MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'diet & nutrition'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:06:43 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181783&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fbaby%2F2011%2F08%2Fcoping-when-kids-nag-for-unhealthy-food.html Consider it your offspring’s revenge for your attempts to hide vegetables in their mac and cheese or chocolate cake. A new study examines the techniques and manipulations that children use to persuade, cajole, or simply wear down their parents to buy commercially advertised products such as junk food. In the paper, “The Nag Factor—A mixed-methodology study in the US of young children’s requests for advertised products”, published in the latest issue of the Journal of Children and Media, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health discovered that children who were more familiar with characters on commercial television shows were more likely to persist in their demands for advertised items. The study focused on 3- to 5-year-olds, inter... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181783 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:15:00 +0100 5181783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181786&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fcan-a-little-chocolate-really-cut-your-risk-of-heart-disease-and-stroke.html People who eat higher amounts of chocolate have a significantly lower risk of heart disease—37 percent lower, in fact—than those who consume less of the confection, according to a large-scale review published this week in the British Medical Journal. The study also found a 29 percent reduction in stroke risk and a 31 percent reduction in diabetes risk in people who consume higher amounts of chocolate. While none of the research involved randomized controlled trials, the evidence does hint at a rather sweet prospect: A little chocolate might be good for your heart as well as your soul. Researchers looked at the results of seven studies including 114,009 participants, and compared the group with the highest chocolate consumption with the group with the lowest. The studies did no... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181786 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5181786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158966&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fbaby%2F2011%2F08%2Fusda-unveils-improvements-to-school-lunch-program.html Your children will have healthier choices for lunch at school thanks to changes to the school lunch program. Starting this fall there will be more fruits and vegetables, less sodium, leaner meats, reduced fat dairy products and whole grains on the menu, according to a recent announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture. “These are the first changes in 15 years”, said USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon. “This is a rare opportunity to make changes in 101,000 American schools in all states and territories. This is the most significant change in the history of the school lunch program.” Children may be offered fresh fruit cups, for example, instead of sugary desserts, roasted or baked chicken rather than deep fried, and they’ll be offered whol... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158966 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0100 5158966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158970&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fnuts-soy-lowers-cholesterol-better-than-low-saturated-diet.html Good news, tofu lovers. Soy-based foods, as well as oats, nuts, and lentils, can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels more than cutting back on saturated fats, says a study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In the study, 345 people with high cholesterol were placed on three different diets: a low-saturated fat diet; a diet high in cholesterol-lowering foods consisting of soy, fiber, and plant sterols, plus two counseling sessions; and those same foods combined with seven counseling sessions. After six months, the people who received counseling (either two or seven sessions) plus the cholesterol-lowering foods lowered their LDL by at least 13 percent, while the low-saturated fats group saw only a 3 percent reduction. Bottom line: The findings provide ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158970 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:05:00 +0100 5158970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158971&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fmarriage-and-divorce-linked-to-weight-gain.html Men tend to pack on the pounds after getting divorced, women after getting married. That’s according to research presented this week at the American Sociological Association’s 106th Annual Meeting. Researchers at Ohio State University used data on 10,071 people surveyed from 1986 to 2008 to determine weight gain in the two years following a marriage or divorce. Men who got divorced were more likely to gain a lot of weight—more than about 21 pounds—than those who stayed married. Women on the other hand were more likely to add a lot of weight after they got married. For both genders, the weight gains were most notable in people older than 30. Other research suggests that married men are healthier than unmarried ones in other ways as well, though researchers aren&#... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158971 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:55:00 +0100 5158971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139717&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fcdc-practice-healthy-behaviors-have-a-longer-life.html At first blush, it would seem like common sense. Practice a healthy lifestyle and you'll have a longer life. And the latest study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the empirical proof to back the popular claim. The CDC researchers looked at adults 17 and older over the course of a few decades—from when they were recruited (1988 to 1994) through to 2006. In particular, the researchers looked at those who practiced "low-risk" lifestyles—not smoking, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and moderating alcoholic drinks. The findings? Compared to adults who did not practice any healthy lifestyle habits, those who followed all four low-risk living options were: 63 percent less likely to die an early death, overall 66 percent less likely to d... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139717 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5139717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139642&cid=t_356727_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F17%2Fnational-diet-and-nutrition-survey-ndns-headline-results-from-years-1-and-2-combined%2F Title: National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) Headline Results from Years 1 and 2 (combined) Scan or click to download ‘National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) Headline Results from Years 1 and 2 (combined)’ The Skinny: Key findings The findings show that the overall picture of the diet and nutrition of the UK population is broadly similar to previous surveys in the NDNS series carried out between 1994 and 2001. The analyses presented in this report do not identify any new nutritional problems in the general population. Adults (aged 19 to 64 years), consumed on average 4.2 portions of fruit and vegetables per day and older adults (aged 65 years and over) consumed 4.4 portions. Thirty per cent of adults and 37 per cent of older adults met the ‘five-a-day’ recommenda... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139642 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:16:01 +0100 5139642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139721&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhome%2F2011%2F08%2Fkid-approved-fruit-cups-just-in-time-for-the-start-of-school.html In blind taste tests of six popular brands of fruit cups, 28 kid testers gave their highest marks to the Walmart brand Great Value Mandarin Oranges in light syrup. Our young testers (age 5 to 16) said they liked the sweetness and orange flavor in these snacks. Kids also said they liked Del Monte’s Cherry Mixed Fruit in cherry-flavored light syrup and Del Monte’s Mandarin Oranges in 100 percent fruit juice. Kids were not fans, however, of Dole Cherry Mixed Fruit in 100 percent fruit juice. They said the combined fruits didn't taste good together or tasted weird, and that there were too many flavors. “Based on those comments, parents might select fruit cups with a single fruit or a combo with fruits already familiar to the child,” said Gayle Williams, deputy ed... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139721 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5139721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139722&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fexcess-weight-not-always-unhealthy.html A new study has added to the evidence that when it comes to longevity, being healthy is more important than being thin. Researchers at Toronto’s York University and other institutions looked at data from 5,453 obese men and 771 obese women who took part in the ongoing Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study in Dallas. For comparison, they also examined data from more than 23,000 normal-weight people in the same study. They grouped the obese individuals into four categories, or “stages,” based on their overall health and whether they had risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, or a mental-health condition. Obese people who had moderate or severe risk factors or coexisting illnesses had a substantially greater risk of dying during the st... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139722 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:35:00 +0100 5139722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139723&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fhome-breakfast-eaters-stay-slimmer.html If you regularly take time for breakfast, even if it’s just grabbing a banana on the way out the door, you’re not alone—and you may be on to something. Most of the 1,234 Americans in our recent survey said they ate breakfast on the day we called, and 84 percent of those people said the food came from home. Moreover, their body mass index—a measure that uses weight and height to calculate body size—tended to be lower than those who said they ate breakfast out. Popular breakfast choices included: • fruit (42 percent) • fruit juice (37 percent) • cold cereal (29 percent) • whole-wheat bread, toast, or English muffin (25 percent) • bacon, ham, or sausage (19 percent) • oatmeal (18 percent) • yogurt (15 percent) • eggs (14 percent) • egg subs... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139723 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:30:00 +0100 5139723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118628&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fcoconut-water-label-claims-questioned-by-consumerlabcom-tests.html Only one of the brands of coconut water tested by the health-product testing firm ConsumerLab.com lived up to it's nutritional claims. Zico coconut water had as much potassium and other nutrients as listed on its label. The other tested brands, O.N.E. and Vita Coco, did not. Researchers at ConsumerLab.com tested the sodium, potassium, magnesium, and sugar content of all three brands. The sugar and potassium content in Vita Coco and O.N.E. were in line with their labels, but the amounts of sodium and magnesium were as much as 82 percent and 35 percent lower, respectively, than the listed amount. Coconut water is the liquid inside unripe coconuts, and is particularly rich in potassium. One cup has about 500 milligrams, roughly what would be in a banana or cup of orange juice, according to... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118628 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:30:00 +0100 5118628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107503&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Ffda-moves-to-clarify-meaning-of-gluten-free.html If you’re having trouble clearly defining “gluten-free,” you’re in good company. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hopes to clarify the issue by standardizing how the term is used on food labels. The agency is reopening a proposal introduced back in 2007 that would require wheat, rye, and barley products that use the term “gluten-free” on their labels to contain no more than 20 part per million of gluten. The FDA said the standard of 20 ppm comes from the Codex Alimentarius Commission, an agency that develops worldwide food standards, which set the guideline in 2008. The European Union has since adopted 20 ppm as its standard for gluten-free foods. Gluten levels below 20 ppm cannot be detected by standard lab tests. Last week, the FDA announced... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107503 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 20:00:00 +0100 5107503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103334&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Feat-right-without-even-trying.html It’s easy to absentemindedly chow down on junk food while watching TV or surfing the Web. But a few simple changes to your environment can make it just as easy to mindlessly munch on healthy foods, according to Brian Wansink, Ph.D., a food psychologist and director of the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University. Speaking at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention in Washington, D.C., Wansink outlined findings from his lab’s numerous studies on food behavior showing, among other things, that things as basic as the size of a popcorn container or drinking glass can greatly influence the quantity a person consumes. And you can’t necessarily rely on your stomach to tell you you’re full: When Wansink’s team created a bottomless soup bow... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103334 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:30:00 +0100 5103334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096189&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F08%2Fovercoming-our-hardwired-drive-to-eat-and-eat-and-eat.html Most people know that they should eat less and make smarter food choices. But translating that into action is hard—and a study out this week in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association says that has less to do with a lack of will power than certain powerful biological imperatives. Such “neurobehavioral processes,” the researchers say, help explain why even motivated and informed obese people often fail to maintain weight loss through dietary changes. In particular, the authors say that obese people tend to have a heightened sense of “food reward,” or pleasure from eating tasty (and often sweet or fatty) foods, and a decreased sense of “inhibitory control,” or the ability to suppress the urge to eat high-calorie foods. They also tend to val... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096189 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:30:00 +0100 5096189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069461&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Ffast-food-snack-attack-not-so-much-for-these-customers.html Calorie counts on menus seem to be having an effect on what some people are ordering at fast-food restaurants these days. One in six customers took note of the numbers and purchased 106 fewer calories, on average, than people who either ignored or didn’t see the information, according to a study published today in the British Medical Journal. Researchers looked at what people bought at 168 New York City fast-food restaurants in the spring of 2007 (one year before the introduction of the New York law requiring chain restaurants to provide calorie information) and in the spring of 2009 (nearly a year after the law’s implementation). Teams interviewed more than 7,300 adult customers in 2007 and more than 8,400 in 2009 at the top 11 fast-food chains during lunchtime, asking cust... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069461 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:31:00 +0100 5069461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069464&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fsleep-more-weigh-less.html Each year, readers of Consumer Reports pose hundreds of questions. One common query: What’s the connection between sleep and weight? There is some literature connecting too little sleep to weight gain. Studies suggest that it has to do with hormones called leptin and ghrelin that reside in your fat cells and gastrointestinal tract, respectively. Lack of sleep may decrease the level of leptin, which can block feelings of satiety and encourage you to eat more. And sleep deprivation increases ghrelin, which stimulates the appetite. Seven to 8 hours of restful sleep a night is ideal to eliminate that problem. See what subscribers said about alternative therapies for sleep problems. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069464 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:15:00 +0100 5069464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050557&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fsix-of-10-gastric-banding-patients-need-repeat-operation.html Yes, you read that right. Almost two-thirds of patients who undergo a common weight-loss surgery that makes the stomach smaller by putting a band around it have to be readmitted to the hospital, either to get the band repaired or removed, according to a study published this week in the Archives of Surgery. Our recent survey found that about 5 percent of Americans have considered some form of weight loss surgery. The study looked at a series of 82 patients who had the laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and were followed for at least 12 years. Of those, 23 (28 percent) suffered "band erosion," a serious complication that requires repeat surgery, in which the band starts to erode into the stomach. And 41 (50 percent) had to have the band removed. Our survey found that about 5 percent ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050557 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:30:00 +0100 5050557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050561&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fstudy-shopping-cart-not-basket-means-healthier-choices-at-the-supermarket.html Heading to the grocery store? Then using a shopping cart instead of a basket can help you make healthier choices as you cruise down the aisles. At least that is the suggestion of a recent study in the Journal of Marketing Research. The researchers, who watched 136 people as they made food choices in the grocery store, found that people who used baskets that they carried instead of carts that they pushed were more than three times as likely to choose unhealthy over healthy food items. Why, exactly, is a little complicated, and involves something called "embodied cognition," or the notion that bodily sensations can influence our thoughts and emotions. In this case, the researchers say that the act of flexing your arm, as you do when holding a basket, somehow encourages you to choose smal... