Warm milk makes you sleepy — peptides could explain why
Scientists have identified specific peptides in milk that relieve stress and enhance sleep. The study found that one of these peptides, YPVEPF, increased sleep duration by over 400% in mice.
Beverages
Articles tagged with Beverages
Artificial sweeteners disrupt bacterial communication and may influence gut microbiota, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev scientists find
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered that artificial sweeteners can significantly impair bacterial communication. Three out of six tested FDA-approved sweeteners were found to inhibit quorum sensing, a key process for bacteria to communicate with each other.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021
New bacteria ID will help apple juice producers avoid spoilage
Researchers identified three new Alicyclobacillus species that can cause spoilage in apple juice. The discovery will allow manufacturers to identify and fine-tune control strategies to reduce waste and improve customer satisfaction.
SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateSep 28, 2021
Are there DBPs in that cup of tea?
A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.
The bitter truth of added sugar: What excessive fructose consumption can do to our body
A comprehensive review reveals how excessive fructose intake can disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. The study highlights the role of protein transporters, gluconeogenesis, and gene-level changes in regulating fructose metabolism.
Compounds that give coffee its distinctive ‘mouthfeel’
Researchers have identified several small molecules responsible for coffee's mouthfeel, including melanoidin compounds and caffeoylquinic acid. These compounds can be used to tune processing and roasting conditions for specialty coffees.
Sugary drink consumption plunges in Chile after new food law
A new study found that Chile's package of healthy food policies led to significant declines in the purchase of unhealthy foods and drinks. The implementation of mandatory front-of-package warning labels resulted in a 24% reduction in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium purchased per day.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateAug 11, 2021
English neighborhoods which have less-healthy diets estimated by modelling study
A new analysis identifies neighborhoods in England where dietary habits deviate significantly from recommendations, prioritizing urban areas in northern England and inner-city London. Targeted strategies such as vouchers for fruits and vegetables may ultimately reduce health inequalities in these areas.
Association of sweetened beverage tax with purchases of beverages, high-sugar foods
A study found that a two-year Philadelphia sweetened beverage tax was associated with sustained changes in beverage prices, leading to lower purchases of sweetened beverages and high-sugar foods. The tax resulted in increased prices for these products, which in turn reduced consumption.
Soft drink ads target 'vulnerable'
A Flinders University study found participants with an automatic bias towards soft drinks were more responsive to TV ads than those without these tendencies. The researchers suggest targeting people who show cognitive vulnerabilities to reduce consumption of sugary drinks.
Sales of sugar sweetened beverages decline after SA introduces Health Promotion Levy - study
A study by PRICELESS-SA found a 51% reduction in sugar, 52% reduction in calories, and 29% reduction in volume of taxed beverages. The tax led to changes in consumer behavior, with lower-income households experiencing larger reductions in purchases.
Research shows how a sugary diet early in life could mean memory trouble later
Research shows a direct connection between particular bacteria in the gut and impaired brain function, with sugar consumption impairing memory associated with the hippocampus. The study also found that transplanting specific gut bacteria without sugar consumption can replicate memory impairments in adulthood.
Environment: Shifting from small to medium plastic bottles could reduce PET waste
A shift in beverage sales towards medium-sized plastic bottles could reduce PET waste by 1% each year, resulting in a potential reduction of 9,052 tonnes. Medium-sized bottles with capacities above 2,265 milliliters deliver the highest volume of beverage for the lowest packaging weight.
Texas A&M researchers discover energy drinks' harmful effects on heart
A study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that some energy drinks have adverse effects on the muscle cells of the heart. Cardiomyocytes exposed to these beverages showed an increased beat rate and other factors affecting cardiac function.
Sweetened beverage sales bounced back quickly after Cook County tax repealed
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that sweetened beverage sales rebounded quickly after the Cook County tax was repealed. Despite a significant decrease in consumption during the tax's four-month period, sales returned to pre-tax levels, suggesting that price point alone drove down demand.
