Q: Our local co-op has started carrying coconut palm sugar, saying it contains many...
Answer : Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, director of Tufts HNRCA Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, says...
Q: You recently advised not to take more vitamin A than is in a...
Answer : Elizabeth Johnson, PhD, a scientist in Tufts HNRCA Carotenoids and Health Laboratory, replies, Vitamin A in supplements may come from retinol...
Q: My family is vegan, and we sometimes use faux meat products. Lately Ive...
Answer : Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, director of Tufts HNRCA Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, responds, It depends on what has been added to the faux meats...
Q: There are many food products using the term natural. What does that really...
Answer : The term natural is being used a great deal-its a very popular trend in labeling- but it means absolutely nothing, says James E. Tillotson, PhD, MBA, professor of food policy and international business at Tufts Friedman School.
Q: Does raw oatmeal, mixed with plain non-fat yogurt, have the same health benefits...
Answer : No need to change your morning routine!
Q: What is your opinion of the claim that low-level laser therapy can be...
Answer : Wed be skeptical of any treatment that claims to be good for almost anything that ails you.
Q: Some hard candy says, sugar free. But it also says, 15 mg sugar...
Answer : The candy contains no sugar of the sort youd find in a sugar bowl, but does contain a sweetener such as xylitol.
Q: Does the sugar in fruit have the same effect in your body as...
Answer : Irwin H. Rosenberg, MD, University Professor of Nutrition and Medicine at Tufts and editor of the Health & Nutrition Letter, replies, Fruits may have more fructose than sucrose (table sugar), which has a slightly different metabolism...
Are Cyanide Levels in Flaxseed Safe?
Lynne M. Ausman, DSc, RD, director of the Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition Program at Tufts HNRCA Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, says you have nothing to worry about.
Can Bad Dreams Raise Blood Pressure?
Its probably not your dreams, but you may want to check with your doctor about an underlying physical cause of this pattern, such as uncontrolled hypertension, sleep apnea, adrenal-gland issues or kidney problems. The normal daily pattern of blood pressure is that its lower at night and when you first wake up, then rises during the day. Blood pressure typically peaks in mid-afternoon, then begins to drop again.