Nutrition Article Archive - 50plusprime.com

Here is a list of prior Nutrition articles that have appeared on our site. Click any headline to view the complete article.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION...WEIGHT LOSS (AGAIN)
January 1, 2008 10:07 AM ET
Happy New Year!!!

FOOD AND DRUG INTERACTIONS: UPDATE
December 7, 2007 3:50 PM ET
You may have heard that there are food and drug interactions with certain medications and grapefruit, but did you know that there are some dietary suppliments that may contain grapefruit that could also interfere with your medication?

DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS
June 5, 2007 5:34 PM ET
The following healthy lifestyle recommendations are likely to help older adults maintain and improve their quality of life.

TOP 6 DIABETES MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES FOR SENIORS
January 3, 2007 7:07 PM ET
Not only is the risk for Type 2 diabetes more common as people get older, but physical, financial and medical issues are often compounded as people age.

ARTHRITIS: SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED
May 21, 2006 5:28 AM ET
I have been asked many arthritis questions lately, so I thought that I would visit the Arthritis Foundation's website. Please read the section below and visit the website: www.arthritis.org.

RESEARCH INTO SOY WILL CONTINUE BUT SOY IS NOT A SOLUTION FOR HEART DISEASE
March 18, 2006 7:38 AM ET
Many soy food products carry health claims stating that they reduce the risk of heart disease. A review of the evidence, however, suggests that soy’s cardiovascular benefits may have been overestimated by the early studies that formed the basis for its health claim.

WHILE HEALTHFUL EATING IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF LIFE STAGE, EATING WELL IS INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT
February 16, 2006 6:18 PM ET
Researchers continue to find evidence linking a healthful diet to the prevention of disease. Recent studies show that eating well may help reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, and even Alzheimer's disease.

AVIAN INFLUENZA ALSO KNOWN AS BIRD FLU
November 21, 2005 6:10 PM ET
Should you be worried about the Bird Flu?

DID YOU KNOW?
June 10, 2005 3:22 PM ET
June is National Dairy Month—a great time to evaluate the amount of dairy in your diet.

DURING NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2005 AND BEYOND:
March 12, 2005 7:04 AM ET
Losing or Managing Weight Is All about Calories In and Calories Out. Diet trends often focus on one food or one nutrient, promising it will be the magic bullet for losing weight and keeping it off forever.

THE FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID IS CHANGING AGAIN?
February 5, 2005 8:12 AM ET
The Food Guide Pyramid has gone through many changes, and yes, there is word again the this is changing....so what does this mean to us and why does it keep changing?

TIS THE SEASON FOR HOLIDAY EATING!
December 29, 2004 4:48 PM ET
Happy Holidays to all or our readers! This article is going to be a little different. I am not going to tell you what to eat, how to eat, to begin an exercise program, or ways to stick to your New Year's resolutions....YEAH!

DON'T GIVE UP YOUR ORANGE JUICE!
October 30, 2004 5:18 AM ET
Orange juice is the most nutrient-packed fruit juice -- a nutrition powerhouse in a glass! One eight-ounce serving provides 110 calories and contains all the vitamin C you need in a day.

BACK TO SCHOOL
September 11, 2004 7:04 AM ET
It's Back to School time and homework isn't the only thing coming home with our children!

HEARTBURN OR HEART ATTACK?
August 8, 2004 6:37 AM ET
What is heartburn? More and more people are being diagnosed with this problem. It can effect people of all ages.

TYPE 2 DIABETES IN YOUTH
June 27, 2004 7:12 AM ET
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough or properly use insulin. A growing number of children and adolescents are developing type 2 diabetes - a form of diabetes that is generally diagnosed among adults.

DON'T JUST SIT THERE! GET UP! MOVE!! DO SOMETHING!!! ANYTHING!!!!
May 4, 2004 5:47 PM ET
All right Michigan...and all those other states that came closely behind, GET MOVING!

