Now authors are promoting a high-protein diet, saying too many carbohydrates can make you fat. It's all a question of balance, Ms. Chin says. Trying to live on bagels and chips is as silly as eating nothing but pineapples and cabbage. Half the studies say yes, half say no. Until more research is done, it's anyone's guess.
Scientists agree that estrogen therapy lowers women's risk of heart disease after menopause.
They also agree that estrogen, taken alone, contributes to increased uterine cancer. Those risks go away when progesterone is added. Most doctors are vigilant about breast exams with women who are on hormones, and other women may not be screened as closely. When cholesterol and saturated fat were targeted a decade ago, red meat fell out of favor. Now experts say that, without red meat, you can't get the iron, zinc, B vitamins and trace minerals you need.