Every few years, a new diet becomes popular for its promise to help people lose weight and improve their health. Sometimes, these diets are based on sound evidence, and other times they are not. Often when new diets first become popular, there is not enough data to know whether they really work. [Read more…]
The evidence on salt? The jury is still out
March 2, 2016 By 1 Comment
To most people across the globe, salt tastes delicious. It’s the reason most people crave foods like potato chips, peanuts and pretzels. There’s also a sizeable dose of salt in most processed foods, such as soups, frozen entrees and store-bought sauces. Salt even turns up in foods you wouldn’t expect, such as Corn Flakes and cookies. [Read more…]
New dietary guidelines: Updates on sugar, coffee, and alcohol
January 21, 2016 By 1 Comment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released updated dietary guidlines earlier this month, which include some recommended changes in American diets.
The report is significant because it determines the foods served in school lunches and sets priorities for the food assistance programs. The guidelines also impact labeling, advertising and the advice given by medical professionals.
The evidence on avoiding holiday weight gain
December 11, 2015 By 1 Comment
It’s the holiday season! With that comes the cocktail hours, cookie-baking, end-of-year celebrations and countless other festivities that include delicious food. Unfortunately, along with that delicious food and festivities, come many extra calories. [Read more…]
Artificial sweeteners: Better than sugar?
November 11, 2015 By 3 Comments
I never know what to think when I see a Diet Coke or jar of jam labeled as sugar-free. On the one hand, I know that consuming sugar leads to weight gain, among other problems. But on the other hand, I’m suspicious of low-calorie sweeteners. What exactly are they made of, and how do they affect the body? [Read more…]
The body of evidence on meat and cancer
October 30, 2015 By Leave a Comment
The media has been full of stories this week about a recent determination by the World Health Organization: That processed meats such as bacon, sausage and ham increase the risk of developing colon cancer. [Read more…]
Tea: It’s good for you!
October 19, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Here at EBL, we’ve covered the health benefits of coffee pretty extensively. (Surprise: It’s really good for you!) But — although it’s hard for this coffee-drinker to believe — there are some people who prefer tea. And in some parts of the world, tea is the primary beverage. But is tea as healthy for you? [Read more…]
Weight-control: The size of your plate matters!
September 24, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Here at EBL, we’ve written regularly about the data available on obesity for two reasons. First, obesity is a major health problem in the U.S. affecting millions of adults and children. Second, there is a lot of new evidence on innovative approaches to tackling this health problem. [Read more…]
The health benefits of chocolate, redux
July 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Chocoholics rejoice!
The evidence is growing even stronger that regularly eating chocolate is good for your health. A new study and systematic review published in the journal Heart confirmed previous evidence: habitual chocolate eaters have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes compared to people who don’t eat chocolate.
Recess before lunch to improve eating habits?
January 30, 2015 By 2 Comments
When my son started kindergarten last year, I was astonished at how little of his lunch he actually ate. I would pack a nutritious meal displayed in a cute, compartmentalized tray, and often he only took a small bite of each item I packed. [Read more…]
The evidence on sugar
January 22, 2015 By Leave a Comment
If you pay any attention to advice about healthy eating, you’ve heard that you should avoid added sugar as often as possible. Now a team of health scientists from the University of California, San Francisco has launched a new web site that provides scientific evidence about sugar and its impact on health. [Read more…]
Evidence-based health: Lose those extra pounds now
January 5, 2015 By 1 Comment
Christmas cookies are my worst dietary weakness. If they’re in the house, I can’t help but munch on them. So I’m coming back from a lovely holiday break at least a few pounds heavier than before. [Read more…]
