Environmental Nutrition

Research Roundup

Subscribers Only • Supplementing with folic acid may significantly reduce the risk of a first stroke. That was the conclusion of U.S. and Chinese researchers who reviewed eight clinical trials. • Adding milk to tea doesn't reduce benficial polyphenol antioxidants. That’s what Scottish researchers found in this first-ever study to look at drinking tea with and without milk. • A small amount of dark chocolate eaten daily is enough to lower blood pressure. That’s what German researchers found when they fed dark or white chocolate to 44 middle-aged and older people.

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Wheat Germ: The Quintessential Health Food

Subscribers Only The core or “heart” of the wheat berry, wheat germ is incredibly nutrient-rich, full of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Add it to yogurt, smoothies or salads or try our recipe for "Whole-Grain Pancakes with Wheat Germ."

No Fridge for UHT Milk?

Subscribers Only Q. Why is it that some milk doesn’t have to be kept refrigerated? A. Traditional pasteurization kills bacteria, but not the spores that cause milk to spoil. Ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing, on the other hand, kills both.

Isoflavone Supplements May Be Risky, but Soy Foods Are Safer Bet

Subscribers Only Q. What’s the latest on soy and breast cancer; is it okay to eat soy or not? A. Probably. The effect of soy on breast tumors has befuddled experts for years. As research continues, contradictory findings continue to come in.

Magnesium May Help Manage Type 2 Diabetes

Subscribers Only Q. Does magnesium intake affect whether you get diabetes or its severity? A. It certainly looks that way. A growing body of evidence strongly suggests a link between a low magnesium intake and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

The “Light” Shines Bright on Healthful Frozen Entrées

Subscribers Only "Light" frozen entrées now occupy about half the supermarket freezer space devoted to frozen entrées and dinners. Some are lighter in calories, some are lighter in sodium and several are surprisingly good sources of fiber. An EN brand-by-brand comparison.

Pump It Up: 10 Strength Training Tips for Bones, Balance, Weight Control

Subscribers Only Not so long ago, lifting weights conjured up images of Arnold Schwarzenegger in his bodybuilding heyday. Now, health experts recommend strength training for everyone--even those at risk of a heart attack--to improve health and quality of life. Check out our tips on lifting weights properly.

Could Broiling and Grilling Be Almost as Bad for You as Frying?

Subscribers Only How you cook your food may be just as important to your health as the food itself. Researchers have linked blood levels of compounds that form in foods during cooking to indicators associated with chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

How to Cut the Fat in Ground Beef by Shopping Smarter

Subscribers Only Ground beef makes an inexpensive and tasty meal, so it's not surprising that Americans eat about 28 pounds of ground beef per person each year, making it a major source of fat in the American diet. It doesn’t have to be. Find out how to make the leanest choices.

Calcium, Vitamin D May Help Prevent Diabetes

Subscribers Only Low intakes of calcium and vitamin D may be important risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. That’s what Boston researchers concluded after reviewing the findings of 44 studies.

The Latest Research Finds Vegetables, Tea, Fish Help Fend Off Alzheimer’s

Subscribers Only A healthy diet, regular exercise, watching your weight and managing stress will keep your body strong and healthy, but what about your mind? Studies presented at a Washington conference point to diet as a major factor in preventing Alzheimer's disease. EN reports on the latest research.

Do You Know Where Your Nutrients Are? Test Yourself With 12 Tough Questions

Subscribers Only It’s one thing to know which vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients you need to stay healthy. It’s another to make the right food choices so you actually get those nutrients. Take EN ’s quiz and put your nutrition smarts to the test.