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
March 7, 2004 4:35 PM ET
Well, it is that time of year again, National Nutrition Month, and this years theme is "Eat Smart, Stay Healthy."

SO, YOU HAVE BEEN PUT ON A BLOOD THINNER
January 21, 2004 11:53 AM ET
Your physician has recently put prescribed a blood thinner, and you were instructed to eat foods low in Vitamin K...what does this mean and why?

DOES AN APPLE A DAY KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY?
January 4, 2004 11:27 AM ET
Science is proving the old adage true--an apple a day really does keep the doctor away! Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that the unique combination of chemicals naturally occurring in apples prevents cancer.

FOOD IN ADULT DAY AND LONG-TERM CARE: ARTICLE TAKEN FROM THE AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION
December 18, 2003 12:33 PM ET
Besides nourishment, meals are important events in daily life. That's especially true for many elderly adults, who look forward to meals as a time to be with others. As you look for adult day or long-term care for yourself or a family member, find out about the food service.

COME ON SENIOR’S…START PUMPING IRON! I MEAN “WEIGHT TRAINING”…NOT IRON SUPPLEMENTS!
December 3, 2003 1:05 PM ET
What? Is she crazy??? Does she really mean “weight lifting?” No, I am not crazy, and yes, I mean weight lifting…but I do not expect you to bench press your grandchildren!

HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARB DIETS....IS IT GOOD FOR YOU?
November 10, 2003 10:04 AM ET
All fad diets work! But how far are you willing to go to lose excess and unwanted weight.

A FEW TIPS TO STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE COLD AND FLU SEASON.
September 21, 2003 4:19 PM ET
It's that time of year again! That's right, the kids are going back to school and bringing home more than just homework!

LIBERALIZING NUTRITION THERAPY FOR THE ELDERLY
September 7, 2003 4:45 PM ET
"It is the position of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) that the quality of life and nutritional status of older residents in long-term care facilities may be enhanced by a liberalized diet." The American Dietetic Association

PRESSURE (BED) SORES: CAN THEY BE PREVENTED?
August 19, 2003 7:06 PM ET
Pressure sores, also known as bed sores, develop when "weight bearing" parts of the body receive pressure due to sitting or laying in one position without repositioning, for long periods of time.

INCREASING FIBER ON A MODIFIED CONSISTENCY DIET
August 7, 2003 2:03 PM ET
It is recommended that for normal bowel function, you should consume at least 25-30 grams of dietary fiber daily...but how can this be achieved when an elderly parent is on a modified consistency diet?

PROVIDING TUBE FEEDING AT HOME FOR AN ELDERLY PARENT
July 28, 2003 8:01 PM ET
More and more families are considering keeping elderly loved ones at home and out of the nursing home. While this has become popular, many families are at a loss when it comes to preparing and administering tube feedings.

THE TASTE OF FOOD
July 21, 2003 9:48 AM ET
Americans eat too much salt. The American diet averages about 6000 – 8000 (6-8 grams) mg of salt daily. It is recommended to reduce our intake to 4000 mg (4 grams), but how do you do this and not lose the taste.

NUTRITION NEWS THAT YOU CAN USE!
July 13, 2003 1:30 PM ET
Hot summer days! Hot summer days are here! This is the time when you will hear on the News that it is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

SPICE UP YOUR FOOD FOR HEALTH
June 8, 2003 4:09 PM ET
Spices and herbs used as flavorings, colorings and replacements for salt and sugar, can often provide additional health benefits.

HERBS FOR A CHANGE OF TASTE
June 1, 2003 6:50 PM ET
America’s love affair with salt is contributing to a number of cardiovascular problems including high blood pressure, but reducing the sodium seems to make food tasteless for many.

CONVENIENCE FOODS MADE HEALTHY
May 25, 2003 5:33 PM ET
Convenience foods, good or bad, is definitely a growing trend in the United States. Whether you are single and don’t feel like making food for one, or hurried beyond relief with so many commitments, ready to eat food is commanding a following that is literally changing people’s perception of how food is prepared.

