Healthy Eating

A study recently published in Diabetic Medicine found that losing as little as 10 percent of body weight can put type 2 diabetes into remission for some people. The prospective cohort study looked at 867 people ages 40 to 69 years with newly diagnosed diabetes.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates labelling of organic foods, says organic fruits and vegetables must be grown without the use of most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and the seeds cannot be genetically engineered. Surveys done over the years show that organic produce is often (but not always) more costly to grow and thus more expensive than conventional produce. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to buy organic produce.

A collection of controversial research reviews on consumption of red meat and processed meat published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine seemingly overturns years of public health guidelines and recommendations from a range of experts and organizations. It was met with resounding criticism from many nutrition experts. A close look at the findings can help you make informed choices for your own health.

Q. Does the Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter accept any type of monetary or in-kind consideration from food or agricultural companies?

Q. Are hot dogs a healthy choice if I top them with chopped lettuce, tomato, onions etc.?

Featured recipe for "Three Sisters" Squash, Corn, & Black Bean Salad

A dietary pattern rich in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains is associated with better overall health and lower risk of death from all causes. Since the micronutrients in these foods are one of the reasons for their positive health effects, many Americans try to improve their odds for a long, healthy life by taking vitamin and mineral supplements.

A large meta-analysis published in the journal Diabetologia found that an overall healthy lifestyle was associated with a substantially lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and also with a lower risk of long-term adverse outcomes among individuals who already had diabetes.

Analysis of a randomized controlled trial found that an overall healthy dietary pattern benefits cardiovascular health regardless of which macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, or unsaturated fats) are emphasized.

Lectins are a group of proteins that bind with carbohydrates. The lectins produced by our bodies perform a large number of functions, including roles in the immune system. Lectins are also found in many of the foods we eat. Nightshade vegetables (like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes), legumes (like beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peanuts), and whole grains are particularly high in dietary lectins.