Does Fish Oil Really Raise Prostate Cancer Risk?
Over and over again, youve read in the pages of this newsletter and elsewhere that eating fish like salmon high in omega-3 fatty acids is good for you. Youve seen countless ads touting the similar benefits of fish-oil pills containing those same omega-3s (EPA and DHA). Now suddenly comes a flurry of headlines suggesting a scary downside to these health-promoting omega-3s, at least for men: High Levels of Fish Oil May Boost Risk for Prostate Cancer, Omega-3 Supplement Taken By Millions Linked To Aggressive Prostate Cancer.
FDA: Little Risk from Arsenic in Rice
After testing more than 1,300 types of rice and rice products, the US Food and Drug Administration has concluded that arsenic levels in rice pose no immediate health risk to consumers.
Lost in That Show? Watch the Snacking
The more immersed you are in a TV program or video game, the more youre likely to snack, according to a new study. University of North Carolina researchers tested the snacking behavior of 120 men and women, ages 18-35, while watching different TV programs or playing video games.
Courts Weigh Natural Claims for GMO Foods
Can a food labeled all-natural nonetheless contain genetically modified (GMO) ingredients? The answer to that question became even more tangled recently as judges across the country have issued conflicting rulings.
Do Fortified Snacks Mislead Consumers?
The FDA is planning an online survey of 7,500 adult consumers to test whether fortifying snack foods with vitamins or other nutrients-and boasting about it on packaging-leads people to make unwise choices.
Q. In purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables, does it matter how far the produce...
A. Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, Gershoff Professorof Nutrition Science and Policy at TuftsFriedman School, answers, To my knowledgethere are no data available on this topic.However, freeze/thawing cycles significantlydecrease the quality of the product. Hence,it is in the producers and purveyors interestto maintain high quality, and thus to avoidtemperature changes. The bottom line is thatproperly stored frozen fruits from other countriesshould be fine.…
Q. When considering the health benefits of peanuts, should they be viewed as legumes...
A. Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, director of TuftsHNRCA Antioxidants Research Laboratory,replies: Though a legume by botanical classification,the nutrient profile of whole peanuts(including the skin) is more similar to tree nutsthan other legumes. For example, peanuts area good source of monounsaturated fat, niacinand vitamin E, and contain fiber, protein andminerals like magnesium and copper. Thoughmore fat calories may be absorbed from peanutbutter than from the matrix of the whole peanut,it too provides these healthful nutrientsexcept the antioxidant…
Q. Is there a difference in healthy eating between whole wheat and whole grain,...
A. Nicola McKeown, PhD, director of TuftsNutritional Epidemiology Program, explains:Whole grains include many different grains,such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, quinoa,sorghum, spelt and rye. These grains are calledwhole if they are not milled into refined grainversions. For instance, whole wheat bread is awhole grain food, but if a bread label states onlywheat bread it is, in fact, NOT a whole grain butrather a refined wheat product. Labels typicallywill not include the word refined to…
Should You Try Heart-Healthier Red Meat Alternatives?
As a reader of this newsletter, youre already aware that consumption of red meat has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and colorectal cancer. So youre exercising portion control and trying to eat more lean poultry and fish. But sometimes, well, beef is whats for dinner.
New Reasons to Pick Fruit Over Juice
Choosing whole fruit rather than fruit juice might significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new large study. And when it comes to picking fruit, some varieties-notably blueberries, grapes, apples and pears-are better than others in protecting you against diabetes.