Q: |
I know I should be getting more calcium, but I don’t like milk and I’d rather not take a supplement. Any suggestions? Stacy C., Silver Spring, MD
|
A: |
It’s good that you asked. National surveys show that many Americans - especially women - are not consuming enough calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones as well... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I’m confused when it comes to breakfast cereals. There are so many to choose from! Can you recommend one that is both healthy and nutritious? Diane W., East Hampton, CT
|
A: |
Great question! Did you know that cereals are one of the biggest money-makers for supermarkets? Hence all that shelf space devoted to those bright, colorful boxes! ... Read
More |
|
Q: |
What is high fructose corn syrup and is it really bad for me? Kerry H., Dayton, OH
|
A: |
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a manufactured sweetener made from the simple sugar fructose found in corn. HFCS is produced by processing corn starch to make glucose, which... Read
More |
|
Q: |
For several years, I’ve been about ten pounds above my target weight. I exercise regularly and eat well, but nothing seems to help with these last few pounds. I’m tired of spending money on fad diets that never seem to work. Help! Angela K., Charlestown, MA
|
A: |
You’re right: fad diets don’t work. Any diet that encourages you to eat a lot of one type of food, or limit your intake of another, or forces you to pay for meetings and seminars... Read
More |
|
Q: |
First butter was bad for me, then margarine. Which am I supposed to eat? Rodman R., Roxbury, MA
|
A: |
Butter and margarine both have about 35 calories and four grams of fat per teaspoon, and both are unhealthful. Butter is loaded with saturated fat, while almost all margarines... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I’ve heard a lot of conflicting information on coffee and caffeine. How bad is caffeine and do I really have to switch to decaf? Matt G., Brookline, MA
|
A: |
Everything in moderation, as they say. If you can’t get through the day without a cup or two of coffee, but are worried about the effects your daily java has on you, you can... Read
More |
|
Q: |
My wife’s doctor recently warned her that she was at risk for atherosclerosis. Should we be making any changes to our diet? Jeff S., Annapolis, MD
|
A: |
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material is deposited along the walls of arteries. It is a major cause of cardiovascular health problems in modern society. In... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I’ve heard that caffeine can help you lose weight. Is it true? Kelley H., Germantown, NY
|
A: |
Caffeine is a stimulant, which speeds up your metabolism (your body’s way of using energy, or calories). So, consuming large amounts of it should help you lose weight, right?... Read
More |
|
Q: |
Does eating carrots really improve your vision? Nick P., Rocky Hill, NJ
|
A: |
For generations, moms have been telling kids to eat their carrots to improve vision. But do carrots actually boost your sight?
Carrots are indeed rich in... Read
More |
|
Q: |
How do I know if I’m getting enough vitamins and minerals? Liz K., Traverse City, MI
|
A: |
Excellent question! Getting enough vitamins and minerals is critical to preventing disease and staying healthy. Although many people turn to supplements to meet their nutrient... Read
More |
|
Q: |
What exactly is MSG? Meghan T., Bloomington, IN
|
A: |
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is derived from glutamic acid, which is one of the 20 most common amino acids (building blocks of protein) and is involved in cognitive functions... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I love cheese and am afraid I eat too much. How much cheese is really too much? Viriya S., Woodmere, NY
|
A: |
Americans love cheese. Consumption in the U.S. has nearly tripled since 1970. According to the
Read
More |
|
Q: |
A friend told me I shouldn’t buy milk in plastic containers. Why? Minsue L., Chicago, IL
|
A: |
Many milk producers have recently switched from clear, plastic bottles to light blocking cartons. This is because riboflavin, a water-soluble B-complex vitamin (B2), is largely... Read
More |
|
Q: |
Does eating chocolate or greasy foods like potato chips cause acne? Keisha J., Bethel, ME
|
A: |
The idea that eating chocolate or other foods causes acne is a myth that has been around for years. There is no scientific evidence that correlates the consumption of any food... Read
More |
|
Q: |
When and how often should I weigh myself? Margarita M. Jamaica Plain, MA
|
A: |
Unfortunately, lots of us are unhappy with our weight, but most aren’t sure how to change it. What’s one thing you can do to take control? Weigh yourself... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I've read the Modern Menus article on breakfast cereals, but I tend to eat on the run. Can you suggest a good choice for a breakfast bar? Candace L., Dover, NJ
|
A: |
Between work, family and errands, it's no wonder many of us are eating on the go these days. But is that always a smart choice? Here's a look at the nutrition content of various... Read
More |
|
Q: |
Is there any vitamin or ingredient that would help suppress the craving for chocolate? Jill S., Quincy, MA
|
A: |
Chocolate is a treat many of us crave because it melts at mouth temperature, slowly releasing the delicious, rich flavor. Moreover, it stimulates our brains to release chemicals... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I don’t see onions on this list (In Search of the Perfect Food, June 22, 2007). I have read that the ancient Egyptians believed the onion had strength-producing powers and fed onions to the slaves who built the pyramids. In fact some articles claim that the slaves’ diet consisted almost entirely of onions. What is the nutritional value of onions? Mary W., Hull, MA
|
A: |
Thank you for your thoughts on this subject. We believe there is no one perfect food, as the article states. However, onions are a noteworthy vegetable as they are low in calories... Read
More |
|
Q: |
My granddaughter is 2 ½ years old. I noticed it was mentioned that you could add flax seeds to a smoothie. As this can also be a blood thinner, I am wondering what is the appropriate amount of ground seeds or oil to give to a child of this age, or is this even a concern?
Thank you for your assistance.
Cindy V., Spokane, WA
|
A: |
Flax seed and its derivative flax seed oil are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, that is good for your health. Omega-3 fats are used by the body to... Read
More |
|
Q: |
I have been using another menu site and recently discovered yours. It has more healthy options so I'll be mixing and matching. Some of the recipes call for Calrose rice, on this week's menu she stated this isn't the same as white rice. I'm confused as to the difference.
Dee B., Santa Rita, GU
|
A: |
Thank you for your question. Calrose rice is a variety of medium-grain rice (while white rice is generally long-grain). Calrose rice tends to be softer and more sticky than... Read
More |
|