There’s no nutritional need or benefit that comes from consuming added sugar, yet our global supply of heavily processed foods is full of it—from breakfast cereals and salad dressings, to pasta sauces and soda. Sugary drinks are of particular concern, as they are a well-documented contributor to the obesity epidemic, and multiple studies link these beverages to increased […] Continue reading
Saturated fat, regardless of type, linked with increased heart disease risk
A study published in the November issue of the British Medical Journal revealed findings that, at first glance, are not that surprising: Saturated fat in the diet is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. (1) However, the study offers a unique twist by teasing out the effects of different types of saturated fatty […] Continue reading
Leanness combined with healthy lifestyle factors found to be most protective against early death
The Takeaway: An increase in healthy lifestyle factors (never smoking, exercise, moderate alcohol intake, and an overall healthy diet) is associated with a reduced risk of early death at any BMI, though lowest risk was found in lean individuals (BMI of 18.5-22.4) practicing at least three of these habits. Continue reading
Science of Flavor: Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous or Brassica vegetables, like broccoli, have long been promoted as a key part of a healthy diet—and rightfully so. The veggies in this family have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, [1] and are being studied for their potential role in cancer prevention. [2] But beyond broccoli, at least 40 types of […] Continue reading
Spotlight on Soda
Taxes, warning labels, and industry influence: sugary drinks are a growing topic in policy discussions both nationally and internationally. Earlier this year, following evidence-based recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, the 2015-2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines—for the first time—included a limit on added sugars at less than 10 percent of total calories. For an average […] Continue reading
Study sheds light on dairy fat and cardiovascular disease risk
Until recently, when you visited the dairy aisle, chances are you headed straight for the blue carton of milk—the skim milk that is. But recent buzz about dairy fat may cause shoppers to pause in front of the oft-shunned red carton of whole milk or other full-fat dairy products, as research suggests that their relationship […] Continue reading
Activating a Move-Friendly World
Sometimes the most innovative ideas do not rely on the latest technology but perhaps something far more challenging: changing the norm. Imagine this scenario. You are attending a fascinating lecture, diligently taking notes, when abruptly the speaker pushes away the microphone and steps from the podium. She requests everyone to rise from their seats and […] Continue reading
Fathers underrepresented in childhood obesity research
The involvement of fathers in caregiving has increased substantially over the past 30 years, yet according to a new study, research on parenting and child health hasn’t kept up with this demographic shift. Continue reading
Back-to-School Fuel
If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’ve likely tackled the back-to-school list: new supplies, sneakers, backpack, and lunch box. How about what goes into that lunch box? Amidst hectic school-year schedules, here are some tips to make sure healthy packed meals aren’t an afterthought: Continue reading
Why School Meals Matter
School foods in the U.S. have come a long way. In 2010 they received a complete makeover when The First Lady Michelle Obama spearheaded a school meals initiative, the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), which was signed into law in December of that year. The act targeted childhood obesity by funding child nutrition programs and […] Continue reading