2 . That artificial food dyes(染料) are unhealthy is not news. Some are known to cause hyperactivity(多动症) in some children, affecting their ability to learn. But regulatory agencies around the world don’t necessarily agree on which food dyes are a problem, or why. That may soon change. An 2021 peer-reviewed report by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded that artificial food dyes “cause or worsen neurobehavioral problems in some children” and that the current levels regarded safe for consumption by the federal government are too high.

California is now considering requiring warning labels on food products and dietary supplements containing the seven most commonly used artificial dyes. The warning label requirement would put California on par with the European Union, which since 2010 has required food products containing certain artificial food dyes to carry warning labels about their negative effect on activity and attention in children.

Artificial dyes are used in foods for one reason: to make products look prettier. Bright colors make candies appealing, especially to kids. But dyes are also in chocolate cake mixes, sala dressings and other products that don’t seem to cry out for a color boost.

In Europe, it was the 2010 label lawmaking that triggered companies’ decisions to reformulate. “If you’re a company, you do not want to put a warning label on your product,” says Lefferts, an environmental health consultant. Warning labels are why European Starburst Fruit Chews are now colored with natural products, not the artificial dyes that brighten their North American counterparts(同类商品).

Given that artificial food dyes are excessively used, we need to be more cautious. After all, we don’t dye fresh fruits and vegetables, but we do dye candy and sprinkles, points out Joe Schwarcz, a chemistry professor at McGill University in Montreal. “The foods in which you find food dyes are foods that are poor in nutrition,” he says. “If you limit foods that contain food dyes, you automatically make your diet better.”

4 . A new study finds that strawberries could help lower heart disease and prevent cognitive (认知的) decline in aging adults. The research and abstract were recently presented at Nutrition 2023 in Boston— an annual meeting for the American Society of Nutrition. The full study has not been published yet.

Dr Shirin Hooshmand, a professor in the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at San Diego State University said that the idea for this study came from previous research. “Before conducting our clinical study, some of the similar effects were shown in animal studies and some human studies, but in different populations and using different study designs,” Hooshmand explained.

The research team conducted a study with 35 men and women between the ages of 66 and 78 over an eight-week period. Each day, study participants consumed freeze-dried strawberry powder— equal to two cups of fresh strawberries. Following the eight weeks of consumption, the scientists found cognitive processing speed increased by 5. 2%, and blood pressure decreased by 3. 6%.

“Previous published research has already shown some of the long-term cardiovascular (心血管的) health benefits of strawberries in different populations. So this is great to confirm some of those findings,” Hooshmand continued. She said she hopes the findings motivate more aging people to consume more fruits daily, such as strawberries.

Hooshmand noted that her team have many ideas for future studies to follow up on some of their current findings. They are currently studying the impacts of strawberries on similar and other outcomes as part of a multi-fruit intervention.

Previous studies have found that consuming berries can help ease inflammation (炎症) and oxidative stress ((氧化应激) , which can trigger many diseases. Other studies have linked berry consumption to befitting and protecting certain areas of the body, including the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and immune (免疫的) system.

Keeping a good diet is very important. This     1     eating lots of different kinds of food such as fresh fruit and vegetables. And doing exercise makes you much     2     and more relaxing.

But some things are bad for your health, like     3     and drinking alcohol(酒). It’s better to give up these things or try to do     4     less.

It is a good way to have regular(有规律的)check-ups with a dentist who will check your     5    . And you can also visit an optometrist(验光师) who will check your eyes.

7 . Living a Balanced and Healthy Life

What are the most important steps to follow if you want to feel good from morning to night? Feeling good means that your body and mind are working at their peak level. And you have a general sense of well-being.

To feel good day after day, try the following tips:

Get sunlight during the day.

Sunlight stimulates the brain chemical serotonin (血清素), which plays a role in helping you feel happy. While you’re outdoors in the sun, use the time to exercise.     1     And it may work better than medicine for preventing depression from returning. It can also help you reduce your anxiety.

Set yourself up for good sleep.

In the evening as the sky grows darker, your brain makes a hormone called melatonin (褪黑素).    2     Some of your choice during the day and evening affect your melatonin levels, which in turn can play a role in how well you sleep. So it’s suggested:

* Be sure to get that daily exercise in the sun, since it also helps you sleep at night.

*     3    . If your bedroom isn’t completely dark, you won’t make as much melatonin.

Eat “ feel-good ” foods

    4       Keep these tips in mind:

* Focus on multicoloured whole foods that are recently alive. That means fresh vegetables, fruit, beans, and whole grains instead of processed foods.

* Make room for vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.     5    

* Avoid foods that make your blood sugar soar like sweetened sodas and sugary baked goods. They aren’t good for your health, or your energy level.