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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.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that middle-aged adults with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or history of stroke could be at high risk for early death if they sleep less than six hours per night.

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.

Part of eating well is enjoying our food. Changes in the ability to taste and smell can interfere with that joy. Unfortunately, these two senses often diminish with age, which can harm our choices of foods, along with our enjoyment. Acknowledging and addressing changes to taste and smell can help bring pleasure back to the plate.

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

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.

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.

Practically all foods undergo some form of processing before they are ready to eat-from simple processes like cutting and cooking to more complex processes like homogenizing, pasteurizing, fermenting, fortifying, refining, hydrolyzing, and extruding.

Q. How should hamburgers be cooked for health?

We know that carrying excess weight increases risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, certain cancers, back and joint pain, and more. Anyone who has tried knows that reaching or maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult.