I try to avoid sodas because they’re loaded with calories and artificial sweeteners. And honestly, a glass of ice water is enough to satisfy my thirst. Now I have even more reason to avoid the sugary drinks.

A new study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that women who drink two or more servings of full-calorie sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in a day, including many sodas and even non-carbonated drinks that contain high-fructose corn syrup, may increase their risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by as much as 35 percent.

The observed increase in CHD stems from the link between SSB’s and weight gain, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. The study only looked at women, but don’t be fooled, these same adverse health effects can affect men too.

To reduce your risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association says to incorporate foods like beans, whole grain cereals and walnuts into your diet, push yourself to get at least 30 minutes of workout time every day and drink alcohol in moderation (half a drink to two drinks per day). Supplements like CoQ10 and flaxseed oil are also a great addition to a healthy diet.

For anyone with a gluten allergy or intolerance who’s also getting married … great news! You, too, can enjoy the food at your own wedding. Pamela’s Products, maker of absolutely fantastic gluten-free baking mixes and cookies, debuted a gluten-free wedding cake at Expo West in March. They partnered with Branching Out Cakes, a Bay Area bakery that’s been making custom wedding cakes for 10 years; you can see their gorgeous work in the photo at left. The proof was in the tasting, and I can happily report that the cake was amazing. You (and your guests) would never guess it’s gluten free. For a brochure detailing the recipe and full of helpful hints for success, write them at info@pamelasproducts.com; or call 707.462.6605. more

Last week marked the opening of Larkburger in Boulder (the original outfit is in Vail), and I’m psyched. The brainchild of Chef Thomas Salamunovich and business partner Adam Baker, it’s a spinoff of Vail’s renowned Larkspur Restaurant. I’m happy to report that not only is the food outstanding (the truffle-parmesan fries, pictured here, are a decadent treat), but the entire ethos is earth friendly and affordable. (No, healthy and eco food is NOT just for the elite.) You can get a side of edamame (soybeans) or an organic salad to go with your antibiotic- and hormone-free beef burger, or go fully veg with the roasted portobello and griddled onion burger. My personal favorite at lunch yesterday was the tuna burger with wasabi-ginger sauce and cilantro. All the fryer oil is recycled for biodiesel, the to-go utensils and cups are compostable, even the wood on the walls is from reclaimed timber. This is quick food that’s still healthy and conscious — a trend that should be noted and repeated.

I admit, I absolutely love cheese. And I’ll throw down some decent change for really good cheese (especially goat cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano) every so often, making it last as long as possible. But when I want a readily available, affordable, and tasty cheese, I often turn to Tillamook. I like that their naturally aged cheese is not pasteurized and contains no rBGH (those nasty growth hormones used in conventional milk/cheese production), and that I can get it pretty much anywhere. Sometimes nothing else will do than a (moderate) amount of yummy, simple cheddar on a cracker, lending zip to apple pie, or as a treat in an appetizer such as Cheese and Spinach Tartlets. Now I hear that the venerable cheesemaker is turning 100 — yup, Tillamook has been producing cheese since 1909. Check out their events page for celebratory occasions around the country.

If you’ve never used quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah), you’re in for a treat; this whole-grain, gluten-free, protein-rich food is super versatile and tasty. But it’s critical that you thoroughly wash it before cooking, because each little quinoa grain has a bitter coating that will ruin your dish if not removed first. Here’s how to wash it: more

I anticipate that we’ll start hearing more and more about nanotechnology — or the engineering of extremely tiny particles for use in food, medication, supplements, and personal care — over the next two years as more science emerges. In the meantime, it turns out that even if the EWG says nanosize particles are safe for use in physical sunscreens, they may not be very safe for the environment. more

According to the latest report, approximately 75 percent of—yes, folks, that’s 3 out of 4!—Americans have low vitamin D levels. This isn’t good news considering the sunshine vitamin’s link to a vast array of health benefits. Vitamin D supports heart and bone health, and can help ward off cancer, dementia, and even the common cold.

How do you know if you need more vitamin D? more

Sorry about the depressing graphic. It illustrates findings from social marketing group EnviroMedia that show most Americans believe global warming exists. Here’s the breakdown:

51% believe climate change is caused by humans

29% believe it’s part of Earth’s natural process

15% believe it still needs to be scientifically proven either way

3% believe it doesn’t exist

What do you think?

Need they say it again? Evidence—healthwise and planetwise—continues to underscore that we should lighten up on the cheeseburgers. A new report published in the Archives of Internal Medicine examined data from over 500,000 individuals and found that those who ate the most meat were at greatest risk for death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer. Processed meats (such as hot dogs, sandwich meats, etc.) were among the worst for us. more

Certainly not on their own. But scientists say that all of the publicity around omega-3s could contribute. The approximate date for collapse of commercial fisheries? 2050. To learn about good vegetarian omega-3 options go here. And stay tuned for more about supplements and sustainability in a few weeks.