New York City's health department is urging city restaurants to stop serving food containing trans fats, says a report in The New York Times.

Trans fats are chemically modified ingredients that can be found in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, the report says. The fats increase the risk of heart disease and should not be part of any healthy diet, according to health officials cited by the paper

Preliminary research suggests that broccoli may help prevent or slow the spread of bladder cancer.

Researchers find that compounds in the vegetables appear to interfere with bladder cancer cells, particularly aggressive cells, according to a Reuters report

The Japanese government announces Friday Japanese women had a life expectancy of 85.59 years in 2004, making them the world's longest-lived for the 20th straight year.

Japanese men were not far behind with a life expectancy of 78.64 years. Surprisingly, Icelandic men fare better, with an average lifespan of 78.8 years

Researchers report that dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure.

The study shows compounds found in chocolate, called flavonoids, can help blood vessels work more smoothly, with the possibility of reducing heart disease

McDonald's announces its implementation of a new, healthier blend of oil being used to cook their french fries in a small number of undisclosed restaurant locations.

The company has chosen not to reveal how many and which restaurants are using the new cooking oil. McDonald's spokesman, Walt Riker, says they are gauging customer feedback but wouldn't say what the response has been. "We're continuing to test in a small number of restaurants. It's important for our customers and we'll continue to test to get it right