Healthy Heart

Most Americans arent doing nearly as well in getting key nutrients as we think we are, according to the International Food Information Council. The new study of more than 1,000 US adults identified wide disparities between consumer perception and actual consumption.

he US Food and Drug Administration has proposed a regulatory change that would all but eliminate artificial trans fats by ruling them no longer generally recognized as safe.

More Americans are skipping breakfast or grabbing it on the go, with only about 6 in 10 eating breakfast at home. Thats one finding from a new National Dairy Council analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Nutrition ratings using gold stars next to price labels on grocery shelves might lead to modest but measurable improvements in consumer choices, says a new study. Published in the journal Food Policy, its the most rigorous independent analysis of point-of-purchase nutrition labeling. Because of the availability of data, researchers focused on the Guiding Stars system introduced in 2006 by the Hannaford supermarket chain and now licensed for use in more than 1,800 stores. Compared to…

ADiane McKay, PhD, a scientist in Tufts HNRCA Antioxidant Nutrition Laboratory, answers: Since carob and chicory are plant-based, they both contribute to our daily intake of phytochemicals. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is one of the richest dietary sources of caffeic acid (not to be confused with caffeine), while carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is high in tannins, as well as the minerals calcium and potassium. …

A. Our source for this information was the National Library of Medicines MedlinePlus, which explains: Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. There are several reports showing that taking glucosamine hydrochloride with or without chondroitin increases the effect of warfarin (Coumadin) on blood clotting. This can cause bruising and bleeding that can be serious. Dont take glucosamine hydrochloride if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin).…

A. Erika Hval, a dietetic intern at Tufts Frances Stern Nutrition Center, answers: The prickly pear cactus, sometimes referred to as the cactus pear (Optunia spp.), has been touted for a variety of health-related benefits from treating diabetes to alleviating alcohol-induced hangover symptoms. Found in Mediterranean and subtropical African and American zones, cactus pear plants are characterized by flattened stems (cladodes) and brightly colored, sweet-tasting fruits. In general, the stems supply high amounts of pectin…

With the US drought predicted to cause food-price increases of up to 5% next year, it might be time to take a harder look at whats in your grocery cart-especially those items that arent really groceries, such as pricey dietary supplements. Nutrition experts agree that its best for generally healthy people to obtain the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need from food, not pills.

Unhealthy behaviors such as inactivity, poor diet and smoking have long been associated with a wide range of chronic diseases and risk of death. But a new study reveals that such lifestyle factors can also affect older adults' risk of disability and loss of independence.

You can hardly pick up a newspaper these days without reading about the debate over labeling genetically modified (GMO) ingredients in foods. This summer, following the narrow defeat of a GMO-labeling initiative in California, Connecticut and Maine passed labeling legislation that would go into effect if other states follow. On Nov. 5, Washington State voters will decide on a ballot initiative, I-522, The Peoples Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act. The Chipotle food franchise recently started identifying menu items with GMO ingredients on its website, and the Whole Foods grocery chain announced it would require GMO labeling in its stores by 2018.