Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe, Spotlight on Dijon Mustard, The Role of the Roasting Pan Rack, A New Opinion on Intermittent Fasting and Understanding Nearsightedness Causes

Holidays are a great occasion for families to get together, and a roasted leg of lamb makes a spectacular—and tasty—centerpiece. Here’s everything you need to know. You’ll also find interesting research showing that intermittent fasting, a popular diet trend, might not be as effective as early studies indicated. Finally, scientists suggest that some habits within our control may be responsible for skyrocketing cases of nearsightedness.

Roasted Leg of Lamb

• Roasted Leg of Lamb

  If you have a butcher where you shop, ask them to prep the leg for you by removing the fell to skip this step. If not, follow the directions below. Overnight marination deepens the flavor of this traditional holiday meal. Serve with fresh spring vegetables and new potatoes.

  Ingredients

  • 1 bone-in leg of lamb, between 7 and 8 pounds 

  For the marinade:

  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the cooking rack
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary needles 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Prep the lamb by removing the fell, the thin membrane overlaying the meat: Place the tip of a sharp thin knife under it at one end to lift it, then tug to pull it away. Trim most of the visible fat but leave a very thin layer in place—this adds to the flavor of the cooked meat. Next, use a paring knife to make uniform 1/2” slits in the meaty parts of the leg. Transfer to a platter.

  Step 2

  Mince the garlic cloves in a mini chopper, then add the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth. Slather the mixture on the lamb, working it into the slits. Tightly cover the leg with parchment paper, place in a plastic bag, and refrigerate overnight.

  Step 3

  Set your oven to 400°F. For easy cleanup, line your roasting pan with foil. Place a V-shaped rack in the pan and brush it lightly with olive oil. Place the lamb on the rack, then fill the bottom of the pan with 1/4” water. Place in the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F. Continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the meatiest part of the leg reaches between 130°F and 135°F, about 20 minutes per pound of lamb.

  Step 4

  Out of the oven, let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before slicing. 

  Yields 8 servings

Healthy Ingredient Spotlight

Dijon Mustard

Named for the French city in Burgundy where it was created, Dijon mustard is not only a staple of French cooking but also of cuisines around the world. Dijon mustard is a delicious blend of brown or black mustard seeds, white wine and/or white wine vinegar, salt and spices, with variations from brand to brand, notably Maille and Grey Poupon. Classic Dijon is a pale yellow-brown and completely smooth and creamy. (Those with visible seeds and a coarse texture are often milder.) An essential in vinaigrettes and as a sandwich spread, Dijon makes a great addition to marinades and sauces. 

Quick Kitchen Nugget

The Role of the Roasting Pan Rack

Many recipes call for a rack to be placed in the roasting pan to elevate a leg of lamb, turkey, or rib roast, to name a few examples. This allows the oven’s heat to reach (and brown) the entire surface of the food. Clean up can be made easier by first lining the roasting pan with foil, and the rack prevents the meat from touching the foil while it cooks. Putting about an inch of water in the bottom of the pan is done to create steam, which keeps the meat moist and prevents the drippings from burning and negatively affecting the taste of the meat.

For Your Best Health 

A New Opinion on Intermittent Fasting

Over the past decade, numerous studies on intermittent fasting sparked new hope for people whose other weight-loss efforts weren’t as successful as desired. But a new major research review suggests the reality may not live up to the hype and that intermittent fasting does not produce significantly more weight loss than standard diet advice or even no structured plan at all. The findings challenge the widespread belief that changing when you eat leads to better weight-loss results than other approaches.

The researchers examined data from 22 randomized clinical trials involving 1,995 adults in North America, Europe, China, Australia, and South America. The trials tested different fasting methods, including alternate-day fasting, periodic fasting, and time-restricted feeding. Most followed participants for up to one year.

When compared with conventional diet advice or no intervention, intermittent fasting did not produce a clinically meaningful difference in weight loss. In practical terms, fasting schedules did not outperform more traditional guidance or doing nothing specific.