HISTORY OF CANOLA OIL
May 18, 2003 7:21 PM ET
Canola oil use in the United States is rapidly increasing. It is a fat that is high in monosaturated fatty acids and is claimed to be comparable to olive oil as heart healthy. But, for some there has been cause for concern.

TRICHINELLOSIS AND PORK
May 11, 2003 5:57 PM ET
Trichinellosis or round tapeworm disease is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the larvae of a species of worm called trichinella.

ORGANIC, ARE THEY BETTER?
May 4, 2003 6:23 PM ET
The label “Organic” can be perceived as being better for health as these foods command much higher prices then non-organic foods.   Actually the best benefit of organic foods is to the environment. Organic farming does not deplete the soil and actually promotes biological diversity and the recycling of resources.

HEART PROBLEMS? AN OIL CHANGE MAY HELP.
April 27, 2003 6:05 PM ET
Olive Oil, the juice of the olive, contains vitamins A, D, K and E as well as antioxidant properties. It is rich in monosaturated fat, which is well known to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol, and promote high-density lipoprotein (HLD), the good cholesterol.  It has a positive effect on blood pressure and may contribute to the relief of arthritis symptoms.

MSG
April 21, 2003 11:13 AM ET
In the world of processed foods, artificial flavorings have become very common.   These flavorings are added to accentuate the natural flavor of foods, however, they are most often used in foods where there is very little natural ingredient. Monosodium Glutamate, (MSG) is just such a flavoring that has evoked much controversy as a sensitivity to this product as been known to produce unpleasant allergic reactions.

EASTER EGG SAFETY
April 13, 2003 6:14 PM ET
The ritual of coloring eggs and hiding them to be discovered on an “Easter Hunt” has been celebrated for years. However, there are certain safety precautions that should be taken to ensure that this fun time does not have unhealthy results due to the Salmonella contamination of the egg.

COFFEE
April 6, 2003 4:11 PM ET
Coffee and its most active ingredient, caffeine, has been one of the most studied products of all times. Coffee has been defined as a villain contributing to heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, bone disease, digestion problems, low cholesterol, and being addictive.

FOOD COLORING IS AN ADDITIVE
March 30, 2003 4:27 PM ET
The color of food makes it “edible to the eye.’ Did you know that margarine is actually white and beta-carotene is added to make it yellow, or that the skins of tree-ripened oranges are actually a natural brownish-orange or green?

VEGETARIAN DIET
March 23, 2003 5:55 PM ET
Vegetarian is a broad term claimed by people when they decide to exclude meat, poultry, fish, or other animal-derived food from their diet. Scientific data positively correlate a relationship between a vegetarian diet and a reduction of many chronic illnesses such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and some types of cancer.

MORE ON HERBS AND OTHER SUPPLEMENTS
March 16, 2003 7:18 PM ET
Last weeks article on “How Safe are Herbal Supplements” dealt primarily with the safety issue of one specific supplement. As noted in that article the Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) has minimal standards for regulations of the supplement industry, and does not require that a manufacturer establish product safety before introducing it to the market.

HOW SAFE ARE HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS?
March 9, 2003 6:36 PM ET
Herbs have been used for many years to treat a variety of illnesses. Folklore abounds with the benefits of these “medicinals.” In more modern times people have flocked to the various health food stores to stock up on alternative medicines that promise to do many things as well as “energize and detoxify” the body.

IRRADIATION OF FOODS
March 2, 2003 8:13 PM ET
The food supply in the United States is the safest in the world, however, we periodically hear about Salmonella, E-Coli and other bacteria causing outbreaks, sometimes fatal, of food poisonings.    Irradiation of foods would all but eliminate many of these events.

