Environmental Nutrition

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Research Roundup

Subscribers Only • Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their fire, may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. • Insoluble fiber, such as in whole-grain breads and cereals, can improve insulin sensitivity. • Older people benefit more than 20-somethings when trained in aerobic exercise, report researchers from the University of Washington.

Do as Romans Do to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease

Subscribers Only The closer you can eat to the traditional Mediterranean way of eating, the better off you are in terms of preventing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study from Columbia University.

Beans: New Diet Food

Subscribers Only Despite suffering more than their share of adolescent humor, beans are still considered a health food. Now, new research finds they may help you maintain a healthy weight too.

Avocado: A Fruit Unlike Any Other Fruit

Subscribers Only Avocados grow on towering trees that can produce up to 120 fruits per year. Although this fruit packs 29 grams of fat per avocado, most of it is heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Avocados are also rich in fiber, potassium, folate and niacin plus they contain cholesterol-lowering phytosterols.

Your Best Options for Outsmarting Chronic Constipation

Subscribers Only Q. I’ve been suffering with constipation, but I heard a study found that fiber doesn’t help. What can I do for relief? A. Though research disputes their effectiveness for everyone, fiber and fluids are still best for beating constipation.

Beyond Cholesterol: What to Do About High Triglyceride Levels

Subscribers Only Q . My triglycerides are high. Is that as bad as high cholesterol? A . It can be. While a high cholesterol level is better known to increase the risk of heart disease, a high triglyceride level is a powerful risk factor on its own.

Calcium and Vitamin D Help Tame Blood Sugar

Subscribers Only Besides the already known benefits of calcium and vitamin D, new research suggests that getting enough of these two nutrients may also be key for reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

It’s Hard to Go Wrong With Almost Any Vegetable

Subscribers Only Sure, you know vegetables are good for you. Studies show that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables are the least likely to gain weight or develop heart disease and certain cancers. But do you know which vegetables are best? EN compares favorite veggies, from arugula to zucchini.

Editor’s Picks: Get Reading, Get Cooking, Get Healthy

Subscribers Only EN 's editor spotlights recent books that include advice on choosing power foods to fight disease, shopping with political savvy and a thought-provoking portrait of what the world eats. Sumptuous recipes as well.

High Cholesterol a Risk for Prostate Cancer

Subscribers Only Elevated blood cholesterol levels may pose a risk to more than just your heart. Researchers found that men with prostate cancer were 50% more likely to have cholesterol levels above 200 than those without prostate cancer.

Calcium Supplements Still Have a Role: EN Helps You Choose

Subscribers Only Calcium supplements have long been valued as a way to complement the calcium you get from foods. However, a major study recently challenged current advice that supplemental calcium protects against osteoporosis and colon cancer. Should there be a U-turn on calcium? EN doesn’t think so.

Curbing Cancer’s Reach: Little Things That Might Make a Big Difference

Subscribers Only Recent reports that neither low-fat or high-fiber diets nor antioxidant vitamins reduce the risk of certain cancers are discouraging. The good news is that researchers believe most cancers are largely preventable and that there’s much you can do to improve your odds. EN takes a look.