About two-thirds of Americans have taken steps to cut back on salt, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation. This often starts with comparing labels and choosing foods — from soups to canned veggies — with less sodium. Here are four more steps that you can take to reduce your salt intake. You know…  read on >

Kids who don’t drink water take in nearly 100 more calories from sugary drinks every day than those who do, according to a recent Penn State study. About one-fifth of children fall into the no-water group. But a multi-year experiment in the New York City public schools involving more than 1 million students found that…  read on >

Despite its vibrant green and red stalks, rhubarb might be one of the most overlooked plants in the garden. An acquired taste, it looks like celery and has a tart tang, yet is used in many dessert recipes, from compote to pie. As with cranberries, rhubarb needs quite a bit of sweetness to appeal to…  read on >

Is that second serving of steak or extra strip of bacon worth shaving time off your life? That’s a question researchers want you to ponder, because their new study finds the more red and processed meat you eat, the greater the odds of cutting your life short. People who increased their red meat intake by…  read on >

Obesity can worsen multiple sclerosis symptoms, researchers say. Their study involved 140 patients with the relapsing-remitting form of MS, which means patients have periods of attacks (relapses), followed by periods of remission with no or few symptoms. The researchers found that obesity at the time of diagnosis was associated with more severe disability. The reason:…  read on >

The more we learn about fiber, the more important the recommendation to get enough of it becomes. Key Health Benefits of Fiber Lowering cholesterol Lowering blood sugar Easing elimination Improving heart health Possibly reducing colon cancer risk Helping with weight control “Fiber” is actually an umbrella term for many different types in foods, so many…  read on >

In most states, laws for drinking and boating are similar to those governing drinking and driving. Boating laws apply to most any boat, including canoes, kayaks and rowboats. Alcohol is the top contributor to boating accidents, says the American Addiction Centers. Drinking and boating increase your chances of drowning, falling off the boat and driving…  read on >

Summer is prime time for food poisoning, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As temperatures rise, foodborne germs flourish. To have a safe and enjoyable grilling season, the CDC recommends: Separate raw meat and poultry from other groceries. Chill meat, poultry and seafood until ready to grill. Wash your hands and work…  read on >

Creamy and rich, yogurt is a versatile dairy food that can be turned into delicious meals. It’s high in protein, probiotics to help with digestion, and other essential nutrients like calcium. Research has shown that the fat in yogurt doesn’t damage your heart, so full-fat is fine unless you’re on a low-fat diet for health…  read on >

Vitamin supplements don’t appear to prevent type 2 diabetes in those at highest risk for the disease, a new study finds. Some studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels might increase the odds of developing diabetes and that boosting levels could prevent it, but these findings throw cold water on these assumptions. In this…  read on >