Diet and nutrition Archive

When it comes to managing high blood pressure, the average American consumes too much sodium and too little potassium. Reversing this imbalance could help control high blood pressure which could, in turn, lead to fewer heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from heart disease.

Popular brands of dark chocolate (which is often touted as heart-healthy) may contain potentially worrisome levels of lead and cadmium. Consistent, long-term exposure to these heavy metals has been linked to cardiovascular disease.

Beverages that promise similar energy perks and health benefits as coffee and tea are growing in popularity. Often marketed as wellness drinks, how do these alternatives stack up nutritionally?

Weight can be a sensitive topic with children and teens, and sometimes a child needs to gain some weight. Checking with your doctor before working on adding weight and emphasizing healthy, high-calorie foods are important.

Certain healthy habits can fight chronic inflammation, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, maintaining good oral health, and reducing stress. If adopting all those habits seems daunting, taking little steps in their direction can help. For example, a person might eat fatty fish twice a week, since it contains omega-3 fatty acids known to reduce inflammation; or go for a quick daily walk, since exercise may increase the production of hormones that help keep inflammation in check. The combined effects of many little habits can eventually add up to keep people healthier.

Some social media posts suggest that seed oils (such as canola, safflower, and sunflower oils) are responsible for a host of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and even heart disease. But there's scant scientific evidence to support these claims. Seed oils are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease when substituted for saturated fats (found mainly in animal-based foods such as butter, cheese, and meat).

Sugary drinks—the biggest source of added sugar in the American diet—have been linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and other unhealthy fats in the bloodstream.

A recent study suggests that following a low-carb diet may quickly reduce A1C levels in people with prediabetes. Such a rigorous approach to eating may not be realistic, but cutting even some carbs may lead to weight loss and lower blood sugar.

Drinking about one cup of prune juice daily may help relieve chronic constipation, according to a 2022 study.

A 2022 report predicts higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD)—heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke—over the next three decades. Older adults can lower their CVD risk by managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess weight. Also, they should follow the big three healthy-heart habits: a plant-based diet, sufficient amount of recommended exercise, and at least seven hours of sleep.