Registered dietitian nutritionists Stephani Johnson and Evelyn Arteche and RD Shaira Daya discuss the health benefits of eating apples, emphasizing their role in digestion, weight management and heart health. They note that apples, which provide fiber and antioxidants, may aid in reducing cholesterol and cancer risk. However, they caution about potential side effects such as digestive issues and blood sugar elevations, particularly for those with specific health conditions. "It is important to note that you get more nutrition value from eating a whole apple with the skin," Arteche says.

The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans prioritize red meat as a "high-quality, nutrient-dense protein food," marking a shift from previous advice. Red meat offers benefits such as protein and iron, but it also poses risks including increased heart disease and cancer risk. Registered dietitian nutritionists Kara Andrew and Samantha Coogan and RDs Sarah McDougal and Whitney Linsenmeyer, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommend moderation, choosing lean cuts and balancing with plant-based foods.

Nutrition experts, including registered dietitians Dalia Beydoun and Amy Goldsmith, address the recent trend of positioning butter as a health food, highlighting that while butter can be part of a balanced diet, olive oil remains a more healthful choice due to its unsaturated fats. They emphasize that vegetable oils are better for heart health than butter, which contains saturated fats. 

Constant availability, the belief in a universal success blueprint and the need for complete information before making decisions are three productivity myths that contribute to burnout, writes Dilan Gomih, the founder of Dilagence, who suggests weekly priority resets, tailored productivity habits and getting comfortable with acting from uncertainty. "Effective leaders don't guess; they decide with incomplete information and manage risks proactively while the opportunity remains open," writes Gomih.

A study in Nature Communications found that a two-day oatmeal-only diet reduced LDL cholesterol by up to 10% and total cholesterol levels for six weeks. The study involved people with metabolic syndrome, who consumed 300 grams of oatmeal per day, supplemented with fruits and vegetables, resulting in a significant gut microbiome response. A parallel study found that incorporating oats into a regular diet did not yield similar cholesterol reductions.

A combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide was associated with greater weight loss and a larger reduction in A1C, compared with semaglutide alone, at 68 weeks, according to topline results of the REIMAGINE 2 trial. The trial involved 2,728 people with Type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose was inadequately controlled with metformin.

The Association of Black Cardiologists has started the Every Heart Counts: ABC Cardiology Deserts Campaign to improve heart health education in underserved areas of the US. A survey highlighted significant gaps in knowledge and access to care, particularly in the South and among Black and Hispanic individuals. The campaign aims to educate both communities and health care providers, focusing on LDL cholesterol as part of a broader effort to address cardiovascular deserts.

OpenAI's ChatGPT Health is a chatbot designed to assist patients in managing their health by interpreting medical scans, developing wellness plans and integrating data from wearable health trackers. Physicians have noted that patients using ChatGPT Health may be better informed about their conditions, though the platform sometimes provides inaccurate information. ChatGPT Health offers enhanced privacy protections, but it is not subject to HIPAA regulations, and physicians should be cautious about data privacy when using any AI tool.

The Alaska School Nutrition Association Conference in Anchorage has emphasized the importance of more healthful school meals that meet USDA standards without compromising taste. Tanya Kelley of the association notes that collaboration with manufacturers has been key in developing appealing foods for students.

A versatile sweetener with caramel-like flavor from dates, this syrup can be used in place of honey or maple syrup in baking, tea or homemade dressings and sauces. eatright.org

On Wednesday, February 4, at 2 p.m. Central time, join Kelly Horton, MS, RDN, the Academy's Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, and Alison Steiber, PhD, RDN, the Academy's ‪Chief Impact Officer, for a live Q&A on the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. Questions are welcome before and during the event, and as many as possible will be answered throughout the 30-minute broadcast. Tune in and ask questions on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.

Do your patients resist behavior change? Do you need tips and tools to help empower them on the road to better health? If so, this guide will help you motivate and inspire them. Learn more.