General Nutrition

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…

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.

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.

Even if youre only a little low in vitamin B12, you might be at greater risk for cognitive decline than previously thought. While prior research has linked serious B12 deficiency to higher likelihood of cognitive problems, a recent Tufts study found that moderately low levels of B12 also put older people at significantly increased risk.

Nothing starts a cold winter day better than a steaming bowl of hot cereal. Besides warming and filling you up, hot cereal gives you plenty of reasons to feel good about what youre eating. Its packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, and pouring low-fat or fat-free milk over your cereal adds still more protein, calcium and vitamin D. If you also top your bowl with fruit instead of a glob of sugar, youre off…

A pair of randomized, controlled trials-considered the gold standard for scientific research-have linked eating blueberries to improved blood-vessel function. Jeremy Spencer, PhD, of the University of Reading in England, and colleagues reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Our data suggest that consumption of blueberries at dietary intakes may have public health relevance in maintaining circulatory function.

As the mercury drops, cold and flu outbreaks soar. Its tempting to believe the marketing claims that this pill or that herbal remedy can protect you, but the science says theres simply no magic bullet to boost your immune system. Eating a healthy diet, however, is even more important during cold and flu season. Experts may not fully understand how specific nutrients aid the immune system, and tests of individual vitamins and minerals against colds…

Answer : A Nicola McKeown, PhD, director of Tufts Nutritional Epidemiology Program, responds: There is a great deal of testimonial evidence on whats known in the vernacular as wheat belly, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the claims...

Getting more fish into your diet has never been easier-and the payoff in better health and longevity has never been clearer.

That advice never to go grocery shopping when youre hungry is worth heeding, according to a new Cornell University