A doctors' group is suing California for neglecting to add processed meat, such as hot dogs and bacon, to the state's cancer-causing substances list under Proposition 65. This move comes after experts classified consumption of processed meat as carcinogenic to humans, increasing risks of colorectal, breast, prostate, pancreatic, and ov...
Dr. Neal Barnard shares how common conditions like infertility, weight gain, and menopausal symptoms are fueled by hormone imbalances linked to food choices. He offers practical tips and recipes to balance hormones and improve overall health.
A petition to the FDA suggests that ED drug labels should recommend a plant-based diet to prevent artery disease and its related risks, including heart attacks, strokes, and early death. A recent meta-analysis found that men with ED have a higher risk of coronary heart disease and stroke compared to those without symptoms.
A new review study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine finds that egg-industry funded research tends to skew findings, leading to a neutralized image of eggs as a cholesterol-raising product. Over 85% of studies showed unfavorable effects on blood cholesterol levels.
The Physicians Committee awarded Mihael H. Polymeropoulos the Trailblazer Award for his efforts to replace animal tests with human-relevant science. He challenged the FDA's utility of dog studies in drug development and advocated for modern, human-based scientific methods to advance human drug safety.
The new law guarantees hospital patients a healthful plant-based option at every meal, nutritionally equivalent to other menu items. Research shows that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans can help fight various diseases.
A recent review of prospective cohort studies found that consuming legumes reduces incidence rates for cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and hypertension by up to 10%. Legumes benefit cardiovascular health due to their high fiber, plant protein, and micronutrient content.
A plant-based diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis through various mechanisms. Studies have found that plant-based diets are low in fat and high in fiber, which can reduce inflammatory markers and promote healthy gut bacteria.
A plant-based diet followed by a man with Crohn's disease led to complete mucosal healing and remission after removing animal products from his diet. The study supports the idea that high-fiber, plant-based diets may benefit patients with Crohn's disease.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has launched a new effort to encourage people to become organ and tissue donors, helping scientists save human lives and reduce animal experiments. Human tissue is used in various scientific advancements, including disease progression, drug development, and medical procedures.
A plant-based meal has been shown to increase the postprandial secretion of insulin and incretin hormones, particularly GLP-1, in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This improvement in beta-cell function parameters suggests a potential solution for managing and treating the condition.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that vegan meals increased beneficial gastrointestinal hormones in individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and healthy participants. This increase in gut hormones can help regulate blood sugar, enhance insulin secretion, promote satiety, and support weight management.
A new review shows that plant-based diets improve cardiovascular safety and performance in endurance sports, benefiting athletes' heart health, performance, and recovery. A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes provides essential nutrients for athletes.
Drug development stakeholders advocate for predictive, human-based nonclinical tests to prioritize safety and effectiveness. They propose increased funding, improved guidelines, and regulation to reduce waste, cost, and animal use.
A new study found that a high-carbohydrate diet led to significant weight loss and improvements in insulin function in overweight individuals. The plant-based diet group consumed whole, complex carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and legumes, leading to reduced body mass index, body weight, and fat mass.
A new review study published in Clinical Nutrition found that plant-based diets improve glycemic control, lead to weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes can reduce the risk of heart problems and improve type 2 diabetes.
A new meta-analysis finds that following the Portfolio Diet reduces LDL-cholesterol by 17% and lowers cardiovascular disease risk by 13%. The diet emphasizes a portfolio of four proven cholesterol-lowering foods: nuts, plant protein, viscous soluble fiber, and plant sterols.
A new review published in Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based diets can prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by 40%. Plant-based diets are rich in fiber and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while animal products are high in saturated fat a...
A new study highlights the benefits of weekly nutrition classes for improving weight, blood sugars, and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Two diets, low-fat vegan and portion-controlled eating, proved effective in reducing meat consumption and fat intake.
The use of animal models in type 2 diabetes research is limited by interspecies differences and has proven inadequate to impact disease course, outcomes, and spread. Human-relevant research methods are increasingly being used, including imaging techniques, biological testing, and innovative approaches.
The Physicians Committee's new app provides comprehensive nutrition information for nearly 100 medical conditions, addressing key issues like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Developed in partnership with Unbound Medicine, the app is designed to support clinicians in their daily practice.
A new study shows that a plant-based diet improves beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity in overweight adults without a history of diabetes. Participants who followed a low-fat vegan diet experienced increased meal-stimulated insulin secretion and decreased blood sugar levels.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Green Neuroscience Lab host a symposium to recognize heroes of green and open neuroscience. Award recipients will present their work on open science, environmental sustainability, human-based approaches, neurodiversity, and addressing disparities.
