Adequate intake of milk is essential to assure strong bone calcification process in early life. Few other foods have an adequate level of calcium, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

Cardiovascular disease is a common chronic disease and the leading cause of death in the United States, although the rates have declined in the past 25 years.

Including folic acid in your diet is a key strategy for optimal health, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames. This is her message during National Folic Acid Awareness week, Jan. 9-15.

Americans each eat more than 16 pounds of fresh tomatoes a year and consume the equivalent of 79 pounds in processed tomatoes annually. Tomatoes are a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and lycopene, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

Be Healthy, Go Nuts! Nuts are high in protein and fiber, low in carbohydrates and sodium-free. Eating one ounce of nuts (about a handful) about five times a week is enough to provide the health benefits.

Crawfish are healthy food. They are an excellent source of high-quality protein; low in calories, fat and saturated fat and a good source of vitamins.

Soy protein offers health benefits. Soy is found in foods like soy milk, soy sauce, miso (soybean paste), tempeh (meat substitute) and tofu. Use these tips to get soy protein in your diet.

As baby boomers age, many reach for herbal supplements in hopes of staying young. Supplements can be harmful, cautions LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

Enjoy Louisiana blueberries. They can help protect against diseases, including certain cancers and heart disease, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

Sweet potatoes are good sources of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. Information on selecting the best sweet potato, storage, cooking and nutrition facts. (PDF Format Only)

Rice is an extremely healthy food. It's low in fat and sodium, contains potassium and fiber and is rich in antioxidants. (PDF Format Only)

We’ve heard it many times that a healthy diet should include plenty fruits and vegetables. Also, variety is very important to get all the vitamins and nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.

In a salute to national rice month, LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says, "Rice is delicious, nutritious, economical, versatile and an energy-rich carbohydrate."

It's easy to find herbs and other dietary supplements, but much more difficult to find accurate information about them and their side effects or benefits, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

Americans consume more ice cream than any other nation in the world. It’s the dessert with the highest fat content, but it's also a good source of calcium.

Parkinson’s disease is thought to be the result of oxidative damage of the nerve cells in the brain. Since vitamins E, C and carotenoids are antioxidant nutrients, recent research looked at the relationship of these nutrients to Parkinson’s, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants is one part of a diet and exercise program that protects against chronic diseases, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Heli Roy. A recently published study bears out this claim.

(Distributed 07/11/06) The hot, summer months are a great time to enjoy fresh tomatoes. Enjoy them in green salads, chicken or shrimp salads, stuffed with tuna or simply on their own. They also make a wonderful addition to a heart-healthy and cancer-preventing diet, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

Following its recent consumer alert about ephedra, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will issue a rule to ban the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames says consumers should stop buying and using ephedra products now.

Calcium is the most important mineral in your body. During growing years, calcium is important for bone growth. As we get older, it helps to keep our bones strong. What if you don’t get enough calcium? How much calcium do you need? How can you get calcium? Find these answers and more.