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May 2004
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Research Still Suggests Vitamin E May Boost Immunity and Benefit Brain
By Amy Aubertin, M.S., R.D.
Vitamin E has had its share of ups and downs. Over the years, it has gone from being called a vitamin without a clear need, to a cure-all for everything from heart disease to cancer, to the current state of negative research that has experts questioning past results. But the roller coaster ride isn’t over just yet. While it’s tough to tell what’s around the next curve, here’s a look at what we know and what we have yet to learn about vitamin E.
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Healthy Gums Protect Your Heart and Lungs as Well as Your Teeth
By Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S., R.D.
An attractive smile is more than a reflection of your mood; it’s often a reflection of your health as well. The connection between oral health and general well-being is especially apparent in the case of gum disease. Experts now believe that it can contribute to heart disease, stroke and even respiratory diseases.
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Healthful Meals on the Fly: The New Face of Airport Food
By Hillary Wright, M.Ed., R.D.
As the food on commercial airline flights has gotten skimpier (and in many cases disappeared altogether), the quality of airport terminal food has ironically gotten better. A recent survey of the 15 busiest airports in the U.S found it’s easier than ever to find lighter, more healthful fare while waiting for your flight to finally take off.
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High-Fiber, Low-Carb or Sugar-Free Slices: Which Breads Are the Best?
By Densie Webb, Ph.D., R.D.
There’s good news and bad news, as the cliché goes. The good news is that there are more high-fiber, whole-grain bread choices today than ever before in supermarket aisles. The bad news is that with so many breads on the shelf, including the new crop of carb-counting breads, choosing the most healthful bread has become an even tougher task.
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Grapes Give You a Grab Bag of Phytonutrients to Fight Cancer and Heart Disease
By Andrea Klausner, M.S., R.D
The Folklore: Cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region for centuries, grapes (Vitis vinifera) were brought to the New World in the 18th century by Spanish explorers. In the 19th century, John Harvey Kellogg, M.D., of cereal fame, prescribed 10 to 14 pounds of grapes daily as a remedy for high blood pressure.
The Facts: Once thought of as offering little more than sugar and water in the way of nutrition, grapes are now respected for their phytonutrients.
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Despite Concerns, Weight of Evidence Backs Chromium’s Safety
Q. I keep reading that chromium supplements might be harmful. However, you’ve said that they are safe. Which is it?
A. After EN attended a summit of chromium researchers last spring, we reported that the consensus among experts was that chromium picolinate was safe. The study that spawned much of the negative news you’ve heard was released just prior to the summit. That study, however, was conducted in fruit flies.
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Can You Count on Kosher Meat to Be Safe From Mad Cow Disease?
Q. I’m thinking of buying kosher meat, because I was told there is less risk of it being infected with the organism that causes mad cow disease. Is this true?
A. Possibly, but there are no guarantees. There are several practices unique to the selection and slaughter of cattle for kosher processing and preparation that may indeed reduce the likelihood that the animals will carry mad cow disease.
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Having it Their Way or the Healthy Way: What's on Hospital Menus?
Hospitals are viewed as bastions of health, where staff work around the clock to treat illness and prevent disease. But hospitals don’t always practice what they preach. Many hospitals are sending an unhealthy message to visitors, staff and patients alike with the food and beverages they offer.
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How to Protect Healthful Antioxidants in Olive Oil
Olive oil not only contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, it’s also an unappreciated source of antioxidants, such as phenols and chlorophyll, which may confer additional disease protection. However, proper storage is key for keeping these healthy phytonutrients intact for as long as possible.
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Research Roundup
•A vitamin B12 deficiency may accelerate bone loss in older women. •Higher blood levels of the antioxidant vitamin E may predict better physical performance in older people. •Gaining weight after age 18 may increase the risk of breast cancer in women not taking hormone replacement therapy.
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