Today's NewsBites

Herbal supplements are no longer just for health-food stores, according to a new report from the American Botani-cal Council trade association: Americans spent a record $335 million in 2009 on herbal supplements in “mainstream market channels” such as supermarkets and drugstores, an increase of 14%. …

Read More>>

That chicken you're so casually flipping from cutting board to platter to grill and back just might be a deadly weapon. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that poultry was again the leading culprit in foodborne illness outbreaks reported to the government in 2007, the most recent year for which statistics have been compiled. Counting only the 45% of outbreaks in which a single ingredient was clearly the cause of food poisoning (rather than multiple ingredients, such as chicken salad), poultry accounted for about 17% of cases. Beef was close behind, at 16%, followed by leafy vegetables such as lettuces and spinach, at 14%. Overall, the CDC counted more than 21,000 illnesses and 18 deaths in 1,100 outbreaks nationwide; that's estimated to be only a fraction of the total cases, however, since many foodborne illnesses go unreported or are not part of a larger outbreak. Chicken, turkey and other poultry also topped the list of single-ingredient causes the previous year. About half the 2007 outbreaks were due to salmonella and other bacteria, 40% from viruses such as norovirus, 7% from mushroom toxin or other chemical agents and 1% from parasites.…

Read More>>

Current Articles

While scientists aren’t exactly ready to anoint an “anti-Alzheim-er’s diet,” they are edging closer to an understanding of the complex inter-actions of nutrients that might help ward off Alzheimer’s disease. A newly published study of 2,148 senior New Yorkers has identified a dietary pattern that seems to represent an optimal combination of nutri-ents that may protect against Alzheimer’s, while minimizing elements associated with greater risk.…

Read More>>

Two new studies point to a link between high blood pressure and increased risk of dementia. In one eight-year study of 1,403 women ages 65 and older, MRI scans revealed that those with hypertension had significantly more “white matter lesions”— indicating weakening of the insulation around nerve cells in the brain necessary for communication. The higher the blood pressure, the more serious the damage.…

Read More>>

After age 70, a few extra pounds may not be so bad. New Australian research adds to the evidence suggesting that the rules about weight and health are different for older people— and that Body Mass Index (BMI) isn’t a perfect tool. The study of 9,240 men and women ages 70 to 75 found that being overweight was associated with a 13% lower risk of mortality from all causes. Normal-weight and obese participants had a similar, slightly higher risk of death from all causes.…

Read More>>

Ask Tufts Experts

 

In your May issue you illustrated the “radura” sign for food treated by irradiation. A caterer told me all pork is irradiated to prevent trichinosis; that is why it can be served when the meat is still pink inside. However, pork sold in grocery stores does not have this sign on it. Is it true that pork is safe to eat when cooked this way? I was taught to cook pork until it was gray inside.

Read More>>

I am a subscriber who is a mild diabetic. My wife serves grape tomatoes at dinner, which are much tastier than regular tomatoes this time of year. I would like your input on the sugar content and nutritional difference between grape and regular tomatoes.

Read More>>

What are the benefits or cons of bee pollen and natural honey?

Read More>>
Receive a Free Issue of
Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter
YES! Please send my FREE TRIAL ISSUE.
First Name
Last Name

Or...
Pay now and get immediate access to 3 years of the Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter.
online archives!
City
Address (line 1)

 
State
Address (line 2)

Zip Code
Email (required)
 
How we use your email address  
 
Offer valid in U.S. only.
 

Resources

Book Store Subscribe Health Topics About Us Free Email Update Sample Print Newsletter

Health Topic Archives

Search for topics Index by Topic 2005 (PDF) Index by Topic 2006 (PDF) Index by Topic 2007 (PDF) Online Archives 2005–10

Did you know?

High-protein diets make kidneys work harder—an issue for the more than 20 million Americans who have chronic kidney disease but don’t know it.

Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter

For over 25 years, Tufts Healthletter has brought subscribers trustworthy news and real strategies that can add years of healthy living and vigor to life.
Read More>>

Quotes

"I thought I knew enough about nutrition, but your newsletter is a real eye-opener! Thanks for helping clear up some of the confusing information out there." Ellen M, Gloucester, MA

“I am a devoted reader of your newsletter. . . I recommend it to others because your advice is sound and unbiased and you stress the benefits of food over supplements.” --Edith R, Roanoke, VA

FREE
Special Reports
1.  Winning the Claim Game

Confused by food label claims?

2.  Getting Started with Strength Training

Seven exercises for greater strength and balance.

3.  Eating Out Without Pigging Out

Be smart about nutrition when eating out.

4.  51 Healthy Foods
You Can Say Yes To

Give your body a boost with these nutritious foods

Click on the above links to download reports