Don't Risk Your Health on a Sound Bite

Before starting a Vitamin E and green tea diet remember: The TV doctor promoting it doesn’t know you, your medical history or, at worst, may not know the facts. Be alert: Over the counter supplements are NOT approved by the FDA and may interact with your medications. Often, mass media and social media health information is incomplete or at worst, may give harmful advice. Always ask your family physician before starting a new fad diet or adding vitamins, minerals or alternative supplements to your diet. Virtua sets the record straight on these popular topics.

Beware of or embrace GMOs?

Yum. That first bite of fresh corn – delicious and very likely – is a genetically modified organism (GMO). GMOs are created when the DNA of a plant is altered to improve taste, freshness and other positive traits. Debate is growing about whether GMOs in tomatoes, potatoes and other foods can have a negative health impact. To date, there have been no reported ill effects from GMOs. Still worried? Buy in the organic aisle where GMO foods are prohibited. Organic may be more expensive, but for some, worth the extra expense.

* The Food and Drug Administration (FDA.gov)

Think farmed salmon is fishy?

Contrary to popular belief, "farmed seafood is both safe and healthy to eat." So says FishWatch.gov. It's the leading science authority for managing the nation's marine fisheries. They also state: "In the United States, seafood farmers follow the same food safety guidelines as land farmers and any other producer of seafood." So now you know: Farmed fish is still a great way to get your Omega-3s.

Star struck by Vitamin E?

Popping large doses of Vitamin E to combat cancer may have exactly the opposite effect. A large recent clinical study showed that taking 400 mg of Vitamin E daily actually increased the risk of developing prostate cancer.* Want more Vitamin E? Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts like papaya, spinach and almonds.

* Information from National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Gobbling gingko?

Everyone worries about memory loss as they age. But ginkgo, once thought to boost brain health, does not. A large study from NIH (Gingko Evaluation of Memory Study) showed it did not prevent dementia in older adults. Instead, turn to food sources rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed.

Updated December 29, 2017