General Nutrition

Get Ready to Use Calorie Labeling on Menus

Mandatory calorie labeling of menu items at chain restaurants (with at least 20 locations) goes into effect nationally in May 2017, and you're likely seeing some of this labeling now.

The Benefits of Oats

You've probably heard oats helps lower cholesterol, which is due to their beta-glucan soluble fiber that makes oatmeal sticky. A new British Journal of Nutrition review of 58 clinical trials on oats that involved 3,974 people across the globe expands the role of oatmeal in reducing cardiovascular risk.

Sugary Soda Health Risks: Downplayed by Industry-Funded Research?

According to a recent analysis, 97% of studies that were independently funded (not sponsored by beverage makers) have reported that drinking sugary sodas is linked with obesity and diabetes.

Questioning Cranberry for Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry juice is touted for fending off urinary tract infections (UTIs), typically signaled by frequent, burning urination. However, results from clinical trials have been inconsistent. A new study published in JAMA failed to find a benefit.

Fight Heartburn and GERD: Diet and Lifestyle Can Make a Difference

If you sometimes suffer a burning sensation behind your breastbone, you're far from alone. An estimated 44% of American adults suffer heartburn at least once a month, and about 20% have a serious form called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Whats Your Dietary “Food-Print”?

Looking to adopt a dietary pattern that has the least "food-print" impact on agricultural land? New Tufts-led research might surprise you: Scientists found that a vegan diet was not the best choice for feeding the most people from the area of available land. Instead, a vegetarian diet that includes dairy products was the most efficient use of agricultural acreage.

Cutting Calories Reduces Dangerous Inflammation

Eating less may help you lead a longer, healthier life, even if youre not obese. New research reports that restricting calories by 12% in healthy non-obese individuals over two years significantly lowered markers of chronic inflammation.

Scrutinize Sandwich Choices

What's in your sandwich? A new analysis of national nutrition survey data on more than 27,000 Americans suggests not paying attention to the nutrient facts on sandwiches could contribute to less-healthy eating.

USDA Adds Nutrient Data on Branded Foods

The US Department of Agriculture has made it easier for scientists and consumers to check out the nutritional characteristics of popular foods. The agency added a database of 80,000 name-brand packaged and prepared foods sold at supermarkets and restaurants to its existing almost 9,000-item National Nutrient Database.

“Five-Second Rule” Debunked

Don't count on the "five-second rule" to keep dropped food free of bacteria. An exhaustive test of the notion that food touching the floor for no more than five seconds is still safe to eat debunked it with more than 2,500 measurements.