Nutrition Archive

Articles

Jump-start a healthier New Year with four holiday eating tips

The holiday season is full of parties, gatherings, food, and drink — making it an ideal time to adopt healthier eating habits. Doing so can help you manage stress and avoid overeating, and will set you up for success in the new year.

When replenishing fluids, does milk beat water?

An ad campaign sponsored by the milk industry claims that milk is better than water for hydration. A few studies appear to support the claim, but they involved a small number of subjects and have important limitations.

Steak and burger substitutes to satisfy a carnivore

Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) might be safe to eat — in moderation — as a replacement for red meat in the diet. The best options are PBMAs that have the fewest ingredients and lowest levels of salt and saturated fat. PBMAs shouldn't be paired with unhealthy foods, such as French fries, soda, or refined grains (white bread or buns). Other substitutes for red meat include vegetables and legumes, such as a large portabella mushroom cap, homemade bean burger, or thick slice of eggplant or cauliflower.

Easy, delicious summer veggie meals will help stretch your food budget

Summertime offers a great variety of fresh vegetables. Making vegetables the focus of a meal has many health benefits, and anyone can take advantage of this by preparing them in simple yet delicious ways.

Why are you taking a multivitamin?

One in three Americans takes a daily multivitamin even though research shows this doesn't provide any meaningful health benefits for most people. And because of the way supplements are regulated, some supplements make claims that have no evidence behind them.

The truth about nutrient deficiencies

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.

Vitamin B6 flies under the radar: Are you getting enough?

Vitamin B6 helps with the body's enzyme reactions, immune system health, brain chemicals, and more, but it doesn't get a lot of attention. The body can't synthesize it, so people need to get it from food, and a recent study found that a surprisingly high percentage of people may be deficient in vitamin B6.

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