Research on food, its safety, and its effects. Covers nutrition advice and industry ties, meal timing, flavor chemistry, and plant-based diets.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that young women who took prebiotic supplements for four weeks made healthier food choices and consumed less sugar. The researchers discovered that these changes were associated with increased levels of beneficial gut bacteria.
A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.
Limpets played a significant role in global culture, medicine, and innovation, with uses dating back tens of thousands of years. They have contributed to the evolution of human brain development and feature in many place names and traditions.
A Flinders University study found that online menus placed with healthy food items at the top increase the likelihood of choosing them by 30-40%. The researchers investigated menu placement on both physical and digital menus to encourage healthier eating habits.
Research by Aston University psychologists found that children who watched adults eat green vegetables with positive facial expressions consumed more than double the amount of those vegetables. The study suggests that smiling while eating can encourage children to try and eat more, especially less popular vegetables like broccoli.
A University of California, Riverside study found that diet impacts taste sensitivity and food choice in fruit flies, using macronutrients like sugars and amino acids for survival. Flies adjusted their taste preferences based on dietary imbalances, influencing food choices to regain a balanced diet.
A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.
Researchers found that flavanols activate brown adipose tissue, causing it to burn calories and produce heat. Long-term consumption of flavanols increased the levels of heat-related proteins in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect against obesity-related diseases.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.
A blind taste test by University of Copenhagen researchers shows Danes prefer conventional and organic farmed smoked salmon over wild-caught. The study reveals that people's expectations about a product affect their overall taste experience.
Researchers found that consumers are willing to pay a small discount for imperfect carrots, maxing out at 40% of misshapen carrots. Marketing messages promoting the nutritional quality and societal benefits of ugly produce were more effective in convincing consumers to buy.
A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.
A new study found that consuming prunes can help regulate appetite and lead to greater weight loss compared to other snack choices. Prune consumption was also associated with improved satiety and reduced hunger levels, making them a potential strategy for managing holiday cravings.
A recent study proposes a two-step plan to improve China's export competitiveness of its agricultural products. The study suggests focusing on traditional products with distinctive regional characteristics and taking comprehensive measures to enhance the international competitiveness of disadvantaged products.
Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.
Research reveals that captive animals on soft food diets may experience weaker skulls and reduced bite effectiveness when released back into the wild. The study found that rats fed softer diets had weaker skulls, but those switched from hard to soft food as juveniles also showed signs of weakened bone growth.
A new analysis found that non-vegetarian diets result in higher greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets, while a diet rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats can significantly reduce emissions. The study suggests small changes, such as cutting out sweets or switching brands, can make big environmental gains.
The global red and processed meat trade has risen exponentially, leading to a sharp increase in diet-related illnesses, particularly bowel cancer, diabetes, and coronary artery heart disease. Health policies should be integrated with agricultural and trade policies to address this issue.
Researchers studied 4022 dogs fed different diets as puppies to see if it affected allergy and atopy related skin symptoms in adulthood. They found that puppies fed raw tripe, organ meats, and human meal leftovers had fewer allergies and skin issues.
Researchers use edible fungus to convert fruit waste into wild strawberry aroma. The fungus produces compounds geraniol and 2-aminobenzaldehyde, contributing to the scent. The team's innovative method could provide a natural flavoring agent for foods.
The 74th APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Annual Meeting featured presentations on COVID-proofing daily life, kimchi physics, and extreme heat waves. Researchers also discussed advancements in fire-fighting trees and the science behind jellyfish engineers.
Parents of preschoolers used lower levels of structure and autonomy support during the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with negative parent mood and higher coercive control. The study suggests a need for public health advocates to support families in re-establishing healthy eating routines after the pandemic.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that Japanese customers prefer traditional restaurants displaying an older year of establishment, leading to improved evaluations and intentions to visit. This effect was observed specifically for traditional foods like soba noodles.
A new study has catalogued all possible genetic variations in over 3,000 chickpea plants to improve the crop's yield and resilience to climate change. The research proposes a breeding model using genomics-assisted breeding to enhance agriculturally valuable traits.
A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.
The study found that 29% of younger Germans eat a flexitarian diet and 17% follow a meat-free diet, demonstrating high levels of climate awareness. The results highlight the need for effective communication to promote climate-conscious eating habits among the undecided group.
A new study reveals that only 40% of parents received a recommendation to introduce peanut products by 11 months of age, despite the 2017 guidelines. The survey also found that most infants are at moderate- or low-risk for developing peanut allergies and can safely have peanut-containing foods introduced.
New research from the University of South Australia finds that the 5:2 diet is just as effective as a continuous energy-restricted diet in achieving weight loss and preventing type 2 diabetes in women with a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The study suggests that this diet offers greater choice and flexibility for women loo...
A recent study published by the University of Ottawa found that over 1 in 20 Canadian children do not eat lunch on school days, with older kids and those from food-insecure households being the most affected. The study also reveals that children living in food-insecure households are twice as likely to miss lunch compared to their peers.
A recent study found that popular US fast food items contain widespread amounts of phthalates and other plasticizers, which are linked to serious health problems. Consumers can reduce exposure by switching to mostly home-cooked meals.
Researchers found that moderate potato consumption among adolescent girls did not increase the risk of overweight or high blood pressure, and may even be associated with improved nutrient intakes. The study suggests that potatoes can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, particularly when consumed in moderation.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland suggests that consuming one serving of whole grains daily can reduce type 2 diabetes incidence and associated costs in Finland. The potential cost savings could be up to €1 billion over ten years, leading to healthier years for individuals.
A new study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reveals that humans have a second sensory ability to detect sugars in the mouth that involves detecting potential energy-burning sugars. This discovery has implications for designing tastier, healthier beverages and foods.
