“Bits and Bites” features some of today’s food and nutrition related news and tips from around the world.

How a Vegetable –Rich Diet Lowers Blood Pressure (Johns Hopkins Health Alerts)

The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) has been clinically shown to reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension.  The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy.  A British study reported in the journal Hypertension shows how a diet rich in produce can improve your stats.

The Secret to Lifelong Weight Maintenance (WebMD)

Pamela Peek MD is a well-known, well-respected wellness expert.  In this article, she doesn’t tell you what to eat and what to do, but offers excellent advice on how to “stick with it” for long-term weight loss success.

How to Stop Eating Processed Foods (Washington Post)

Have you read “Food Rules” by Michael Pollan yet?  Rule number one:  Eat food.  Not processed, preservative-filled junk.  Jennifer LaRue Huget offers advice on how to stop eating processed foods, based on information from another great book “Real Food Has Curves”, by Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough.

Mercury-Laden Fish Present Danger to Californians (Eat, Drink and Be)

Mercury contamination is a health risk factor, particularly in children and pregnant women.  Certain types of fish are known to be high in mercury, such as swordfish and King mackerel.  The State Water Resources Control Board analyzed mercury content in California waterways and found many to have fish with mercury concentrations higher than the level safe for human consumption.

Low Calorie Salad Recipes (Women’s Health Magazine)

Late spring and early summer are perfect for salads because so many vegetables are in their peak seasons.  Women’s Health Magazine offers six yummy summer salad recipes to break you out of the iceberg-lettuce-and-tomato rut. . Alfreebkinggoldte .