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.

Healthy aging and longevity

Can a daily scoop of collagen powder really improve your skin?

Published August 1, 2021

Manufacturers tout collagen supplements as a way to improve signs of skin aging and skin quality. There is some research that shows they may bring skin benefits, reducing wrinkles, speeding wound healing, and improving skin hydration and elasticity. But because supplements aren’t regulated, quality may be highly variable. While collagen supplements are believed to be safe, there aren’t any long-term safety studies to date.

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

Keep heart disease at bay with a salad a day?

Published August 1, 2021

Eating one cup of leafy green vegetables a day may help lower heart disease risk. Leafy greens are rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide (a compound that helps reduce blood pressure).

Healthy aging and longevity

Green leafy vegetables offer a leg up on muscle strength

Published August 1, 2021

Eating high amounts of nitrate-rich green leafy vegetables may improve leg muscle strength and increase walking speed and reduce fatigue.

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

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.

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Diet and nutrition Archive

Articles

Battle of the bulges

Can a daily scoop of collagen powder really improve your skin?

Fruit of the month: Melons

Keep heart disease at bay with a salad a day?

Green leafy vegetables offer a leg up on muscle strength

Spice up your cooking to cut down on salt

Losing steam? Avoid these energy zappers

Grill your way to better health

How to hydrate

More clues about the healthiest carb choices

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