Ask the Experts

Q: I recently attended an informational program on prostate cancer at which I...

Answer : A The concern about flaxseed oil-and, to a much lesser extent, canola oil-stems from the alphalinolenic acid (ALA) content of these oils.

Q: I’ve read your reports about eating too much red meat. Is ham-not ham...

Answer : Not only is ham made from pork, a red meat (despite the other white meat ad campaign), but its also processed by being cured and often smoked.

Q: You say not to suck in your gut when measuring ones waist. But...

Answer : A Studies that have focused on the dangers of a big belly point out that waist circumference is strongly associated with the presence of fat tissue surrounding the organs in the abdomen.

Q: Your oft-repeated recommendation to consume nuts is fully accepted-but some of us seniors...

Answer : As long as you watch out for too much added sodium and sugar, nut butters make a fine substitute for nuts.

Q: What foods are found to be good sources of vitamin K2?

Answer : Vitamin K comes in two main forms. K1, found in leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, makes up about 90% of our dietary vitamin K.

Q: I suffer from heartburn, and read an article that almonds might help. I...

Answer : We can find no published scientific research on almonds and heartburn (or GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease)...

Q: Is there any advantage to supplementing daily protein by taking whey protein powder...

Answer : First, are you certain you really need more protein?

Q: I read in your newsletter (February) that the Institute of Medicine (IOM) used...

Answer : Bess Dawson-Hughes, MD, director of Tufts HNRCA Bone Metabolism Laboratory, replies...

Q: After reading the list of whole grain foods and refined grain foods in...

Answer : The lead researcher on that study, Nicola McKeown, PhD, a scientist in Tufts HNRCA Nutritional Epidemiology Program and program director of Nutrition Epidemiology at the Friedman School, explains...

Q: I have been using psyllium to clean out my system. Do you have...

Answer : Robert M. Russell, MD, professor emeritus at Tufts Friedman School, answers: From a nutrition point of view it is not so much an issue of cleaning out but rather to achieve regular bowel movements.