MARCH IS ABOUT GOOD NUTRITION
February 23, 2003 7:11 PM ET
National Nutrition Month (NNA) is a campaign sponsored by the American Dietetic Association to motivate Americans to eat healthy. Sedentary lifestyles, fast food restaurants, TV advertisements for nutrient poor, high fat snacks, and stress filled agendas are making some of the chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease epidemic.

HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR DIABETES!
February 16, 2003 5:41 PM ET
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it may well be that more than once some well-intentioned friend has informed you that “you are cheating” if you dare to eat a sweet. Frustration and guilt seems to accompany this chronic disease and many want to act the expert in the “Blood Sugar Patrol.”

WHAT’S IN A FRUIT DRINK?
February 9, 2003 8:05 PM ET
Food Labeling became more consistent in 1993 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implemented new guidelines for all foods.   Although the consumer is protected from false advertising and food labeling, a manufacture’s first goal is to sell their product.

BOTTLED WATER
February 2, 2003 6:31 PM ET
Bottled water sales have increased dramatically in the last couple of years fueled, in part, by health concerns for adequate hydration and also by the publics concern about the quality of tap water. Expectations are that bottled water is better than the water that comes from the tap.

AMERICANS LOVE THEIR SOFT DRINKS
January 26, 2003 4:20 PM ET
Soft drinks, carbonated and flavored sugar water, is estimated to provide more than 1/3 of the refined sugar in the American diet. Within the last 20 years soft drink consumption has risen dramatically, and ironically, this increase correlates closely with the rise in obesity.

EGGS AND CHOLESTEROL
January 19, 2003 11:44 AM ET
Breakfast food, eggs, bacon, and toast, was at one time considered the healthiest way to start the day. Then came the cholesterol scare and egg consumption in the United States dropped at least 25%. The American Heart Association (AHA) issued its warning that too much dietary cholesterol contributed to heart disease.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH SPROUTS?
January 12, 2003 3:37 PM ET
Bean and seed sprouts have long been touted as a health food. They are abundant in plant estrogens and other phytochemicals, as well as high in vitamins, minerals and fiber. They have even had various curative powers assigned to them. But are they safe?

NEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID
January 5, 2003 5:26 PM ET
The Food Guide Pyramid (FGP), created by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a visual standard for healthy eating, is over 10 years old, and it is showing its age. Current research has resulted in new criticism of the FGP.

CALORIES DO COUNT
December 29, 2002 7:33 PM ET
The New Year is upon us and many will try a variety of different diets to “lose weight now!”    The problem with diets is that by going on a diet means that you will “go off that diet” and usually with a rebound of weight gain.

RED WINE
December 22, 2002 5:48 PM ET
Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States today and therefore any help to reduce the incidence of heart disease is of immediate interest to many.   It has been noted through epidemiological studies that people who drink moderately tend to have a decreased incidence of heart disease than those who do not drink at all.

CHOCOLATE-NUTRITIONALLY GOOD AND BAD
December 18, 2002 8:03 PM ET
Chocolate, once called food of the gods, has a history of medicinal uses but has also been accused of contributing to maladies from acne to migraines and obesity. The word chocolate actually means “bitter drink” and Cortez brought this drink back to Spain from the New World in the 1500’s.   Sugar and Cinnamon were added and its popularity exploded.

NUTRITION AND WOUND HEALING
December 8, 2002 5:01 PM ET
Whether you just scraped your finger, are recovering from surgery or have a chronic type of a wound such as a leg ulcer, you need adequate nutrition to heal. Evidence of significant malnutrition has been found in alcoholics, the poor and the chronically ill.

WILL TRANS FATTY ACIDS APPEAR ON THE FOOD LABEL?
December 1, 2002 5:51 PM ET
In 1999 the Federal Department of Agriculture made a proposal to amend its regulations on nutrition labeling. This action was initiated because research has shown that trans fatty acids are a heart hazard equal to, if not greater than, saturated fat.