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050561 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:00:00 +0100 5050561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028184&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fkids-menus-get-a-healthy-makeover.html If the kid’s menus at fast-food chains leave you scratching your head—and feeling like a bad parent—here’s good news. This week, more than 15,000 restaurants joined the “Kids LiveWell” initiative and now offer healthier kids’ menu options. Think more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and less trans fats and sodium. To join “Kids LiveWell,” restaurants agree to offer options that meet qualifying criteria closely tied to the 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines. The criteria include, offering: • A children’s meal (an entrée, side, and beverage) with 600 calories or less; two servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and/or low-fat dairy; and limits on sodium, fats and sugar. • At least one other individual item w... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028184 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 22:05:40 +0100 5028184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028188&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Ftoo-much-sodium-too-little-potassium-linked-to-increased-risk-of-early-death.html This study suggests that a high sodium intake, especially when combined with a low potassium intake, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Unfortunately, nearly all Americans consume too much sodium and far too little potassium. See our tips for reducing sodium intake and our list of foods that are rich in potassium. And see more tips for how to lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Sources Sodium and Potassium Intake and Mortality Among US Adults [Archives of Internal Medicine] Sodium and Potassium Intake: Mortality Effects and Policy Implications [Archives of Internal Medicine] (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028188 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:15:00 +0100 5028188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028189&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fnfl-players-low-in-vitamin-d-prone-to-injury.html Even big guys need vitamin D, apparently. NFL football players low in the vitamin were more prone to muscle injuries than those with higher levels, according to a recent study presented at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting in San Diego. Researchers tested the vitamin D levels of 89 players from a single NFL team during the spring of 2010. Sixteen players experienced a muscle injury during their careers, and their average vitamin D level was 19.9 nanograms per milliliter, slightly below the official cut off for deficiency and well below the 32 ng/mL that some people recommend. There study also found a large discrepancy in the vitamin D levels of white and black players. White players had a mean vitamin D value of 30.3 ng/mL, while black players ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028189 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5028189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028190&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Falcohol-consumption-guidelines-experts-say-should-be-revised-with-cancer-risks-in-mind.html Recommendations for sensible drinking focus too much on the short-term risks, not the long-term health threats such as cancer. That's the conclusion of a new analysis out this week in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Current guidelines, which were developed in the early 1980s, are based mainly on the social and psychological problems of excessive drinking. But they disregard the dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of cancer, according to the CMAJ analysis. The authors argue that new evidence linking alcohol and cancer suggest that the guidelines should be revised. The authors also say that in the past, representatives of alcohol producers helped define sensible drinking guidelines, creating a potential conflict of interest, and that the guidelines do... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028190 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:30:00 +0100 5028190 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028197&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fits-true-men-love-their-potatoes.html And women are a lot more likely to eat broccoli, celery, and yellow squash than men. Those and more findings come from our recent nationally representative telephone survey of the veggie-eating habits of 1,234 Americans 21 years of age and older. How often you eat vegetables, and what kind, depends in part on your age, gender, and where you live, our survey found. Older people, for example, were most likely to go for cauliflower, celery, sweet potato, or yellow squash, while thirty-somethings ate fewer vegetables overall and were less likely to eat spinach than other age groups. Corn, was considerably more popular in households with kids: 63 percent of households with kids under 18 ate corn at least once a week compared to only 52 percent of households without kids. Southerners held a... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028197 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0100 5028197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008176&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Fis-it-worth-cutting-down-on-salt.html This study suggests that reducing salt alone may not be enough to make a difference to your chances of avoiding a heart attack or stroke. Blood pressure medicines may be needed as well. See more tips for how to lower your blood pressure and prevent heart disease. Sources Taylor RS, Ashton KE, Moxham T, et al. Reduced dietary salt for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (Cochrane review) [The Cochrane Library] —Sophie Ramsey, BMJ Group ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008176 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:01:00 +0100 5008176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008178&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Ffatty-foods-trigger-your-bodys-marijuana-like-chemicals.html Ever wonder why it’s so hard to control yourself when you’re eating fatty foods like potato chips and French fries? Maybe it’s because fats in such foods trigger the release of marijuana-like chemicals called endocannabinoids that drives us to eat them, according to research published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers fed rats Vanilla Ensure, a corn oil beverage, a sugar solution, and a protein-rich liquid called peptone, and measured the production of endocannabinoids in the small intestine. They found that the fatty diet triggered the production of endocannabinoids, but the sugars and proteins did not. The trigger starts when the food hits the tongue, where fats in food generate a signal that travels first to the brai... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008178 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 22:00:00 +0100 5008178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997515&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Foh-for-the-love-of-fair-food.html Okay, I admit it—I love County Fair Food—the kind you capitalize in your mind. Funnel cakes. Caramel apples rolled in peanuts. Cheese fries. Snow cones. Ice cream in still warm waffle cones. I try most of the time to eat healthfully, limiting treats and choosing wisely, but get me near the midway and I turn into a salivating fool driven by the need for treats. I will be especially careful in what I eat for weeks if I know we’re going to a county fair, just so I can indulge in all those nutritional nightmares. But there’s one type of Fair Food that I just don’t get—the urge to deep-fry everything. Now, I happen to think the union of the potato and the deep fryer was a match made in culinary heaven. And doughnuts or funnel cake? Please—deep-fried do... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997515 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4997515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992676&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F07%2Famericans-eating-moreand-more-often.html This study shows how this epidemic has crept up on us.” Bottom line: If you are looking to control your calorie intake, check out our latest diet Ratings. And visit our diet and nutrition and exercise and fitness pages to find more ways to lose weight and live a healthy life. Source Energy Density, Portion Size, and Eating Occasions: Contributions to Increased Energy Intake in the United States, 1977-2006 [PLoS Medicine] (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992676 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:20:00 +0100 4992676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992680&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fdiet-sodas-do-they-or-dont-they-help-you-lose-weight.html Last week, a major study suggested that diet soda was not associated with weight gain. This week, a paper presented at the American Diabetes Association 2011 meetings reached the opposite conclusion. What’s a diet-soda lover to do? In the new study, researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio recorded the diet-soda intake of 474 adults aged 65 to 74, as well their waist-circumference, a measurement linked to excess weight. After nine years, the soda-drinking seniors added an average of almost an inch to their belts, compared with roughly a third of an inch for those who avoided diet soda. Some previous research has also suggested that diet soda doesn't help people lose weight, perhaps because people might use diet-sodas to justify consuming other hig... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992680 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:20:00 +0100 4992680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984438&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fnivea-skin-cream-wont-help-you-lose-weight-says-ftc.html Chances are, you didn’t really think you could lose weight by rubbing Nivea’s skin lotion on your belly and thighs. But now even the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says the company has gone too far, ordering the maker of the cream to pay $900,000 and saying it can no longer claim in ads that regular use of its product Nivea My Silhouette! skin cream can reduce your body size. In one such TV ad, a woman getting dressed after applying the cream to her stomach and thighs discovers that an old pair of jeans now fit, while a voice-over intones “New Nivea My Silhouette! with Bio-Slim Complex helps redefine the appearance of your silhouette and noticeably firm skin in just four weeks.” The company also allegedly purchased sponsored search results so that when people typed... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984438 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:49:58 +0100 4984438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968823&cid=t_356727_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F23%2Fcan-a-diet-low-in-carbs-high-on-protein-help-in-the-fight-against-cancer%2F Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, according to a study published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968823 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:21:02 +0100 4968823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960059&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fsay-no-to-fries-and-chips-cheese-and-diet-soda-are-ok.html For several decades now, Harvard researchers have tracked the effect of various “lifestyle factors”—that’s diet and physical activity to you and me—on the health and well-being of more than 120,000 volunteer doctors and nurses from around the U.S. Their latest report is just out in the New England Journal of Medicine and it tells us in no uncertain terms to lay off French fries and potato chips if we don’t want to get fat. But it’s apparently ok to eat cheese and drink diet soda. The researchers determined this by looking at the interaction between diet, exercise, sleep, television watching habits and weight gain (or, occasionally, loss). Discouragingly, they found that the average study participant gained 3.35 pounds over every four-year period. ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960059 Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:01:00 +0100 4960059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952828&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fto-sleep-perchance-to-dreamof-cake.html In this study, the researchers asked the same questions and did the same brain scans, but then asked questions designed to determine the participants “sleep chronotype,” that is, whether they were morning or evening people. They found that the early birds shown pictures of tasty food had more activity in the self-control portion of the brain than did the night owls. Reading these two studies, I’m left with a question—am I more likely to reach for that scrumptious snack because I’m tired? Or will my early-morning tendencies help me fend off the fat by giving a boost to my self control? Maybe I’ll just split the difference by having a brownie while running on the treadmill. See our advice for some healthier ways to deal with insomnia, including changes... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952828 Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4952828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952829&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fhealthy-fathers-day-gifts-for-every-type-of-dad.html If you’re stumped on what to get Dad for Father’s Day, give the gift that keeps on giving—good health. These gifts are sure to keep the special guy in your life—whatever type of guy he is—looking and feeling youthful. And we’re not talking Botox and body shapers. Active Dad: Consider home workout equipment to help him stay fit. Go small with exercise bands, a stability ball, and dumbbells. Step it up with a set of kettlebells, but first make sure you read our safety advice. Go big with a treadmill. We rated dozens and recommend several. Dapper Dad. Give him a close shave with a brand new electric razor. Our testers found seven smooth operators. Conceal signs of wear and tear with one of the many skin-preserving wrinkle products on the market, but may... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952829 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:50:00 +0100 4952829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934138&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fpour-on-the-olive-oil-for-lower-stroke-risk.html Regularly consuming olive oil might help prevent a stroke, particularly if you’re 65 or older, suggests a study published online Wednesday in the journal Neurology. Researchers looked at olive-oil consumption over five years in 7,625 French seniors with no history of stroke. Those who consumed the most olive oil (using it both for cooking and as dressing or with bread) had a 41 percent lower risk of stroke than those who never used it. Heavy and moderate olive-oil users also tended to have a lower body mass index (BMI), lower triglycerides, and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Bottom line: The next time you’re in the kitchen preparing dinner, pour on the olive oil, for improved health—and taste. Olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, is a key ingredient in the Medite... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934138 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:45:00 +0100 4934138 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934145&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fcutting-back-on-fats-sugar-might-lower-alzheimers-risk.html Following a diet that’s low in saturated fat and quickly digested carbohydrates, such as doughnuts and white bread, could cut your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, suggests a study published today in the June issue of the journal Archives of Neurology. Researchers fed 20 healthy adults either a diet that had a high glycemic index and lots of saturated fat or a low glycemic index and little saturated fat for four weeks. They then gave the participants a memory test. Those who ate the low-fat, low-glycemic-index diet performed better on the memory test, and also had lower blood levels of certain markers of Alzheimer’s disease. A similar experiment in 29 adults who already had some signs of cognitive showed similar, though not quite as impressive, results. While this study... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934145 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:01:00 +0100 4934145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934147&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fteens-who-eat-right-weigh-less-later-in-life.html Trying to convince my 15-year-old daughter to eat more fruits and vegetables by pointing to statistics about heart disease, cancer, and diabetes is like trying to convince her to think about retirement or funeral arrangements. Thanks Mom, talk to me in a couple decades. But a recent study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine might give me a more compelling argument. It found that teenage girls who ate the most fruits and vegetables were less likely to become overweight later in life. Researchers in the National Growth and Health Study recorded dietary information on 2,327 girls in three U.S. cities from when they were nine or 10 years old till they were 19. Those whose diets most closely matched the recommendations of the DASH diet—which was developed by the NIH's Na... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934147 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 16:30:00 +0100 4934147 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893433&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F06%2Fpractical-plate-replaces-perplexing-pyramid.html The confusing, out-dated food pyramid just got a makeover. This week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the simplified MyPlate, replacing MyPyramid, and consistent with the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new food-group icon is the latest initiative in the agency’s efforts to remind Americans to make healthier food choices. MyPlate emphasizes the fruit, vegetable, grains, protein and dairy food groups and focuses on balancing calories, foods to increase, and foods to reduce using easy-to-digest messages like enjoy your food, but eat less, make half your plate fruits and vegetables, and drink water instead of sugary drinks. The MyPlate initiative also includes nutrition tips, Q&A’s, sample menus, and recipes. Later this year, the USDA wil... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893433 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:10:00 +0100 4893433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4893438&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fsafety%2F2011%2F06%2Fchina-bans-bpas-from-plastic-baby-bottles.html China has joined Canada, the European Union, and the United Arab Emirates in banning bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles—a step the U.S. has not yet taken. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to even decide what is a safe level of exposure to BPA. Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make hard, polycarbonate plastics, and has been used for years in clear plastic bottles and food-can liners. Some studies have linked BPA to reproductive abnormalities and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. According to news outlets, some stores in Beijing have removed polycarbonate bottles from shelves, but the bottles are still available in Shanghai. For more information from our previous coverage of the status of BPAs in this country you c... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4893438 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:00:00 +0100 4893438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4876381&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fjob-description-you-will-gain-weight.html I had to laugh when I saw the title of our recent blog, "Gaining weight? Blame your desk job." That’s because, when it comes to weight gain, I could be said to work in a particularly toxic environment. The new study our blog reported on linked less physical activity on the job with the expansion of girth in our population. But as part of the group that evaluates and rates food for Consumer Reports, I not only sit for hours every day, but I’m also required to nosh all day long. Trying to lose a bit of weight? Too bad—we’ve got 15 ice creams to taste! Now, there is one trick I use to lessen the health impact of tasting food all day long: spit everything! In fact, I’m required to spit out everything I taste for work, to keep my palate fresh. But even trying my b... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4876381 Sat, 28 May 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4876381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872078&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fsafety%2F2011%2F05%2Fdna-tests-find-disturbingly-widespread-seafood-fraud.html If you've long suspected that the "mahi-mahi" on your plate may really be yellowtail, you now have science on your side: Researchers with the non-profit group Oceana have harnessed the power of forensic science to confirm that as much as half of all seafood sold in the U.S. is mislabeled. "Results from our DNA lab show that about half the time the fish you are eating is not the species listed on the menu," said DNA tester William Gergits. The group accuses the industry of "seafood fraud," and is calling on the federal government to step in to more tightly regulate fisheries and related businesses. Oceana's announcement follows a recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office recommending improvements to government oversight of imported fish. Oceana dispatched scientists to... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872078 Fri, 27 May 2011 16:00:29 +0100 4872078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862529&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fmore-baked-and-broiled-fish-lowers-heart-failure-risk.html Women who ate five or more servings of baked or broiled fish a week had a 30 percent lower risk of heart failure compared with those who ate less than one serving per month, according to a very large study published Tuesday in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation: Heart Failure. But the opposite was true for the fried version—just one serving per month appears to increase risk by 48 percent. Researchers looked at the diets of 84,493 women 50 to 79. The benefits were stronger among women who ate lots of baked or broiled dark fish, such as blue fish, mackerel, and salmon than among those who ate mostly tuna or white fish, such as snapper, or cod. Consuming baked or broiled fish also seemed to protect against atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, high blo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862529 Wed, 25 May 2011 15:25:00 +0100 4862529 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4862532&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fbaby%2F2011%2F05%2Fprobiotics-for-kidsworth-it.html Baffled by the bewildering array of foods and drinks that prominently feature probiotics on the label? Wonder if you should be giving these to your baby or young child? You’re not alone. Food marketers promote probiotics, those beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines, where they can ease digestive woes and possibly strengthen immune systems, in everything from infant formula to yogurts specifically targeted to children. “We’re constantly being bombarded by magazines and TV,” said Dan Thomas, M.D., the lead author on a clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, on probiotics and prebiotics in pediatrics. “We wrote this to tell pediatricians what is known. Pediatricians are being bombarded by the industry. As a medical community, the... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4862532 Tue, 24 May 2011 21:53:00 +0100 4862532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852850&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Feating-dairy-doesnt-raise-heart-attack-risk.html Eating dairy products doesn't raise the risk of a heart attack, even though high-fat dairy products may raise cholesterol, new research has found. But positive effects from nutrients in dairy, and negatives from saturated fats, may be cancelling each other out. Dairy products are a good source of nutrients like protein, vitamins and minerals. But doctors have long worried that high-fat dairy products, like butter and some cheeses, may raise cholesterol and clog up the arteries, increasing your chances of heart disease. They’ve been puzzled that this doesn’t seem to be borne out in research. But there are lots of things that can give muddled messages from research into diet, from whether people actually answer correctly (do they say butter when they eat margarine, or vice ver... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852850 Mon, 23 May 2011 11:45:00 +0100 4852850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4847950&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fanother-coffee-perk-lower-risk-of-prostate-cancer.html In this study, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health followed 47,911 men for 20 years. After that time, men who consumed the most coffee (six or more cups per day) had an 18 percent lower risk of developing any form of prostate cancer and were 60 percent less likely to die of it. Even men who drank just one to three cups lowered their risk of dying of prostate cancer by 30 percent. The researchers said it wasn’t the caffeine that did the trick, since the benefits were seen in men who drank regular or decaf. Instead, they suggest it might be the rich mix of antioxidant compounds found in the coffee. Bottom line: While this is a large and well-designed study, it was still an observational study based on self reports. So it’s still too soon to say that more is bett... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4847950 Fri, 20 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4847950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841463&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fcritics-chew-over-our-diet-ratings.html We’ve been doing diet Ratings since 2005, but this year’s installment—our third—is suddenly controversial. The main bone of contention: our inclusion of a 2010 study of our top-rated diet, Jenny Craig. First, let’s acknowledge where the critics have a point. We should have prominently mentioned that participants in the 2010 study, which had a remarkably low dropout rate, didn’t have to pay for the prepackaged meals, snacks, and desserts that are the backbone of Jenny Craig’s program—a freebie that the investigators valued at $6,240 over the course of the two-year study. The monetary value of the free food and counseling in the Jenny Craig trial is indeed a lot higher than, say, the monetary value of the Slim-Fast products, or the cost of me... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841463 Wed, 18 May 2011 22:56:00 +0100 4841463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841466&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Ftraveling-under-a-cloud-of-ill-health.html Years ago, when I traveled a lot for my work, my life was a whirl of fast food on the fly, overly indulgent restaurant meals, endless cups of coffee into the wee hours of the night, nonstop stress, and strings of days when I was so exhausted by the end of the day that going to the dingy gym behind the hotel pool had about as much appeal as a root canal. It took a toll on my health—and a recent study suggests that I wasn’t alone. The study, in the April issue of the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, looked at over 13,000 employees of a large international company as they underwent an annual physical. While the results weren’t cut and dry, the busiest travelers were more likely to be obese, have high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and mu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841466 Tue, 17 May 2011 19:30:00 +0100 4841466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828872&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fcoffee-cuts-breast-cancer-risk-not-so-fast.html Ever read about new research and think "That seems too good to be true?" That's what went through my mind this week when I read a press release declaring: "Coffee reduces breast cancer risk." Fantastic news. Unfortunately, the research doesn't back up this bold claim. What role coffee drinking might play in a woman's risk of breast cancer has long puzzled researchers. Some chemicals in coffee might promote cancer cell growth, while others—such as antioxidants—may help prevent it. Studies looking at coffee drinkers have shown conflicting results, finding either a higher or lower risk of breast cancer, or no difference in risk at all. One explanation for these inconsistent findings might be that coffee affects the risk of only certain types of breast cancer. This was the basic... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828872 Mon, 16 May 2011 19:45:00 +0100 4828872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828874&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fconfessions-of-a-diet-skeptic.html Having numerous friends and family members who’ve ridden the diet roller coaster over the years—lose some weight, gain some weight, find a new “miracle” diet—I admit I’m a tad skeptical of “diets.” Most seem more shtick than substance. No carbs! No fruit! Nothing cooked! Eat grapefruit! Cabbage soup! Twinkies! Eat like a gorilla, like a cave-man, like in the Bible! Our new diet Ratings bring some sense to the chaos, by using objective measures—how long people stick with the diet, how much weight they lose, how they stack up nutritionally—to rank seven popular diets. And we found a clear winner: Jenny Craig. But we also point out that the best diet for you is the one you can stick with. And for me, that isn’t a formal die... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828874 Sat, 14 May 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4828874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803125&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Fjenny-craig-tops-cr-diet-ratingsbut-isnt-necessarily-best-for-all.html Six of the diets we looked at—Atkins, Jenny Craig, Ornish, Slim Fast, Weight Watchers, and the Zone—have all been subjected to the ultimate test: a clinical trial good enough to be published in a reputable medical journal. That means we don’t have to guess how well they work. We know. And how well is that? In this, our third round of diet Ratings, the overall winner is Jenny Craig, the widely-advertised commercial program that combines personalized motivational counseling with a meal plan consisting of its branded single-serving entrees and snacks, supplemented with sides and beverages you supply yourself. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. That’s because the best diet is the one you’ll stick with, and different diets appeal t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803125 Tue, 10 May 2011 11:00:00 +0100 4803125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4794852&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2F7-heart-healthy-gifts-for-mom.html If the Mom in your life doesn’t need another picture frame, pan set, or vacuum cleaner, go with something that keeps her smiling, feeling young, and on her toes—the gift of heart health. Here are seven ideas. 1. Go out for Greek dinner. Mediterranean-style food isn’t just delicious, it can be quite healthy, too. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish with some olive oil, nuts, and, yes, red wine, lowers heart disease risk, and might keep depression, type 2 diabetes, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease away, too. 2. Give a fruit basket. It’s a no-brainer, eating a wide variety of fruits is an easy way to protect the heart. In a recent study, women who ate dried apples every day for a year lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 23 percent, in... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4794852 Sat, 07 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100 4794852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775382&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F05%2Ffood-fight-breaks-out-over-corn-sugar.html Big Sugar is taking Big Corn to court over the name “corn sugar.” Representatives of U.S. sugar farmers and refiners claim that the corn industry’s use of the term constitutes false and misleading advertising. We agree that the name is confusing. But we also think that you should limit consumption of all added sugar, in any name or form. The lawsuit comes after manufacturers of high fructose corn syrup petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to change the ingredient’s name to “corn sugar” in 2010, and began promoting it as “corn sugar” in advertisements. They want to make the change largely because of the bad rep high-fructose corn syrup has received in recent years as being somehow less healthful than other forms of sugar, which has hur... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775382 Mon, 02 May 2011 20:10:00 +0100 4775382 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767989&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fhow-much-salt-and-wine-is-too-much.html Quick quiz: Is sea-salt a low-sodium alternative to table salt? How much sodium should you consume anyway? And, yes, red wine might be good for you, but how much is too much? If you don’t know, join the club. Americans, overall, are a little fuzzy on the answers, according to a survey 1,000 adults just released by the American Heart Association. Forty percent of those surveyed didn’t know that the AHA recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day—less than half of what most Americans eat. And nearly two thirds said that sea salt had less sodium than table salt. In fact, it doesn’t matter if your salt comes from a shaker or the sea, if it’s finely ground or in big chunks, or if it’s kosher or not, it’s all pretty much the same. Finally,... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767989 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:20:00 +0100 4767989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734081&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fmoney%2F2011%2F04%2Fftc-lawsuit-acai-berry-juice-fake-news-websites-deceptive-marketing.html The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is taking a harsh legal stand against 10 companies and individuals marketing acai berry weight-loss products online by using fake news websites which imply endorsement from major media outlets—including Consumer Reports. According to the FTC, the defendants' deceptive online practices involve creating "news" that seem to be from legitimate organizations such as ABC, CBS, Consumer Reports, CNN and others. And although the fake online news sites may contain headlines ("Acai Berry Diet Exposed: Miracle Diet or Scam?") and logos from major news organizations, they really are just advertisements, says the FTC. David Vladeck, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in today's news release: Almost everything about these sites is f... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734081 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 20:30:00 +0100 4734081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723798&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fan-apple-a-day-keeps-bad-cholesterol-away.html Here’s a heart-healthy reason to prescribe yourself an apple a day: Women who ate dried apples every day for a year lowered their LDL (bad) cholesterol by 23 percent, according to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and presented this week at the Experimental Biology 2011 conference in Washington, D.C. Researchers split 160 women between 45 and 65 into two groups: one consumed roughly 2.5 ounces of dried apples daily and the other group ate dried prunes. Women who ate the apples not only saw a 14 percent to 23 percent decrease in LDL cholesterol, they lowered cell-damaging lipid hydroperoxide by 33 percent and C-reactive protein by 32 percent, increased good cholesterol by 4 percent, and lost on average 3.3 pounds. Bottom line: While more research is warranted, y... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723798 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4723798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4719893&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fplanting-seeds-of-nutrition-with-mario-batali.html Good nutrition starts with knowing where your food comes from, and the sooner you make that connection, the healthier you’ll eat all life long. That was the message from celebrity chef Mario Batali as he planted a vegetable garden at the New York Botanical Garden. That rang true to me, since it mirrors what I try to do with my kids. The garden Batali planned and planted had all the components of a living “pizza wheel,” with each wedge-shaped garden plot nurturing the different plant components of a slice of pizza—even the wheat. And the kids really seemed to get into it. I heard one boy exclaim over the oregano plants that made up the “crust” on part of the wheel, “Hey! I’ve seen that in the store!” In my family, we plant a garden eve... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4719893 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:40:21 +0100 4719893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4714733&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fbitter-coffee-in-my-genes.html I measure my daily coffee intake in pots, not cups. But I’m also extra sensitive to bitter tastes, so I have to mask my java with a healthy dollop of half-and-half. Why such competing tendencies? It’s all in my genes, two new studies suggest. The first, an analysis of five studies with 47,000 people in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS)-Genetics, linked caffeine consumption to two genes, one that governs the desire to consume caffeine and the other with how it’s metabolized. Considering how much coffee I drink, and that I can drink espresso at 10 p.m. and be asleep a half an hour later, I suspect I have this pair of genes and they’re working overtime. But what about my aversion to bitterness? At high levels, bitter foods make me gag. And caffeine is su... