Nutrition

Nutrition Articles

Calcium and vitamin D supplements: Good, bad, or neutral for cardiovascular health?

Evidence about the cardiovascular effects of calcium and vitamin D supplements has been mixed. Although some studies suggest that taking calcium supplements may raise heart disease risk, others do not. Low blood levels of vitamin D have been linked to a higher risk of heart disease. But taking vitamin D supplements does not appear to lower that risk. Some evidence hints that taking calcium and vitamin D together might slightly increase the risk of stroke. However, the largest study to date found no increased stroke risk. And there is no evidence that food sources of these nutrients have any harmful effects on heart health. (Locked) More »

Grain or seed of the month: Wheat

About 75% of all grain products in this country are made with wheat. But most contain highly processed white flour, which is less nutritious than options such as 100% whole-wheat bread or bulgur wheat. More »

Tips to keep lost weight off in the New Year

Maintaining weight loss can be more challenging than losing it in the first place. This is the case because your body drives you to store more fat. Unless you address that underlying regulatory problem, you will likely regain the weight. Some common causes of the underlying metabolic problems are stress, poor sleep, or medication. (Locked) More »

Can I do anything to prevent osteoporosis?

Many risk factors for osteoporosis, such as sex, age, and genes, are not modifiable. But women at risk can make changes to improve bone health, such as not smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, exercising more, and adopting a healthy diet rich in calcium and getting enough vitamin D. More »

Can you explain the red meat debate?

While a recent study claimed that people shouldn't worry about how much red and processed meat they eat, its credibility is questionable, and it is still prudent to eat these foods sparingly. (Locked) More »

Great grains, super seeds

Whole grains and seeds contain many healthful nutrients. Eating them has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood cholesterol and reducing chronic inflammation. (Locked) More »

Mushrooms may protect against prostate cancer

Researchers found that men who consumed mushrooms at least once a week had lower risk of prostate cancer compared with those who ate no mushrooms. Scientists speculate that mushrooms’ high levels of ergothioneine, a potential cancer preventive, may explain the connection. More »

The difference a healthy diet can make

Eating a plant-based diet may help prevent heart disease. For most people, this means focusing more on adding more whole grains, nuts, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) vegetables, and fruits to their daily fare. The fiber and other nutrients in these foods help people lose weight, lower their cholesterol and blood pressure, and perhaps even reverse their diabetes. Although avoiding meat, eggs, and other animal-based foods may help, not everyone is willing to give up those foods completely. But even small dietary shifts can help. (Locked) More »