HEART HEALTHY FOODS
November 24, 2002 4:12 PM ET
There is so much written about foods high in cholesterol or saturated fat as they contribute so readily to heart disease. Often people feel as if there is little, if anything, left to eat. However, studies have shown that there are foods that are actually Heart Healthy and some of these foods are even being called “functional food.”

WALNUTS, A SOURCE OF OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
November 17, 2002 5:32 PM ET
Dwelling on one single food or one supplement to supply all your health needs is actually very defeating. The body is very complex and it needs a variety of foods on a daily basis for the best of health.

YOGURT, MORE THAN JUST CALCIUM
November 10, 2002 4:49 PM ET
The history of yogurt dates back many thousands of years and could have been as simple as milk being left out on a very warm day. The heat would have activated two microorganisms present in the milk that produced a thickened, tangy product.

GARLIC, A POPULAR HERB
November 3, 2002 7:23 PM ET
The ancient Egyptians fed garlic to their slaves building pyramids to increase stamina.   Folklore attributes garlic with the ability to ward off vampires, witches and sorcerers. Hippocrates used it to treat infectious wounds, and during World War II, when penicillin was scarce, garlic was used as an antiseptic to disinfect wounds and prevent gangrene.

HEALTHIER FAST FOOD CHOICES
October 27, 2002 6:20 PM ET
Fast Food seems to have become a way of life for the American people. Whether you are a parent or grandparent looking for an acceptable treat for the kids or just in a hurry, fast food restaurants are convenient. Most of the food choices are loaded with the sugar and saturated fat that defies healthy eating, but there are healthier choices to be made.

PHOSPHORUS, A MINERAL IN ABUNDANCE!
October 20, 2002 6:19 PM ET
Phosphorus, an essential mineral that together with calcium makes up the bulk of the human bone structure.   Phosphorus is also found in every cell of the body and all energy production is dependent on this mineral; but rarely is there a deficiency.

ZINC, FOR THE COMMON COLD?
October 13, 2002 6:18 PM ET
Flu and cold season is quickly coming and some people will attribute to zinc lozenges the miraculous ability of reducing cold symptoms. Are these benefits fact or myth? Are there other reasons for taking zinc supplements and what is zinc anyway?

MILK FOR WEIGHT LOSS
October 6, 2002 6:24 PM ET
Milk, has been for many, controversial in its benefits. The Food Guide Pyramid (FGP), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) standardized guide for healthy eating, recommends that Americans include 2-3 servings per day. But then, milk has been accused of contributing to allergies and many people are lactose intolerant and unable to digest the milk sugar as it causes them abdominal distress.

MAGNESIUM: A VERY IMPORTANT MINERAL
September 29, 2002 6:00 PM ET
The mineral magnesium and more specifically, the possibility of a growing magnesium deficiency in the American diet have received renewed interest lately. This mineral is involved in over 300 enzymes regulating many different body functions; and there are an increasing number of studies associating low body levels of magnesium with high blood pressure, blocked arteries and heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, migraines, muscle spasms, cramps, and fatigue.

CHROMIUM AND SELENIUM
September 22, 2002 10:33 PM ET
Chromium and selenium are considered trace minerals. In recent years supplementation of chromium has gained popularity in treating glucose intolerance and as a possible weight loss aid. Supplementation with selenium has been advertised as a protection against heart disease and cancer.

IRON, THE BLOOD BUILDING MINERAL
September 15, 2002 5:13 PM ET
Worldwide, iron deficiency one of the most common nutrient deficiencies known. In the United States the iron status of the most vulnerable, pregnant women and children, has been greatly improved due to the fortification of flour, high meat consumption and the use of iron supplementation.

MINERALS, WHAT ARE THEY?
September 8, 2002 8:25 PM ET
Health reports keep telling us that “Americans are deficient” in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and other substances essential for a healthy life. Some of these reports may be true and some may not.

SERVING SIZE
September 1, 2002 7:23 PM ET
One of the biggest obstacles for weight loss is the American perception of a serving size. In this culture what was once considered “super size” is becoming the norm.   The two-ounce bagel used to be breakfast, but many bagel shops only sell a 4-ounce bagel.

