Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN
American Institute for Cancer Research

Q: Is it true that white flour is as nutritionally depleted as sugar?

A: No. Flour provides several B vitamins and at least a bit of fiber, while sugar contains 'empty' calories that provide essentially no vitamins, minerals or fiber. Most white flour, whether for home or commercial use, is enriched with several B vitamins and iron because these nutrients have been removed in the refining process. Whole-wheat flour offers the most overall nutrition, with more fiber and higher levels of several vitamins and minerals than white flour. Sometimes white flour and sugar are discussed together because they both tend to raise blood sugar levels rather quickly referred to as a high glycemic index compared to whole grains, which tend to cause a slower rise and fall in blood sugar.

A: No. It?s true that cooking stops the process in which the ?active? compound in garlic is generated. But plenty is formed if you chop the garlic and allow it to stand for about 10 or 15 minutes before cooking it. The only time cooking keeps us from getting garlic?s health benefits is when we roast whole garlic, because the active compound has not had time to form. But the soft cloves that result from roasting make a wonderful spread, with no fat or significant sodium.

Q: If a virus causes cervical cancer, can it be avoided?

A: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are now recognized as the major cause of cervical cancer. Certain types, called ?high-risk? HPVs are linked with cancer, while other types may cause genital warts, or papillomas, which are benign (noncancerous). More than 30 types of HPV can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The viruses that cause the common warts on hands and feet are different from those that cause growths in the throat or genital area. Most HPV infections produce no symptoms and go away without any treatment. However, an HPV infection can persist for years and cause abnormal cells that can develop into cervical cancer. Studies suggest that whether a woman develops cervical cancer depends on a variety of factors acting together with high-risk HPVs. Smoking, having many children and poor nutrition may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection. So far, research suggests that the plant-based diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables that lowers overall cancer risk may offer some protection against developing cervical cancer, too. These foods supply folate, vitamins A, E and C, and a whole family of carotenoids, each of which may play a role. Information about the new vaccine for young women ages 9 to 26 to protect against certain strains of HPV can be found at the National Cancer Institute website, www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/hpv-vaccines.