Nutrition questions answered by Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN of the American Institute for Cancer Research
Espresso or coffee: which has more caffeine?
Q: How does the amount of caffeine in espresso compare to the amount found in regular coffee?
A: Espresso is more concentrated in caffeine than regular coffee, but the standard serving is much less, so drink-for-drink the two are fairly comparable in caffeine content. A six-ounce cup of coffee contains about 70 to 120 mg of caffeine, while a standard one-ounce espresso shot contains about 70 mg. Portion size is key however. A 16-ounce coffee (considered a "medium" at many coffee chains) can provide up to 300 mg of caffeine. A double shot of espresso in a cappuccino or latte offers about 150 mg.
Q: Does diet have any effect on psoriasis?
A: Psoriasis is a skin disease that features itchy patches of thick, reddened, scaly skin. Susceptibility to psoriasis is inherited, but several factors can influence its development, including stress and infection. These factors can also affect when symptoms come and go. Diet may also help decrease symptoms. Because psoriasis is linked to inflammation, eating a diet rich in foods that combat inflammation is helpful. Including plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans, which supply a wide range of antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals, may be beneficial. Adding sources of omega 3 fat in the diet can also help suppress inflammation. Choose fish high in omega-3 fat (such as salmon, trout and albacore tuna) at least twice a week and enjoy plant sources of omega-3s as well, like walnuts, flaxseed and canola oil. Avoiding certain foods may also help. Some people who suffer from psoriasis are intolerant to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Symptoms may improve in these people if they follow a gluten-free diet. Others may find help from vitamin D, which promotes immune function and regulation of cell growth. Vitamin D is sometimes an ingredient in skin creams that are used as a part of treatment, and some scientists suggest that getting adequate viamin D may help even prevent psoriasis.
Source: American Institute for Cancer Research (www.aicr.org)
