Eggs are one of nature's most nutritious and economical foods. Learn how to reduce the risks of a Salmonella infection from eggs.

A type of bacterium, Salmonella, can be on both the outside and inside of eggs that appear to be normal, and if the eggs are eaten raw or lightly cooked, the bacterium can cause illness.

Eggs, poultry, meat, milk, and other foods are safe when handled properly.

Demand for gluten-free foods is growing as more people are diagnosed with celiac disease and other types of gluten sensitivity. A life-long, gluten-free lifestyle is the only remedy to celiac disease in which gluten proteins inflame and damage the small intestine. Fortunately, this need has been recognized by the food industry and a wide variety of gluten-free items are commonly available in grocery stores and online.

Because of their size and relatively high fluid intakes, children consume more beverages per pound of body weight than adults. For this reason, it is important to be aware of what they eat and drink. Not only should you be aware of possible safety issues, but also if drinks they consume provide nutrients they need to grow.

Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping their children develop lifelong food preferences – including beverages. If chosen wisely, beverages can be an important source of needed nutrients. Or, they can be a source of empty calories that provide excessive energy and lead to poor health.

More than one-third of Americans are obese, and these individuals often experience accompanying health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. In response to the so-called “obesity epidemic,” many medical professionals have suggested ways to improve the health outcomes of obese individuals through diet and exercise. Now, research conducted at the University of Missouri suggests certain exercises that benefit obese men may not have the same positive results for obese women. These findings could help health providers and researchers develop targeted exercise interventions for obese women.

Microwaves are a great way to quickly cook many foods. However, some foods are better prepared in the microwave than others. Foods don’t brown well in the microwave so meats and fish are not always best prepared in the microwave. The microwave oven is especially good for cooking vegetables as well as for defrosting and reheating foods. Check your microwave cookbook for instructions.

General Microwaving Tips

In attempts to reverse U.S. childhood obesity trends, minimal, inexpensive changes in school lunchrooms yielded a nearly 20 percent increase in fruit consumption and a 25 percent increase in vegetable consumption by middle and high school students, say Cornell researchers in the Journal of Pediatrics.

There are many health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet. "Research has shown that it decreases the risk of heart disease and mortality. The diet is associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. It may also lower blood pressure," said Haynes. "The Mediterranean diet is also related to a significant decrease in the risk for type 2 diabetes."

The diet is rich in antioxidants, anticarcinogenic properties, and fiber which have all been associated with reduced risk of some cancers. The diet is also linked to reduced risk for developing mild cognitive impairment, as well as Alzheimer's disease, due to the fact that it has been shown to improve poor cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and blood vessel health, all of which are associated with mild cognitive impairment.

Eating right is essential to keeping your body running at its best. During National Nutrition Month^®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds you to build an eating plan with your unique lifestyle and nutritional needs in mind. So whether you're a vegetarian, student, athlete, busy parent or a jet-setting executive, it’s important to "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day."

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American women. What a woman eats and her lifestyle choices play a big part in her heart health.