In 2012, after examining numerous scientific studies, the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association released a joint statement with a “cautious recommendation” about the use of non-nutritive sweeteners.

While we can fit some added sweeteners in a healthful diet, we need to consider portion size and consequences of too many added calories.

Many gluten-free products are available, which is of great benefit to the many people who have celiac disease. However, gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier for people who do not need to avoid gluten for a medical reason.

Not only are lentils an inexpensive source of protein, but they are notable sources of fiber, potassium, folate (a B vitamin), iron and several other vitamins and minerals.

Snow blowers or snow throwers are linked to more than 6,000 emergency room visits, according to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

You may have heard the advice to leave your salt shaker in the cupboard.

Some researchers have rated oranges higher than apples in their power to ""keep the doctor away.""

Bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli, easily can spread from meat to other surfaces such as cutting boards, your hands, utensils and plates. Cross-contamination is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

During our wintry weather when we crave comforting beige and brown foods such as mashed potatoes, gravy and meatloaf, add some bright green, gold and orange colors to your plate or bowl.

Keep an appliance thermometer in your freezer and check it periodically.

As children grow and mature, they become capable of doing different tasks in the kitchen.

During the holiday season, houses can be filled with potential safety issues for pets and children.

Consider food gifts for the hard-to-buy-for people on your list.

Make rosemary a secret ingredient in your cooking.

We can use some strategies to keep our budgets balanced and avoid big credit card balances when January arrives.

You can save energy, water and money when you choose appliances.

How much turkey do you eat every year?

Unfortunately, I have had this sort of phone call many times in my career.

Regardless of your age, enjoying some healthy snacks helps keep your energy up and makes you less likely to overeat later.

Apples are a nutritional bargain.

After all that watering, do you want to waste the tomatoes?

If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with low vision, consider some ways to help yourself or that person with food preparation.

Along with calcium, yogurt is an excellent source of potassium, which plays a role in controlling blood pressure. Some yogurt also is fortified with vitamin D, which helps build bones and may help protect us from a range of chronic diseases.

Consider speed scratch cooking when you need to get a meal on the table fast.

No one enjoys feeling under the weather, so what can you do to help prevent colds and the flu?

Making use of your leftovers is good on several levels.

Although the prospect of eating leftovers while on vacation wasn’t exciting to our kids, the food still was tasty the next day.

Sixty percent of teenagers regularly skip breakfast, which can affect learning and food intake for the rest of the day.

You will need to do some advance preparation to be sure your perishable food remains cold and safe.