Researchers also noted that side effects were not consistently reported across studies, making it difficult to fully assess potential risks. Since many of the trials examined were small and uneven in their reporting, the overall evidence base remains limited.

“Intermittent fasting just doesn’t seem to work for overweight or obese adults trying to lose weight,” said Luis Garegnani, PhD, lead author of the review from the Universidad Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Cochrane Associate Centre. “Intermittent fasting may be a reasonable option for some people, but the current evidence doesn’t justify the enthusiasm we see on social media.”

Another concern is the lack of long-term research. Few studies have examined how well intermittent fasting works over extended periods. “Obesity is a chronic condition. Short-term trials make it difficult to guide long-term decision-making for patients and clinicians,” Dr. Garegnani added.

“With the current evidence available, it’s hard to make a general recommendation,” said Eva Madrid, the study’s senior author. “Doctors will need to take a case-by-case approach when advising an overweight adult on losing weight.”

Fitness Flash

Understanding Nearsightedness Causes

For years, the sharp rise in myopia, or nearsightedness, has largely been blamed on growing screen use, particularly among children and young adults. However, new research from scientists at the SUNY College of Optometry suggests the explanation may be more nuanced. Their study proposes that myopia may be influenced less by screens themselves and more by a common indoor behavior: extended close-up focusing in dim lighting, which reduces the amount of light reaching the retina.

“Myopia has reached near-epidemic levels worldwide, yet we still don’t fully understand why,” said Jose-Manuel Alonso, MD, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and senior author of the study. “Our findings suggest that a common underlying factor may be how much light reaches the retina during sustained near work, particularly indoors.”

Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry and has become increasingly common around the globe. It now affects nearly 50% of young adults in the United States and Europe and close to 90% in parts of East Asia. Although genetics contribute to risk, the rapid rise over just a few generations points strongly to environmental influences.

In laboratory research, myopia can be triggered in animal models through visual deprivation or the use of negative lenses, and these two methods are believed to involve different neuronal pathways. Doctors also slow myopia progression using multiple strategies that likely act through separate biological mechanisms such as multifocal lenses, ophthalmic atropine, contrast reduction, and promoting time outdoors. The researchers now suggest there may be a single neuronal explanation that connects these different methods of both inducing and controlling myopia.

This new hypothesis attempts to solve a long-standing question in vision science: Why do such varied factors, from close-up work and dim indoor lighting to treatments like atropine drops, multifocal lenses, and increased time outdoors, all seem to affect how myopia progresses?

“In bright outdoor light, the pupil constricts to protect the eye while still allowing ample light to reach the retina,” explained Urusha Maharjan, a SUNY Optometry doctoral student who conducted the study. “When people focus on close objects indoors, such as phones, tablets, or books, the pupil can also constrict, not because of brightness, but to sharpen the image. In dim lighting, this combination may significantly reduce retinal illumination.”

Under this proposed mechanism, myopia may develop when insufficient light reaches the retina during sustained close-up work in low-light settings. If lighting is too dim and the pupil narrows excessively at short viewing distances, retinal activity may not be strong enough to support normal visual development. In contrast, exposure to bright light allows the pupil to constrict in response to brightness rather than focusing distance, helping maintain healthier retinal stimulation.

The study also found that negative lenses decrease retinal illumination by causing the pupil to narrow through accommodation. This narrowing intensifies when viewing distance is shortened or when overly strong negative lenses are worn. It becomes even more pronounced when accommodation is sustained for prolonged periods of time and increases further once the eye has already become myopic. The researchers also observed additional disruptions in eye turning during accommodation and reduced effectiveness of eye blinks in triggering pupil constriction in myopic eyes. If validated, this proposed mechanism could significantly change how scientists and clinicians think about myopia progression. 

“This is not a final answer,” Dr. Alonso emphasized. “But the study offers a testable hypothesis that reframes how visual habits, lighting, and eye focusing interact. It’s a hypothesis grounded in measurable physiology that brings together many pieces of existing evidence. More research is needed, but it gives us a new way to think about prevention and treatment.”

