Low-Fiber = Fat Kids

When evaluating the eating patterns of kids, it doesn’t take an astrophysicist to know that lots of cookies, cake, butter, chips and crackers will cause them to gain body fat. New research confirms this. Kids that eat low-fiber, high-fat foods will be fatter than kids eating beans, veggies, fruits and whole grains.

Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:846-854.

Dark Chocolate & Mood

Dark chocolate was compared with an artificially sweetened cocoa beverage to assess for any influence on mood and behavior. Well, nothing was noticed, except for a slightly higher pulse rate after eating the dark chocolate.

Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:872-880.

Alcohol & Waist Size

When I think of alcohol and beer, I think of gaining body fat. But what does a new study say? Well, researchers found that drinking frequency was inversely associated with changes in waist circumference in women and was unassociated with changes in waist circumference in men. Looks like I’m wrong this time.

Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:957-963.

Eggs = Early Death?

This study wanted to establish associations between egg consumption and cardiovascular disease/death. The researchers found that infrequent egg consumption (less than one per day) does not seem to influence the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, more egg eating each day was positively related to death, even more so in people with diabetes.

Am J Clin Nutr 2008;87:964-969.