Healthy Eating Archive

Compared with eating carbohydrates, eating protein—particularly protein from plants— was associated with lower odds of later developing cognitive declines, according to a Harvard study in the January 2022 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Nutrient deficiencies are uncommon with a broad and varied diet. But aging, hormonal factors, or diet can leave women short of four key vitamins and minerals: vitamin D, iron, vitamin B₁₂, and calcium. Various tests can reveal nutrient deficiencies, including blood panels. Vitamin D and fish oil supplements may help prevent autoimmune diseases. Multivitamins are usually unnecessary, except in cases where age, pregnancy, digestive challenges, or certain medications interfere with the ability to get adequate nutrition.

A new study suggests a high-fiber diet may protect against dementia. In a group of about 3,700 older adults, those who consumed the most fiber (about 20 grams daily) had the lowest rates of dementia, and those who ate the least fiber (8 grams daily) had the highest rates.

Doctors advise that the best ways to lower risk for heart disease is to exercise, eat right, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits, like stress management, social engagement, and adequate sleep. But what do cardiology doctors do to practice what they preach? Three Harvard cardiologists share their heart-healthy habits and how they've overcome the same challenges their patients face.

Tacos filled with white fish or black beans, topped with vegetables and salsa, is an easy-to-prepare Mexican-inspired meal.

A traditional Nordic diet featuring whole grains, berries, canola oil, fish, and low-fat dairy may improve heart-related risk factors, even if people following the diet don't lose weight.

Researchers who began collecting data on thousands of people, starting when they were children and following up decades later, found that five risk factors influence health outcomes in adulthood. Parents should know the important steps they can take to get their children started toward healthy lives as adults.

Most people are able to lose weight in the short term, but will probably regain that weight as time passes. By studying people who lose weight and are able to maintain the loss for several years, insight into their approach can help others understand the strategies that are most likely to lead to long-term success.

A study compared eating a serving of French fries every day for a month to eating a serving of almonds with the same number of calories, and found that levels of some health markers were similar between the two groups — but those numbers don't tell the full story.

People who are unable to or don't want to drink cow's milk have alternatives, such as milks made from grains, nuts, and soy.