Study Shines Light on Harmless Bacteria on Fruits, Veggies

Farming methods and plant species play role in what germs cling to the surface of your produce. The types of harmless bacteria on the surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables vary according to the type of produce and farming practices, a new study reveals. Previous research has shown that these so-called "non-pathogenic" bacteria don't cause disease, but may interact with -- and perhaps reduce the growth of -- disease-causing bacteria. http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=674811

Obesity May Be Linked to Microorganisms Living in the Gut

How much a person eats may be only one of many factors that determines weight gain. A recent Cedars-Sinai study suggests that a breath test profile of microorganisms inhabiting the gut may be able to tell doctors how susceptible a person is to developing obesity. The study, published online in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, shows that people whose breath has high concentrations of both hydrogen and methane gasses are more likely to have a higher body mass index and higher percentage of body fat. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/news/032713_news.shtml

More Dietary Fiber Might Help Thwart Stroke: Study

Eating more fiber-rich foods appears to lower stroke risk, according to a new British study. For every 7-gram bump in daily fiber consumption, an individual's risk for experiencing an initial stroke appears to plummet 7 percent, the investigators concluded after analyzing 20-plus years of research. "This is important because most people in the U.S. do not eat enough fiber-rich foods," said study co-author Victoria Burley, from the Center for Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of Leeds in England. "Total dietary fiber intake should be 25 to 30 grams a day from food, but on average people in the U.S. are getting only half this amount," Burley said. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135377.html

Vitamin D Important During Pregnancy, Study Suggests

Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of complications in mothers-to-be and low birth weight in their newborns, a new study finds. The research shows an association but doesn't prove that insufficient vitamin D causes complications. Still, taking vitamin D supplements may help reduce these risks, the researchers noted. Researchers examined data from 31 studies published between 1980 and 2012. The studies had between 95 and 1,100 participants. The analysis revealed that pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine). They were also more likely to have a low birth weight baby. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135294.html

The Kids Are Alright: snack smart before practice

Students need a substantial snack before sports practice to fuel their workouts. The lunch line is the perfect place to get healthy snacks to hold onto for later in the day. Top picks include whole-wheat bagels, hummus with whole grain tortilla rounds, or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. http://www.eatright.org/kids/tip.aspx?id=6442475503

Family Meals Nourish Teens' Mental Health: Study

Having regular family suppers is good for teens' mental health, according to a new study. This is true whether or not youngsters feel they can easily talk to their parents. For their study, the researchers examined data from about 26,000 adolescents, aged 11 to 15, who took part in a 2010 study on health behaviors in school-aged children in Canada. "More frequent family dinners related to fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, more trusting and helpful behaviors towards others and higher life satisfaction," study co-author Frank Elgar, of McGill University in Montreal, said in a university news release. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_135246.html

Energy drinks may increase blood pressure, disturb heart rhythm

Energy drinks may increase blood pressure and disturb your heart’s natural rhythm, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions. Researchers analyzed data from seven previously published observational and interventional studies to determine how consuming energy drinks might impact heart health. “The correlation between energy drinks and increased systolic blood pressure is convincing and concerning, and more studies are needed to assess the impact on the heart rhythm.” said Sachin A. Shah, Pharm.D., lead author and assistant professor at University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. The pooled studies included healthy, young patients 18-45 years old. “People with health concerns or those who are older might have more heart-related side effects from energy drinks”, said Shah. http://newsroom.heart.org/news/energy-drinks-may-increase-blood-pressure-disturb-heart-rhythm.