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Nutrition News

Precision Nutrition and Type 2 Diabetes Management: Is It Ready for Prime Time?

When it comes to the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, a combination of regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and following evidenced-based dietary recommendations remains sound guidance for the general population. However, in combination with recent technological advances, the emerging field of precision nutrition offers a novel approach to tailor prevention and treatment … Continue reading “Precision Nutrition and Type 2 Diabetes Management: Is It Ready for Prime Time?”

Mediterranean and DASH Tie for Top Spot in Recent Ranking

Each year, U.S. News & World Report releases a ranking of popular diets—assessed by a panel of health experts based on seven categories, including weight loss, nutrition, safety, and ease of compliance. Topping 2018’s list of “best diets overall” is a tie between the Mediterranean and DASH Diets, which received high marks for being healthy … Continue reading “Mediterranean and DASH Tie for Top Spot in Recent Ranking”

What’s New in Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy, 2017

In 2001, the first edition of Dr. Walter Willett’s Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating made its debut in bookstores, nestled among dozens of weight loss “how-to’s.” Not to be outshined by other flashy titles, it stood out as a non-diet, straightforward guide on what to eat (and … Continue reading “What’s New in Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy, 2017”

Meta-analyses in nutrition research: sources of insight or confusion?

Nutrition is a complex field regularly cursed with provocative media headlines that often preface an oversimplified summary. If you’re a savvy consumer of nutrition news, you may have become wise to look past the catchy headlines to assess the quality of the study being reported—sizing-up the latest finding in context of existing evidence on the … Continue reading “Meta-analyses in nutrition research: sources of insight or confusion?”

PURE study makes headlines, but the conclusions are misleading

Last week, The Lancet published results from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (“PURE”) study that made headlines: “Study Challenges Conventional Wisdom on Fats, Fruits, and Vegetables;” “PURE Shakes Up Nutritional Field;” “Huge New Study Casts Doubt on Conventional Wisdom About Fat and Carbs.” Following over 135,000 participants spanning five continents, the study is indeed a … Continue reading “PURE study makes headlines, but the conclusions are misleading”

Most “Box Tops” food products do not meet school nutrition standards

An analysis of products included in a popular school-based marketing program finds that less than one third of participating foods and beverages meet federal Smart Snacks in School standards. Food marketing targeted at children is a billion dollar industry, often promoting foods and beverages that are calorie-dense and low in nutrients. Schools are a significant … Continue reading “Most “Box Tops” food products do not meet school nutrition standards”

A comprehensive whole-community approach to reduce childhood obesity shows promise

The World Health Organization reports that children who carry excess weight are more likely to stay overweight into adulthood and develop chronic diseases at a younger age. These include cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and certain cancers such as breast and colon. Childhood obesity prevalence in the U.S. … Continue reading “A comprehensive whole-community approach to reduce childhood obesity shows promise”

More than cooking, Teaching Kitchens as learning labs for life skills

With dramatic increases in obesity and diabetes, the search is on for innovative strategies to change the paths of those living with, or at risk for developing these and other lifestyle-related chronic diseases. In conjunction with good medical guidance, holistic strategies are needed that will improve the way people eat, move, and think. Dr. David … Continue reading “More than cooking, Teaching Kitchens as learning labs for life skills”

U.S. Government Eases Sodium and Whole Grain Standards for School Meals

In the U.S., over 30 million students consume at least one meal in school every day. With such broad reach, strong standards for healthy, high-quality food can have a significant impact on the health of the nation’s children. Yet a new proclamation by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture takes a different route, partially rolling back the … Continue reading “U.S. Government Eases Sodium and Whole Grain Standards for School Meals”