Fresh ginger adds a savory punch to broth, stir-fries and dressings, or flavors a simple syrup for use in drinks, ice creams and pancakes. Seek out roots with a smooth skin and a spicy scent, and use ceramic or rasp-style graters or go against the grain to cut it into chunks or strips.

Registered dietitians say apples are a healthful addition to a balanced diet since they are rich in soluble fiber, polyphenols and antioxidants, which have been shown to support heart and gut health. With over 2,500 different varieties of apples grown in the US, there are plenty to choose from. Just keep in mind that half of the fiber is in the skin and that calories vary based on the apple's size and whether it has been peeled.

While orange juice is rich in vitamin C, potassium and folate, it also contains natural sugars, which can spike blood sugar, and citric acid, which can erode tooth enamel, say registered dietitians, who advise drinking OJ in moderation and through a straw to protect your teeth. Opting to eat a whole orange to get the full benefits of it fiber is a preferable choice. "I wouldn't say orange juice is bad for the body. It's a source of essential nutrients," says RD Heidi McIndoo, "however, like most things, when consumed in large quantities, it can lead to unhealthy results."

Dairy products that have been pasteurized or cooked are unlikely to pose an avian influenza threat to people, says food safety expert Benjamin Chapman, but Chapman and veterinary public health expert Gail Hansen say there are still some unknowns, especially when it comes to unpasteurized dairy products. Cooked meat is also unlikely to pose a risk, and the FDA recommends following standard safety instructions for handling raw and cooked meat, poultry and fish.

A study found that the use of salt substitutes was associated with a decreased risk of early death from cardiovascular disease or any cause. The findings were published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Compared with a placebo, semaglutide 2.4 milligrams was associated with improved symptoms and physical function in adults with obesity, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and Type 2 diabetes, researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. However, this patient cohort lost less weight than expected, researchers said, suggesting that the benefits of semaglutide cannot all be linked to weight loss.

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that youths with Type 2 diabetes were less likely to have specialty care despite insurance coverage, adding that they have 39% fewer claims with a diabetes specialist compared with youths with Type 1 diabetes. "Though all participants in our study had commercial insurance, this finding emphasizes that these youth [with T2D] continue to experience barriers to receiving care despite theoretically having access," said researcher Christine March.

A study published in PLOS ONE found that improvements in air quality, such as good airflow and filtration with MERV-13 air filters, in school classrooms may help children and teachers avoid COVID-19 infections. Researchers noted that many rooms reached moderate carbon dioxide levels that may indicate less-than-optimal airflow, highlighting that the number of COVID-19 cases recorded among people who spent time in a given room was linked to the amount of time that room had moderate carbon dioxide levels.

Substance use among teenagers has been trending downward for the most part in recent years, likely due to prevention campaigns, education and policy changes, research shows. At the same time, teen overdose deaths including those involving fentanyl have risen significantly. Dr. Nora Volkow of the National Institute on Drug Abuse explains what is behind the changing patterns.

Suffolk Public Schools in Virginia recently hosted its inaugural Food Festival, offering parents and students a chance to sample potential menu options for the upcoming school year from over 15 vendors. The event, aimed at gathering feedback and promoting more healthful choices, featured discussions on "clean label" pizzas, hydroponic lettuce systems and diverse food selections.

Now is a great time to enjoy fresh asparagus, a great source of folate, iron and potassium. This tasty and simple dish pairs well with chicken, lamb or fish. eatright.org

The FNCE® Learning Lounge is a space where participants can discover, share and learn about the innovations and challenges transforming the food and nutrition industry through smaller, short-format talks. Submissions will be accepted through April 18. Learn more.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact into law, making Nebraska the first state to pass the legislation. This will help pave the way for increased practice opportunities for licensed dietitians in the state, as well as across state lines. Learn more.

RDN Sherie Nelson as quoted in Parade.