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November 05.2025
2 Minutes Read

How Adding a Banana to Your Smoothie Could Slash Flavanol Absorption

Natural wellness ingredients with digital thermometer, vibrant display.

Can a Banana Sabotage Your Smoothie?

Many of us reach for smoothies as a quick and nourishing way to kickstart the day. They’re packed with fruits and often touted for their nutritional benefits. However, recent research has revealed that adding a seemingly harmless banana to your smoothie might drastically reduce its health benefits by inhibiting the absorption of heart-healthy flavanols by a staggering 84%!

The Science Behind Flavonol Absorption

Flavonoids, especially flavanols found in fruits like berries, are known for their cardiovascular and cognitive health benefits. They support better blood flow, improve memory, and reduce inflammation. But what happens when you add a banana, which contains a powerful enzyme known as polyphenol oxidase (PPO)?

Scientists at the University of California, Davis, conducted a study highlighting the negative impact of this enzyme on the absorption of these important compounds. The study published in the journal Food and Function established that when participants consumed smoothies containing bananas—high in PPO—there was a significant drop in flavanol levels absorbed into the bloodstream. Surprisingly, even if bananas are eaten separately or combined with other flavanol-rich foods, they still reduce the flavanol absorption due to the PPO enzyme's activity.

Expert Insights on Fruit Pairing

Lead researcher Javier Ottaviani emphasized that while bananas are nutritious and offer benefits like heart-healthy potassium and fiber, they may not be the best choice when aiming for maximum flavanol absorption. If you want to increase your intake of these vital compounds, consider pairing berries with fruits that are low in PPO such as pineapple, oranges, or mango.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, aiming for 400 to 600 milligrams of flavanols daily can significantly support cardiometabolic health. To achieve this, Ottaviani suggests opting for fruit combinations that preserve the bioavailability of flavanols while still providing tasty options.

Pudding the Research into Perspective

The implications of this research extend beyond just bananas. It paves the way for further studies on how food combinations and preparations can influence our nutritional intake in the long run. For instance, even how you brew tea may affect its health benefits!

In essence, while a banana smoothie can be a great snack, it’s crucial to be mindful about what ingredients you mix. If you are looking for a heart-healthy option, you might want to save the bananas for another meal or blend them separately.

Community Takeaway: Healthful Choices in Kansas City

Local residents and businesses in Kansas City can benefit from understanding these findings. By making informed decisions about smoothie ingredients and promoting educational workshops or community health discussions centered around nutrition, we can enhance the health of our community. Let’s share recipes that prioritize health while supporting local farmers who provide these fruits!

Share Your Smoothie Creations!

Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com. Together, let's explore more opportunities for healthy living in Kansas City!

