Environmental Nutrition

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Research Roundup

Subscribers Only •Older people eating diets rich in beta-carotene , vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc may greatly reduce their risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). •Women who drink tea may have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer than non-tea drinkers. •Pistachios and sunflower seeds are among the best foods you can eat to get cholesterol-lowering phytosterols.

Six Deaths Halt Study of Arginine for Heart

Subscribers Only If you’ve had a heart attack and are taking L-arginine supplements, stop, urge Johns Hopkins researchers. The amino acid supplement does not improve vascular health and may actually increase your risk of dying, especially if you’re over 60.

Olive Oil: A Marriage of Taste and Health

Subscribers Only While olive oil boasts a bounty of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like phenols, its distinct flavor is what attracts food aficionados. The flavor, color and fragrance of olive oil vary significantly depending on where the olives are grown and the crop’s condition at harvest.

Fiber Fizzles as Study Finds No Link to Preventing Colon Cancer, But It’s Still on the Menu

Subscribers Only When you think of fiber, what comes to mind? Perhaps preventing colon cancer. But a new analysis has found that fiber appears to offer little, if any, protection for the colon. Is this a major flip-flop? Not really.

Commonsense Guide to the New Food Pyramids and Nutrition Guidelines

Subscribers Only The new MyPyramid from the U.S. Department of Agriculture encompasses 12 different eating plans, to cater to both sexes, several age ranges and many lifestyles. Confusing? Yes! Enter author Elizabeth Ward with The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids .

Can Milk Worsen the Congestion of Colds, Allergies or Asthma?

Subscribers Only Q . Do milk and dairy products increase mucus production and aggravate congestion? Should I avoid them when I have a cold or allergy symptoms? A . No. There’s no scientific basis for either the oft-heard notion or the advice, says a recent review of the research appearing in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition .

"White” Whole Wheat: Oxymoron or Newest Thing Since Sliced Bread?

Subscribers Only Q . I’ve seen several breads that look and taste like white bread, but claim to be whole wheat. Are they? A . Yes, but there is a slight catch. These “whole-grain white” breads are indeed whole-grain. But whether they provide the same health benefits is not known.

Fresh Scarce? Dried and Canned Fruit May Fill in the Gaps

Subscribers Only For overall health—for us and for the planet—it’s best to eat locally grown, seasonal fruits. But that’s not always practical or possible. Both dried and canned fruit provide much the same nutrition as fresh and can help you meet the recommended goal of nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables.

Feel Better, Be Healthier: Exercise Hints for Every Day

Subscribers Only Better weight control, stronger bones, lower blood pressure and a healthier heart are just a few of the perks of regular exercise. Now, add living longer. Researchers recently discovered that men and women 50 years and older engaging in moderate activities gained about one-and-a-half years of extra life; more intense exercise extended lives nearly four years

To Drink Or Not To Drink? The Pros And Cons Of Alcohol

Subscribers Only Researchers initially attributed the near-legendary benefits of red wine to potent antioxidants; they now believe it’s the alcohol in wine that protects the hearts. That means beer, wine and spirits should have equal potential for benefiting your heart—when consumed in moderation . With that caveat, EN looks at the pros and cons of alcohol use.

Antioxidant Allies Abound: Where to Look, Surprising Food Sources

Subscribers Only The allure of antioxidants—those hot-shot defenders against attacks by menacing free radicals—faded somewhat when recent research indicated they might not be all they were stacked up to be. But while the tide may be turning against high doses of antioxidant supplements, enthusiasm for antioxidant-laden foods has not dimmed.

Carbs Aid Weight Loss in Older Women

Subscribers Only A diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates doesn’t cause postmenopausal women to gain weight; it can help them lose weight if the carbs come mostly from fruits, vegetables and whole grains.