Beverage prices, volume sold after sweetened beverage tax repeal in Chicago's county
The study found that beverage prices remained stable after the repeal, while volume sold decreased. In contrast to expectations, the tax's removal did not lead to a significant increase in the consumption of sugary drinks.
Nutritional quality of foods, beverages in movies
A study analyzed 250 top-grossing US movies from 1994-2018, comparing the nutritional quality of food and beverage depictions to dietary guidelines. The findings indicate that movie foods often exceed recommended levels of calories, added sugars, and saturated fats.
Healthy food labels that work and don't work
Researchers found that displaying PAE labels alongside the Healthier Choice Symbol reduced its effectiveness in encouraging consumers to buy healthier options. The Healthier Choice Symbol alone led to a 5% increase in purchasing healthier products, but combining it with PAE labels had little impact.
Artificially sweetened drinks may not be heart healthier than sugary drinks
Research from the American College of Cardiology found that high consumption of both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The study analyzed data from over 104,000 participants and found that consuming either type of beverage increased the risk of cardiovascular disease.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020
Kid influencers are promoting junk food brands on YouTube -- garnering more than a billion views
A new study found that nearly half of popular kid influencers' videos promoted unhealthy food brands, with fast food and candy being the most featured. The researchers urge stronger regulations to protect children's health.
Exercise and nutrition regimen benefits physical, cognitive health
A 12-week exercise regimen improved physical fitness in active-duty airmen, with added benefits from consuming a nutrient-enriched beverage. The study found significant gains in strength, endurance, mobility, and stability, as well as enhanced cognitive function, including better episodic memory and fluid intelligence.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2020
The Lancet Planetary Health: Restricting supermarket promotions of high-sugar food and drinks reduces sales without reducing store profits
A randomized controlled trial found that restricting merchandising of unhealthy products in stores reduced the purchase of sugar sweetened drinks and confectionery by 2.8%, resulting in a reduction of free sugar purchased from food and drinks by 2.8%. Despite these reductions, business performance was unaffected.
Sweet success: Heavy consumption of sugary beverages declined in the US from 2003 to 2016
The percentage of children and adults consuming high amounts of sugary beverages decreased significantly between 2003 and 2016. Notably, certain subgroups, including older adults and non-Mexican Hispanic adults, showed little to no improvement in their consumption habits.
Americans are consuming less sugar but more nonnutritive sweeteners
A study found a decline in purchases of foods with caloric sugars, but an increase in those with both caloric and nonnutritive sweeteners. Purchases of beverages with nonnutritive sweeteners grew significantly, particularly among households with children.
Targeted taxes and school lunch policies benefit low-income populations
Two studies find that targeted taxes on sweetened beverages and strengthened nutritional standards in schools significantly reduce the purchase of these drinks among low-income children. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act also reduces childhood obesity risk among those living in poverty.
Excessive sugar intake linked with unhealthy fat deposits
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJun 28, 2020
Companies spent more than $1 billion in ads for sugary drinks and energy drinks in 2018
A new report from the Rudd Center found that beverage companies continued to target Black and Hispanic youth with TV ads for soda, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks in 2018. The report documents a 26% increase in ad spending compared to 2013, with $586 million spent on regular soda and soda brands alone.
Do warning labels help people choose healthier drinks?
A study of over 20 research studies found that sugary drink warnings lead to statistically significant reductions in sugary drink purchases. The analysis suggests that these warnings help consumers better understand products' healthfulness and encourage healthier choices about what drinks to buy.
California study finds drinking sugary drinks daily may be linked to higher risk of CVD in women
A large-scale California study found that drinking one or more sugary beverages daily increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in women. The research also revealed significant differences in cardiovascular risk based on the type of sugary drink consumed.
Bubble dynamics reveal how to empty bottles faster
Researchers discovered how to make bottles empty faster by studying bubble dynamics, which reveals key parameters such as liquid film thickness and rise velocity. The study also identifies two distinct bottle-emptying modes and a critical angle of inclination that maximizes the emptying time.