Health & Wellness in KC

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11.05.2025

Unlocking Muscle Thickness: Jeff Seid’s Transformative Back Workout

Update Unleash Your Potential: Jeff Seid's Back Workout Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, understanding the right techniques for building muscle can significantly impact your workout results. Jeff Seid, the 2024 Natural Olympia champion in Men’s Physique, shares his approach to developing a thicker back, guiding aspiring bodybuilders through a journey of strength training and muscle growth. With his focus on achieving muscle thickness, Seid’s techniques can serve as a potent foundation for anyone aiming to enhance their fitness. Genetics or Grit? The Seid Approach Seid’s story is inspiring, with a history in wrestling and football that laid the groundwork for his physique. He acknowledges that despite his impressive genetics, substantial effort and dedication are necessary to sculpt a body like his. “What used to be one of my strongest muscle groups slowly faded into a lagging area,” he said, emphasizing the balance of genetics and hard work in achieving fitness goals. Back Thickness Training: A Closer Look Seid's back workout focuses on consolidating muscle thickness, emphasizing strength exercises that challenge the upper body while promoting good form and technique: Cable Pullover: 2 Sets x 8 to 12 Reps - Engages the lats while also bringing in the triceps, pecs, and deltoids. Wide Grip Lat Pulldown: 2 Sets x 8 to 10 Reps - This targets the upper lats using a wide grip, enhancing overall back width. Smith Machine Reverse-Grip Barbell Row: 2 Sets x 6 to 8 Reps - Focusing on isolating muscles helps minimize body stabilization and maximizes muscle engagement. Dumbbell Rows: 2 Sets x 10 Reps - Free weights allow for natural movements, promoting muscle development. Seated Cable Rows: 2 Sets x 8 to 10 Reps - Perfect for finishing off the workout by engaging multiple muscle groups in the back. Dumbbell Shrugs: 2 Sets x 8 to 12 Reps - Essential for building the traps, these are crucial for upper body aesthetics. Training Insights: Seid's Philosophy According to Seid, building back muscle involves more than just lifting weights—it’s about strategic workouts. His methodology comprises a careful structure of sets and reps, emphasizing: Failure Training: He recommends performing 1 to 2 working sets to failure, ensuring maximum effort is expended during workouts. Longer Rest Periods: Taking breaks of 3 to 4 minutes between sets allows muscles to recover fully before the next effort, enabling heavier lifting with proper form. Consistent Growth: Training the back twice a week has generated positive outcomes for him, demonstrating that frequency is key to muscle development. Real-World Applications: Local Fitness Community Kansas City residents interested in boosting their fitness can draw inspiration from Jeff's regimen. Local gyms may hold classes or sessions focusing on back training techniques, helping individuals replicate Seid's method while cultivating community support. Engaging in strength training not only enhances individual health but also creates a culture of fitness that can uplift entire neighborhoods. Beyond the Gym: Nutrition and Recovery While Seid’s workout emphasizes physical training, nutrition plays a pivotal role in overall muscle building. Following a healthy meal plan rich in proteins and balanced macro nutrients supports muscle recovery and growth effectively. As you venture into strength training, consider integrating: Lean Protein Sources: Chicken, fish, beans, and legumes. Sustainable Carbohydrates: Whole grains and vegetables to fuel workouts. Hydration: Maintaining proper hydration levels for optimal performance. Steps to Success: Implementing Jeff’s Program For those looking to adopt a workout routine similar to Seid's, developing a structured program with the following key points can prove beneficial: Set Clear Goals: Determine what areas you want to focus on, whether it's muscle thickness, strength, or aesthetic improvements. Create a Schedule: Commit to regular training sessions, ideally incorporating back workouts two times a week. Track Progress: Maintain a journal of your workouts, noting weights used, sets, and repetitions, to gauge improvement over time. Community and Motivation: Engage with Others Embrace the local fitness community in Kansas City. Many individuals share their fitness journeys online, motivating one another. Consider joining online forums, local workout groups, or visiting local gyms where you can follow others’ strategies while sharing your own progress. In Conclusion: Building a thicker back like Jeff Seid requires strategic workouts, dedication, and a supportive community. As you embark on this fitness journey, remember to celebrate small victories and lean on your local resources. Together, you can inspire and uplift each other toward a healthier lifestyle. Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com!

11.04.2025

Five Essential Steps for a Successful Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press

Update A Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press: Key Steps for Beginners The seated dumbbell overhead press is a powerful exercise to strengthen your shoulders, and it’s surprisingly simple to perform correctly with just a few essential steps. While it may seem like a basic movement, proper setup can prevent injuries and maximize gains. Many new fitness enthusiasts in Kansas City are incorporating this exercise into their routines as they explore local gym opportunities. Understanding the Basics of the Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press The seated dumbbell overhead press primarily targets the shoulder muscles, particularly the deltoids, while also engaging the triceps and upper chest. Performing this exercise effectively can help build muscle strength and improve overall upper-body stability, both essential for daily activities and other physical pursuits. Unlike the barbell press, using dumbbells allows for more natural movement patterns and helps strengthen each side of your body equally. Checklist Steps to Nail Your Setup Before jumping straight into the press, here’s a streamlined checklist to ensure you’re set up correctly for your dumbbell overhead press: The Pick-Up and Lap Position: Begin by sitting upright on an adjustable bench at a 70-degree angle. Grab the dumbbells off the rack with your back straight, hinging at your hips. Position the weights vertically on your thighs – this sets the stage for a smooth lift. Getting Dumbbells Into Position: Take a deep breath and lean back. Use a controlled motion to kick up each dumbbell toward your shoulders. Remember to use your core strength instead of relying on your shoulders alone for the lift. Feet and Seat Position: Ensure your feet are firmly planted to create stability. Press your feet into the ground as if pushing against the floor to secure your base. This checklist helps you align your form, which significantly reduces the risk of injury and helps your muscles engage fully. Many fitness freaks in Kansas City, including local trainers and enthusiasts, emphasize that a solid foundation is crucial to getting the most out of the press. Why Proper Setup Matters for Effective Training With the right setup, not only will you find solid footing as you lift, but your muscle gains will also be more pronounced. Poor form can often lead to compensations where other muscles – like your lower back – may overwork to compensate for weak shoulders. By following these checklist steps, you’ll lay the groundwork for both strength and safety during your workouts. Future Fitness Trends and Strength Training in Local Communities As Kansas City productively evolves its fitness culture, more people are transitioning towards strength training, including workouts like the seated dumbbell overhead press. Fitness enthusiasts and gyms are promoting routines that combine strength training with functional fitness, which is gaining traction among the local populace. This trend reflects a growing understanding that building muscle not only enhances physical appearance but also strengthens bones and joints, paving the way for healthier long-term living. Tips for Maximizing Your Workout To further enrich your fitness journey, here are some actionable tips: Focus on your breathing: Inhale before lifting and exhale as you extend your arms. This helps maintain core stability. Keep your shoulder blades retracted throughout the lift for better control and alignment. Don’t be afraid to experiment with weight: Find a comfortable starting weight before gradually increasing as you build strength. Adapting these practices can enhance your shoulder workouts and make the process enjoyable while fostering a healthy community around fitness in Kansas City. With the excitement surrounding local fitness events and the emergence of various workout programs, now is the perfect time for local residents to jump in and try strength training exercises like the seated dumbbell overhead press for themselves. Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com.

