General Nutrition

Poor sleep quality and diet may contribute to the early accumulation of the plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, according to a new review. Part of the reason may involve cortisol, a hormone manufactured by the body that plays a role in regulating many core functions, including sleep.

Americans are eating a little healthier than they were back in 1999, but the improvements are largest among upper-income households.

Fruits and vegetables aren't just important for kids' health. New research combining data on nearly 3,000 people in three European studies reports that eating more fruits and vegetables can help older adults ward off frailty.

Q. How much sugar in cold cereal is too much?

Q. I recently read that eating white rice, white pasta, white potatoes and white bread is not good for you. I am writing simply because I like these foods. Can you please tell me if I am actually harming myself by eating these white foods?

Q. Is it a good idea to soak raw nuts before eating them?

Half of US adults check the Nutrition Facts panel when deciding whether to buy a food product either "always" (16%) or "most of the time" (34%). In the 11th Health and Diet Survey conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, only 22% of respondents said they "rarely" (12%) or "never" (10%) consult nutrition labels.

Craving candy, chips and fast food? Maybe you're just bored. Two studies presented at a meeting of the British Psychological Society support previous research linking boredom to unhealthy eating habits.

An important nutrient for reaching old age free of disease and disability might surprise you. According to a new Australian study, it's dietary fiber - a nutrient that, by definition, you don't even digest. In its path through your body, however, fiber is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Bored with broccoli? Had it up to here with green beans and asparagus? Seen enough carrots and peas to last a lifetime? Maybe you need to branch out a little in the produce aisle."Some often-overlooked vegetables deserve a second glance for their nutritional benefits," says Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, Tufts professor and senior scientist at the HNRCA Antioxidants Research Laboratory. He and Helen M. Rasmussen, PhD, RD, a Friedman School instructor and senior research dietitian at the HNRCA, have put together a list of 10 nutritious veggies too often omitted from grocery carts.