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4714733 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:20:00 +0100 4714733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709198&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fvitamin-d-linked-to-reduced-risk-of-macular-degeneration-in-women.html Consuming vitamin D from foods or supplements might reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in women younger than 75, according to a study published this week by the Archives of Ophthalmology. A team led by researchers at the University at Buffalo, N.Y., examined data on blood levels of vitamin D among 1,313 women 50 to 79 enrolled in the ongoing Women's Health Initiative study. In women younger than 75, vitamin D from foods and supplements—but not from time spent in direct sunlight—was linked with decreased risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration. Those who consumed the most vitamin D had a 59 percent decreased risk of developing it compared with women who consumed the least. The researchers suggest that vitamin D might help r... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709198 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:13:28 +0100 4709198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696613&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fno-need-to-avoid-soy-after-breast-cancer.html This study suggests neither is true—there’s no need to worry about eating soy products, but there’s no need to eat them if you don’t want to. Sources Postdiagnosis soy food intake and breast cancer survival [American Association for Cancer Research 102nd Annual Meeting, Orlando, Fla.] —Anna Sayburn, BMJ Group ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696613 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:51:46 +0100 4696613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696614&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fstrawberries-linked-to-lower-risk-of-esophageal-cancer.html If you’re looking forward to summer strawberries, research out this week might make them taste even sweeter. The berry might help prevent cancer of the esophagus, the tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach, according to a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Orlando, Fla. Thirty-six patients at high risk for esophageal cancer consumed around 2 ounces of freeze-dried strawberries—which contain concentrated amounts of cancer-fighting substances—daily. After six months, 29 of the 36 patients showed a decrease in the level of precancerous esophageal lesions. Bottom line: More research is needed to confirm these findings, but if you enjoy strawberries, this could be another reason—on top of the other benefit... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696614 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4696614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684302&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F04%2Fhi-im-erin-and-im-a-foodaholic.html Some people might think you can’t be addicted to food. But I’ve known for a long time that my feelings toward food are different from other people. And a study published April 4 online in the Archives of General Psychiatry backs me up. I’ve been this way as long as I can remember. I compulsively read menus and restaurant reviews. I obsessively collect recipes, cookbooks, and kitchen paraphernalia. The Food Network is my version of adult entertainment. I can’t pass a bakery without drooling. Lucky me, I managed to find a job where I can work with and think about food all day—like a shopaholic managing a clothing boutique. In the current study, researchers at Yale University took MRI scans of 39 young women when they were given either a Haagen-Dazs chocolate m... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684302 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4684302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658374&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fis-it-really-bad-to-add-a-little-color-to-food.html Food coloring never used to bother me much. But lately I’ve had second thoughts. And so, apparently, has the U.S Food and Drug Administration, which announced this week it would be investigating potential, but unproven, links to hyperactivity and some cancers. When my kids were little, I always had a package of those eyedroppers of food-color dyes around, which we used to create a kaleidoscope of colorful meals. I loved the way the kids squealed over blue mashed potatoes with green gravy, red pasta with purple sauce, green eggs and ham, or tie-dyed pancakes. The addition of a couple of drops of color turned a regular meal into an Alice in Wonderland mad tea party. Now I hesitate over food colorings, especially when they’re out of my control. While an occasional drop of dye... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658374 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:12:12 +0100 4658374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658375&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fsimple-strategies-can-reduce-bpa-levels.html Families that switch to a diet high in fresh, organic foods and make other simple changes in the kitchen can reduce their levels of the potentially harmful chemical bisphenol A (BPA), suggests a small study out this week in Environmental Health Perspectives, published by the National Institutes of Health. Some studies have linked BPA to reproductive abnormalities and a heightened risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. In the new study, researchers at the Breast Cancer Fund and the Silent Spring Institute tested levels of BPA in the urine of five families of four that had a high likelihood of regular exposure to BPA as a result of consuming canned foods, canned sodas, or frozen dinners; eating meals prepared outside the home or drinking from polycarbonate wate... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658375 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:33:53 +0100 4658375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658376&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fyellow-and-green-veggies-linked-to-lower-risk-of-death.html If you’ve been digging root vegetables—carrots, sweet potatoes and the like—here’s a good reason to fill your plate with more of them. Eating produce high in the plant-derived nutrient alpha-carotene may significantly lower your risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and other diseases, says a study published this week in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Follow-Up Study (NHANES III), researchers compared blood levels of alpha-carotene from 15,318 U.S. adults age 20 and older. After roughly 14 years, researchers found that 3,810 of the participants had died from various causes, including heart disease, stroke, cancers, and chronic lower respiratory disease. But participants in this study with... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658376 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:46:45 +0100 4658376 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631473&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fa-bowl-of-cereal-a-day-keeps-high-blood-pressure-away.html This study also underscores the importance of breakfast, which has been linked to other health benefits as well, including a healthy weight, controlled cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improved sensitivity to insulin. See our tips for other ways to control your blood pressure and the heart tests you need and those you don't. Study links cereal consumption to lower blood pressure. [American Heart Association] Physicians' Health Study [Harvard Medical School] (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631473 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:29:13 +0100 4631473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4626809&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Ftoo-much-soda-in-schools.html I'm not anti-soft drink. But I also know that soda is a boatload of nutritionally empty calories, so I try to treat it as the treat it is. At home, that means we reserve pop (as I grew up calling it) for family game nights and parties. But kids have plenty of access to the sweet stuff elsewhere, including schools, according to a recent study in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine. Researchers surveyed about 2,000 public schools and 900 private schools. They found that just 16 percent of elementary-school kids could purchase only beverages that meet the Institute of Medicine guidelines for healthy drinks, which are water, 4-ounce servings of 100 percent juice, and 8-ounce servings of nonfat or 1 percent unflavored milk. Kids in private schools fared even worse, with greater acces... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4626809 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:28:23 +0100 4626809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4577902&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fsustainable-fish-health-benefits-costco-switching-to-sustainable-seafood.html It hasn’t been all that easy to buy sustainably-caught seafood at your local supermarket, where labels on fresh or frozen fish often can be confusing. But the fish counter may soon be less daunting. Last week, Costco announced that it would stop selling 12 species of fish that have been identified by environmental groups as being over-fished: Atlantic cod, Atlantic halibut, bluefin tuna, Chilean sea bass, Greenland halibut, grouper, monkfish, orange roughy, redfish, shark, swordfish, skates, and rays. Other grocers have recently made similar changes or are planning them. For example, last year Whole Foods began a color-coded rating system to help consumers select fish that are most sustainable. The rating system was devised with help from the nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4577902 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4577902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565898&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fmediterranean-diet-metabolic-syndrome-more-good-news-for-the-mediterranean-diet-preventing-diabetes.html This study adds to the growing body of evidence backing up the Mediterranean region’s eating style, which is also linked to a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as improved mental health. Don’t get turned off by the term “diet” since the Mediterranean diet is really more a style of (tasty!) eating that focuses on produce, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, healthy fats from olives and olive oil, moderate amounts of alcohol, and limited amounts of red meat. So celebrate national nutrition month by taking a cue from the Greeks and fill your cart with lots of colorful fruits, veggies, lean protein, some nuts, and maybe even a bottle of red vino. (Now, that’s a diet we can all live with it!) Bonus: Take a quick walk after dinner. —Nicole Sa... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565898 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:43:46 +0100 4565898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565899&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fhigh-fructose-corn-syrup-is-not-corn-sugar-corn-refiners-association-.html The Corn Refiners Association wants a name change for high-fructose corn syrup. It wants to be allowed to call the stuff “corn sugar” because, it says, that would help consumers understand where the sugar comes from. But that’s a bad idea, according to Urvashi Rangan, Ph.D., director of technical policy at Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports and this website. “Such a change would confuse, if not mislead consumers to believe that ‘corn sugar’ was naturally occurring in corn and simply extracted as a sugar,” Rangan says. “This is misleading, since there are several chemical processing steps required, with consequent chemical changes that are not reflected in the term 'corn sugar.' ” A July 2007 Consumer Reports survey found that 83 percent of c... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565899 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0100 4565899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544963&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F03%2Fsugary-drinks-linked-to-higher-blood-pressure.html People who drink more than one sugary drink a day—including sodas and fruit juices—are more likely to have high blood pressure, according to a study in the journal Hypertension. And the more of the sweet stuff they drink, the higher their blood pressure is likely to be. In addition, people who consumed sugary drinks regularly were also more likely to have a higher sodium intake and a diet that lacked key nutrients. Researchers looked at sugar intake from sweetened beverages from more than 2,600 people in the U.S and the U.K. “These findings lend support for recommendations to reduce the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as added sugars and sodium in an effort to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health,” said senior study author Paul Elliott, in an Amer... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544963 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:00:00 +0100 4544963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522099&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Flap-band-surgery-risks-think-twice-about-lap-band-surgery-for-weight-loss.html It used to be that to undergo lap-band surgery, in which an inflatable silicon band is wrapped around the stomach to make it smaller and control the urge to eat, you had to be seriously obese. That meant having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher plus a serious weight-related health problem, such as diabetes. But the Food and Drug Administration recently relaxed those rules: People with BMI of 30 plus a weight-related health issue are now candidates. The company that makes the band, Allergan, has video testimonials on its website from people who say they’ve had the surgery and tout its benefits. It even a held a contest to give away a free surgery to three "lucky" winners. Blogs advertise the surgery as if it were a luxury vacation—“All in... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522099 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:50:47 +0100 4522099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512386&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Fbisphenol-a-risks-bpa-levels-highest-in-the-us-study-finds.html People in the U.S. have more exposure to bisphenol A (BPA)—a chemical linked to reproductive abnormalities, certain cancers, diabetes, and heart disease—than other studied populations, according to a new report from the Canadian Medical Association. The analysis included prior studies that had measured exposure to the chemical, which is found in clear plastic bottles and the linings of beverage and food cans, based on urine tests conducted in Canada, China, Germany, and the U.S. The levels of BPA in people in the U.S. were higher than any of those countries, and about double those found in Canada. Consumer Reports’ December 2009 tests of 19 name-brand canned foods, including soup, juice, tuna, and green beans, found that almost all contained some BPA. "I personally am flabbe... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512386 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:55:08 +0100 4512386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489666&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Fvegetables-prevent-heart-disease-more-veggies-less-heart-disease.html All right, I admit it—I’m a vegangelical. Much to my family’s regret, I never tire of praising the powers of vegetables. And my devotion only increases every time I see new research connecting high consumption of fruits and vegetables with health benefits. One study I’ve taken to heart, in the January issue of the European Heart Journal, looked at over 300,000 Europeans. It found that people who consumed eight or more servings of produce a day were 22 percent less likely to die of heart disease over an 8 year period compared with those who consumed fewer than three servings.  After reading the study, I admit that I started adding up all my daily servings—an apple at breakfast, some baby carrots for a snack, that salad I had for lunch. I’ve got a strong family histor... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489666 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:37:38 +0100 4489666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482752&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Fcoffee-and-kids.html I've gotten used to being lectured by other parents, and even some children, about the way my husband and I raise our kids. Blue hair dye is bad (hasn’t seemed to hurt them, or me, yet). Food fights are out of the question (says who?). And building a catapult in the backyard is asking for trouble (well, there’s some truth to that). But the latest collective sigh of disapproval, this time over the occasional morning cup of coffee I make my teenage daughter, took me off-guard. I admit my passion for the perk has reached the point where it almost requires a separate budget line in our household expenses. And I admit that I like to point to research linking moderate coffee consumption with certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and o... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482752 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:36:14 +0100 4482752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4436743&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Fvitaminwater-flu-ads-vitaiminwater-flu-fighting-claims-dangerous.html That’s the complaint from the National Consumers League. The nonprofit organization this week urged the Federal Trade Commission to promptly put an end to the “unfair and deceptive” ads for the drink, including one that says “flu shots are so last year.” If that means you should skip the flu shot and drink VitaminWater instead, we beg to differ. While some VitaminWater drinks contain vitamin C and zinc, our recent report on flu supplements found those nutrients were unlikely to offer any benefit in flu prevention or treatment. In contrast, the flu shot is proven to reduce the risk of catching the flu by about 70 to 90 percent in healthy adults, and it’s now recommended for everyone 6 months and older. So if you drink VitaminWater, do it for the taste; not for warding off th... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4436743 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 19:03:46 +0100 4436743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424229&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F02%2Fus-dietary-guidelines-sodium-intake-aha-says-diet-guidelines-too-salty.html The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines say that some Americans—those 50 and younger who aren’t African-American and don’t have diabetes and high blood pressure—can still consume as much as 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day. Everybody else, which amounts to about half of us, should shoot for no more than 1,500 mg.Considering that the average American now downs more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, mostly from packaged foods and cured meats and fish both goals seem ambitious. But not ambitious enough for the American Heart Association. “The 1,500 mg recommendation should apply to all Americans—children and adults,” the AHA said in a statement released Feb. 1. “The [dietary] guidance misses the fact that most Americans either have high blood pressure or are at risk of develo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424229 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:32:10 +0100 4424229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419128&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fenjoy-your-food-but-eat-less.html  That is the number-one “message for consumers” from the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture released today. For an agency whose past dietary guidelines have delicately skirted the “eat less” advice for fear of alienating politically powerful meat and dairy interests, the new version is “a big improvement,” said Marion Nestle, Ph.D., a professor of nutrition at New York University and longtime critic of USDA’s nutrition advice. As she wrote on her Food Politics blog: I’m in shock.  