11.04.2025

Why Understanding Modern Bodybuilding Is Essential for Fitness Enthusiasts

Update Modern Bodybuilding: A Perspective Shift Bodybuilding is often discussed in terms of eras, each with its own nuances and highlights. Many argue that the current state of bodybuilding resembles the familiar visuals of the 90s era, where mass monsters dominated the stage. However, the idea that "bodybuilding is dead" reveals a misunderstanding of the evolution and growth of the sport, particularly in today's diverse categories. The Continuous Evolution of Bodybuilding As Bill Dobbins pointed out, discussions surrounding the death of bodybuilding frequently resurface, often comparing modern athletes to the giants of the 90s. This nostalgia, while understandable, tends to disregard the unique attributes and standards various eras have brought to the sport. For instance, today's athletes are breaking records while embracing aesthetics that appeal to a wider range of bodybuilding fans. The 90s vs. Today: Not Just Size Jay Cutler, a four-time Mr. Olympia, has emphasized that the qualities of modern bodybuilders bear resemblance to 90s legends like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman. Yet, athletes today, like Chris Bumstead, highlight a shift towards a more balanced physique rather than simply focusing on sheer size. This evolution is embodied in the Classic Physique category, where competitors blend conditioning, aesthetics, and presentation akin to bodybuilding of the 90s. Bodybuilding's Diverse Spectrum The present-day bodybuilding landscape features various categories, such as Men’s Open, Classic Physique, and 212 division, allowing competitors of different sizes and styles to showcase their strengths. This diversity invigorates the sport, enabling it not only to survive but thrive in a dynamic fitness culture. Instead of viewing current bodybuilders as inferior, one must recognize that today’s athletes bring freshness and refinements that keep the sport relevant. Looking Ahead: The Future of Bodybuilding As the bodybuilding community embraces modern takes on aesthetics and conditioning, the future holds promise. With competitors prioritizing health alongside mass, the idea of what constitutes greatness in bodybuilding continues to evolve. One can only imagine the potential groundbreaking techniques and training methodologies that will emerge as this community adapts to the ever-changing fitness landscape. Inspiring the Next Generation For local residents in Kansas City looking to embrace fitness and perhaps even bodybuilding, remember that today’s fitness world emphasizes a balanced approach. Whether you are starting with home workouts or diving into strength training, prioritize your motivations and connect your efforts with the evolving ideals in sports. Just as bodybuilders of varying styles find success on stage, your unique fitness journey deserves celebration. Final Thoughts on Bodybuilding’s Dynamics The ongoing discussions about bodybuilding can be resolved through recognition of the sports' growth rather than its supposed demise. Today’s bodybuilders showcase incredible talent, and their achievements invite admiration. As Kansas City’s fitness community responds to these changes, individuals can learn to cultivate their strength, whether through bodyweight exercises, cardio routines, or healthy meal plans. Embrace this vibrant dialogue and integrate fitness and health into your lifestyle! Have a story to share or want to contact us for more details? Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com

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