A new research paper suggests that human cell- and computer-based test methods can help identify chemical respiratory allergens, which cause serious immune reactions. These methods have the potential to speed up testing, lower costs, and reduce animal testing.
A new meta-analysis finds that plant-based vegetarian diets are linked to lower total cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease. The study highlights the benefits of a well-planned vegan diet, which can lead to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health.
In a controlled study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, participants who adopted a vegetarian diet lost nearly twice as much weight compared to those following a traditional diabetes diet. The study found that the plant-based diet led to greater reductions in subfascial and intramuscular fat.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology recommends a whole food, plant-based eating pattern for optimal heart health. Leafy green vegetables, blueberries, and plant proteins such as lentils and beans are highlighted for their cardiovascular benefits.
Researchers call for a shift from animal experiments to human-focused research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Population studies suggest that dietary changes and other modifiable lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) are a framework for improving chemical hazard assessment by prioritizing modern test methods that reduce animal use. Scientists can identify specific Key Events that lead to adverse outcomes, allowing them to choose the most needed tests.
A new study suggests low levels of vitamin B12 may increase neural tube defects risk. Doctors agree pregnant women can thrive on well-planned vegan diets, offering nutritional benefits like lower saturated fat and higher fiber.
A new study finds that relying on animal experiments to develop treatments for spinal cord injuries is hindered by significant extrapolation challenges, with only a small percentage of promising agents translating to humans. The review calls for the development of new research techniques to address this issue.
A nationally representative survey of 1,022 adults found that 69 percent would prefer a dietary approach to treating diabetes, while just 21 percent preferred medication. The survey results support clinical research findings on the effectiveness of low-fat vegetarian diets in controlling and reversing diabetes.
A low-fat vegan diet has been shown to treat type 2 diabetes more effectively than a standard diabetes diet, with significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss. The diet also appears to have favorable effects on cholesterol levels and kidney function.
A new study suggests that schools should add soymilk to the lunch menu to address lactose intolerance among African-American, Asian-American, and Hispanic-American students. The introduction of soymilk may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease in these students.
A new scientific review highlights the effectiveness of vegetarian diets in promoting weight loss, with body weights averaging 3-20% lower than meat-eaters. A low-fat vegan diet leads to a weekly weight loss of about 1 pound without additional exercise or calorie restrictions.
The use of animal serum-free media for growing live cells is being promoted as a more humane and scientifically superior alternative. This approach eliminates the need for fetal calf serum, reducing variables in experiments and ensuring reproducibility across laboratories.
A new survey reveals that cardiologists are familiar with the benefits of low-fat vegetarian diets but fail to recommend them to patients. The report highlights the potential for this diet to reduce surgeries and deaths from heart disease, especially when combined with doctor-recommended changes.
Researchers at Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine developed an accurate and cost-effective alternative to animal-derived insulin test kits. The new kit uses a synthetic medium, eliminating the need for animal serum and cells, and is expected to sell particularly well in Europe due to concerns about mad cow disease.
A survey of 40 hospitals found that high-fat foods contribute to the risk of heart disease among staff and visitors. In contrast, healthier options featuring vegetables, beans, and whole grains are shown to support overall health and well-being.
A new study published in The American Journal of Medicine reveals that a high-carb, vegan diet leads to significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. With unlimited servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, this low-fat diet is also associated with lower rates of prostate cancer and various life-threatening diseases.
A new study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that animal tests for birth defects are often inaccurate, with potential teratogens causing effects in animals but not humans. In vitro testing, such as embryonic stem cell tests, is considered a more effective alternative.
A cardiologist will testify at an FDA hearing on the implications of animal tests in approving COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx. The report reveals that these drugs had a heart-protective effect in mice and other animals, contrary to their human performance.
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has developed the world's first cruelty-free insulin assay, a significant improvement over existing methods that rely on animal testing. The new test kit uses synthetic replacement for fetal calf serum and is now commercially available.
A new study published in Nutrition Reviews finds that a vegetarian diet can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. By analyzing 80 scientific studies, researchers found that individual patients experience blood pressure-lowering effects from a plant-based diet.
A new study reviews 80 published studies, finding that routine animal handling, blood collection, and force-feeding can cause significant stress responses. This stress can lead to impaired immune function and elevated levels of stress hormones.
A new study shows that transitioning to a plant-based diet allows individuals to eat to satiety while losing weight. The study found that patients on a low-fat vegetarian diet experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular health, with 89% feeling mostly or completely used to the diet after 14 weeks.
According to Dr. McDougall, high-fat low-carbohydrate diets can increase the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, colon cancer, and more. In contrast, populations that consume high-carbohydrate foods tend to have a lower risk of these conditions.