One of the best parts about autumn is the appearance of wild mushrooms. A sudden dip in temperature coupled with excess moisture is enough to coax these fungi out of hiding. Hen of the woods, porcinis, chicken of the woods, oyster mushrooms, and chanterelles are just a small sampling of the varieties available—free of charge—to […] Continue reading
Search for: Coffee
Coffee
Coffee lovers around the world who reach for their favorite morning brew probably aren’t thinking about its health benefits or risks. And yet this beverage has been subject to a long history of debate. In 1991 coffee was included in a list of possible carcinogens by the World Health Organization. By 2016 it was exonerated, […] Continue reading
Coffee Warning Label Conflicts With Public Health Guidance
A recent ruling by a Los Angeles County Superior Judge states that all California coffee shops and sellers must warn consumers about the “potential cancer risk” from drinking coffee—a judgment following a lawsuit focused on the specific chemical acrylamide, which has been linked to cancer in rats. However, scientists are adamant that coffee does not […] Continue reading
Ask the Expert: Coffee and health
The Expert: Dr. Rob van Dam The Summary Drinking up to six cups a day of coffee is not associated with increased risk of death from any cause, or death from cancer or cardiovascular disease. Some people may still want to consider avoiding coffee or switching to decaf, especially women who are pregnant, or people […] Continue reading
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are a multibillion-dollar industry, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. They include herbals, protein powders, hormones, vitamins and minerals, and probiotics to name a few, and cater to people’s desires to be healthier and look and feel better. Supplements are easy to obtain as they don’t require a prescription, and are not […] Continue reading
Preventing Obesity
Let’s be clear: To make strides in reversing the obesity epidemic, changes must come from all parts of society—from governments and schools, businesses and non-profit organizations, neighborhoods and communities. Effective policies and programs are essential in ensuring that children and adults live, work, and play in environments that are conducive to healthy eating and offer […] Continue reading
Unpacking WHO guidelines on non-sugar sweeteners
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS)—often referred to as artificial or low-calorie sweeteners—that advises against use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. After conducting a research review, they concluded that replacing sugar sweeteners with NSS did not promote weight loss in […] Continue reading
Nickel
Nickel is a ubiquitous mineral found in soil, water, and air. In the human body, it is a component of certain enzymes involved with chemical reactions and may assist with iron absorption. The absorption of nickel can depend on specific foods it is eaten with, including milk, tea, coffee, and orange juice, which either increase […] Continue reading
Fluoride
Fluoride is a trace mineral naturally found in small amounts in a variety of foods. It is most recognized for its role in preventing and reversing dental caries and building strong teeth and bones. [1] Most fluoride is absorbed in the gut and stored in bones and teeth. Unabsorbed fluoride is excreted in urine. Children […] Continue reading
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral that naturally occurs in many foods and is also available as a supplement. It plays multiple roles in the body. It is a key element of bones, teeth, and cell membranes. It helps to activate enzymes, and keeps blood pH within a normal range. Phosphorus regulates the normal function of nerves […] Continue reading