Nutrition

Ask the EN Experts

Jul 22, 2021 · Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD · Nutrition

Ask any registered dietitian for their suggestion on the “healthiest” diets and what will they tell you? Time and time again, you’ll hear some version of the following: “Include whole grains, colorful (and plentiful) fruits and vegetables, adequate protein (including plant-based options like beans or tofu), healthy fats, drink plenty … Read More

mushroom health benefits

Just In: Mushrooms Linked With Cancer Protection

Jul 22, 2021 · UHN Staff · Nutrition

Higher mushroom consumption is associated with lower risk of cancer, according to researchers at Penn State. When researchers analyzed data from 17 cancer studies published over 50 years, which included more than 19,500 cancer patients, they found that people who ate 18 grams of mushrooms (about 1 medium white mushroom) … Read More

Natural Treatments for IBS?

Jul 22, 2021 · Carrie Dennett · Nutrition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut-brain interaction that affects up to 1 in 10 Americans. Unlike bowel disorders such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), IBS does not cause damage. However, IBS symptoms—typically recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, often accompanied … Read More

Ask Tufts Experts: How to Gain Weight; Heart Health Terms Explained

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Nutrition

I’m recovering from illness and need to put on a few pounds. Any advice? Judith C. Thalheimer, RD, LDN, managing editor of Tufts Health & Nutrition Letter, answers: “Gaining weight is all about adding calories, but that doesn’t mean you can eat all the junk food you want! To support … Read More

Embracing Soy Foods

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Nutrition

Soy foods—like edamame, tofu, soymilk, and tempeh—are nutrient-rich, easy to use, and an excellent source of sustainable plant-based protein. If you’re unfamiliar with these foods, think they’re bland and unappealing, or even harbor a few concerns about soy food safety—it’s time to take a closer look. Big Benefits, No Risks. … Read More

Dinner Time! Making it Quick and Healthy

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Nutrition

Like all meals, dinner should include plenty of minimally processed plant foods (non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds) along with healthy sources of protein like beans, lentils, soy products, and seafood, as well as poultry or an occasional lean cut of unprocessed red meat. Many people organize dinner … Read More

Newsbites: Inflammatory gut microbes; Vitamin D; Dementia

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Nutrition

Food Choices May Increase Inflammatory Gut Microbes The bacteria that live in our gut have a critical role in helping or hurting our health. A new study found intake of some foods was consistently associated with the presence of “bad” bacteria, and others with “good” bacteria. The researchers examined bacteria … Read More

Dietary Supplement Myths You Need to Know

Jun 23, 2021 · UHN Staff · Nutrition

In a 2019 poll, 86 percent of Americans surveyed said they took some kind of vitamin, mineral, or other dietary supplement. Ironically, data are clear that the benefits of most supplements appear to be minimal at best. Let’s take a look at a few common myths and misconceptions about nutrient … Read More

Frontline: Risk of dementia; Risk of falls: Decrease gut inflammation

Jun 23, 2021 · Dawn Bialy · Nutrition

Getting Enough Sleep May Cut Your Risk of Dementia People in their 50s and 60s who reported getting six hours or less of sleep each night are at higher risk of developing dementia later in life, according to research published in Nature Communications, April 20, 2021. The researchers collected data … Read More

Meeting Your Calcium Needs

Jun 23, 2021 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Nutrition

Calcium is an essential building block of bones and connective tissue. Women need more calcium than men because of the increased demands of pregnancy and breast-feeding in their earlier years and menopause in their later years. The “normal” requirement for calcium is 1,000 milligrams (mg) daily, but in high-demand situations, … Read More