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• The Nutrition Facts label finally gets a makeover

  

  The information on the Nutrition Facts label—that small box of nutrition-related data on the back of all food packages—has stayed pretty much the same since its introduction back in 1993. But earlier this year, the FDA approved a number of revisions to the panel. The changes reflect the evolving scientific evidence on the connections between diet and chronic illness—particularly obesity and heart disease. The updated labels won’t be mandatory for nearly two years, but the agency provided a preview (see “The new label: What’s different?”). These changes may benefit consumers not only by helping them choose more nutritious foods, but also by driving the food industry to make products healthier, says Dr. Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Many of the changes are relevant for people concerned about heart disease—especially the new data on added sugars. How sweet it is “The... Read more »

• DO YOU LOVE PIE?

  

  We love pie. You love pie. Fictional British characters from TV, literature and film also love pie. How do we know that? Well, to celebrate this year’s Pie Week (7-14 March, like we needed to tell you), the playful minds at Higgidy have photographed a series of novel food shots to show us exactly which sorts of savoury pastries fabled British characters would be most likely to tuck into – there’s a few clues dotted around the plates to tell you who might be sitting down for their pie-ping hot dinner. Take a look at the five pics below – and their fictional eaters are listed at the bottom.   1) Bridget Jones 2) Del Boy [Only Fools and Horses] 3) James Bond 4) Geraldine Granger [The Vicar of Dibley] 5) Sherlock Holmes     Read more »

• The Best Sources of Pure Omega-3

  

  The significance of omega 3 fatty acids has never been highlighted as it is now. With the rise in the number of people suffering from heart diseases, these important fats are taking centerstage. Fish is a well known source of omega 3. It’s healthy and does not cost much. It was in 2004 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that conventional foods containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Major sources are salmon, lake trout and herring. Earlier in 2000, FDA made a similar claim for dietary supplements containing EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids and their link to lower CHD risk. It recommended, however, that consumers not exceed more than a total of 3 grams per day of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, with no more than 2 grams per day from a... Read more »

• GOOD NUTRITION FOR A BEACH-READY BOD

  

  by Jessica Remitz We all want to firm up those tummies before hitting the surf this summer, but there’s much more to getting bikini-ready than just stopping by your favorite spin class three times a week. For all the hard work you put in at the gym, you’ll want to do the same in the kitchen with good nutrition at mealtime to maximize your results. Here are our top nutrition tips for slimming down and staying lean in time for summer, courtesy of Jenny Champion, registered dietitian and founder of Paleo Barbie. Focus on Seasonal Produce To trim down in the weeks just before summer, look for fruits and veggies in season, such as asparagus, artichokes, grapefruit and strawberries, says Champion. These low-calorie, high-fiber foods promote bowel health and a feeling of fullness. Additionally, asparagus is a natural diuretic which helps to shed excess water weight, while strawberries are high in vitamin... Read more »

• 3 NUTRIENTS YOU NEED RIGHT NOW

  

  by Vanessa Voltolina As we age, our bodies require different amounts of certain nutrients to stay healthy. What’s the best way to obtain the vitamins and minerals you need? Maintaining a balanced, well-rounded diet, say the experts. If you can’t eat certain things because of absorption issues, you may need to take physician-recommended dietary supplements. Here are three essential nutrients you need now to help stay strong and healthy into your 40s, 50s and beyond: 1. Vitamin D and Calcium Essential for … Bone Health You’ve probably heard of osteoporosis, a bone-weakening disease that’s becoming an epidemic in the U.S. Although the ailment most often affects women (10 percent of women over 50, in fact), it turns out that 2 percent of men over the age of 50 suffer from it too. The good news: Adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium can help you maintain strong and healthybones, according to a study in Therapeutics and... Read more »