Healthy Eating

Q Is it true that Americans eat excessive omega-6 fatty acids in proportion to omega-3s? Is it unhealthy?

Currently available medical treatments for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimers disease have had limited success. Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle has been among the most consistent recommendations to maintain brain health over the long term. Some studies have linked an overall healthy dietary pattern to less chance of experiencing age-related decline in memory and other cognitive skills.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Americans over age 65. As AMD progresses, it permanently damages the portion of the eyes light-sensing retina (the macula) that provides sharp central vision.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the US, with 140,000 new cases forecast for 2018. Research has linked dietary factors to colorectal cancer risk. Processed meats are associated with higher risk, whereas high-fiber diets are associated with lower risk, although it is unclear how this happens.

Avocado, Fennel, Carrot and Radish Salad recipe.

Q Are non-stick cooking sprays healthy? Do they add anything to food I need to worry about?

Q. I often hear people say they are addicted to caffeine. Is that possible?

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee unanimously recommended approval of a new type of implantable glucose monitoring device that can be left in place much longer than previous types. The new sensor is a cylinder measuring about 3/4-inch long and 1/8-inch wide. Its inserted just under the skin on the upper arm under local anesthesia.

Higher intake of magnesium was associated with a lower risk for diabetes, particularly in people with diets too high in low-quality carbohydrates or low in fiber, according to a study in Diabetes Care.

A study combining data on more than 86,000 people in the US and Europe found only weak connections between genetics and levels of consumption of seafood and omega-3 fatty acids. Instead, environmental and personal factors, such as availability of fish and individual food preferences, may play a bigger role in how much fish people consume.