Palena Health Hub

Inside Mel's Brain: Holy Cow! Exploring the Wide World of Cream

Inside Mel's Brain: Holy Cow! Exploring the Wide World of Cream

How much could I possibly have to say about cream? Let’s all find out! Haha. You’re reading recipes, and one calls for pure cream, another for double cream, and then there’s one that insists on whipping cream. Meanwhile, the only...

Read more

Good news for Keto-loving men: better brain health as you age

Good news for Keto-loving men: better brain health as you age

How Keto diets may help boost memory, brain health later in life Written by Hannah Flynn on June 23, 2024 — Fact checked by Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN Research has already shown that ketogenic diets may improve brain performance in older male mice. Now, the authors...

Read more

Some of The Oils We Use Instead of Seed Oils

Some of The Oils We Use Instead of Seed Oils

Mind the Fat: Coconut Oil vs. Ghee By: Jon Yaneff In the grand scheme of things, fat gets a bad name. Saturated fats increase cholesterol, heart disease risk and weight gain. Coconut oil and ghee are two healthy alternatives— while...

Read more

Unlocking the Potential of the Ketogenic Diet: Studies Reveal Health Benefits

Unlocking the Potential of the Ketogenic Diet: Studies Reveal Health Benefits

In a recent editorial published in Nutrients, researchers reported on the effects of the Ketogenic Diet (KD) on various aspects of metabolic and endocrinal health. This ranged from its influence on insulin secretion and hepatic health to its role in managing...

Read more

Once Upon a Time: Fats in the Kitchen

Once Upon a Time: Fats in the Kitchen

Once, cooking fats were simple—think butter, lard, and olive oil. Now, seed oils dominate shelves and diets, sneaking into nearly 90% of packaged foods. Cheap to produce and shelf-stable, they’ve been marketed as “heart-healthy” but come with hidden risks: oxidative stress, inflammation, and a skewed omega-6 to omega-3 balance.

Extracted through harsh chemicals and high heat, these oils are far removed from the nourishing fats our ancestors knew. Next time you shop, skip the seed oils and choose traditional, whole-food fats instead. Your body will thank you.

Read more

Pasture-Raised vs. Free-Range vs. Regular Eggs: What's in the Shell?

Pasture-Raised vs. Free-Range vs. Regular Eggs: What's in the Shell?

Welcome back to my brain! Today, we’re going on an egg-sploration (see what I did there?) of one of keto’s best friends: the humble egg. Eggs are amazing. They’re a baking miracle, a protein-packed snack, a breakfast staple, and come...

Read more

Starches and Resistant Starch

Starches and Resistant Starch

So, let’s dive into starches—because this topic is a bit of a rollercoaster, and if you’re confused, I don’t blame you. Starches, resistant starch, Keto—there’s a lot to unpack. But first, let me give you my personal “Mel” rundown. Keto, to me, is...

Read more