Lauren O'Connor Journalist Profile

Articles

How To Choose the Healthiest Peanut Butter: 4 Tips From a Dietitian

1 month ago | health.com | Lauren O'Connor |Kayla Girgen

SMarina / Getty Images Peanuts are a source of plant protein, which contains heart-healthy fats, and offer essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Many commercial peanut butters contain sugars, hydrogenated oils, and preservatives to improve their texture and shelf life, but these additives can impact health. Added sugars can add up, and hydrogenated oils contribute to saturated fat intake—both should be limited to less than 10% of your diet.
How Much Protein Should You Eat Per Meal?

2 months ago | health.com | Lauren O'Connor |Hannah Harper |Kayla Girgen

hsyncoban / Getty Images Protein is crucial for many bodily functions that sustain our health and well-being. It forms the foundation of our muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Age, physical activity level, health status, and body weight are all key factors in determining how much protein you need daily. An average adult may require at least 75-90 grams of protein daily—approximately 20-30 grams for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a 15-20 gram protein snack.
DC Agenda and Practical Notes (UK)

Mar 4, 2025 | lexology.com | Michael Jones |Francois Barker |Amanda T. Small |Jen Green |Lauren O'Connor |Harriet Burchett | +4 more

DC AgendaDC Agenda is our quarterly summary of the key legal developments in the DC space. This quick-reference overview of updates and actions is supplemented by its companion document, DC Practical Notes (below). DC Practical NotesDC Practical Notes is our quarterly thought-leadership report, giving trustees, employers and providers of defined contribution (DC) pension schemes insight into what we are encountering in practice and our market-leading commentary on several key legal issues.
8 Ways To Sweeten Your Holiday Baking Without Refined Sugar

Dec 18, 2024 | health.com | Lauren O'Connor

Refined sugar (aka table sugar) is processed from sugarcane into its familiar white crystalline form. It's a key ingredient that can make holiday treats irresistible. Refined sugar dissolves easily and caramelizes beautifully, creating the textures you know and love. The problem with refined sugar is that it raises your blood sugar, adds extra calories, and has no nutritional value. When consumed in excess, it has been linked to weight gain, diabetes, and increased risk of heart disease.
Supplements To Keep You Healthy and Energized This Winter

Dec 17, 2024 | health.com | Lauren O'Connor

Taking certain supplements in the winter can support overall health and combat the season's challenges. Cooler temperatures, dryer air, and crowded indoor spaces can increase the transmission of respiratory illnesses. Reduced sunlight can lower vitamin D levels, and the "winter blues" (low energy met with sadness) may also occur. Winter weather can affect your skin. Transitioning between windy outdoor climates and dry, heated indoor environments can lead to drier, flakier skin.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) vs. Olive Oil

Dec 16, 2024 | health.com | Lauren O'Connor

Olive oil has long been a desired staple of the Mediterranean diet, known for its contributions to overall health and longevity. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), a premium type of olive oil, is rich in beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), like oleic acid. EVOO's golden-yellow hue and richness add to its appeal and culinary value. Refined olive oil, also known simply as "olive oil," has a similar fatty acid profile, making it just as good for heart health.
Comamonas aquatica inhibits TIR-1/SARM1 induced axon degeneration

Nov 21, 2024 | biorxiv.org | Alexandra Byrne |Lauren O'Connor |Paula Vo |Jessica B. Spinelli

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests the microbiome critically influences the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases; however, the identity of neuroprotective bacteria and the molecular mechanisms that respond within the host remain largely unknown.
Should You Cook With Avocado Oil or Olive Oil? Here’s What a Registered Dietitian Recommends

Nov 18, 2024 | health.com | Lauren O'Connor

puhhha / Getty Images Olive oil is extracted from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.). It is the predominant fat consumed in the Mediterranean diet, renowned for its long-standing benefits for longevity. Several studies have linked olive oil consumption to improved overall health. Avocado oil is also extracted from the fruit of its respective tree (Persea Americana). Growing in popularity, avocado oil is produced mainly in the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, Chile, and South Africa.
10 Nuts You Can Snack on To Increase Your Daily Protein Intake

Nov 11, 2024 | health.com | Lauren O'Connor

Nuts are a nutrient-dense food rich in plant-based protein, heart-healthy fats, and essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E. Getting adequate protein through your diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy dips and mood swings. Protein also has a satiating effect, which can help reduce overeating and support weight management efforts. Dietary recommendations suggest consuming 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram (or 2.2 pounds) of body weight each day.
18 Easy Keto-Friendly Snacks, According to a Dietitian

Oct 22, 2024 | health.com | Lauren O'Connor

SewcreamStudio / Getty Images A standard ketogenic diet (SKD) limits carbohydrate intake to 50 grams of carbohydrates (or less) per day, protein comprises about 20% of the diet, while fat comprises about 70% of the daily intake. While there are variations to how people follow a keto diet (including a high-protein ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbs (5%) and contains about 35% protein and 60% fat), the SKD is the most researched.