What's Good for the Goose...

Somewhere up there on Venus, women’s physiology evolved differently from that of men on Mars. Recent research proves that men and women are very different­–and not just in the obvious ways.

We know that we all need basic nutrients to meet the human body’s nutritional needs. That’s why we are so focused on getting sufficient vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. That’s also why we chow down our magnesium, selenium, and CoQ10.

Yet scientists are finding that some of the nutrientsin foods that are good for women may actually be less beneficial for men and vice versa. The wonders of red wine, calcium, iron, and healthy fats may not be right for everyone. Let’s look at where some of the big differences lie.

Red, Red Wine

Strong evidence shows the health benefits of a moderate intake of alcohol, especially antioxidant-rich red wine, for almost everyone. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Doctors are reluctant to recommend that their patients take up drinking for its health benefits–and for good reason.

The line between the health benefits and health detriments of alcohol consumption is extremely fine and no one can say for sure where that line is drawn, especially for women.

Several studies show that women who drink even moderate amounts of alcohol are at increased risk of breast cancer.

In fact, one drink a day can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer by as much as 30 percent, according to a study of nearly a quarter of a million women sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Johns Hopkins researchers found that drinking even small amounts can more than double the risk for women who are genetically predisposed to breast cancer.

The Bottom Line

Don’t start drinking because it’s “healthy”; if you’re a woman and you’re at high risk for breast cancer, you might want to consider giving up that daily glass of wine.

Bone-Building Calcium

We all need calcium for strong bones–but wait, not so fast. Women need calcium (as well as magnesium and vitamin D) for strong bones, and calcium can even protect women from breast cancer. Conversely, men generally get most of the calcium they need in their diets.

Too much of this mineral increases the risk of prostate cancer. Harvard researchers found that men who consumed large amounts of dairy products were at much higher risk for the particularly aggressive and most lethal types of prostate cancer.

The Bottom Line

Most men don’t need calcium supplements to meet the 1,000 mg daily requirement. To help figure out how much calcium you’re getting in your diet: 1 cup (250 mL) whole milk contains 276 mg of calcium and 1 oz (28 g) cheddar cheese (about the size of your thumb) contains 202 mg of calcium.

Good Fats

Healthy fats are essential to all human health; both men and women benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids found in flax and cold-water fish, in terms of heart and brain health, strong joints, child health, and overall longevity. Most experts also recommend monounsaturated fats such as those found in olive and canola oils.

However, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in canolaand flaxseed oils may increase the risk of prostatecancer in men.

The Bottom Line

Study results differ, but if you’re at high risk for prostate cancer and you want to protect your heart, get your good fats from fish and olive oil.

Blood Iron

Here’s another instance of good goose news being not so good for the gander. Women are often deficient in iron, but men rarely are.

Two Harvard studies show that men who ate the most heme iron (the kind found in red meat) had much higher risks of type 2 diabetes and fatal heart attacks. University of Kentucky researchers found that male red-meat eaters also had a higher risk of gallstones.

The Bottom Line

Go easy on those steaks and burgers, guys, and opt for chicken, fish, or vegetable protein instead.

That’s the evidence about these four super foods–they benefit men and women in much different ways.