I never would have believed they could pull this off.  The new guidelines recognize that obesity is the number one public health nutrition problem in America and actually give good advice about what to do about it: eat less and eat better. Fo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419128 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:15:13 +0100 4419128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419129&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Ftrans-fats-and-depression-transfats-harmful-for-your-heart-and-happiness.html This study suggests it might help your mental health too. —Sophie Ramsey, patient editor, BMJ Group  ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use. For more information, take a look at our guide to fats in food. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419129 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:28:12 +0100 4419129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349507&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fcut-sodium-consumption-american-heart-association-down-with-sodium-says-aha.html This week’s call to action by the American Heart Association (AHA) substantially lowers the amount of sodium it recommends for the general population, to just 1,500 milligrams a day, the amount in about a ½ to ¾ teaspoon of table salt. Previous recommendations suggested that sodium intake should be below 2,300 mg per day. But the AHA, and other experts, say that’s too much for most Americans, particularly high-risk individuals—people with high blood pressure, African-Americans, and older adults. High sodium intake is linked to a number of health risks, including heart attacks, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and stroke. On average, Americans consume about 3,500 mg of sodium a day. Cutting back isn’t easy, especially if you don’t know how much is in the foods you eat. Co... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349507 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:48:54 +0100 4349507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337930&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fteens-sugar-consumption-linked-to-heart-disease-added-sugars-means-added-health-risks-for-teens.html Worried your kids are filling up on too much junk food? Here’s more cause for concern, from a study published this week in the journal Circulation. The researchers, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University, said it was the first study ever to look at the connection between added sugars and the risk of heart disease in teens. It analyzed the sugar intake of 2,157 kids ages 12 to 18 and found that, on average, they consumed 119 grams of added sugars each day. That’s roughly 28 teaspoons—slightly more than half a cup—and 476 calories, and accounted for 21 percent of their total energy. Levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol  and triglycerides were about 10 percent higher in teens who consumed the most sugar compared with those who consumed the least. ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337930 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:50:20 +0100 4337930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318326&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fread-my-hipsno-trans-fats-reading-nutrition-labels.html Zero means zero, right? Well, not on nutrition labels. There it doesn’t have to mean none, just very little. I’ve picked up packages in the grocery store that declare on the front “Zero Trans Fat!” only to see in the ingredient list partially hydrogenated oil, a source of trans fat.How can a label say “0” if there’s something in the product that contains trans fat?  Because the U.S. Department of Agriculture lets manufacturers say “0” if a product contains less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving.  Okay, so that’s a seriously small amount, right? No big deal. So, why am I stewing over something so trivial? Because it may not be so trivial after all. An article in the January/February 2011 issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion pointed out t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318326 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:15:00 +0100 4318326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4318327&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fare-you-eating-right-most-of-us-think-so-our-poll-finds.html When it comes to nutrition, most people talk a good game—but have poor follow through. That’s what we found when we surveyed more than 1,200 adults in November about their eating habits. Nine out of 10 respondents said their diets were “somewhat,” “very,” or “extremely” healthy. Yet 43 percent said they drank at least one sugared drink a day. And only 53 percent said they limited  sweets and sugar each day, 51 percent limited their daily fat intake, 22 percent weighed themselves most or every day, and 15 percent regularly tracked their calories. No wonder, then, that people often underestimated their weight: One in three people who said they were at a healthy weight actually had a body mass index that put them in the overweight range. And when we asked about the f... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4318327 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:05:59 +0100 4318327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309603&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2011%2F01%2Fneed-diet-advice-dont-expect-much-from-your-doctor.html If you made a New Year's resolution to lose weight and are thinking about calling your doctor for advice, hold the phone. Diet and nutrition are among the weakest areas of most doctors’ education in medical school, and few of us pursue further training on our own. So unless your doctor has made a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle, he or she might not have much to offer. I’m often amazed by how little some of my colleagues know about nutrition. I’ve had dinner with some otherwise brilliant physician friends and colleagues who confess that they can’t distinguish between a carbohydrate and a protein, much less say how many calories are in their dessert or which entrée makes a healthier choice. Although over the past three decades there have been repeated calls for more... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309603 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4309603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4302119&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fdr-santas-12-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-2.html Yes, my name really is Dr. Santa. (It’s Hungarian.) I like doctoring around the holidays—my name makes it fun, and a lot of important health issues come up then, too. I hope this series helps you navigate the season. TIP 12 Dr. Santa’s New Year smoothie There are few perfect things in life, but one is drinking a fruit smoothie. While you can buy ready-made smoothies, I think homemade are better. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and oh so tasty. Having one is a great way to start the first day of the New Year—or any day. 1. Gather a combination of your favorite fruits. It’s good if at least one is frozen, since that gives the smoothie a nice slushy feel. (And frozen fruits can be just as nutritious as fresh ones.) I like frozen strawberries, mixed with fresh bananas. But gro... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4302119 Fri, 31 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4302119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285361&cid=t_356727_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F23%2Fhigh-cholesterol-what-now%2F Recently, I had blood tests done for my annual health examination to check my cholesterol levels. As a healthy individual, I wasn’t expecting to hear anything but “normal” from my test results. Come to find out, I have borderline high total cholesterol! Good total cholesterol is under 200, borderline is 200-239 and high is 240 and above… and I’m right smack dab in the middle of the borderline numbers. There are a lot of factors that influence your blood cholesterol. Diet and physical activity are the two you’ve probably heard of but genetics, weight, age, gender, alcohol consumption and stress are also factors. For a lot of people, including me, finding out you have high cholesterol is both shocking and confusing. So, you have your numbers (probably including  triglyceride... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285361 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:12:32 +0100 4285361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281306&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fab-coaster-supplements-erection-problems-fat-calories-8-things-not-to-buy-this-holiday-seaso.html We recently reported on some of the best last-minute health-related gifts, based on our tests. Now, for the other list: Stuff our experts have deemed unproven or unnecessary at best, and seriously dangerous at worst. If you were thinking about picking up an Ab Circle Pro or a pair of man Spanx for that special someone, this list is for you. 1. Ab gadgets. Every year sees one or two new entries in this category, a mainstay of the nightly infomercial lineup. And they almost never work better than (or even as well as) a plain old sit-up or side plank. This year, we tested the Ab Circle Pro, a $200 disk with handlebars and knee pockets, and the even pricier Ab Coaster ($250—ouch!), a wheeled seat attached to a curved steel track. The verdict: Save your money. 2. Slimming clothing. Some... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281306 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:18:32 +0100 4281306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265720&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fdannon-activia-yogurt-danactive-ftc-settlement-dannon-drops-deceptive-health-claims-from-yogurt.html Downing a cup of Jamie Lee Curtis-endorsed strawberry-flavored yogurt seems like a deliciously simple way to stay regular and prevent colds, right? Well, maybe too simple. Dannon, the company that hoped you’d swallow their health pitches, has settled with the Federal Trade Commission on charges of deceptive advertising for its Activia yogurt and DanActive dairy drink. Yes, Danon’s yogurt products, like many others, contain probiotics, so-called “good bacteria” that have been linked to a number of potential health benefits. It’s just that Dannon allegedly exaggerated those benefits and claimed in television, Internet, and print ads, as well as on product packaging, that there was scientific evidence to back up those statements. In one such television ad, the company states “... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265720 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 22:25:35 +0100 4265720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265723&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fholiday-healthy-eating-dr-santas-12-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-1.html Yes, my name really is Dr. Santa. (It’s Hungarian.) I like doctoring around the holidays—my name makes it fun, and a lot of important health issues come up then, too. I hope this series helps you navigate the season. TIP 7 Stuff the goose, not yourself Every holiday, my biggest challenge is to eat great food—but not gain weight. I love desserts, but I also like sleeping without heartburn. And I would rather not step on the scale Jan. 1 and find out I’m starting the year 5 pounds heavier than just a few weeks ago. My suggestions: 1. Let’s face it—it’s all about portions. You can probably have a reasonable amount of just about everything you like, but not two or three times that much. 2. Eat at least seven servings a day of grains, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables. T... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265723 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:00:00 +0100 4265723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258855&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fsaccharin-health-risks-epa-removes-saccharin-from-list-of-hazardous-substances.html If you take your coffee with a little Sweet N’ Low, here’s some sweet news: Today the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has removed saccharin and its salts from the lists of hazardous substances. Saccharin, the oldest artificial sweetener, had been suspected of causing cancer after it was linked to bladder cancer in rats in the late 1970s. But research in humans largely failed to confirm that risk, with the possible exception (in one study) of people who consumed six or more servings a day. And the National Cancer Institute hasn’t found clear evidence showing that saccharin and other sweeteners are associated with cancer threats. Saccharin is 300 times sweeter than sucrose or sugar, and is a common ingredient in diet soft drinks, juices, sweets, and chewing gum... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258855 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:04:13 +0100 4258855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258857&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fthe-ftc-vs-spiderman-and-winnie-the-pooh-agency-challenges-fairy-tale-vitamin-claims.html The Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday that it reached a settlement with marketers of the Disney and Marvel Hero lines of multivitamins—featuring characters such as the Disney Princesses, Spider-Man, and Winnie the Pooh—prohibiting them from making allegedly false and unproven claims that the supplements promote healthy brain and eye development in children.  The packaging for the products (see picture) highlighted that they contained docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and touted the purported health benefits of consuming 100 milligrams a day of the omega-3 fatty acid. But the label also indicated that one serving of the vitamins provided only one thousandth of that amount (100 micrograms), according to the FTC’s complaint. Claims that a daily serving of the vitamins could p... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258857 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4258857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253130&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Falcohol-holidays-addiction-dr-santas-12-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-1.html Yes, my name really is Dr. Santa. (It’s Hungarian.) I like doctoring around the holidays—my name makes it fun, and a lot of important health issues come up then, too. I hope this series helps you navigate the season. TIP 6 Raise a toast—but not too many A patient with a drinking problem once told me how hard the holidays were for him: “Alcohol was the love of my life and the holidays were like a week long wedding. How could I resist toasting the bride?” Sure, alcohol has a lot going for it that fits with the holidays. A drink or two can provide a little social lubrication. And a bottle of wine, a micro-brew beer, or a single-malt whisky can be a fine gift—for the right person. But alcohol’s effect on the holidays, like its effect on health in general, cuts both ways. Here�... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253130 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:00 +0100 4253130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245296&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fmercury-in-tuna-how-much-tuna-should-you-consume.html The tuna-intake limits in the January 2011 Consumer Reports feature "Mercury in Canned Tuna Still a Concern" are based on an estimate of a safe daily exposure, or reference dose, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency and on the generally accepted premise that heavier kids can eat a bit more tuna than lighter kids. The chart below can help you determine the maximum amount of light or white tuna your child can eat, depending on his or her weight.It's not clear at what age children become less vulnerable to mercury, and there are questions about whether the EPA reference dose is low enough to protect the brain, which continues to develop through the teenage years. If you want to consume omega-3 fatty acids but want to be especially careful, choose fish that are co... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245296 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:47:03 +0100 4245296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233178&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fdr-santas-12-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday.html  Yes, my name really is Dr. Santa. (It’s Hungarian.) I like doctoring around the holidays—my name makes it fun, and a lot of important health issues come up then, too. I hope this series helps you navigate the season. TIP 3 Dr. Santa’s stocking stuffers Good gifts don’t have to come in big packages. And the best are those that are good for you, your family, or your friends. Here are nine to tuck into someone’s stocking or gift basket this year. 1. Good fats. Think extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, or smoked salmon—choose Nova Scotia style for less salt. (Fresh salmon, especially wild, is also healthful, because it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury. But Santa wouldn’t put a fresh fish in your stocking—unless you’d been naughty.) &#... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233178 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4233178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229175&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F12%2Fhealthy-school-lunch-bill-passed.html The House approved a bill yesterday that will improve the nutritional standards of school lunches, increase funding for breakfast and lunch programs, and restrict junk food sold in vending machines and elsewhere in American schools. The Senate has already given unanimous approval to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which was championed by First Lady Michelle Obama. All that’s left before it becomes law is her husband’s signature.Obama said in a statement that she was “thrilled” by the bill’s passage, and that it “will significantly improve the quality of meals that children receive at school and will play an integral role in our efforts to combat childhood obesity.”The new bill seeks to improve the nutritional value of school lunches by providing more money to schools that ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229175 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:43:56 +0100 4229175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214097&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Ftwinkie-diet-the-twinkie-wars-best-weight-loss-strategies-tips-for-losing-weight.html Okay Twinkie Man, I’ve got a bone to pick with you. I have been running a covert nutritional operation in my household for 15 years, and then you Mark Haub, Ph.D.