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Smoked Salmon Rolls Recipe, Spotlight on Smoked Salmon, What Matters More Than Low Carb or Low Fat, and Exercise, a Powerful Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

Love smoked salmon but tired of the usual bagel routine? These rollups are a snap to make and look oh so elegant! I’m also sharing an in-depth report on what makes for a better low-fat or low-carb diet when it comes to heart health. Plus, read on to learn how exercise could be an even greater game changer for anxiety and depression than previously thought.

Smoked Salmon Rolls

• Smoked Salmon Rolls

  This eye-catching brunch dish gets its zesty taste from marinated cucumbers. Make them a day in advance and you’ll cut prep time to minutes.

  Ingredients

  For the marinated cucumbers:

  • 1 medium cucumber, unpeeled
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  For the rolls:

  • 8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon, each slice about 6″ long
  • 4 ounces whipped cream cheese, at room temperature 
  • 2 scallions, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons, each, white and black sesame seeds
  • Optional garnish: fresh chives or dill 

  Directions

  Step 1

  Use the fine slicing blade of a food processor or the slicing side of a box grater to slice the cucumbers, then cut each round into matchsticks. Place in a strainer over an empty bowl and sprinkle with the coarse salt, using your hands to toss well. Let sit for 30 minutes to “sweat” the cucumbers. Rinse thoroughly to remove excess salt, then pat dry with paper towels. 

  Step 2

  Transfer the cucumbers to a large bowl and add the rest of the marinating ingredients, tossing well. Let marinate on the counter for 1 hour or up to overnight in the fridge. 

  Step 3

  To create the rolls, place a large piece of parchment paper on a cutting board. Arrange the salmon slices lengthwise in an overlapping pattern to create a rectangle that’s roughly 12″ across. Fold the scallions into the cream cheese, then spread over the salmon, using a small offset spatula to make an even layer, leaving a 1″ border. Drain the cucumber slices and place about 3/4 cup of them in a strip across the center of the cream cheese. Slowly roll up the salmon along the side closest to you, using the parchment to help form the roll. Chill the roll for 30 minutes to make slicing easier. 

  Step 4

  Use a serrated knife to cut the roll into 12 pieces. Place the sesame seeds in a small dish and roll the salmon sides of each piece in the seeds. Arrange on a platter and garnish with a small piece of chive or dill as desired. Pass the rest of the cucumbers separately.

  Serves 4

Healthy Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked Salmon Varieties

Beyond traditional smoked salmon, you can now find amazing flavor varieties, such as pastrami style, everything bagel, and even Korean BBQ, from purveyors like Acme Smoked Fish and Barney Greengrass. Some are available in specialty food stores as well as online. Experiment to see what you like best!

Quick Kitchen Nugget

Freezing Smoked Salmon

You might not know that smoked salmon freezes beautifully, meaning that you can always have some on hand. The key is to freeze it as soon as you buy it to retain its freshness. You can defrost it overnight in the fridge or on the countertop in under an hour. 

For Your Best Health 

What Matters More Than Low Carb or Low Fat

Published in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, a decades-long study of nearly 200,000 adults challenges the low-carb versus low-fat debate. Both eating patterns were tied to lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) but only when they focused on nutrient-dense wholesome foods. In contrast, versions built around refined carbohydrates and animal products were associated with higher CHD risk and less-favorable metabolic health markers.

Low-carbohydrate and low-fat eating plans are very common, yet scientists have not fully understood their long-term effects on heart health, especially when considering the quality of foods included in each pattern. This research stands out as one of the largest and most detailed investigations to date, examining participants’ diet quality, metabolomic data, and CHD risk over more than 30 years.

“Our findings highlighted that it’s not simply about cutting carbs or fat, but it’s about the quality of foods people choose to construct those diets,” said Zhiyuan Wu, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and lead author of the study. “The efficacy of low-carb and low-fat diets in reducing CHD risk is a topic of ongoing debate, and past studies showed mixed findings.”

