The United States government recently passed a law that requires all major restaurant chains to post the calories of their dishes on their menus. Studies have demonstrated that having this information about their food causes diners to cut back on the number of calories they consume. This can help them lose weight and avoid the dangers of obesity, especially since some foods have more calories than you might think. Listen to learn more about this law and its benefits from two experts on nutritional policy.
Story Length: 2:27
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January 12, 2022
3:33
Scientists have discovered an enzyme in the liver that increases with exercise. Enzymes are protein molecules inside living organisms that speed up chemical reactions, like digesting food or healing wounds. Research suggests that this particular enzyme may help the brain grow and function better. Its discovery could one day lead to a medicine that helps people benefit from the enzyme’s brain boosting impact, even without exercise. Listen to hear about the research scientists conducted and learn about the promise and the limits of their discovery.
Read MoreJanuary 2, 2015
3:37
What you eat doesn’t just impact you; it impacts the environment. This is the argument that some nutritionists are presenting to U.S. Congressional Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee. They suggest Congress should consider the agricultural practices and the environmental impact of some foods when issuing nutrition guidelines. But that suggestion has not been well received by Congress. Listen to learn more about this effort to marry nutrition and environmentalism and the congressional backlash it has provoked.
Read MoreJuly 10, 2014
4:56
As healthcare costs rise and obesity becomes a national problem, companies look for innovative ways to encourage employees to stay thin and healthy at work. But some have gone overboard and employees complain they are interfering with their freedoms. Listen to this public radio story to learn what compares are doing to try to control their health care costs.
Read MoreMarch 3, 2014
4:36
The traditional nutritional label that lives on the backs of food packages are often dense and overloaded with information. The new label focuses on components that matter: calories, serving size, and sugar.
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