Berkeley Wellness Alerts

Healthy Eating Alerts

The Health Halo Effect

Think eating at a “healthy” restaurant means you’ll eat fewer calories? Think again—you may actually end up eating more.

Does Freezing Kill Bacteria in Food?

Q: Does freezing kill bacteria in food? Does it destroy nutrients and fiber? Are you better off avoiding frozen food and eating 
only fresh?

Sleep-Promoting Diets: What You Should Know

What should you eat and drink to get a better night’s sleep? Few foods or beverages have a clear-cut effect on sleep.

Mushrooms: Food, Medicine, or Poison?

Some mushrooms, particularly those with a long history of use in Asia, are thought to have medicinal qualities. Others have adverse effects or are outright poisonous. Here's how to make room for mushrooms.

Do You Need Extra Protein If You Exercise?

Many athletes and exercisers think that consuming extra protein will help them build muscle and improve performance. They don't need those t-bone steaks or protein supplements.

Sardines: The Can-Do Fish

All seafood has something good to offer. But sardines (a name given to many small fish in the herring family) are a top choice across the board.

The Sunny Side of Eggs

Eggs have a bad reputation because of their high cholesterol. But, in fact, eggs do not raise blood cholesterol in most people—and they may even be good for your heart in some ways.

Should You Be Wary of Nitrites?

Some processed meats boast of having “no nitrites” or being “naturally cured.” Are they safer than conventionally cured meat?

Where’s The Beef? A Guide to Meatless Meals

If you want to cut back on meat for health, environmental, or ethical reasons, there are plenty of meat substitutes to choose from. Here’s a look at some options.

Margarine: Promises, Promises

Many margarines no longer contain unhealthy trans fats. Some now even claim to be good for your heart, due to added ingredients like plant sterols and omega-3 fats.

Got (Nondairy) Milk?

Cow’s milk is a good source of protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. But if you are lactose intolerant or just don’t like regular milk, there are other “milks” you can try.

Prebiotics: Feeding Your Friendly Bacteria

Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented foods that may have digestive and other potential health benefits. But what are prebiotics?

Dried Plums: More Than Just a Laxative

Nearly 10 years ago the lowly prune officially became a “dried plum” to better appeal to a younger generation and increase sales. That’s a good thing, since this dried fruit has more to offer than just laxative effects.

Sleep-Promoting Diets: What You Should Know

What should you eat and drink to get a better night’s sleep? Few foods or beverages have a clear-cut effect on sleep.

Filling Up on Fewer Calories

There’s no magic fix for being overweight—no diet pill, supplement, or crash diet. But one promising approach to weight loss has been to identify factors that promote satiety, the feeling of fullness.