How to Eliminate Added Sugars From Your Diet

THURSDAY, July 18, 2019 -- People are getting the message about the dangers of sugar. Nearly 70% of Americans have cut back on foods high in added sugars, according to a survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation. But there's still a long way to go.

One of the key ways to reduce your sugar intake is by drinking plain water or low- and no-calorie beverages instead of soda and flavored waters. Pre-sweetened beverages represent half of all the added sugars we eat. Note that while 100% juices have only natural sugars, they don't have the fiber found in the whole fruit and could cause blood sugar spikes, so you need to be judicious about your intake.

The Latest on Caffeine Limits

MONDAY, July 22, 2019 -- It seems as though every day brings yet another study on the effects of caffeine or coffee in particular. Researchers have looked at its effects on almost every aspect of health, from overall mortality to the heart, bones, kidneys, liver, fertility and more.

Sometimes, separate studies on the same aspect of caffeine consumption have contradictory findings, creating confusion. So, what do you need to know before you take another sip?

The Great Fat Debate: How Much Is Unhealthy?

MONDAY, July 22, 2019 -- Experts have redefined the role of fat in healthy eating, but before you grab a chunk of cheese or another pat of butter, understand the differences between the various types of fat in your diet.

For decades, guidelines recommended limiting total dietary fat to no more than 30% of daily calories, and then to a range of 20% to 35% of calories. The thinking was this would lower saturated fat and cholesterol intake, both of which were thought to increase heart disease risk. But many people restricted all types of fat, including healthy ones, like the unsaturated fats found in nuts, vegetable oils and fish.

Healthy Work Lunches Are Hard to Come By

TUESDAY, June 25, 2019 -- If you struggle to eat a healthy lunch during your workday, a new survey suggests you're far from alone.

"The good news is most people said they are interested in doing better" when it comes to healthy eating, said Dr. Anne Thorndike, vice chair of the nutrition committee at the American Heart Association (AHA).

Is Green Tea a Fad or a Real Health Boost?

MONDAY, June 24, 2019 -- Green tea is a popular health trend, with many people sipping it in hopes of deriving benefits from the brew.

There's nothing wrong with that, dietitians say -- green tea is a healthy drink loaded with antioxidants. But the jury's still out on many of its purported health benefits.

More Americans Are Eating Whole Grains, But Intake Still Too Low

TUESDAY, July 9, 2019 -- The popularity of heart-healthy whole grains is on the rise among Americans, but levels are still far below those recommended by nutritionists, a new report shows.

Overall, whole grains -- products with 100% whole grains or made with whole grain flour -- made up almost 16% of total grain intake on any given day in 2016.