A 5-country study found that the US has high salt levels in processed meat and fish products, ranking second globally. China leads with the highest salt content, while the UK ranks last. The study highlights significant variations in salt content among countries and brands.
A study in rats found that a diet of highly processed foods led to inflammation and behavioral signs of memory loss in the brain. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented these effects almost entirely. The study suggests that limiting processed foods and increasing DHA consumption may help prevent rapid memory decline in old...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that free food provided to US households at school and work is of poor nutritional quality. In contrast, food for families receiving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) appears to be of better nutritional value.
Researchers found that eating high-fibre whole grain rye products resulted in greater weight loss and body fat reduction compared to refined wheat alternatives. The study, involving 242 participants, suggests that rye's unique fibre content may contribute to its weight-loss benefits.
A review of 25 studies on intermittent fasting found that all forms produced mild to moderate weight loss, similar to traditional calorie-restrictive diets. Intermittent fasting regimens also showed benefits in decreasing blood pressure and insulin resistance, and improving appetite regulation.
A new study found that self-identified picky eaters in college students ate significantly less fiber and vegetables compared to non-picky eaters. This behavior was also linked to higher levels of social phobia, overall distress, and lower quality of life.
A study found that Amazonian and Afrotropical communities consuming wild meat may spare up to 71 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide per year by replacing beef or poultry with wild meat. This could generate millions of dollars in carbon credit sales, but unsustainable hunting practices must be avoided.
A new analysis of 134 studies found that color-coded nutrition labels and warnings encourage more healthful purchases. The study suggests that these labeling systems are beneficial in nudging consumers towards foods with lower levels of energy, sodium, fat, and saturated fat.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified 14 genes that can cause and three that can prevent weight gain, offering a promising lead in developing new treatments for obesity. The findings were made using a worm model of obesity and automation to test hundreds of genes.
Researchers found associations between driving convictions, accidents, and behaviors like junk food consumption and alcohol. Genetic variation in serotonin metabolism was also linked to risky driving.
A new study found that para-athletes have lower nutritional knowledge compared to university student athletes, with 40% needing help with meal procurement and cooking. This highlights the need for targeted nutrition support and education for para-athletes.
A new USC study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can trick the brain into feeling hungry, leading to increased calorie consumption. This study, one of the largest to-date on artificial sweeteners, suggests that females and people with obesity may be more sensitive to these sweeteners.
A new study by Aston University found that social media users who view images of healthy foods with high 'likes' are more likely to make healthier food choices. Participants who viewed highly liked mock Instagram posts of fruit and vegetables ate a significantly higher proportion of grapes than cookies, increasing calorie consumption b...
A new study analyzes how micro (income) and macro (business cycle) conditions influence grocery shopping behavior, finding that households adjust their spending without changing budget constraints. Micro conditions primarily affect basket value, while macro conditions impact both basket value and allocation to store formats.
A study analyzing online food ordering and delivery in Singapore found unhealthier eating habits during the pandemic, which continued even after lockdown measures ended. The results suggest a significant shift towards less healthy eating patterns during this time.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team found that statistically overweight children who followed a healthy eating pattern significantly improved weight and reduced various cardiovascular disease risks. The study also showed improvements in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels.
A systematic review of 80 health industry studies found that pressuring children to eat negatively influences fussy eating, while a more relaxed parenting style and family meals reduce the likelihood. Researchers recommend positive parenting and involving kids in meal preparation to help them overcome picky eating habits.
A study by the University of the Basque Country analyzed the nutritional profile and level of processing of food products sold in vending machines. The results show that 48.6% of the products were classified as low-quality, while 73.8% were ultra-processed.
A new study suggests that failing to meet sleep recommendations can lead to higher intake of non-meal calories, including carbohydrates, added sugar, fats, and caffeine. Adults who don't get enough sleep tend to make poorer snacking choices, such as reaching for salty snacks and sweets.
Researchers developed a method to precisely control food attributes using lasers, resulting in up to 50% less shrinkage, double the moisture content, and similar flavor development compared to conventional cooking methods. The technology has the potential to revolutionize meal creation with customizable options.
Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology and the University of Helsinki have developed a nutritious meat analogue using fermented okara, which can help alleviate digestive problems due to its probiotics. The product contains less salt and saturated fats than real meat while maintaining protein levels.
A pilot study at the University of Cincinnati found that young adults with ASD and ID can lose or maintain weight with a system of education and support in place. Participants and parents reported knowledge and behavior change, with two participants losing significant weight.
Researchers used a 'role-play' approach to study how Neanderthals caught choughs in caves. They found that the birds were vulnerable to artificial light and could be caught using nets or by hand. The findings suggest that catching birds was another skill of Neanderthals, which is surprising given their intelligence and adaptability.
A new study has discovered the oldest known cavities ever found in a mammal, likely resulting from a diet rich in fruit. The cavities were identified in fossilized teeth of Microsyops latidens, a mammal that lived during the early Eocene, and suggest a shift in their diet over time.
A new study by the ICTA-UAB establishes that populations of hunter-gatherer groups with strong seasonal dependence on meat had fewer people per square kilometer than those relying on abundant plant foods. This result is based on a complex set of calculations showing how diet composition influenced population density.
A 12-week study showed that a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet managed by pharmacists can eliminate Type 2 diabetes medications and improve glucose control for over one-third of participants. This approach promotes Type 2 diabetes remission and highlights the potential role of community pharmacists in overall diabetes care.
The Agrobiodiversity Index reveals that globally, biodiversity and agrobiodiversity are in decline, with only a fraction of species contributing to crop production. Maintaining diversity is vital for achieving sustainable food systems.