The Weekly Skinny: All the healthy news you need (2-18-11)

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Move over red wine. An ice cold brew may be good for our hearts, too. FatFighterTV has a look at this story and other diet and fitness headlines making news this week.

Can beer keep your heart healthy?
We often hear about how red wine can be good for the heart. But what about beer? A new report from the American Dietetic Association (ADA) shows beer has a lot of nutrition and heart benefits. The ADA says drinking beer moderately can increase the good (HDL) cholesterol, lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol, and reduce the risk of gallstones and type 2 diabetes.

Also see: Heart-Healthy Recipe: Oven-Fried Okra

Group urges FDA to ban "caramel coloring" in soda
Should the food coloring used in dark soft drinks be banned? The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) thinks so, and is urging the Food and Drug Administration to do something about it. The CSPI petitioned the FDA to ban the caramel coloring approved in colas and other dark-colored sodas because the group says it is made with chemicals that can cause cancer.

Also see: Your soda may have even more sugar in it than you think

Calorie counts don't affect what kids choose to eat
Do the calories posted in fast-food restaurants help kids make healthier choices? Not so much, says new research. The study finds children and teens noticed the posted calories that are now required in New York chains, but it made little difference in what they ordered. Researchers say the decision came down to taste and price.

Also see: How to lose those lingering 5-10 pounds

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[photo credit: Getty Images]