The candy-cola soda geyser experiment, at different altitudes
At high altitudes, the researchers observed increased foam production from soda eruptions caused by Mentos candies. However, this effect cannot be explained solely by gas laws. The team suggests that a unique balance between bubble size and number of bubble sites on the candy may contribute to excellent fountains.
Yale study may help resolve bitter debate over low-cal sweeteners
A new Yale study suggests that consuming low-calorie sweeteners with carbohydrates impairs metabolism. The research challenges the 'uncoupling hypothesis' and instead finds that sucralose can cause problematic metabolic responses when paired with carbs.
Artificial sweeteners combined with carbs may be more harmful than those sweeteners alone
A recent study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can negatively impact insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism when consumed with carbohydrates. The researchers believe this is due to the gut generating inaccurate messages about calorie availability, which can lead to negative effects on brain function and body response.
One year into 'soda tax,' researchers find law did not affect sugary-beverage consumption
Researchers found that 39% of Philadelphians and 34% of surrounding city residents drank fewer sugar-sweetened beverages a year after the tax was implemented. However, this reduction was not statistically significant, with only three fewer sugary beverages consumed per month.
SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 26, 2020
Sugary drinks a sour choice for adults trying to maintain normal cholesterol levels
A new study found that middle-aged and older adults who consumed sugary beverages daily had a higher risk of developing abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to those who rarely drank them. The study suggests that limiting sugary drink intake may help maintain healthier blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 26, 2020
Cook County's short-lived 'soda' tax worked, says new study
A study of beverage sales in Cook County, Illinois, found that purchases of taxed beverages decreased by 21%, even after cross-border shopping adjustments. The tax was most effective on larger-volume purchases, with a price elasticity of -0.8.
Women older than 75 may not reap death benefit from continued mammography screening
Researchers found a small mortality benefit for continuing mammography screening in women between 70-74 years old, but no benefit for those over 75. Women who continued screening were less likely to receive aggressive therapies for breast cancer.
Studies gauge effect of soft drink taxation, advertising and labeling laws
Two studies found that soft drink taxation and labeling laws led to a decrease in beverage purchases high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat. In Chile, front-of-packaging warning labels reduced consumption by 22.8mL per capita per day, while the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy increased prices by 31% and resulted in significant reductions...
In Health Affairs: The benefits of the Mexican sugar-sweetened beverage tax
A cohort simulation model found that Mexico's sugar-sweetened beverage tax will prevent 239,900 cases of obesity and save $6.88 in healthcare costs for every dollar spent on implementation. Doubling the tax would also bring benefits, including a gain of 92,100 quality-adjusted life-years.
Calorie labels in fast food outlets linked to small drop in calories purchased
Labelling menus with calorie content led to a small immediate decrease in average calories purchased, but this reduction was followed by a gradual weekly increase over the next year. The study suggests that calorie labelling alone may not be enough to make sustainable reductions in calorie intake in fast food restaurants.
Four Loko continues to wreak havoc among young drinkers
New studies from George Mason University found that young drinkers underestimates alcohol content in Four Loko, even with new labels, and experienced dangerous effects such as blacking out or vomiting. The studies suggest that limiting the alcohol content of these beverages could help reduce their harmful effects on young people.
BU study: Youth empowerment program can prevent childhood obesity
A new pilot study led by Boston University School of Public Health found that a youth empowerment program targeting one dietary behavior - replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water - could prevent obesity risk among youths. The program, which had Worchester youths create their own narratives about reducing sugary drink consumption...
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateAug 1, 2019
America's packaged food supply is ultra-processed
A Northwestern University study found that 80% of Americans' calorie consumption comes from store-bought foods, highlighting the need for healthier options. The food supply plays a central role in obesity and cardiovascular disease development.
Study suggests possible link between sugary drinks and cancer
A large French study suggests that high sugary drink consumption may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. The researchers found a strong association between daily consumption of sugary drinks and breast cancer, as well as overall cancer risk.
USDA awards $1.8 million to Cornell for packaging, beverage concentrate research
Cornell University has received a $1.8 million grant from the USDA to develop active packaging materials that reduce preservatives in foods, minimizing food waste. Researchers will also explore cold processes for producing nutritious juices and beverages with reduced energy consumption.
