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.
Are You Getting Enough B12 to Fight Mental Decline?
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.
Get Your Day Off to a Healthy Start with Hot Cereal
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…