Environmental Nutrition

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Research Roundup

Subscribers Only • The greater a woman’s waist measurement, the greater her risk of dying, say researchers with the Shanghai Women’s Health Study. • People who favor high-fiber cereals and have a high magnesium intake suffer less type 2 diabetes, according to German researchers. • Cinnamon can delay emptying of the stomach and reduce blood sugar after a meal, a Swedish study reports.

Get an Eyeful of Lutein and More With Yellow Corn .

Subscribers Only Yellow corn and white corn each has its passionate partisans, although neither has the advantage in color or sweetness. But yellow corn is a gold mine of phytonutrients that protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness among older Americans. Enjoy it in EN s corn salad.

Fish, Milk Protect Eyes

Subscribers Only • People who eat diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids are much less likely to develop advanced age-related macular degeneration, according to a major study. • Drinking milk and taking vitamin D supplements are both linked to less risk of early-stage age-related macular degeneration, say researchers.

Multis for Men: More Is Not Better

Subscribers Only A new study suggests that men who average more than one multivitamin a day may increase their risk of developing advanced prostate cancer and dying from the disease. However, there are a few important caveats to this story.

Food Facials May Feel Good, But Don’t Expect Skin Miracles

Subscribers Only Q. Are there foods I can put on my face to improve the look and feel of my skin? A. Maybe. Several foods are touted to improve skin, but the use of whole foods like avocados, buttermilk and honey are rooted more in folklore than science.

Mind Your Mushrooms

Subscribers Only Q. How can I keep mushrooms fresh as long as possible? A. It takes a bit of time to choose, store and clean mushrooms carefully, but for your trouble you’ll be rewarded with good nutrition; mushrooms are rich in niacin, riboflavin, copper and selenium.

Acid vs Alkaline: 3 Steps to a Better Balance

Subscribers Only Q. Is it true that balancing the acidity and alkalinity of my diet could make a difference to my health? A. Research does suggest that eating a diet that produces a higher pH—i.e., more alkaline—may have several benefits for your long-term health. But there’s no need to make a lot of complicated diet changes.

Popcorn Can Be Surprisingly Healthful, But Choose Wisely

Subscribers Only Popcorn skyrocketed in popularity in the 1980s, when manufacturers started packaging it in what were then innovative microwave-ready bags. Whether you like your popcorn plain or flavored with salsa or cinnamon there's plenty to chose from. EN compares and picks the most healthful brands.

Is New Weight-Loss Drug Your Ally in the Battle of the Bulge?

Subscribers Only In case you’ve missed the barrage of television commercials, print ads and direct mailings, there’s a new nonprescription drug for weight loss called Alli (as in your “ally” in the fight against flab). But is it the weight-loss option everyone has been waiting for?

Caffeine Content No Longer Guesswork on Some Drinks

Subscribers Only Soft drink giants PepsiCo and Coca-Cola recently became the first manufacturers to reveal just how much caffeine is in their soft drinks. Moderate caffeine intake does not pose a health risk for most people, but don't go overboard. Use EN 's caffeine counter to tally your daily consumption.

Whole Grains Protect More Than Heart

Subscribers Only Women who eat at least four servings a week of whole grains have a reduced risk of dying from noncardiovascular diseases that such as Crohn’s disease, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a new study.

Probiotics Promise Better Health: Put a Few Billion of Them on Your Plate

Subscribers Only “Eat your bacteria” is not dietary advice you’d expect to hear, but experts might soon start dispensing it. While we typically think of bacteria as being harmful to health, probiotics are “friendly” bacteria that can now be found in a plethors of products. EN puts them under the microscope.

Can Diet or Supplements Relieve Your Arthritis Aches and Inflammation?

Subscribers Only One of every five U.S. adults has been diagnosed with arthritis, In the quest for relief from the pain and swelling, a growing number of people seek complementary therapies, such as diet and herbal supplements. But can changing your diet or taking supplements really help? EN weighs in.