STILL CONFUSED ABOUT the nutritional benefits of drinking coffee? Here's a reminder.
Caffeine - a primary ingredient in coffee - interferes with the absorption of minerals such as iron and calcium. On the positive side, caffeine stimulates the release of fat so the body can burn it for energy. More confusing, however, are recent studies that look at the health effects of drinking coffee. Reports from several epidemiological studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who drank four to six cups of coffee a day had a 28 percent lower risk of type 2 diabetes than those who drank less. And two studies in the International Journal of Cancer found an association between higher intakes of coffee and a lower incidence of liver cancer. All in all, coffee is not seen as a bad habit unless you don't understand "moderation." In coffee terms, that's about one or two regular-strength cups of java a day. A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 200 milligrams of caffeine. More than 300 to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day can cause you to lose the amount of calcium in 2 teaspoons of milk.
SUPPORTING LOVED ONES suffering from eating disorders can sometimes lead to confusion or guilt. In Talking to Eating Disorders (Penguin Group; $12.95), readers find simple, effective ways of dealing with someone with an eating disorder. Authors Jeanne Albronda Heaton and Claudia Strauss discuss effective conversation techniques, media messages, diet and exercise and include a helpful section on do's and don'ts.
MOST PEOPLE KNOW about the health hazard ultraviolet rays can pose, but it's not always easy to know when enough is enough. Chaney Instrument Co. has the solution with the UV Skincare Sensor. Users program the portable unit according to tanning history, skin color and sun response, then place it in a warm spot. The sensor measures UV levels and digitally displays the recommended sun exposure time. At 2.2 ounces, the water- and sand-resistant unit can be taken almost anywhere. The UV Skincare Sensor sells for $29.95. For purchase information, go to www.chaneyinstrument.com
BREAD, PASTA, POTATOES - these foods are no longer diet taboos. Fitness expert Denise Austin is the author of Eat Carbs, Lose Weight (Rodale; $24.95), a four-week diet and exercise plan. The book explores carb addiction and why the low-carb craze doesn't work. The program features menu plans and more than 100 "good carb"-rich recipes, along with a custom fitness routine.
