Media reactions
Does the sweetener xylitol increase risk of stroke?
New headlines report cardiovascular complications associated with the sweetener xylitol. But what did the study actually find and what should we keep in mind?
In the news: do ultra-processed foods increase risk of heart disease and stroke?
Recent news stories have reported that eating ultra-processed food increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, based on results from two new research studies. The use of the degree of processing of foods as an indicator of their healthfulness is a hotly debated topic in nutrition and food science. So, what exactly did these studies find and how do they add to the debate? Here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: does aspartame increase our risk of cancer?
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and is used to replace sugar and provide sweetness in energy-reduced food, or food with no added sugars. Recent news stories have raised the alarm that aspartame may be linked to cancer, but there are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: should we avoid using non-sugar sweeteners for weight loss?
Sweeteners are used in foods to replace sugar and add a sweet taste without (or with very few) calories, are therefore often used by people trying to lose or maintain their weight. However, recent news stories warned against the use of sweeteners, for weight loss. Here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: do artificial sweeteners increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke?
Recent news stories reported that the low-calorie sweetener erythritol has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Sweeteners, including erythritol, are used in foods to replace sugar and add a sweet taste without (or with very few) calories. So, does this new data suggest we should avoid products containing erythritol? Before doing so, here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: will eating grapes protect you against getting sunburned?
Recent news stories reported that eating grapes could protect against UV damage (UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun) that can increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. While it is well known that a diet high in fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts and seeds is beneficial to health, could eating grapes help us ditch the sunscreen? Before doing so, here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: can a low-carbohydrate diet reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes?
Recent news stories reported that a low-carbohydrate diet could prevent type 2 diabetes, or even reverse the established disease. But is this true? Before adopting such a diet on the basis of these new findings, here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: is increased alcohol intake associated with reduced dementia risk?
Recent news stories reported that alcohol may cut the risk of dementia, stating that ‘beer IS good for you!’ and drinking two pints a day can ‘slash your risk.’ So, should we more regularly catch up with friends over pints or reach for a beer after a long day at work to boost our brain health? Before doing so, there are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: Is a vegetarian diet linked to hip fractures?
Recent news stories reported that women who follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to suffer hip fractures than those who eat meat, suggesting nutritional deficiencies and lower body mass index (BMI) as possible causes. So, should you really abandon a vegetarian diet according to these new findings? Here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.
In the news: Is a high fish intake linked to skin cancer?
Recent news stories reported that eating two portions of fish a week increases the risk of skin cancer. While eating fish has long been recognized as part of a healthy diet, providing a valuable source of high-quality protein, minerals, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, should you reconsider this long-held belief? Here are a few things to keep in mind when reading the headlines.