—associate professor of Human Nutrition at Kansas State University and the man who reportedly lost 27 pounds over 10 weeks eating mostly junk food—have just thrown a grenade into the mix. Over those years, I’ve tried to slowly shift my husband from his natural dietary inclinations toward healthier ones. At first, I moved too fast, switching straight to whole grain bread and ridiculing the idea that every meal, even breakfast, must end with dessert. That aggressive approach caused him to marshal his forces—the kids—against me. My initial battle ended in defeat when I found them enjoying a breakfast of Golden Grahams i... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214097 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:44:10 +0100 4214097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214098&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Finstitute-of-medicine-raises-recommended-levels-of-vitamin-dbut-says-deficiency-is-uncommon.html The Institute of Medicine today increased the recommended levels of vitamin D, but challenged the notion that there’s widespread deficiency of the vitamin, or of the mineral calcium. And while it confirmed that both nutrients are vital in promoting bone health, it said that the other purported benefits of vitamin D—including prevention of certain cancers and autoimmune, infectious, and cardiovascular diseases—are still unproven.The IOM report acknowledged that the previous Daily Reference Intake for vitamin D—200 international units (IU) for most adults and 600 IU for adults over 70—was far too low. The new recommendation of 600 IU for most adults and 800 for adults over 70 is much closer to what we’ve recommended for years. But after reviewing nearly 1,000 studies and taki... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214098 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:46:00 +0100 4214098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207519&cid=t_356727_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F27%2Fi-scream-you-scream-we-all-scream-for-mushrooms%2F This study can help open the eye’s of those individuals, noting that a white mushroom does not compare to a slice of white bread.  Mushrooms have no cholesterol and help burn the cholesterol you have in your body on consumption.  They contain numerous vitamins and minerals, lots of water, fiber, calcium, iron and potassium.  Also, for vegetarians who don’t obtain their selenium from animal proteins,  they can instead rely on mushrooms as a source. Give some of these mushroom recipes a try! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/wild-mushroom-broken-spaghetti-risotto-with-arugula-and-hazelnuts-recipe2/index.html http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/michaels-best-button-mushrooms-recipe/index.html Source:http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/10072910160... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207519 Sat, 27 Nov 2010 23:33:05 +0100 4207519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203326&cid=t_356727_167_f&fid=36994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnutrition-news.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Freview-health-professionals-diet-iq.html A number of leading human health charities seem to lag behind the current nutrition thinking based on the latest research and studies.There is no doubt the key to success lies in dramatically increasing the amount of plant foods in our diet. A new film Planeat provides evidence that confirms this.You don't have to call yourself vegan or vegetarian to be healthy but you should  follow the plant eaters lead to dramatically  reduce the amount of meat and dairy from the level that's found in the average western diet."We need to move from a calorie dense diet to a nutrient dense diet. Calorie counting is a smokescreen, if you focus instead on nutrients you'll find yourself feeling more satisfied and less likely to crave food that has absolutely no worthwhile nutritional advantage to o... Healthy Eating and Nutrition News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203326 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:15:00 +0100 4203326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4200557&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fpotato-panic-take-a-thanksgiving-shortcut.html If you’re a little overwhelmed by the amount and variety of food you’ve got to get on the table tomorrow, why not cut yourself a little slack, at least in the mashed potatoes and gravy department. You can serve up store-bought mashed potatoes that are tasty and score Good for nutrition in a manner of minutes. Our trained panelists taste-tested 12 mashed potato products and found one that was Excellent (Bob Evans Original) and five that were Very Good (Ratings available to subscribers). Some just need heating; others call for adding ingredients such as milk, butter, salt, and water. Then, to top them off, add some turkey gravy. Our taste-testers tried 10 gravy products—four dry mixes (just add water, stir, and heat) and six canned or jarred gravies (just heat). They found  a d... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4200557 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 21:29:12 +0100 4200557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196995&cid=t_356727_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F24%2Fnursing-times-2010-vol-106-no-46%2F Fade Fave: I’m lovin’ it: would McDonald’s food encourage hospital patients to eat? Fade Skinny: Susan Holmes  argues that the NHS should tap into the expertise of fast food companies and take a new approach to catering. Contact the Library for a copy of this article. Filed under: Current Awareness, Journals, NHS Tagged: Customer Satisfaction, Diet, Dietary Balance, Hospital Catering, Nutrition (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196995 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:45:27 +0100 4196995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4183288&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fhealthy-thanksgiving-tips-healthful-holiday-tips-shave-calories-from-your-favorite-holiday-foods.html You’re getting ready for that big holiday dinner. You want your guests to save room for the pie you lovingly prepared, but you’re worried that they may say no because they don’t want the extra calories (320 for a slice of pumpkin, 500 for pecan). What to do? Lighten up your holiday food menu, from drinks to dessert, with some calorie-trimming tricks from our test-kitchen experts: • Eggnog: 440 calories per 8-ounce cup. Use a low-fat, store-bought version and save 120 calories. Replacing a jigger of rum with rum extract saves 100 more calories. • Mashed potatoes: 120 calories in ½ cup. For a lighter version, use nonfat milk and flavor with broth, garlic, or Parmesan cheese. Or omit the dairy altogether and make smashed potatoes; the skins are left on, so you'll get fib... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4183288 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:00:36 +0100 4183288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175687&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Ffour-loko-to-drop-caffeine-may-still-face-ban.html Health experts have raised concerns about thecombination of caffeine and alcohol in Four Loko. After a spate of news reports linking it to alcohol poisoning and binge drinking—and facing the risk of federal and local bans—the makers of the caffeinated malt beverage Four Loko have announced that they're dropping the caffeine.  This afternoon the Food and Drug Administration listed caffeine as an unsafe food additive to alcoholic beverages. The announcement targets caffeinated alcoholic drinks such as Four Loko, Core High Gravity, Joose,  Max, and Moonshot. Additionally, today the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to four companies selling caffeinated alcohol drinks, citing that their marketing may be deceptive or unfair. &#0... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175687 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:37:32 +0100 4175687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172053&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fdrugs-and-supplements-risks-coumadin-risks-garlic-risks-caution-dont-mix-drugs-and-supplements.html Supplements can interact dangerously with drugs,so tell your doctor about any supplement you take. That potentially dangerous practice appears to be common, according to an unpublished survey presented at the American Heart Association’s annual scientific sessions in Chicago this week. Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City and Utah State University surveyed 100 patients who took the potent blood-thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin and generic) for an irregular heartbeat, and found that: • 69 percent also took herbal and other dietary supplements. • 63 percent did so after consulting sources such as friends or the Internet, not their physician or pharmacist. • 63 percent said their doctor failed to ask about their supplement use as part... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172053 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 21:35:56 +0100 4172053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172054&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fsan-francisco-mayor-gavin-newsom-vetoes-ban-on-mcdonalds-happy-meal.html San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom made good on his promise to veto legislation that would have prohibited McDonald's restaurants in his city from serving up Happy Meals. "Parents, not politicians, should decide what their children eat, especially when it comes to spending their own money," said the mayor. "Despite its good intentions, I cannot support this unwise and unprecedented governmental intrusion into parental responsibilities and private choices." San Francisco's Board of Supervisors passed the ban last week by an 8 to 3 vote. Under the ordinance, McDonald's would have been able to keep Happy Meals on the menu if it either nixed the toy or remade the meals to contain fewer than 600 calories, with less than 35 percent of those calories coming from fa... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172054 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:45:22 +0100 4172054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172055&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fprobiotics-for-diarrhea-probiotics-supplements-friendly-bacteria-may-cut-short-diarrhea.html New study strengthens evidence for probiotics intreating diarrhea. Montezuma’s revenge can make you miserable, especially when you’re on vacation and trying to enjoy yourself. A speedy return to health is the top priority for most of us. Keeping hydrated, with water or rehydration solutions, is important, but doesn’t actually stop diarrhea symptoms. Researchers have been looking into probiotics—the so-called “friendly” bacteria that live naturally in our digestive systems. The theory is that probiotic bacteria make the digestive tract a hostile environment for disease-causing germs, by competing for food, increasing acidity, and blocking access to cells. So, could taking extra probiotic bacteria, through supplements (capsules or fermented drinks), help treat diarrhea? ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172055 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:37:03 +0100 4172055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4162919&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fphytochemicals-antioxidants-health-benefits-of-chocolate-rainbows-and-the-power-of-positive-thinking.html When it comes to eating fruits and vegetables, amore colorful plate benefits your health. As manager of the Food and Sensory testing group at Consumers Union, I sometimes like to get out of the test kitchen and into the real world. Or at least to nutritional conferences. One of my favorites is the annual meeting of the American Dietetics Association’s Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo, held this year in Boston with some 10,000 other nutrition professionals. The opening session featured the husband and wife team of Peter Menzel and Faith D’Aluisio who, through photographs from their book “What the World Eats: Hungry Planet” took us on a journey through 24 countries highlighting what families eat during one week. It was a fascinating reminder that in many parts of the worl... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4162919 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 21:09:51 +0100 4162919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159234&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fwendys-new-natural-cut-fries-with-skinand-more-sodium-tips-for-cutting-back-on-salt.html Think Wendy's new "natural-cut" fries are betterfor you? Think again. We haven’t yet taste-tested Wendy’s new fries, which debuted today in many restaurants around the country and will be served in all by the end of next week, but we did look at their nutritional profile. Served up with a little bit of skin still on, plus a dusting of sea salt, a medium serving has slightly more fiber than the original, thanks probably to that little bit of skin: 6 grams vs. 5 grams. But it also has 150 more milligrams of sodium (500 vs. 350), a few more calories (420 vs. 410), and one extra gram of total fat (20 vs. 19). Serving size (5 ounces) and saturated-fat count (3.5 grams) remain unchanged. Our previous tests of French fries found that Wendy's spuds, like those at McDonald's and Burger King,... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159234 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:22:23 +0100 4159234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151776&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fhappy-meal-ban-san-francisco-may-ban-the-happy-meal-child-obesity.html Under the ordinance, McDonald's could keep HappyMeals on the menu if they get rid of the toy. San Francisco's Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to make SF the first major city to outlaw McDonald’s Happy Meal. The 8 to 3 vote means that the board has the votes to override Mayor Gavin Newsom's expected veto of the measure. The board had already approved the ban in a preliminary vote last week . Under the ordinance, McDonald's could keep Happy Meals on the menu if they simply jettison the toy or add some fruit and vegetables—but would that really still be a Happy Meal? It would also need to come in under 600 calories, with less than 35 percent of those calories coming from fat. A Yale study released Monday, which says it's "the most comprehensive study of fast-food nutrition and ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151776 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:47:51 +0100 4151776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4151777&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fchocolate-heart-health-chocolate-sweet-treat-for-your-heart-reduce-heart-disease-risk.html A serving of chocolate at least once a week cancut your risk of heart problems, says study. Chocolate lovers rejoice! Eating chocolate once a week not only satisfies your sweet tooth but might also add years to your life, according to an Australian study published yesterday in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The researchers asked 1,216 older women how many servings of chocolate they consumed each week. Those who consumed chocolate “frequently” (either 1 to 6 servings or 7 or more servings a week) had a 24 percent lower risk of hospitalization or death from heart disease or heart failure than those who ate it “rarely” (less than 1 serving a week) over the course of 10 years. This isn't the first evidence to tout the heart-healthy benefits of chocolate. However, it was the... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4151777 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:54:44 +0100 4151777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4142743&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fbeat-the-common-cold-with-regular-exercise-cure-of-common-cold.html Echinacea. Orange juice. Steam rooms. I’ve heard people swear by all kinds of strategies for avoiding the common cold, but so far the evidence remains thin for most of them. It’s likely you’ll get two or three colds each year whatever you do (although washing your hands regularly won’t hurt). According to a new study though, keeping fit might help you spend less time feeling ill with a cold. That might sound obvious, but previous research found that top athletes were more vulnerable to colds.The new study followed 1,002 ordinary people for 12 weeks during fall or winter, and recorded how much time they spent ill with a cold. The researchers also asked people about their exercise habits and how they rated their fitness levels. During a 12-week period, people who said they exercise... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4142743 Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100 4142743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139224&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F11%2Fshould-women-skip-peanuts-during-pregnancy.html "May contain nuts" has become an obligatory warning on foodstuffs, since the rise of peanut allergies. The cause of this increase in allergies isn’t known. But we do know that the peanut has become ever more ubiquitous in the past 50 years or so, with peanut oil popping up in unexpected places, from cooking sauces to moisturizing cream.One theory is that eating peanuts in pregnancy might trigger an allergy in the child, especially for children in families with a history of allergies. The American Academy of Pediatrics even went so far as to advise women not to eat peanuts while pregnant. But a few years ago, this advice was withdrawn,* because there’s little strong evidence to back it up.Now, a new study of 500 babies adds to the evidence that it might be worth keeping away ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139224 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:30:00 +0100 4139224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118914&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Fsoda-drinkers-beware-you-may-be-consuming-more-fructose-than-you-thought.html Some soft drinks may contain a higher percentage of fructose than previously thought, according to a new study published online in the journal Obesity. That’s a big deal, the authors say, because there is evidence showing that fructose, when consumed in excess, may have a more pronounced negative impact on metabolic health and weight gain than glucose. The researchers, who call their findings exploratory due to their limited sample and use of a single lab, discovered that some fountain sodas from fast-food chains had more sugar overall than their labels specified. And nearly all of the soft drinks had a higher proportion of fructose than industry and government sources have suggested.Scientists have noted that the current obesity epidemic has occurred in step with the explosion of high-f... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118914 Fri, 29 Oct 2010 22:09:21 +0100 4118914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4118919&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Flowering-cholesterol-foods-that-lower-cholseterol-4-nondrug-ways-to-lower-your-cholesterol.html This article first appeared in the November 2010 issue of Consumer Reports On Health. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4118919 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:56 +0100 4118919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097920&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Fhealthy-halloween-snacks-healthy-halloween-treats-healthier-treats-for-halloween.html Don't worry! The kids will eat up these healthfulHalloween treats—and so will you. I am the first person to admit—I don't do healthy at Halloween. As a kid when I’d sort my loot, the boxes of animal crackers and bags of pretzels got dumped into an "only when the good stuff is gone" pile, shoved aside for the king-sized candy bars that the really cool neighbors gave out. A rockin' Halloween meant a heavy bag of processed bars of fat-laden sugar wrapped in shiny plastic at the end of the night, guaranteed to put me into sugar shock for weeks after as I sneaked those gooey goodies at every opportunity. As an adult, I have been known to sample the treats as I'm waiting for the next costumed munchkin to come to my door (you have to make sure they're fresh... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097920 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100 4097920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086260&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Fjenny-craig-diet-commercial-weight-loss-programs-losing-weight-through-dieting-obesity-treatments.html Commercial weight loss programs, such as Jenny Craig, are big business. But do they really work? There's been surprisingly little good research into commercial weight-loss diets, leaving us with the strange situation that we know which drugs or surgical procedures work best for losing weight, but have less evidence to show which diets work best. Two new studies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, go some way to filling that gap in our knowledge. Both involved women who were overweight, some of whom were severely obese. Both lasted at least a year— crucial in this type of research, as people tend to lose weight in the first few months of a diet, only to put it straight back on afterward. And both included meal replacement or pre-packaged low calorie ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086260 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:37:28 +0100 4086260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055710&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Ffolic-acid-health-benefits-another-blow-against-vitamins-now-its-folic-acid-preventing-heart-attacks.html Our recent Ratings of multivitamins reported on the mounting evidence that vitamin and mineral supplements don’t cut your risk of disease. Now a large analysis, which appears today in the Archives of Internal Medicine, adds to that message. It found that supplements of folic acid, a B vitamin sometimes touted as a heart protector, did nothing to prevent heart attacks, strokes, or cancer over a median of about five years. The analysis reviewed eight clinical trials involving 37,485 people at a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Those who took folic acid did have lower levels of homocycsteine—a chemical linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease—than people who took a placebo. But that didn’t translate into significantly fewer heart attacks or strokes. Nor did it reduce th... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055710 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 20:02:00 +0100 4055710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4025611&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Ffruits-and-vegetables-are-everywhere-so-why-arent-we-eating-them-cdc-report.html It’s harvest season now, and my family suffers an embarrassment of riches. Our counters and bowls overflow with tomatoes, beans, corn, squash, cauliflower, eggplant, apples, and other delights from our garden. So I thought it odd that while I’m knee deep—sometimes literally—in this bountiful bevy of edible plant life, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released a dismal report on fruit and vegetable consumption in the U.S. It found that less than a third of U.S. adults consume two or more servings of fruits a day (including fruit juices), and barely a quarter consume three or more servings of vegetables. That’s far from the goals of the government’s Healthy People 2010 initiative, which aims for at least 75 percent of us to eat that much fruit and half o... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4025611 Sat, 02 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0100 4025611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4022906&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F10%2Fpom-lawsuit-pomegranate-juice-health-claims-makers-of-pom-wonderful-sued-for-juiced-up-health-claims.html “Super health powers!” “40 percent as effective as Viagra.” “Further proof of the heart-healthy benefits of POM Wonderful Juice.” You probably don’t need the Federal Trade Commission to tell you that those claims are, well, a bit exaggerated. But it’s nice to know they’re doing something about it. The FTC filed a lawsuit on Monday against the makers of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and POMx supplements for making false and unsubstantiated claims that their products prevent or treat erectile dysfunction, heart disease, and prostate cancer. The FTC says that the heart-disease and prostate-cancer claims were based on scientifically dubious research, and that the studies on erectile dysfunction didn’t show that the products were any more effective than a sugar ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4022906 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:34:38 +0100 4022906 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003251&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Feating-vegetables-and-fruits-cdc-study-how-am-i-supposed-to-eat-all-those-fruits-and-vegetables.html Government recommendations say that adults should consume at least two to four servings of fruits a day and three to five servings of vegetables. Yet less than a third of us consume even those lower limits. How exactly are you supposed to get all that produce into your life? Here are some of our favorites. (And why don’t you tell us some of yours?) Breakfast: Get off to a good start. 1. Start with juice. Just 6 ounces of 100-percent juice (not fruit "drink") counts as a serving. 2. Add some sliced banana, berries, prunes, raisins, or other fruit to your cereal—hot or cold. It takes only a quarter cup of dried fruit, a half cup of berries, or one medium piece of fruit like a banana to make a full serving. 3. Mix berries or sliced apples or bananas into pancake or waffle batter and t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003251 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:49:35 +0100 4003251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3998971&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fhyponatremia-low-blood-sodium-salt-consumption-too-little-salt-.html Is it possible to consume too little sodium? —H.R., by e-mail It’s very unlikely. Your body needs less than two hundred milligrams of sodium per day to maintain vital functions and replace any salt you lose through bowel movements and perspiration. Low blood sodium, called hyponatremia, is most often caused not by restricted sodium intake but by other factors that affect the body’s ratio of sodium to water, including the use of powerful diuretics to treat hypertension and heart failure. Overzealous water drinking can also dilute the body’s sodium to dangerously low levels that can cause confusion, muscle cramps, nausea, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. Sweat lost by most people during exercise is mostly water, so there’s no need to replace it with sports drinks or salty fo... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3998971 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:17:15 +0100 3998971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999123&cid=t_356727_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FnOfXftJe7Tc%2F I recently reported on an intriguing study examining the impact of an herbal treatment for youth with ADHD. Results from this randomized-controlled trial were quite promising and consistent with the idea that some individuals with ADHD have deficiencies in essential nutrients that compromise healthy brain development and result in ADHD symptoms. This idea has sparked the long-standing debate about whether dietary factors play an important role in the development of ADHD, at least for some children, and led to many studies of this issue. Although results of these studies elude any simple conclusions, dietary factors do appear to contribute to ADHD symptoms in some individuals. Some have argued that research on the relationship between diet and ADHD is more important than ever because the di... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999123 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:11:04 +0100 3999123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993900&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fsalmon-risks-pcbs-salmon-shopping-tips-the-trouble-with-salmon-fish-risks.html This article first appeared in the October 2010 issue of ShopSmart magazine, on newsstands now. For more on fish safety, read our article on the benefits and risks of eating fish and check out the GreenerChoices.org seafood buying guide. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993900 Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:36:12 +0100 3993900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3976494&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fzeltiq-thermal-cooling-device-weight-loss-fda-approves-new-non-surgical-fat-zappers.html Many Americans long for a way to get trimmer waists or bellies without having to diet, exercise, or go under the knife. The Food and Drug Administration just approved two devices that sound like the answer to that prayer, and more are under consideration, reports the Wall Street Journal. Zeltiq, a thermal cooling device that is already approved to minimize pain and injury during laser and dermatological treatments, is now approved to freeze fat cells under the skin, causing them to dissolve over ensuing months. The other newly approved device, Zerona, zaps fat cells with a low-level laser, causing them to empty during the weeks following the procedure.There’s no doubt the new devices will generate interest. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that Americans received just u... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3976494 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:41:07 +0100 3976494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3972912&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fcarb-coma-at-the-nations-health-research-epicenter-national-library-of-medicine-ahcjnlm.html At the end of day 2 at the health-journalism fellowship I’m attending at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, I am again wowed by the amazing breadth of information these guys put out—with sometimes as few as three people working on a website. I’ve been struck by how the enthusiastic staff tries to anticipate the needs of the people using each information resource, whether it’s a concerned dog owner looking up toxic pet products or the parents of a newborn with triple X syndrome in need of guidance and advice. Lest you think this is a puff post, though, I’ve also been struck by how utterly unhealthfully I’ve eaten since I arrived at this most esteemed of health-research institutions. In the building cafeteria yesterday morning, I couldn’t find skim milk to put in m... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3972912 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:32:08 +0100 3972912 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3959924&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fdining-out-tips-for-cutting-calories-saving-money-save-calories-and-costs-when-eating-out.html Whether you're having dinner at a five-star restaurant, lunch at your local diner, or a bite at fast-food chain, these tips can help you dine out without overeating or overspending.  Saving calories Look it up. Some chains make their nutrition information available on their Web sites or on menus in states or cities that require it. At those that don’t, ask your server. You can also look up healthier dishes at nearly 60,000 restaurants on the website HealthyDiningFinder.com. (The recommendations don’t take sodium into account, so be sure to check it yourself before choosing.) Find healthier-choice sections on menus. Now available at many restaurants, they tend to have dishes with fewer calories, less saturated fat, and lower (though not necessarily low) sodiu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3959924 Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3959924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3954248&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Flipton-green-tea-canada-dry-green-tea-ginger-ale-fda-warns-about-green-tea-beverage-health-claims.html Don’t buy into antioxidant claims on the labels of two popular green tea drinks just yet. The Food and Drug Administration is calling into question claims made by the manufacturers of Canada Dry Sparkling Green Tea Ginger Ale and Lipton Green Tea 100% Natural Naturally Decaffeinated beverage—both of which purport to contain disease-fighting ingredients. In a warning letter to Unilever, Inc. of Englewood, NJ, the agency states that the company’s website, liptont.com connects the beverage’s ingredients to lowering cholesterol and says that such a claim places the beverage in the drug category, which requires FDA regulation. In a separate letter to Dr Pepper Snapple Group of Plano, Texas, Canada Dry’s manufacturer, the FDA states "Your Sparkling Green Tea Ginger Ale bears the... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3954248 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:02:01 +0100 3954248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924897&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fsalmonella-egg-recall-egg-safety-tips-bad-eggs-10-ways-to-cut-your-salmonella-risk.html If you’re less excited about eggs lately because of the massive multistate recall, you’re not alone. So far, approximately 1,470 salmonella poisonings have been linked to the contaminated eggs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And reports show worried consumers are changing their buying and eating habits, opting for eggs sold at local farmer’s markets and shying away from runny yolks. Salmonella enteritidis is a serious illness, marked by fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food; symptoms can last four to seven days. Most people recover without antibiotic treatment, but some become so ill they require hospitalization. The elderly, infants, and people with compromised immune systems are more sus... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924897 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:39:26 +0100 3924897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911694&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Ftype-2-diabetes-preventing-diabetes-yet-another-reason-to-love-those-leafy-greens.html  It's not easy eating greens...or so you might think from dietary surveys, which consistently show that Americans don't eat enough green leafy vegetables, let alone fruits and vegetables in general. But there's good reason to be keen on greens, as they are excellent sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants that have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses. And many people also think they taste pretty great. Now, a new review of studies suggests another reason to eat your greens: a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The main purpose of this review was to look at how fruit and vegetable intake in general might affect the risk of diabetes. After conducting an extensive search for studies, the researchers pooled the results of six trials that met t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911694 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:53:33 +0100 3911694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895883&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fthe-teenage-weight-tango-how-to-maintain-a-healthy-weight-teen-health-issues.html My daughter is teaching me to dance. Unfortunately, it’s not the kind of dancing that involves spangles and flashing feet. This is a dance performed around her weight and body image. I spent my teenage years as a ballet dancer, and saw a lot of girls with eating disorders around me. I watched girls carve up apples like Thanksgiving turkeys, chewing each minuscule piece a million times to make it last longer. I stared at them with incomprehension, finding the thought of giving up the foods I loved as tantamount to torture. At the time I thought I just wasn’t dedicated enough to be a true dancer; now I look back and am grateful that I seemed to be immune to the pressure to starve myself thin. Because of that history, and because both anorexia and bulimia have occasionally flashed the... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895883 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:28:44 +0100 3895883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3889077&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fbest-coffees-ratings-sumatran-kenyan-coffees-confessions-of-a-java-junkie.html I’ve got a thing for coffee. Those who know me well would say that’s putting it mildly. Coffee is my religion. I have been known to pack lots of coffee when traveling to make sure I can get a good cup (try explaining that to airport security). I’ve got more coffee stored in my wine cellar than actual bottles of wine (the storage conditions are perfect). I’m the only person I know of who spent her vacation touring a coffee plantation, picking and processing coffee–and I’ve got the pictures to prove it. So when we test coffee here at Consumer Reports, you would think that I’d be ecstatic (a friend has told me numerous times that having me in the coffee test is like handing an addict the keys to the drugstore). Far from it. Testing coffee, or "cupping," is... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3889077 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3889077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3866956&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fbenefits-of-berries-berry-good-for-you-health-benefits-of-blueberries-and-strawberries.html This article first appeared in the August 2010 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.  (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3866956 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3866956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854517&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fbest-diets-for-weight-loss-low-carb-or-low-fat-diets-that-is-the-question.html It’s one of the most asked questions of our times: what works better for weight loss—a low-carb or low-fat diet? There are passionate advocates on both sides, and plenty of people who’ll warn you of the dangers of one or the other. Then there are some who say neither work, and you’ll only put the weight back on again anyway. Well, there’s finally a good-quality study comparing the two diets over a two-year period, which also looks at measures like cholesterol and other biochemical markers. And the results are in. For weight loss it’s a dead heat. People following either the low-carb or low-fat diet had lost on average 7 percent of their body weight by the end of the study—an overall weight loss of around 15 and a half pounds. People in the study had a BMI (body m... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854517 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:57:40 +0100 3854517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833421&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fvegan-diet-tips-vegetarian-health-benefits-.html To add to the life changes of my freshman year at Arizona State University, I decided to give up meat, not including fish, for a week to practice self-control. That one-week challenge became a 10-month commitment. Though vegetarianism and veganism are frequently viewed as crazy lifestyles by many meat-eaters, the experience can be a worthwhile eating adventure. There’s more than one type of vegetarian. Lacto-ovo-vegetarians eat grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, nuts, dairy products, and eggs. But lacto vegetarians do not eat eggs, fish, or fowl. Vegans and total vegetarians exclude all animal products from their diets. However, there can be many variations of vegetarian diets, depending on health issues and personal preferences. Keep in mind, not all vegetarians give up mea... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833421 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 13:46:47 +0100 3833421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3827060&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fdietary-supplement-benefits-supplement-risks-11-dietary-supplements-to-consider.html Just because we highlighted dangerous supplements in our new report doesn’t mean we think ill of all supplements. Working with experts from the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, an independent research group, we’ve identified 11 ingredients that have been shown to likely be safe for most people and possibly or likely effective when used in appropriate doses for certain conditions. They are calcium, cranberry, fish oil, glucosamine sulfate, lactase, lactobacillus, psyllium, pygeum, SAMe, St. John’s Wort, and Vitamin D. But even helpful products can be harmful, for example, if you’re pregnant or nursing, have a chronic disease, taking a medication that interacts adversely with the supplement, or are about to undergo elective surgery. Moreover, nearly all 11 have been ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3827060 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:01:53 +0100 3827060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3822915&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F08%2Fdietary-supplement-risks-dangerous-supplements-if-youre-taking-a-supplement-tell-your-doctor.html About a month ago, a 44-year-old insurance executive came to see me with complaints of headaches and muscle cramps. His pain was caused by the typical cluster headache located behind one eye, accompanied by one-sided tearing and nasal congestion, and often triggered by occasional wine or chocolate. The muscle cramps mainly affected the legs and seemed to worsen after exercise. When I got the results of his lab work, I was surprised to see an elevated muscle enzyme level (creatine phosphokinase or CPK). When I called my patient with the result, he admitted that he had been taking creatine supplements a few times a week to improve his workout and help him increase his weightlifting. He said the product promised that his exercise recovery time would be shortened as well, so he was willing t... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3822915 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 10:00:00 +0100 3822915 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784252&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fsugar-benefits-and-risks-is-natural-sugar-better-for-you-high-fructose-corn-syrup--2.html If you mean the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits, dairy products, and other foods, then yes. That’s not because it’s inherently healthier but simply because it comes with all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients those foods contain.  But brown or raw sugar is just as nutritionally bereft—and has just as many calories—as white sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. "Organic" sugar is made from sugar cane or beets that are grown without chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides, which probably poses less of a threat to the environment. But it’s doubtful if that translates directly into significant health benefits. Honey and maple syrup may taste great but they contain few if any nutrients. Blackstrap molasses does have some calcium an... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784252 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:53:48 +0100 3784252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3772233&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Flose-weight-with-a-little-help-from-your-friends.html The problem is clear: 1 in 3 Americans are classified as obese. In theory the solution is simple – eat less and exercise more. But in practice it’s extremely difficult to lose weight and keep it off with lifestyle changes. Even weight-loss drugs tend to have fairly modest benefits. Some doctors think the environment we live in plays a part in making it so difficult to maintain a healthy weight. If energy-dense foods and sugary drinks are inexpensive and easily available, it’s hardly surprising that we consume them more than we should. Getting group support seems to be one way of making it easier to stick to a diet and exercise plan. Research looking at 250 Australia women found that just four group sessions over a year, plus telephone reminders, helped them avoid puttin... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3772233 Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3772233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767070&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Flactose-intolerance-milk-mustache-for-adults-how-to-get-more-calcium-and-vitamin-d.html This article first appeared in the July 2010 issue of Consumer Reports on Health. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767070 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:27:30 +0100 3767070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767071&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fstatins-for-high-cholesterol-stopping-statins-when-to-stop-taking-statins.html Once you start taking a statin drug to lower your cholesterol, can you ever stop? —K.M.L., St. Petersburg, Fla. Sometimes, if you’re careful and work hard at it. Statins don’t "cure" high LDL (bad) cholesterol; once you stop, it usually goes back up. But certain lifestyle changes might reduce or even eliminate your need for a statin, in two ways. First, switching to a diet that’s low in saturated and trans fat and high in fiber can lower LDL. Second, whether you need a statin depends on not just your LDL but also your overall heart-attack risk. So if you lose excess weight, stop smoking, and lower your blood pressure you might reduce your need for the drug. If you’ve made those changes and your LDL has dropped, talk with your doctor about lowering your dose and perhaps eventu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767071 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:16:41 +0100 3767071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761423&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Forganic-junk-food-is-still-junk-food-healthy-food-snacks.html The organic cheese puffs were the final straw.  I stared at the package, wondering: What are they thinking? Even if all the ingredients really are organic (which, as we’ve reported, they don’t have to be to get an organic label) how could a combination of mainly corn, fat, salt, and powdered cheese be considered good for you just because it has that word on its label?But then I gave myself a reality smack. After all, I’ve bought into the “organic” hype for other foods. I’ve got boxes of organic macaroni and cheese in my pantry. And organic crackers. And don’t get me started on the number of organic pies or loaves of cinnamon bread I’ve bought in farmers’ markets.Why does that word make people think that a food is intrinsically healthy? Yes, I want my foods to be low... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761423 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 19:00:00 +0100 3761423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761424&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fwatch-where-you-dip-that-chip-cdc-warns-of-contaminated-salsa-and-guacamole-food-safety-food-poisoning.html A report this week about the potential contamination of salsa and guacamole gave me flashbacks of a nightmare illness that ruined the final days of what was an otherwise splendid vacation in Belize. My (now) wife and I were both sickened, we think, by an inconspicuous little bowl of guacamole that sat too long in the tropical heat on a picturesque beachside bar. I don’t remember exactly how it tasted—not like poison—but I do remember the nearly sleepless 48 hours that followed. The next day’s agenda included a three-hour drive, with a flight home the following day, all of which we somehow endured despite those oh-so-well-known symptoms of food poisoning. How could that guacamole have gone so bad? It turns out that a number of ingredients in guacamole and salsa—notably cilantro, h... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761424 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:31:27 +0100 3761424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3757859&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fyou-may-be-entitled-to-a-refund-for-misleading-supplements.html If you bought the weight loss supplements Accelis, or nanoSLIM, because the package or ads claimed they were “clinically proven,” or purchased Cold MD, Germ MD, or Allergy MD to keep you feeling healthy, you may soon be able to get your money back. The Federal Trade Commission announced this week that it reached a $5.5 million settlement with the manufacturer of those supplements, Iovate Health Sciences U.S.A., because it “falsely advertised that its supplements could help consumers lose weight and treat or prevent colds and other illnesses.” Those funds will be used to refund consumers who purchased the supplements, according to the FTC.You can see the ads and packaging for yourself* from the FTC complaint* to see if they ring any bells. One spot for Accelis boasted in a testimoni... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3757859 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:07:00 +0100 3757859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753815&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fartificial-sweeteners-health-risks-are-sugar-substitutes-bad-for-you-.html This article first appeared in the July 2010 issue of ShopSmart magazine. (Source: Consumer Reports Health Blog) Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753815 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:00:00 +0100 3753815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3723302&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F07%2Fhealthful-4th-of-july-barbecue-for-july-fourth-independence-day-bbq-tips.html Ready to exercise your unalienable right to barbecue? We all know that no July 4th celebration is complete without hot dogs and burgers—but you can dig into traditional menu favorites and still be healthy. Here's how: Add veggies. Throw some zucchini, squash, and tomatoes on the grill—they taste great, and because they’re high in nutrients, you’ll feel a little less guilty about that second or third helping of potato salad. Go lean. Red meat can provide good nutrients—it's high in B vitamins, iron, protein, selenium, and zinc—if you learn how to choose and prepare it properly. Choose lean grades and cuts, limit portion sizes, and prepare them healthfully. When shopping, choose select or choice grade rather than marbled prime. In restaurants, look for cu... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3723302 Sat, 03 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0100 3723302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3703117&cid=t_356727_167_f&fid=38271&url=http%3A%2F%2Frebeccascritchfield.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F27%2Fwere-in-the-nutrition-blog-network-are-you%2F By: Carlene Helble- Elite Nutrition Intern The Internet is one of our favorite things…right up there beside enjoying really good food. With information about everything, you can easily research all aspects of life, but sometimes, it’s easy to become misinformed due to unreliable and incorrect sources. The Nutrition Blog Network provides connections to credible sources, blogs written by registered dietitians, the most trusted source of nutrition information. Thanks to Weber Shandwick, this network is available to everyone to learn how to prepare healthy food, safely lose weight, or even cut through the confusion of food marketing. If you’re looking for something in particular, browse the blog directory and of course, feel free to get side tracked by checking them all out! Nutrition ... Balanced Health and Nutrition Rebecca Scritchfield's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3703117 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:56:38 +0100 3703117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3701672&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2Fbest-ice-cream-nutrition-and-ice-cream-getting-serious-with-a-truly-worthy-ice-cream.html My first experience with taste tests occurred in college with a small cup of ice cream at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Agricultural College’s dairy program makes ice cream (and other treats) every day and sells this wonderful, creamy, incredibly fresh flirtation with dietary disaster from several locations around campus. I think at the time that I described it as "yummy."In the intervening years, I’ve learned that descriptions of ice cream need to be more specific and that bigger serving sizes aren’t better. (As evidenced by the sobering reality of the Nutrition Facts panel on the carton.) Ice cream is definitely not diet food. As we report in our test of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, a general rule is that the richer and creamier the frosty treat, ... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701672 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:00:00 +0100 3701672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687095&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2Fwhite-rice-is-nice-but-brown-may-be-better-for-diabetes-risk-.html  I had a "Eureka!" moment in the frozen foods aisle recently. I was digging through the permafrost for a bag of peas when I discovered a previously unknown (to me) variety of frozen food—precooked organic brown rice! Having recently found I really like the taste of this healthy whole grain, I was thrilled—particularly since I rarely think far enough ahead at dinnertime to allow for the 40 to 50 minutes of cooking time it requires. With the frozen variety, after three minutes in the microwave I have fluffy brown rice that's packed with flavor, fiber, and nutrients. Yippee. I was feeling extra smug about my rice discovery this week after reading new research highlighting a little-studied possible health benefit of eating brown rice: a lower risk of type 2 diabetes... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687095 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3687095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687096&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2Fhow-to-cut-back-on-salt-intake-should-i-try-a-salt-substitute-no-salt-original-nu-salt.html I’m trying to cut back on salt. Is it worth trying a salt substitute? —R.T., Albuquerque, N.M.  Possibly, but not all of them are safe for everyone. Products like No Salt Original and Nu-Salt contain potassium chloride rather than sodium chloride. Potassium can help lower blood pressure and may reduce the risk of strokes and heartbeat abnormalities. But most Americans get plenty of the mineral from foods including bananas, kiwis, milk, nuts, and yogurt. And extra potassium can be dangerous for people who have kidney disease or take certain drugs for heart disease, high blood pressure, or liver disease. They should talk with a doctor before using a salt substitute.  Even when salt substitutes are safe, a 2008 Consumer Reports test found that those with potassi... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687096 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:23:19 +0100 3687096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671685&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2F2010-dietary-guidelines-healthy-eating-new-dietary-guidelines-call-on-societal-changes-for-our-better-health.html In the 30 years since the government began issuing nutritional guidelines, little has changed—except, perhaps the size of American waists. Every five years since 1980 government agencies have issued a report on what Americans should eat and in what quantities, while we, on average, have become heavier. This week a committee established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services issued the preliminary 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. As in previous years it says Americans should eat less fat, sugar, and salt, and more vegetables and whole grains. But in addition to asking Americans to change the way we eat, it asks us, as a society, to change the way we produce, distribute, cook, and think about food.Overall, the recommendations encourage a... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671685 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:12:33 +0100 3671685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3658948&cid=t_356727_87_f&fid=38113&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.consumerreports.org%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F06%2Fprotein-drink-risks-protein-drinks-may-not-do-your-body-good-our-tests-find.html Protein drinks now are attracting not just athletes and body builders, but also baby boomers, pregnant women, and teens looking for a shortcut to a buff body. A 2005 study published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that protein powders and shakes were the supplements most commonly used among those ages 12 to 18. However, our recent investigation—including tests at an outside laboratory of 15 protein drinks, a review of government documents, and interviews with health and fitness experts—found that adding extra protein via these products is unnecessary for most people, and some of the drinks can even pose health risks, including exposure to potentially harmful heavy metals, if they are consumed frequently. All of the drinks in our tests had at le... Consumer Reports Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3658948 Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:43:31 +0100 3658948