Environmental Nutrition

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Research Roundup

Subscribers Only •The higher the level of vitamin C in the bloodstream, the lower your risk of having a stroke , say British scientists. • Diets high in fiber are linked to 30% less risk of endometrial cancer , say researchers who analyzed eight population studies. • Low blood levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke , according to researchers with the Framingham Heart Study.

Brown Rice: Right Rice for Nutrients, Fiber, Flavor

Subscribers Only Brown rice is a whole grain, with the nutrient-dense germ and fiber-filled bran intact. It beats white rice in B vitamins, several minerals and has nearly three times the dietary fiber of white rice plus some essential fatty acids. Try EN 's own Easy Asian-Inspired Rice.

When Fat Is Good for Aging Muscles

Subscribers Only With age, muscle mass decreases and strength fades. Exercise can help you maintain muscle and build strength. Diet can also help. Now, new research from the U.K. suggests that eating fatty fish can influence strength, specifically grip strength, in older adults.

Cutting Fat, Calories Is E-Z with Z Trim

Subscribers Only Until now, there haven’t been many viable fat substitutes for creating lower-fat, lower-calorie homemade treats. Enter Z Trim , a calorie-free fat substitute made from insoluble plant fibers that duplicates the taste and texture of fat.

Is Maraschino Red Safe?

Subscribers Only Q. Is maraschino red dye safe to eat? A. The coloring that gives maraschino cherries their distinctive hue is called red dye #40. It passes muster with the Food and Drug Administration, but a consumer advocacy group advises caution.

Overweight Not Deadly, But Worsens Quality of Life

Subscribers Only Q. Does being just 10 or 15 pounds overweight increase my risk of dying? A. Experts can’t say for sure, but until recently the answer might have been yes. However, researchers who recently analyzed U.S. government survey and statistical data arrived at a different conclusion.

Calcium Alone May Harm Bones; Add D and Phosphorus, Try Food First

Subscribers Only Q. I heard that calcium may not help protect against broken bones. Is that true? A. You’re probably referring to a recent study that concluded that calcium intake—whether from food or supplements—had no effect on the incidence of hip fractures in men and women. But don't give up on calcium.

Between the Bread: More Healthful Lunch Meats

Subscribers Only Sandwich lovers are no longer limited to salty ham or fatty bologna. They can now choose from a large selection of prepackaged lunch meats, as well as new offerings at the deli counter. Best of all, fat and sodium counts have dropped from a decade ago. EN 's brand-by-brand comparison.

Cloned Meat, Milk Deemed Safe; What It Means

Subscribers Only After years of contentious debate among scientists, the Food and Drug Administration announced its conclusion that milk and meat from cloned cattle, pigs and goats and their offspring are as safe to eat as milk and meat from conventionally bred animals. EN remains wary.

Beans Offer Bounty of Nutrients, Bevy of Health Benefits

Subscribers Only What vegetable has been around for almost 12,000 years as an important part of a healthful diet? The oft-misunderstood and little-appreciated bean. Studies show that beans can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer and perhaps aid weight control. Tips for putting beans on your plate plus a tasty recipe.

Carotenoids Plus E Guard Against Cataracts

Subscribers Only Women whose diets are rich in the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and get the most vitamin E from diet and supplements are less likely to develop cataracts. That’s what researchers found after following more than 35,000 women for 10 years.

Folic Acid: Too Much of a Good Thing? Food Folate to the Rescue

Subscribers Only Ten years ago, the Food and Drug Administration mandated that bread and flour labeled “enriched” be fortified with folic acid. The regulation has been considered a success. Now, however, experts are wondering if too much folic acid could be a problem for some people.

If You Think You Can’t Handle Milk, Here’s Some Good News for You

Subscribers Only Lactose intolerance is an often misdiagnosed condition sometimes confused with milk allergy. What's more, sometimes just thinking you have lactose intolerance can produce symptoms. Here, EN sets the record straight on what it is, who suffers and what can be done to relieve symptoms.