April 2008

Overcoming Insidious Insulin Resistance Could Combat 4 Types of Cancer
By Hillary Wright, M.Ed., R.D.
Insulin resistance is a known harbinger of type 2 diabetes and a key component of metabolic syndrome. Now, recent research has uncovered a disturbing link between this reluctance of the body to recognize insulin and the development of cancer.

Think Before You Drink: Watch Out for Covert Calories in Beverages
By Janet Helm, M.S., R.D.
If you’re trying to lose weight or simply eat better, you’re probably rethinking what you put on your plate. But what you’re drinking may have an even greater impact on your waistline and health. Here are EN's tips to help you make smarter choices.

Choline, Betaine May Reduce Inflammation
Greek researchers have found that eating a diet rich in choline and betaine, two related compounds, may be key to reducing inflammation, now considered a stepping stone to heart disease and other chronic conditions.

All About Eggs (They’re Okay!): 13 Label Claims Defined
By Amy Aubertin, M.S., R.D.
Many people still eschew eggs, but studies now support eating an egg a day; they are versatile, economical, convenient and, yes, nutritious. What about the nutritional, environmental and ethical add-ons to egg carton labels. EN explains.

Mercury More of a Menace in Tuna Sushi; 5 Tips for What to Do
Eating sushi has become an increasingly popular way to get your heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But recent analyses have found alarmingly high mercury levels in some tuna sushi. EN suggest how to limit the risks.

Beware the Snack Attack: Stack the Chips in Your Favor
By Julie Upton, M.S., R.D.
Americans are snacking more than ever, some as much as three or more times each day. Such snacking can chalk up more than 600 calories a day on average. Chips of all varieties are among the favorites. EN offers tips on choosing among the chips plus a brand-by-brand comparison.

Coconut Oil Confuses: Is It an Artery Clogger or an Artery Cleanser?
Q. I thought coconut oil was bad for the heart, yet I see “organic virgin coconut oil” promoted as healthful. What’s the deal?
A. While coconut oil’s effect on health isn’t entirely clear, the truth probably lies in between health food and artery clogger.

Diet May Turn Cancer and Other Genes On/Off
Q.Can my diet affect the genes that trigger cancer?
A. Most likely, yes. In essence, what you eat may be able to “turn on” or “turn off” genes, triggering detrimental or protective effects. It’s referred to as "epigenetic modification."

Help for Fresh Breath?
Q. Does eating parsley really help banish bad breath?
A. Quite possibly. Chlorophyll—the compound in parsley that gives it its green color—does indeed have a deodorizing effect.

Walnuts: Crack Open Daily for Your Health
By Elizabeth M. Ward, M.S., R.D.
Research suggests that eating walnuts can calm inflammation of blood vessels, lower blood cholesterol levels and may even bolster bone density. They also deliver copper, phosphorus, magnesium and manganese. Sprinkle walnuts on cereal or salads or try EN's own recipe for Walnut-Crusted Chicken.

Pasta With a Plus—Triple the Fiber, With the Calcium of Milk
Pasta is a quick and economical, if not the most nutritious, meal. Hoping to set its pasta apart, Ronzoni boasts that its latest creation, Smart Taste pasta, is an excellent source of fiber and of calcium. EN takes a look.

Reearch Roundup
• Eating berries daily can benefit your heart in three ways, say Finnish researchers.
• Trans fats may increase the risk of prostate cancer. That’s what Harvard researchers found when they analyzed blood levels in almost 15,000 healthy men.
• Regularly getting little sleep may be detrimental to your weight. Older adults who sleep five hours a night or less are more likely to be obese than those who sleep seven hours a night.

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which should be provided by a qualified health care provider.