Eating nuts every day may prolong life

The largest study of its kind, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, finds that people who eat a handful of nuts every day live longer than those who do not eat them at all.

Alcohol, sprouts and dark meat fish can be a significant source of arsenic in the diet

Diet alone can be a significant source of arsenic exposure regardless of arsenic concentrations in drinking and cooking water, a Dartmouth College-led study finds.The study also confirms that toenail clippings are a good biomarker of long-term exposure to arsenic from consuming alcohol, Brussels sprouts and dark meat fish.

Caffeine in coffee improves small blood vessel function

The caffeine in a cup of coffee might help your small blood vessels work better, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2013.

Vitamin D deficiency may be over-diagnosed by current practice

The current “gold standard” test for measuring vitamin D status may not accurately diagnose vitamin D deficiency in black individuals.

Lifestyle changes ‘could reduce risk’ of pregnancy complications

Researchers say they have identified a number of lifestyle factors that could be modified in order for a woman to have a healthy pregnancy. This is according to a study published in the BMJ.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are around 6 million pregnancies in the US every year.

Resveratrol mitigates effects of methamphetamine abuse

Studies have shown that resveratrol, a natural compound found in colored vegetables, fruits and especially grapes, may minimize the impact of Parkinson’s disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease in those who maintain healthy diets or who regularly take resveratrol supplements.

Sesame Street provides lasting heart-healthy lessons for preschoolers

Preschoolers can learn about healthy eating and exercise through Sesame Street.In a study presented on November 18 at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2013, preschoolers in Bogotá, Colombia participating in a structured curriculum that used Sesame Street’s Healthy Habits for Life materials improved their knowledge, attitudes and habits related to a heart-healthy lifestyle.