General Nutrition

Combining calorie counts with traffic-light

A new American Cancer Society study concludes that theres no evidence folic acid from fortified foods or supplements increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Earlier research, including a 2007 Tufts study

Do the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids

Laboratory tests have revealed strik- ing variability in the active ingredi- ents in Chinese red yeast rice, a supple- ment touted as an alternative to statin drugs for improving cholesterol. Among 12 popular brands, levels of monacolin, which is related to the prescription cho- lesterol medication lovastatin, ranged from 0.31 mg to 11.15 mg per capsule. The type of monacolin (K) thats most similar to lovastatin varied from 0.10 mg to 10.09 mg per pill. Four samples also contained citrinin, which can dam- age the kidneys. Researchers noted that, as a dietary supplement rather than a drug, red yeast rice is largely unregulated and lacks the quality controls of pre- scription medications. Therefore, physi- cians should be cautious in recommend- ing red yeast rice to their patients. Long used in China, red yeast rice has recently soared in sales in the US, up 80% from 2005 to 2008.

A new National Institutes of Health-funded study holds out the first glimmer of hope that high doses of omega-3 fatty acid supplements might counter the degenerative muscle loss that leads to frailty in the elderly

Score another benefit of living right. In a new analysis of data from the Nurses Health Study

Preparing more meals yourself at home is one of the surest ways to start eating more healthily

Does eating fish help protect your brain? Previous studies of the brain effects of the omega-3 fatty acids found in

Consumers are switching their worries from fats to sugar as the dietary ingredient

With snacks now adding up to a fourth daily "meal," are you making healthy choices? Heres help for smarter snacking.