Diet and nutrition Archive

Healthy aging and longevity

Battle of the bulges

Published August 1, 2021

A majority of people over 60 have diverticulosis, a condition in which tiny bulges (called diverticula) appear in weak areas of your colon’s inner wall. The bulges themselves don’t cause symptoms, but they can lead to bleeding or diverticulitis, which occurs when a diverticulum becomes inflamed or infected. People can reduce their risk by eating more fiber and staying physically active.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Melons

Published August 1, 2021

Melons have a high water content and are fairly low in calories, making them a good choice for people watching their weight. Watermelon contains lycopene and citrulline, two nutrients thought to benefit heart health.

Heart Health

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

Published August 1, 2021

Enhancing food with different flavors from spices, herbs, aromatic roots, citrus juice and zest, and vinegars can help people eat less sodium, a main component of salt. Fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and mint can deliver flavor, fragrance, and color to foods; so can spice blends such as garam masala, za’atar, and Chinese five-spice blend. Other flavor-boosting, salt-free strategies include choosing the freshest possible foods and using appropriate cooking techniques. Reducing dietary sodium helps lower blood pressure, which reduces cardiovascular disease risk.

Healthy aging and longevity

Losing steam? Avoid these energy zappers

Updated July 2, 2021

Healthy aging and longevity

Grill your way to better health

Published July 1, 2021

Grilled meat—in particular red meat—has garnered some negative attention from nutritionists in recent years, because in addition to its less-than-stellar nutritional profile, it’s been shown to generate potentially cancer-causing compounds when cooked over high heat. On the grill, the fat and protein in the meat produces harmful, potentially carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Better options are lean chicken and fish, and grilled vegetables.

Healthy aging and longevity

High-glycemic diets could lead to big health problems

Published July 1, 2021

A diet consisting primarily of foods high on the glycemic index—those with high amounts of quickly digestible carbohydrates—can increase a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and early death, suggests a study that looked at almost 138,000 people around the world.

Cancer

Vitamin D and the big C

Published July 1, 2021

New research has found an association between high and low levels of vitamin D and cancer risk. However, many older adults don’t get the recommended daily amount of 600 to 800 international units, as the main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure (which many people try to avoid) and certain foods, like fatty fish, fortified milk and cereal. Getting vitamin D levels checked to find a possible deficiency can reveal if someone needs more vitamin D, which may require taking a daily supplement.

Healthy aging and longevity

How to hydrate

Published July 1, 2021

An estimated 40% of seniors are chronically underhydrated, and adults ages 65 and older have the highest hospital admission rates for dehydration. The main problem is that the sense of thirst diminishes with age. In addition, many people are not mindful about drinking water over the course of the day. People can increase their intake by setting up drinking routines, jazzing up drinking water, and increasing their intake of water-rich foods.

Heart Health

More clues about the healthiest carb choices

Published July 1, 2021

Diets that contain low-quality, highly refined carbohydrates (such as sugary drinks, candy, white rice, and foods made with white flour) have a high glycemic index and are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Whole and minimally processed carbs that contain fiber and resistant starch (whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fruits and vegetables) have a lower glycemic index and are better for cardiovascular health.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Stone fruits

Published July 1, 2021

Peaches, nectarines, apricots, peaches, plums, and cherries are considered stone fruits because they all contain large, hard seeds or pits. They’re all decent sources of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

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Diet and nutrition Archive

Articles

Battle of the bulges

Fruit of the month: Melons

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

Losing steam? Avoid these energy zappers

Grill your way to better health

High-glycemic diets could lead to big health problems

Vitamin D and the big C

How to hydrate

More clues about the healthiest carb choices

Fruit of the month: Stone fruits

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