Vitamins & Supplements

Does Cooking Vegetables Destroy Their Nutrients?

Nutrient loss with heat is not unique to roasting. Other forms of cooking can also reduce heat-sensitive nutrients, and cooking methods that use water, such as boiling, result in nutrient losses from water-soluble nutrients leaching into the water. "So, consider varying your preparation methods, such as by eating raw vegetables and salads as well as roasted, steamed or sauted vegetables.

Can Live Probiotics Survive the Digestive Tract?

While it is true that an enteric coating would protect the probiotic from acid killing in the digestive tract, if the probiotic is part of a food matrix such as yogurt, the buffering capacity of the yogurt or kefir would also act as an effective protector against stomach acid.

Questioning Cranberry for Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry juice is touted for fending off urinary tract infections (UTIs), typically signaled by frequent, burning urination. However, results from clinical trials have been inconsistent. A new study published in JAMA failed to find a benefit.

Fight Heartburn and GERD: Diet and Lifestyle Can Make a Difference

If you sometimes suffer a burning sensation behind your breastbone, you're far from alone. An estimated 44% of American adults suffer heartburn at least once a month, and about 20% have a serious form called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Cutting Calories Reduces Dangerous Inflammation

Eating less may help you lead a longer, healthier life, even if youre not obese. New research reports that restricting calories by 12% in healthy non-obese individuals over two years significantly lowered markers of chronic inflammation.

Q. I read in your newsletter that plant sources of zinc such as whole...

Q. I read in your newsletter that plant sources of zinc such as whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds contain phytate, which blocks some of the mineral's absorption. Is there any way to increase the zinc availability from these foods?

Blood Levels of Omega-3s from Fish, Plants Linked to Lower Fatal Heart Risk

An analysis of 19 studies involving 45,637 participants in 16 countries provides the most comprehensive picture to date of how omega-3 fats may influence heart disease. Higher blood levels of omega-3s from seafood as well as plants were associated with a lower risk of dying from heart attacks

10 Easy Steps to Help Prevent Colds and Flu

Taking early steps to protect against cold and flu through diet and lifestyle can help the flu shot fight seasonal viruses. Here are 10 simple preventative measures to boost immunity.

Q. I take 50 milligrams of zinc daily, but it looks like you should...

Q. I take 50 milligrams of zinc daily, but it looks like you should take only 40 milligrams per day. Is it OK to continue? What are the consequences of too much zinc?

Q. Is the Daily Value (DV%) for elemental calcium or calcium in combination with...

Q. Is the Daily Value (DV%) for elemental calcium or calcium in combination with other things - like calcium lactate or calcium citrate? Which of these combination forms is best?