Prunes and Regularity … Caffeine Sensitivity
Q: My mother used to drink prune juice to help with regularity. Now I’m hearing people talk about prunes again. Is there really something...
Ask Tufts Experts: June 2023
Climate Change Impacting Coffee . . . Diet and Gout
Q: I was interested to learn about the negative environmental impact of food waste (February...
Defining Cardiovascular Disease Terms
Q: I’m confused about the terms “heart disease,” “cardiovascular disease,” and “coronary artery disease.” Are these all the same?
A: Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH,...
Melatonin Supplements
Q: In last month’s article about optimizing sleep, you mention melatonin but don’t mention melatonin supplements. How helpful are they?
A: Aarti Grover, MD, medical...
Vitamin C Supplements … Processed Meat
Q: I’ve been taking vitamin C since the 1970s. Should I continue taking it? Should I boost my intake if I feel a cold...
Psyllium vs. Wheat Dextrin
Q: What is the difference between psyllium fiber supplements and those with wheat dextrin?
A: Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian and managing...
Since they are grown without pesticides, do organic fruits and vegetables need to be...
Timothy Griffin, PhD, the Teri and Barry Volpert Family Professor in Nutrition, Agriculture, and Sustainable Food Systems at Tufts’ Friedman School of Nutrition Science...
You’ve answered questions about oats before, but I’m unclear as to whether instant oats...
Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN, managing editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “After the inedible husk is removed from an oat grain,...
Nitrates in “No Nitrate Added” Meats
Q: You have stated that cured meats that say ‘no nitrate or nitrite added’ still contain these potentially cancer-causing compounds. Can you please explain...
Taking Supplements With Food
Q: Should I take my vitamin and mineral supplements with or without food?
A: Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN, managing editor of Tufts Health &...