But surprise: We’re fans of two new items: Banana Nut Oatmeal and McCafé Cherry Berry Chiller.

Now available nationally, these two limited-time “Flavors Of Summer” are nutritious options that are made to order from fine ingredients.

Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal

Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal tops brown sugar-laced oatmeal with fresh, plump blueberries and crunchy walnuts. There is a hint of banana—though we wish there wre more than a hint!

Each portion contains two servings of whole grain* and 1/4 cup of blueberries, one of the highest-antioxidant foods.

So good for you: oatmeal with walnuts and fresh blueberries. Photo courtesy McDonald’s.

Those who like to keep track of nutrition should note that walnuts are arguably the healthiest nuts.

People who prefer their oatmeal without sugar can order the year-round menu staple, Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, with fresh apple, raisins and cranberries (it is available with or without brown sugar). If you want the fresh blueberries, just ask.

*Why you need whole grains.

Cherry Chiller: a refreshing fruit slush. Photo courtesy McDonald’s

McCafé Cherry Berry Chiller, a fruit slush, is made to order, with 100% fruit juice, natural cherry and raspberry flavors and crushed ice.

Available through September 3rd, while supplies last, the suggested retail prices are $1.69 (small, 12 ounces), $1.99 (medium, 16 ounces) and $2.29 (large, 22 ounces). In hot weather, the large size will be a godsend.

McCafé Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is also part of the summer menu. The McCafé line includes fruit smoothies and espresso drinks, as well.

McDonald’s is the leading foodservice provider in the U.S., serving more than than 26 million customers daily at some 14,000 restaurants. More than 11,500 are wi-fi enabled.

So, answer your email as you enjoy a leisurely bowl of oatmeal, followed by a Cherry Berry Chiller chaser.

It’s the original smoothie, when mixed with ripe fruit. And it’s our Top Pick Of The Week.

Lassi is a four thousand year-old drink. Dahlicious produces its lassi in Vermont, with Indian-style yogurt made from the milk of meadow-grazing, rBST-free cows living on family farms.

What a refreshing and nutritious treat! We’ve been enjoying all four flavors: Alphonso Mango, Ecuador Banana, Oregon Strawberry and Wild Maine Blueberry.

Read the full review: Lassi come home!

Make your own lassi. Cooking video and recipe.

How much do you know about yogurt? Check out our Yogurt Glossary.

Guess what: It’s good for you (unless you
have high blood pressure or other
sensitive condition). Photo by Ermek | IST.

Today, we know that to be an old wive’s tale. We also know that coffee, like tea, is full of beneficial antioxidants.*

Coffee has been tied to the reduction of some cancers and other diseases. Here’s an overview of its benefits from the Harvard Medical School.

And now, according to studies conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, reported in EverydayHealth.com, coffee may also help fight type 2 diabetes.

The Harvard study found the more coffee people drank, the greater the protection against diabetes.

*There are many different types of antioxidants. Those in coffee are completely different than EGCG, the principal antioxidant in tea.

Yet a recent study at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health supports consumption of decaf. It followed more than 28,000 postmenopausal women for 11 years. Those who drank at least six cups of coffee daily, particularly decaffeinated, had a 33% lower risk of type 2 diabetes than non-drinkers.

More than half of Americans drink coffee everyday, according to the National Coffee Association. In fact, coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet, according to a study by researchers at the University of Scranton.

What’s In The Coffee That Protects Against Type 2 Diabetes?

Researchers haven’t pinpointed the magic bullet as of yet. But both regular and decaffeinated coffees contain a high amount of the antioxidants chlorogenic acid (one of the compounds that provides coffee’s flavor) and magnesium. These ingredients can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin and may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
So should you put on the coffee pot and drink another few cups? Only if you were going to do it anyway.

Says Sue McLaughlin, RD, CDE, president of health care and education at the American Diabetes Association, “More study is needed to determine why and how the study results occurred and to determine recommendations going forward.”

She also notes that just one 6-ounce cup of regular coffee contains 103 milligrams of caffeine, a substance “that has been shown to increase blood pressure in some individuals.” (That’s a very small cup! At Starbucks a Tall is 12 ounces, a Grande is 16 ounces and a Venti is 20 ounces). Heavy coffee consumption also may increase cholesterol levels.
What Does This Mean For You?

Speak with your healthcare provider, of course. But most people can keep drinking coffee in amounts they enjoy. There’s probably no reason to feel guilt over having an extra cup or two: It just may be good for you.

How Much Do You Know About Coffee?

Check out our informative Coffee Glossary.