Dr. Wu noted that earlier research may have produced conflicting results because people can follow a low-carb or low-fat diet in very different ways. Some prioritize vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while others rely more heavily on refined grains, processed foods, and animal-based fats. “Focusing only on nutrient compositions but not food quality may not lead to health benefits,” he said.

The researchers’ analysis also revealed that higher-quality diets were associated with lower triglyceride levels, higher HDL cholesterol, and reduced inflammation. “These results suggest that healthy low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets may share common biological pathways that improve cardiovascular health,” Dr. Wu said. “Focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.”

The researchers cautioned that the findings may not apply to more extreme dietary approaches and that the results should be interpreted within the ranges of macronutrient intake observed in the study. In addition, dietary information was self-reported, which can introduce measurement error. Because participants were health professionals with generally higher health awareness and better access to care, the findings may not fully represent the general population, although the biological mechanisms involved are unlikely to differ substantially.

“This study helps move the conversation beyond the long-standing debate over low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets,” said Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, editor in chief of JACC. “The findings show that what matters most for heart health is the quality of the foods people eat. Whether a diet is lower in carbohydrates or fat, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, and healthy fats is associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.”

Fitness Flash

Exercise: Powerful Treatment for Depression and Anxiety

A sweeping review of global research published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicinesuggests that exercise, especially aerobic activities like running, swimming, and dancing, can be one of the most powerful ways to ease depression and anxiety. Across tens of thousands of people aged 10 to 90, exercise consistently reduced symptoms, often matching or even outperforming medication and talk therapy. There are particularly strong benefits for young adults and new mothers. The analysis found that exercise done in supervised or group settings may provide the greatest benefit for people with depression. For anxiety, shorter programs lasting up to eight weeks and involving lower-intensity activity may be most helpful. These effects were seen regardless of age or sex.

Depression and anxiety impact as many as 1 in 4 people globally, with young people and women experiencing the highest rates, according to the researchers. Earlier studies have already suggested that physical activity compares favorably with psychotherapy and medication for reducing symptoms. Still, important questions remained. It had not been fully understood how exercise works across different age groups, levels of intensity, or frequencies. In addition, many previous large reviews focused only on adults or included participants with other health conditions that could influence outcomes.

To address these gaps, the researchers set out to evaluate how exercise affects depression and anxiety across the entire lifespan. They also examined whether factors such as exercise type, duration, frequency, intensity, and supervision, and whether it was performed individually or in groups, influenced results.

The team searched research databases for pooled data analyses of randomized controlled trials published in English through July 2025. These trials compared structured exercise programs with other activities, a placebo, or no active treatment. Eligible studies involved planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful physical activity intended to improve physical and mental health. All types of exercise were included, across different intensities, frequencies, and settings (individual or group).

All exercise formats were linked to improvements in mental health. For depression, aerobic activity, especially when delivered in supervised or group settings, produced the largest benefits. For anxiety, aerobic, resistance, mind-body, and mixed-exercise programs, each had a medium-sized positive effect.

The researchers acknowledge several limitations. Definitions of exercise intensity and program length varied across the pooled data analyses. There was also relatively limited pooled data examining exercise effects across every stage of life. Despite all this, they concluded, “This meta-meta-analysis provides robust evidence that exercise effectively reduced depression and anxiety symptoms across all age groups, comparable with, or exceeding, traditional pharmacological or psychological interventions.

“Group and supervised formats gave the most substantial benefits, underscoring the importance of social factors in mental health interventions. With evidence that different characteristics of exercise appear to impact depression and anxiety at varying magnitudes, tailored exercise programs must be prescribed.

“Given the cost effectiveness, accessibility, and additional physical health benefits of exercise, these results underscore the potential for exercise as a first-line intervention, particularly in settings where traditional mental health treatments may be less accessible or acceptable.”

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