GREEN TEA
August 25, 2002 6:44 PM ET
Tea is an ageless beverage enjoyed by all people from the Far East to the British Isles. Many medicinal properties have been attributed to the use of tea over the ages and it is just a plain enjoyable and relaxing beverage, hot or cold.

PHYTOESTROGEN VS ESTROGEN
August 18, 2002 5:24 PM ET
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has gotten some bad publicity recently and many women are looking for alternatives for the relief of menopausal symptoms.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS FOR A HEALTHY HEART
August 11, 2002 5:53 PM ET
The American Heart Association (AHA) based on extensive epidemiological evidence as well as some established studies have recommended that Americans include fish in their diet 2 times per week. Our grandmothers called fish “brain food” and the health foods stores are loaded with different brands of fish oil supplements.

DO WHOLE GRAIN BREADS INCREASE DIABETES CONTROL?
August 4, 2002 6:29 PM ET
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002:75:848-55 lends support that the inclusion of whole Grain products increases the sensitivity of Insulin. This could be a real plus for diabetics as well as those people who are susceptible to getting diabetes.

FOOD SAFETY
July 28, 2002 6:06 PM ET
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever are symptoms often associated with the flu. These symptoms of short duration have been called the “one day flu.” But was it the flu? Many times these symptoms are caused by the food we eat that was mishandled and contaminated.

THE POWERFUL CHERRY
July 21, 2002 6:31 PM ET
July is cherry picking month, and Michigan is noted for it’s abundant supply of bright red Montmorency cherries. New research is finding that these tart, little, cherries with the pits are good for more than just pies.

WHEN IS "FAT FREE" HEALTHY?
July 14, 2002 6:49 PM ET
Research is dispelling the idea that fat free and low fat foods are the hallmark of all weight control diets. However, if “fat free” is not all that it has been made out to be, how come the products labeled low fat, no fat or fat free command a higher price at the grocery?

OLESTRA
July 7, 2002 7:35 PM ET
Olestra, known by the trade name Olean, was approved by the Federal Department of Health (FDA) in 1996 and introduced by Proctor and Gamble in 1998 as a food additive to replace the fat in snack foods. It is used in products such as WOW potato chips.

GO NUTS FOR A HEALTHY HEART
June 30, 2002 6:43 PM ET
Nuts have gotten a bad reputation because weight conscious Americans are looking for the “fat free” route to the slim body. But research is beginning to show that people who include nuts on a regular basis in their meal plan are actually slimmer then those who do not.

THE DASH DIET AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
June 23, 2002 7:29 PM ET
Studies funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and supported by other units of the National Institute of Health (NIH) developed an eating plan that has been proven to decrease Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure.

SUGAR SUBSTITUTES
June 16, 2002 8:41 PM ET
A “sweet tooth” is a craving for sugar-sweetened foods. Many people have one, but too much sugar is not healthy, can contribute to weight gain and to unstable blood sugar levels in susceptible people.

SUGAR
June 9, 2002 7:14 PM ET
Since people first discovered the honey of the bees they have enjoyed sweetness in food. There are many different “natural” sugars in food such as that in milk, fruits, vegetables and grains. There is also an increasing amount of refined sugars that are being added to foods.

PLANT ESTERS LOWER CHOLESTEROL
June 2, 2002 7:40 PM ET
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed manufacturers of products adequately fortified with Plant Sterol Esters and/or Plant Stanol Esters to claim that their product reduces heart disease. There are over twenty studies completed that support the cholesterol lowering properties of these esters.

WHAT IS BETTER, BUTTER OR MARGARINE?
May 26, 2002 7:52 PM ET
With all the different butters, margarines, spreads and sprays on the market, it is little wonder that people are confused. There are so many different health claims and so many different products and tastes.

