Environmental Nutrition

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Research Roundup

Subscribers Only • Eating a single high-fat meal can raise blood pressure significantly more than a very low-fat meal, say U.S. and Canadian researchers. • Extra pounds increase the risk of asthma , according to an analysis of seven previous studies. • Eating foods rich in flavonols may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to an eight-year study of more than 183,000 men and women.

Scare Averted...for Now

Subscribers Only Unless you eat more than 800 pounds of pork a day, the Food and Drug Administration says you have little to worry about from the pet food scare that now threatens human food.

DHEA in a Pill: Promises, Promises!

Subscribers Only DHEA is a supplement widely used as an anti-aging remedy. It’s also been studied as a weight-loss aid, a treatment for lupus, dementia and depression. Sounds impressive, but does reality match the hype?

Study Finds CLA Helps Trim Body Fat, But Are Supplements Safe?

Subscribers Only In the first study of its kind, Norwegian researchers have found that overweight men and women who supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid had significant decreases in body fat compared to people who took a placebo.

Fortified Cereal or Multi?

Subscribers Only Q. I’ve noticed some breakfast cereals provide more vitamins and minerals than others do. Is that important? A. That depends on whether or not you take a multivitamin/mineral supplement.

Arginine Is Beneficial to Health, But Also Risky

Subscribers Only Q. I’ve read reports about the benefits of arginine. Should I take a supplement? A. Based on what we know right now, it’s safer to stick with arginine-rich foods rather than try a supplement.

Guilty Only by Association: Natural Trans Fats May Not be Like Evil Twin

Subscribers Only Q. I’ve heard that some trans fats occur naturally in foods. Are they as bad as the trans fats from partially hydrogenated oils? A. Probably not. Naturally occurring trans fats, which are found in meat, butter, milk and cheese, have different chemical structures than those found in partially hydrogenated oils.

Basil: Summer Herb Packs Protective Punch

Subscribers Only Basil is an aromatic herb used widely in Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It is especially rich in vitamin K, important for proper blood coagulation and bone health. Enjoy our recipe for Shrimp and Corn spiked with fresh basil.

Wake Up and Smell the Latté and Cappuccino Calories

Subscribers Only Yesterday’s simple cup of black coffee, virtually calorie-free, has morphed into a mélange of espresso shots, foamed milk, whipped cream and caramel, jammed with fat and calories. There’s a better way. Check out EN 's comparison of coffee drinks.

Food Scales Help You Control Portions, Slim Down

Subscribers Only For many, summer is a wake-up call for shedding unwanted pounds. And buying a food scale is a smart first step. It reveals the undeniable truth about how much food you’re really putting on your plate. EN charts your choices.

Migraines May Foretell Bigger Trouble; Diet and Supplements Might Help

Subscribers Only As headaches go, migraines are far more debilitating than the more common tension headaches. To make matters worse, serious health consequences may be part of the migraine package. EN tackles whether the right diet or supplement can make a difference when managing your migraine or its consequences.

Every Bit of Exercise Ups Fitness in Older Women

Subscribers Only Women who exercise just half the amount recommended by the National Institutes of Health experience significant improvement in fitness. That’s what researchers found when 427 women exercised at three different levels.

Omega-3-Fortified Foods: Fish Out of Water or Healthful Addition to Diet?

Subscribers Only Foods (read fish) rich in omega-3 fatty acids alleviate—maybe even prevent—a host of health ailments, such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart disease and some cancers. Food companies, anticipating demand, are adding omega-3 acids to foods of every ilk, from eggs to yogurt. EN evaluates the trend.