A Mediterranean diet may make seniors less likely to become frail and help them maintain their health and independence, new research suggests. Frailty — characterized by weak muscle strength, weight loss and low energy — is common among seniors. Frail seniors are at increased risk for falls, fractures, hospitalization, disability, dementia, nursing home placement and… read on >
“Nutrition Facts” labels mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have made it easier to know more about what’s inside packaged foods. But the information isn’t always easy to decipher, especially since the “daily value” percentages are based on a maintenance diet, not a weight-loss one. Start by looking at the number of servings… read on >
Though healthy eating is good for everyone, those who have genes that put them at high risk for obesity might benefit the most. A new study suggests that even those who carry an inherited predisposition to pack on excess pounds are not destined to become obese. In fact, researchers say it can be avoided over… read on >
Wine and spirits are tallied in the “empty calories” column because they lack any nutritional benefits. Add cream or soda to make a mixed drink and you can more than double the caloric damage. So how can you enjoy a cocktail without wrecking your diet? Here are some options. Choose your alcoholic drinks wisely. A… read on >
High doses of vitamin D seem to keep arteries more flexible and pliable, potentially warding off future heart disease, heart attacks and strokes, preliminary research suggests. In just four months, vitamin D supplements reduced arterial stiffness in a group of 70 young black men and women, according to results from a small-scale clinical trial. The… read on >
As the opioid epidemic continues to grip the United States, the toll on the littlest victims — the children of addicts — is mounting, new research shows. “There are many negative aspects to the opioid crisis, but its effect on children is arguably one of the worst,” said study author Troy Quast, an associate professor… read on >
Severely obese teens who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight end up lowering their heart disease risk down the road, new research indicates. For the study, researchers tracked 242 adolescents for three years after they had weight-loss surgery. “This is the first large-scale analysis of predictors of change in cardiovascular disease risk factors among adolescents… read on >
For those still open to adding to their list of New Year’s resolutions, the American Medical Association (AMA) is offering its top 10 healthy suggestions. First, Americans should make an effort to cut back on sugary drinks, medical experts advise. Diabetes screening is also a good proactive step as the new year unfolds. The AMA… read on >
Determining whether your food is nutritious can be challenge. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers these suggestions for deciphering product nutrition labels: Review all ingredients. Those listed first have higher percentages for that product. Compare the label’s serving size with your standard portion size, and make sure they are similar. Note the total calories… read on >
More than half the parents in the United States start feeding their babies solid foods before they’re 6 months old — the age now recommended by health experts, a new study indicates. Introducing solid foods or new drinks too early could deprive them nutritionally, the researchers warned. Waiting too long can also have negative effects,… read on >
