Department of Nutrition
We research how nutrition affects human health at molecular and population levels to shape public policy and help people make better diet and lifestyle choices.
665 Huntington Avenue
Building 2
Boston, MA 02115
News
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Energy drinks: Health downsides not worth the extra pep
Consuming energy drinks may increase the risks of a wide range of health problems, including poor mental health, substance abuse, diabetes, tooth decay, high blood pressure, and kidney damage, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers. They say that the risks are especially concerning because these drinks are aggressively marketed to young people, are often mixed with alcoholic drinks, and face little regulatory oversight.
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Healthy fats help curb cravings for unhealthy carbs
Eating more healthy fats like nuts and full-fat dairy can help reduce cravings for unhealthy carbohydrates like white bread and sugary cereal, David Ludwig, professor of nutrition at Harvard T.H….
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The importance of hydration
Drinking enough water each day is crucial for many reasons: to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated…
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Cold brew coffee as healthy as the hot kind
Cold brew coffee—made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for typically an entire day—is just as healthy as regular coffee, according to nutrition expert Frank Hu of Harvard T.H….
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Not all plant-based diets are healthy
Eating a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of heart disease—but not all vegetarian or vegan foods are beneficial for health, according to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan…
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Frequent low-fat dairy consumption may increase Parkinson’s disease risk
Consuming three or more servings of low-fat dairy each day was associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a large study of U.S. men…
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Doctors need more nutrition education
Despite the connection between poor diet and many preventable diseases, only about one-fifth of American medical schools require students to take a nutrition course, according to David Eisenberg, adjunct associate…
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Alcohol in moderation can be good for the heart
An alcoholic drink or two per day may boost heart health by helping to maintain “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels, according to a study of a Chinese population presented at the…
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Forty years of low-fat diets: a ‘failed experiment’
Recent research suggests that eating a low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet—which Americans were advised to do for about 40 years—is not a good idea. But Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health nutrition…
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Flavonoid-rich foods and drinks may prevent erectile dysfunction
Men who consume just three or four weekly portions of foods and drinks containing flavonoids—which include berries, citrus fruits, and red wine—may reduce their risk of erectile dysfunction, according to…