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Still looking for no-cal sweetener

I found a sweet trend wandering around the exhibit hall of the recent American Dietetic Association meeting. The search for the perfect calorie-free sweetener continues. The commonly used zero-calorie sweeteners, Equal and Splenda, make some consumers uneasy, even though they come with a long history of safe use and are FDA-approved.

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Steps to take for strong bones

In the past few weeks we learned that Carol Channing, Nancy Reagan and Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, sustained broken bones. There is no question that life will have a negative change for these outstanding women.

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Plant sterols are proving their worth

Have you noticed how many products in the dairy case are loaded with ``extras?'' One of these additives -- plant sterols -- are added to butterlike spreads with the claim they can help lower cholesterol. An article last week in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition supports this contention.

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What's up with energy drinks?

Are you feeling a bit sluggish? Beverage manufacturers must think so -- based on the recent Americas Food and Beverage show in Miami Beach.

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Healthier comfort food

Given last week's economic quakes and storm-related news, comfort food is definitely called for. While we eat for hunger and nourishment, stress and comfort are big drivers as well. We're drawn to familiar foods when anticipating a hurricane, feeling lonely or overwhelmed.

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Steering a healthy course

Is there anyone who does not know that pastelitos are fattening or a double cheeseburger with bacon is not artery friendly? I doubt it. Yet we devour them.

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Hey, what's the big hurry?

Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last. Next time you're wolfing down your food, think of Simon and Garfunkel.

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Tilapia's good -- but not that good

Mild-tasting tilapia has been caught in a net of controversy. In 2001 tilapia was barely on the chart of commonly eaten fish, but by 2006 it was No. 5 in popularity.

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Thank HDL for the memories

Everyone has probably forgotten a name, phone number or password. It's annoying but normal. But a memory help desk could be as close as your refrigerator.

It's all good -- if stored right

Nothing beats stir fry for a simple, quick and healthy dinner. Put a little peanut or toasted sesame oil in a pan or wok; add an assortment of vegetables; toss in meat, chicken or fish; add your favorite sauce and voila!

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The dilemma with Vitamin D

Here is a dilemma. The latest studies on vitamin D are pointing to a D-ficiency in most Americans. It seems the government recommendation, called the AI (adequate intake), needs to be increased if it is to keep up with the latest research findings. Vitamin D is not in a lot of foods, so for most people sun exposure is a primary source. Yet too much sun exposure increases the risk for skin cancer. Ask columnist Dr. Leslie Baumann (e-mail: drb@drbaumann.com) for more on that topic. And even the sun...

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Learn to forage at supermarket

Does nature know what to feed us? That it does is the primary premise of The Jungle Effect by Dr. Daphne Miller (Collins, $22.95). This fascinating, well researched book explores the health benefits of traditional diets from Iceland to Cameroon. The benefits include reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression.