Second Opinion
More calories, more salt, bigger portions: how fast food has changed
The study analyzed 1,786 menus items — entrées, side dishes and desserts — offered from 1986 to 2016 at 10 of the most popular fast-food chains in the country.
food
Second Opinion
Eating high amounts of ‘ultraprocessed’ foods linked to small increased risk of early death
There’s no need to rush to your kitchen to toss out all your processed foods. The increased risk was modest. And the study found only a correlation, not a cause-and-effect relationship.
Second Opinion
Canada creates a simpler, more science-based ‘Food Guide’
The Canadian experts who put together the Food Guide reportedly refused to include any research funded by the food industry in their assessment of the current evidence regarding nutrition.
Community Sketchbook
Farm-to-school programs have been good for Minnesota farmers and students alike. Is it time for the Minnesota Legislature to cough up some lunch money?
Advocates want a state-level position supporting districts’ efforts to use local food in the cafeteria, as well as more funding for equipment.
Second Opinion
‘Concerning levels’ of heavy metals found in popular baby and toddler foods
As the Consumer Reports researchers point out, exposure to cadmium, inorganic arsenic, lead and mercury at an early age is associated with an increased risk of ADHD, autism, behavior problems and a lower IQ.
Second Opinion
How America’s current food environment makes it easy to become obese
As an article in Vox points out, we’re not consciously choosing to overeat. Our excess calories often result from social, cultural and commercial interests that have gradually created an environment that encourages gluttony.
Second Opinion
When restaurant music is loud, diners are more likely to order unhealthful foods, study suggests
The louder the music, the more likely people are to opt for greasy, calorie-laden cheeseburgers and fries rather than salads.
Second Opinion
Americans waste a pound of food a day — at a big environmental cost, study finds
The higher the quality of people’s diets, the more food they tended to waste. Fruits and vegetables are the most likely foods to be thrown out before being consumed.
Second Opinion
Sick burn: world’s hottest chili pepper sends man to hospital with ‘thunderclap’ headache
After eating the Carolina Reaper, the man started dry heaving. That was followed by intense pain in his neck and skull. The pain then settled into a diffuse but debilitating headache.
Second Opinion
We’re willing to pay more for the junk foods we crave, study finds
This finding suggests that even among people trying to eat well, cravings can “overshadow the importance of health by boosting the value of tempting, unhealthy foods.”