DEHYDRATION CAN BE DANGEROUS
May 19, 2002 4:49 PM ET
Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization for people over age 65. As people get older the mechanism that triggers thirst slowly decreases so there may be no urge to get a glass of water even when there is a need.

JUST A LITTLE MORE ABOUT LABELING
May 12, 2002 9:10 PM ET
Health claims concerning the relationship between a food and the risk of a disease have been allowed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1993.  There are Rules established by the (FDA) limiting the type of claims that can be made with the goal of reducing consumer deception.

WHAT'S IN A LABEL?
May 5, 2002 6:12 PM ET
Effective May of 1993 the Nutrition Facts food label for almost all foods was implemented. The idea behind food labeling was to make product information more complete, useful and accurate so that consumers would be able to choose more healthful diets.

FIBER, FOR YOUR HEALTH!
April 28, 2002 7:48 PM ET
What was once called “roughage” or “bulk” has made the headlines for its disease prevention properties. Fiber, the non-digestible portion of plant food, is needed for a healthy diet.

THE “SALT OF THE EARTH” IS HIGH IN SODIUM
April 21, 2002 6:52 PM ET
Salt, the flavor enhancer has been used for centuries. Roman soldiers were given salt rations called “salarium argentums” which is from where the word salary comes. In ancient Greece salt was used to purchase slaves and thus the expression “not worth his salt.”

ANTI-OXIDENTS, WHAT ARE THEY?
April 14, 2002 5:56 PM ET
With the word “Anti-oxidant” on the label a manufacturer can sell almost any product and some of these products are very pricey. This antioxidant claim stands by itself as a health claim however disease prevention labeling has not yet been approved.

PROTEIN, AN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENT
April 7, 2002 7:41 PM ET
The word protein comes from the Greek word meaning “first” or “of primary importance.”   The importance of protein has been stressed in the American diet as most meal plans are based around meat, chicken or fish.

GRAPES FOR "5 A DAY"
March 31, 2002 10:28 PM ET
French people originally believed grapes were distinctively for wine-making and not for eating. One of the fruits first cultivated for their health and food values was grapes. Grape juice and wine produced from grapes, especially the red varieties, have been touted by herbalists for prevention of heart disease and cancer. Current research findings tend to lend support to this claim.

PHYTOCHEMICALS-THE VITAMINS OF THE FUTURE?
March 24, 2002 5:29 PM ET

The newest buzzword in health maintenance seems to be phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are non-caloric substances found in plant foods that seem to contain disease-preventing components. They have been associated with the prevention or treatment of disease states such as: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension. They are being actively investigated to determine how to reap the most benefits from them.

PHYTOCHEMICALS-THE VITAMINS OF THE FUTURE?
March 24, 2002 5:29 PM ET
The newest buzzword in health maintenance seems to be phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are non-caloric substances found in plant foods that seem to contain disease-preventing components.

BUYING HEALTHY FROZEN ENTREES
March 17, 2002 6:07 PM ET
Frozen entrees can provide a quick and easy alternative to home cooking especially when time and energy are limited. These freezer-to-oven versions of many tasty entrees can include such specialty items as Chinese, Italian and Mexican alternatives to the traditional “TV dinners” of a generation ago.

HOMOCYSTEINE-HAVOC FOR THE HEART
March 10, 2002 5:37 PM ET
Many recent studies are indicating that high levels of homocysteine in the blood are a major factor in heart disease independent of cholesterol.

OSTEOPOROSIS - THE IMPACT OF DIET ON BONE DENSITY
March 3, 2002 6:01 PM ET
Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones to the point that they become fragile and can break very easily. Since bone is made of calcium, increasing the calcium in the diet is often recommended to stave off this catastrophic disease.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH WHITE BREAD ANYWAY?
February 24, 2002 5:03 PM ET
What do you call a food product that is made by taking out all vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals (nutritional aids) and fiber; and then, adding to the finished product, four of the vitamins and one of the minerals that were taken out? Answer-ENRICHED WHITE BREAD!

