanese interval walking and regular bodyweight squats for blood sugar management and leg strength. The podcast includes sponsored segments featuring Cocovia's memory and focus capsules and cardio health powder.
Outlines

Introduction, Cocovia, & Superfoods
Jason Wachob introduces the podcast and Cocovia. Dr. Amy Shaw discusses mood-boosting superfoods (kiwi, citrus, blueberries, cruciferous vegetables), highlighting their nutritional benefits and practical tips for consumption.

Flavonols, Ancient Wisdom, & Modern Science
Dr. Shaw explains the importance of flavonols and flavonoids (found in cocoa and tea) for healthspan and lifespan, emphasizing the combination of ancient knowledge and modern science for holistic health. She also discusses the importance of foundational health habits before exploring more advanced interventions.

Cocoa, Cravings, & Sleep
The discussion clarifies misconceptions about chocolate, promoting concentrated cocoa extracts. It then focuses on managing hunger and cravings, differentiating between true hunger and dopamine-driven cravings. Finally, Dr. Shaw discusses her sleep routine, including sleep hygiene and supplements.

Exercise & Sleep Optimization
Dr. Shaw details Japanese interval walking and bodyweight squats for blood sugar management and leg strength. She reiterates the importance of adequate sleep, particularly for women. The podcast includes additional Cocovia advertisements.
Keywords
Cocovia Flavanols
Bioactive compounds in cocoa improving brain function, cognitive performance, and circulation.
Flavonols
A type of flavonoid with antioxidant and health-promoting properties, supporting cardiovascular and brain health.
Sulforaphane
A compound in cruciferous vegetables with anti-cancer and antioxidant properties.
Japanese Interval Walking
An exercise method alternating between casual and fast walking, improving cardiovascular and brain health.
Dopamine Pathway & Cravings
The neurological pathway associated with reward and pleasure, linked to cravings.
Sleep Hygiene
Practices promoting better sleep quality, including avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed.
Superfoods
Nutrient-rich foods offering significant health benefits, such as kiwi, citrus fruits, blueberries, and cruciferous vegetables.
Cocoa Extract
Concentrated cocoa extracts like Cocopro for optimal flavonol intake.
Bodyweight Squats
Regular bodyweight squats improve blood sugar management and leg strength.
Q&A
What are some everyday superfoods that can significantly boost mood and improve sleep?
Kiwi, citrus fruits, blueberries, and cruciferous vegetables offer various nutrients promoting mood and sleep quality.
What is the difference between flavonols and flavonoids, and why are they important?
Flavonoids are a broad class of plant compounds; flavonols are a specific type. They enhance health, impacting cardiovascular health, brain function, and mood.
How can I manage cravings effectively without resorting to unhealthy foods?
Distinguish between true hunger and cravings. If it's a craving, try alternative dopamine-boosting activities.
What are some practical strategies for improving sleep quality?
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, create a dark and cool sleep environment, and consider magnesium and tart cherry supplements.
What are the benefits of Japanese interval walking and bodyweight squats?
Japanese interval walking improves cardiovascular and brain health. Bodyweight squats impact blood sugar management and build leg strength.
Show Notes
“Movement in nature helps your gut health, reduces inflammation, improves your mood, and supports your hormones,” explains Amy Shah, M.D.
Amy Shah, M.D., double board-certified physician, bestselling author, and nationally recognized expert in nutrition and integrative medicine, joins us today to explain how to eat for longevity, get the most out of your walks, and so much more:
- Foods with powerful benefits (~2:00 )
- Should you be drinking celery juice? (~7:55 )
- The power of flavanols (~8:30 )
- Ancient knowledge & modern science (~10:38 )
- The health benefits of cocoa (~15:30 )
- Hunger vs cravings (~17:30 )
- Caffeine & sleep (~22:10 )
- Alcohol consumption (~23:50 )
- Tips for satiety (~27:45 )
- The power of walking (~29:20 )
- How to get more out of your walks (~31:40 )
- Body weight squats for blood sugar (~33:10 )
- The importance of leg strength (~34:55 )
- Improving sleep (~37:00 )
- Exciting changes for health & nutrition (~41:15 )
Referenced in the episode:
- Follow Amy Shah on Instagram (@dramyshah)
- Check out her website (https://amymdwellness.com/)
- Research on benefits of cocoa & cardiovascular disease (PMC9170467)
We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com.
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