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. I have raisins in my oatmeal every morning for breakfast, with milk. Now...
A. Diane McKay, PhD, a scientist in Tufts HNRCAAntioxidant Nutrition Laboratory, answers:The amount of iron in 1/4 cup of raisins is onlyabout 1 milligram, too little to interfere with theabsorption of the 300 milligrams of calcium presentin 1 cup of milk. If anything, the amount ofcalcium in this meal might inhibit the absorptionof some, but not all, of the iron from the raisins. However, if your body is low in either mineral,it will adjust by…
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…
Q. My physician tells me that I am pre-diabetic, so I am very careful...
A. Ashley Abbott, a dietetic intern at Tufts FrancesStern Nutrition Center, replies: Artificialsweeteners are low-calorie sweeteners that willnot raise your blood sugar. Artificial sweetenersare considered free foods because they contain kless than 20 calories and less than 5 grams of carbohydrateon a diabetes exchange. They can beused in place of sugar to provide a lower-calorie,lower-carbohydrate food or beverage.Artificial sweeteners may be useful in bloodsugar and weight control because they are muchsweeter than regular sugar, so…
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.
Blueberries Found to Boost Blood-Vessel Function
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.
Steel-Cut Porridge
This reader favorite is perfect for making a big batch, then reheating in the microwave for later breakfasts.
Control Your Blood Sugar to Help Protect Your Brain
You and your doctor are probably keeping an eye on your blood-sugar levels to gauge whether youre at risk for diabetes. But a new study suggests another risk that may be linked to higher blood-sugar levels (hyperglycemia), even among non-diabetics-dementia.