HDL - THE GOOD CHOLESTEROL
February 17, 2002 7:17 PM ET
It has long been known that high cholesterol levels increase the incidence of arteriosclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease. But, does just one value for total cholesterol tell the whole story? NO!

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS "E" & "K"
February 10, 2002 5:20 PM ET
The last two vitamins to be included in this series are Vitamin E and Vitamin K. They are both fat-soluble and are always included in a good multivitamin. Vitamins tend to work with other nutrients therefore it is always best to take these supplements with food to optimize their absorption.

THE FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS "A" & "D"
February 3, 2002 9:40 PM ET
Vitamin A, E, D and K are fat-soluble vitamins.   They are found in fatty foods and can be stored in body fat for months. Since they are not eliminated as quickly as water-soluble vitamins, they can build up to toxic levels in the body.

THE POWERFUL VITAMIN C
January 27, 2002 3:53 PM ET
Many a testimonial to the curative powers of Vitamin C has been made. Some widely accepted claims include that it can cure the common cold, enhance the immune system, protect the eyes, and decrease the risk of certain cancers.

B VITMAMINS
January 20, 2002 6:18 PM ET
Vitamins and minerals are found in most healthy, wholesome foods. However, many people decide to take supplemental sources of vitamins for many different reasons.

ARE VITAMINS NECESSARY? YOU DECIDE.
January 13, 2002 3:31 PM ET
Vitamin supplements are a multi-million dollar business. Health Food stores as well as many other stores provided various brands as well as other supplements that make claims to cure or reduce whatever ails you.

DINE OUT AND BE HEALTHY
January 6, 2002 7:07 PM ET
Happy New Year! Now is the time to get rid of those extra pounds added during the Christmas season, or to just start eating healthy. Many consider restaurant eating difficult in order to maintain this New Years Resolution.

THE FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID FOR HEALTH OR HAVOC
December 30, 2001 5:06 PM ET
The Food Guide Pyramid was created by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to give Americans a visual standard for healthy eating that includes variety, balance and moderation.

WHY DIETS DON'T WORK
December 23, 2001 6:55 PM ET
The diet industry in America is a multi-million dollar business. At any time almost half the population is trying to lose weight, and yet Americans are getting bigger and bigger. One third of the population is overweight as compared to one fourth of the population in 1980. Why don’t diets work?

GLYCEMIC INDEX CAN HELP DIABETICS CONTROL THEIR BLOOD SUGAR
December 16, 2001 7:20 PM ET
In last weeks article dated 12-9-01, we discussed carbohydrate foods. Carbohydrate foods turn into sugar very quickly in the body and result in a rapid rise in blood sugar.

CARBOHYDRATES: ARE THEY BAD?
December 9, 2001 5:02 PM ET
Ten years ago the food rage was a LOW FAT DIET.   Eating quantities of Carbohydrates was considered healthful as long as you avoided the dreaded FAT.

HOLIDAY EATING
December 4, 2001 4:58 PM ET
The Christmas Season is here and this is the time for parties and food. How many of us gain five to ten lbs. every Christmas only to wake up on January 1 to the depressing thought of THE DIET?   Here are a few tips to keep this Christmas season fun, healthy and not totally catastrophic to the waistline.

RISK OF HEART DISEASE REDUCED BY SOY!! FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (FDA) APPROVES THIS CLAIM.
November 25, 2001 8:03 PM ET
In 1999 The FDA approved the cholesterol-lowering claim of soy protein and authorized the use of this claim on the labeling of soy foods. The FDA determined that 25 grams of soy protein per day might reduce the risk of heart disease.

IS YOUR CHOLESTEROL TOO HIGH? WHAT TYPE OF FAT DO YOU EAT?
November 11, 2001 12:00 PM ET
How many times have you heard "reduce your fat intake"? Fat free foods have flooded the market and yet Americans still suffer from high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis. But maybe "FAT FREE" is not the answer.

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