Sugary drink taxes reduce consumption, major review shows
A 10% tax on sugary drinks has cut purchases and consumption by an average of 10%, according to a major review. The review analyzed data from four US cities and two European regions, finding that taxes resulted in decreased sales and purchasing of taxed beverages.
Philadelphia beverage tax associated with higher prices, reduced sales
A study analyzing Philadelphia's implementation of a 1.5-cent-per-ounce tax on sweetened beverages found it led to increased prices and significant declines in sales. The tax also prompted increases in purchases from neighboring areas.
Philadelphia's sweetened drink sales drop 38% after beverage tax
A recent study by Penn Medicine researchers found that Philadelphia's beverage tax led to a 38% drop in sales of sugary drinks, with nearly 1 billion fewer ounces consumed. The tax also generated revenue for education programs, supporting universal pre-K and community schools.
Contracts give Coca-Cola power to 'quash' health research, study suggests
A study found that Coca-Cola's contracts allow the company to 'quash' health research findings at public universities. The researchers argue that this suppresses critical health information and contravenes the company's commitment to transparent support for science.
Ancient ritual bundle contained multiple psychotropic plants
An international team of anthropologists discovered a ancient ritual bundle in southwestern Bolivia containing multiple psychoactive substances, including cocaine, DMT, and ayahuasca. The researchers believe the shaman who owned this pouch consumed multiple plants simultaneously to produce different effects or extend their hallucinations.
Children and teens who drink low-calorie sweetened beverages do not save calories
A new study finds that kids and teens who consume low-calorie sweetened beverages take in about 200 extra calories on a given day compared to those who drink water. The study also shows that these youth tend to consume more calories from added sugars compared to water consumers.
Not drinking water associated with consuming more calories from sugary drinks
This study found that drinking water is associated with reduced calorie intake from sugary beverages. Not drinking water was linked to consuming an average of 93 extra calories and 4.5% more sugar among participants aged 2-19, with variations by age and racial/ethnic groups.
Berkeley's soda tax election changed drinking habits months before prices went up
A new study by economists at UC Berkeley found that soda sales dropped an average of 10-20% in the three months after the election, even before prices went up. The results suggest that education and social norms played a significant role in changing drinking habits.
Canadian food and beverage companies get mixed grades on nutrition goals: U of T report
A new report by University of Toronto researchers evaluates Canada's largest food and beverage companies based on their policies and commitments to sell healthier products. While many companies are making meaningful efforts to reduce sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in products, there is significant variability among them.
Higher consumption of sugary beverages linked with increased risk of mortality
A large long-term study found that higher consumption of sugary beverages is linked to a greater risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Replacing sugary drinks with artificially sweetened beverages can lower the risk of early death, but excessive ASB consumption may increase mortality risk.
Sugary drinks may be associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases
A new study published in Circulation Journal Report found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. Replacing sugary drinks with artificially sweetened drinks may also pose a risk, particularly for women.
Soft drink companies copy tobacco playbook to lure young users
A UCSF study reveals that soft drink companies copied tobacco's playbook to attract young users. The research found that executives from R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris used similar strategies to promote sweetened beverages, including child-focused marketing tactics and flavors, after selling their tobacco brands.
Diet drinks may be associated with strokes among post-menopausal women
A study of 81,714 postmenopausal women found that drinking multiple diet drinks daily was associated with a higher risk of stroke, especially small artery strokes. The research highlights the potential health risks of artificially sweetened beverages and recommends limiting their use.
Sugar-sweetened beverage pattern linked to higher kidney disease risk
A study of 3003 African-American adults found that consuming a pattern of soda, sweetened fruit drinks, and water was associated with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The researchers were surprised to see that water as part of this beverage pattern was linked to a higher risk of CKD.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 27, 2018
Otago study calls for sugar tax
A New Zealand study suggests that sugary drinks contribute to an obesogenic environment, leading people to make unhealthy food choices. The researchers recommend implementing a sugar tax to encourage industry reformulation and individual responsibility for healthy consumption.