Nutrition

Canada bans use of trans fats in food products

TORONTO—Canada's ban on the main source of artificial trans fats came into effect Monday, making it illegal for manufacturers to use the additive in any food made or imported into the country, as well as in any meals prepared in restaurants.

Young adults need to eat more omega-3 fats

The vast majority of doctors, naturopaths, dietitians and scientists all agree that having more omega-3 fats in our diet is good for our health.

One gram of fish oil a day could help reduce the pain of patients with osteoarthritis

In the largest, most up to date study of its kind, researchers from the University of Surrey examined the link between diet and the effective self-management of osteoarthritis. Analyzing 68 previous studies in the field, researchers found that a low-dose supplement of fish oil (one and a half standard capsules) could result in pain reduction for patients with osteoarthritis and help improve their cardiovascular health. Essential fatty acids in fish oil reduce inflammation in joints, helping to alleviate pain.

New study finds link between weight loss and pain reduction

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Until now, academic research examining the connection between body weight and related pain has been limited.

Adult healthy eaters more physically fit in old age: study

People who have a healthier diet throughout their adult lives are more likely to be stronger and fitter in older age than those who don't, according to a new study led by the University of Southampton.

Goin' bananas: Researchers say potassium helps promote healthy arteries

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Bananas and avocados — foods that are rich in potassium — may help protect against pathogenic vascular calcification, also known as hardening of the arteries.

Fat fuels

Science suggests fats, protein and carbohydrates may be the only macronutrient choices for people. However, some in the scientific field are speculating that newly available exogenous ketones (EK) could be the fourth macronutrient as they are energy-containing molecules.

Sugary drink consumption predicted to harm Canadians' health, cost economy: study

Canadians – especially young people – are consuming excessive amounts of sugary drinks, a trend that could have future consequences for their health and the overall health-care system, new research suggests.

Vitamin D deficiency is widely overestimated, doctors warn

Doctors are warning about vitamin D again, and it's not the "we need more" news you might expect. Instead, they say there's too much needless testing and too many people taking too many pills for a problem that few people truly have.

Canada urged to follow U.K. in advising public about vitamin D intake

TORONTO – A recently released report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) in the United Kingdom is urging all Brits to take vitamin D supplements, which the Vitamin D Society of Canada says should give Canadians a reason to start looking at their own vitamin D intake levels.

Wellness diet 101

The key to eating for wellness is not necessarily what foods to eat, but how and when we eat them, says Suzanne Judd, associate professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Department of Biostatistics.

Researchers at Edmonton university cast doubt on vitamin D supplements

EDMONTON – Researchers at the University of Alberta are suggesting there might not be as much medical benefit to vitamin D supplements as previously thought.

Mineral matters

Magnesium is considered one of the three essentials of life, together with water and oxygen. It is the most important mineral for our body, required by more than 327 known enzymatic processes. It regulates everything from basic metabolism, hormones and sleep to healthy blood pressure and bone formation.

Makeover coming for food nutrition labels in U.S.

U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has been an advocate for eliminating childhood obesity

WASHINGTON – Nutrition facts labels on food packages are getting a long-awaited makeover south of the border, with calories listed in bigger, bolder type and a new line for added sugars.

Vitamin D can drastically lower risk of cancer, new study says

Women with high concentrations of vitamin D have been found to have a much lower chance of developing cancer, according to a recently published study.