Research on food, its safety, and its effects. Covers nutrition advice and industry ties, meal timing, flavor chemistry, and plant-based diets.
A Canadian study found folic acid fortified food reduced rates of congenital heart defects, with significant declines in conotruncal and coarctation of the aorta defects but no impact on chromosomally associated defects. The findings are applicable to the US population due to similar implementation timelines.
Scientists have developed a new device that can isolate natural aromatic molecules associated with sweet tastes. The device, called GC-OAT, uses an olfactoscan to deliver continuous streams of aromas through a tube to a subject's nose, allowing researchers to screen for odor compounds in real foods.
A University at Buffalo study finds that fussy infants who find food more rewarding are at a higher risk of obesity. The research assessed infant temperament through a questionnaire, measuring cuddliness and food reinforcement.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that limited access to nearby stores selling fresh food may increase residents' risk of developing signs of early heart disease. The research found that healthy food stores within one mile of their home significantly reduced or slowed the progression of coronary artery calcium buildup.
A new study finds that humans have the highest number of cortical neurons among primates, but the prefrontal region's size is similar to non-human primates. Cooking allowed early humans to overcome energetic barriers, enabling brain growth and development.
A recent study by Cynthia Levine suggests that people who fit better with their culture have healthier eating habits. In the US, independent behavior predicts a healthy diet, while in Japan, interdependence is linked to healthier eating.
A study found that nearly half of US adults consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily, and two-thirds eat discretionary foods like cookies and candy. Despite supermarket access, these unhealthy choices persist, suggesting a need to address junk food marketing and nutrition education.
A study published in American Journal of Kidney Diseases found that following a DASH-style diet can lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease over two decades. The diet, which emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, was also shown to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
A Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve cognitive function and slow down cognitive decline. The diet's focus on plant-based foods, low dairy intake, and olive oil as a primary source of fat may contribute to its benefits.
A new study by UTHealth found that Brighter Bites significantly reduced added sugar intake among first-grade children and improved home environments, including increased cooking from scratch at home. Parents also showed improvements in nutrition knowledge and behavior.
A ketone drink developed for soldiers improved endurance performance in highly trained cyclists, enabling them to cover an additional 400 meters. The supplement works by temporarily switching the primary source of cellular energy from glucose or fat to ketones, reducing lactic acid production and muscle fatigue.
A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that severely obese women's brain activity differs from lean counterparts when it comes to responding to food cues. Despite reporting fullness, their brains continued to react similarly to hungry states, with sustained activation in reward centers.
A recent study found that only 53% of Americans are aware of food waste being a problem, despite its negative environmental impacts. The study identified practical benefits such as reduced risk of foodborne illness, but also feelings of guilt and misconceptions about the importance of food waste.
Researchers found significant improvements in eating habits among participants who attended Jamie Oliver's Ministry of Food courses, including increased fruit and vegetable intake. The study also showed a decrease in snack consumption and an increase in cooking confidence.
A study has found that a father's metabolic health can be passed to his children and grandchildren, increasing their risk of developing metabolic disease. The research discovered that obese fathers are putting their sons at risk of developing fatty liver disease and pre-diabetic symptoms.
A review of existing research concludes that manipulating food product order or proximity can positively impact food choices. Healthy food nudging is promising, with 16 out of 18 studies showing a positive impact. The review suggests using placement of products to promote healthier options, such as vegetables being placed first in line.
Researchers found that a Western diet impairs the ability to inhibit memories of palatable foods, making it harder to resist treats even when full. This link between dietary habits and brain function could explain why some people develop persistent desires for snacks leading to obesity.
Researchers found that brain networks mediating comfort food-induced stress relief differ between males and females, with unique effects in the female brain across the hormonal cycle. Female rats experienced reduced stress hormone response to a sweet sugar drink only during the proestrus/estrus stage.
A new study reveals that artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite by integrating sweetness with energy content in the brain, leading to increased food consumption. Researchers found that chronic exposure to sucralose increased the animal's motivation to eat more food, even when they had enough calories.
Exposure to social-based messages promoting healthy eating increases consumption of fruit and vegetables, while reducing high-calorie snack consumption. The researchers found that a 'liking social norm' message had a powerful effect on food choices.
Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a portable and easy-to-use method to help people estimate portion size using only their hands. The 'finger width' method was found to be more accurate than household measures, with 80% of food sizes assessed within 25% of their true weight.
A study by Baylor University finds that successful dieters focus on adding healthy foods they enjoy, rather than restricting themselves from favorite treats. This approach helps individuals with high self-control achieve their health goals.
Researchers at York University and CAMH discovered a new link between the OXTR gene and binge eating behaviors. The study found that specific genetic variations contribute to overeating habits, suggesting oxytocin plays a role in regulating behavior.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that eating the same food as a companion increases sense of closeness and trust. This strategy can be applied to various social situations, such as first dates or business negotiations, and may even influence marketing effectiveness.
Research from McMaster University found that children who watched unhealthy food and beverage ads consumed significantly more calories than those who did not watch ads. The study suggests that targeted advertising of unhealthy foods can have a lasting impact on children's dietary preferences.
A study from I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed in Italy found that pasta consumption is linked to a reduced likelihood of obesity, rather than an increase in body weight. The research examined over 23,000 participants and found that moderate pasta consumption contributes to a healthy body mass index.
A new study suggests that a powdered food supplement, based on a molecule produced by bacteria in the gut, can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods like chocolate and pizza. The supplement, called inulin-propionate ester, releases more propionate than other fiber supplements, which signals to the brain to reduce appetite.
Researchers have developed a computer game and mobile app to help people control unhealthy eating habits and lose weight. The game improves inhibitory control, while the app detects patterns in eating habits and provides personalized strategies to stay on track.
Researchers found that in-store marketing focusing on fruits and vegetables led to an increase in produce purchases, keeping overall food spending the same. The intervention resulted in a significant proportion of customers spending more on produce, with the impact replicated in new stores.
A study found that university students who practice health-promoting behaviors like tracking food intake and exercising frequently are more likely to use nutrition information on dining hall food. Only 20% of students used the labels, despite high label awareness rates.
Researchers at Drexel University found that an artificial sweetener, specifically D-mannitol, is toxic to female fruit flies, but not males. The study suggests that targeting females in insect control could reduce population growth and impact social insect pests.
Researchers investigated the Goffin's cockatoo's ability to make flexible decisions about tool use based on the current 'market' situation. The study found that the birds could overcome immediate impulses in favor of future gains, but only when both tools were not offered simultaneously due to limitations in working memory capacity.
Researchers developed a machine learning program that can detect human activity in videos sooner and more accurately than previous methods. The program is trained to gain confidence in its predictions over time, allowing it to detect activities earlier and with higher accuracy.
A new study found an association between healthy diets and reduced risk of impaired physical function in women as they age. Women who maintained a healthier diet were less likely to develop physical impairments, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains associated with reduced rates of physical impairment.
A new study suggests that consuming walnuts and other whole foods as part of a healthy diet may help maintain independence in aging women. Higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts was associated with reduced rates of physical impairment.
Eating irregularly is linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity. The authors argue that considering the timing of meals alongside dietary choices could lead to better public health outcomes. Research highlights the importance of studying chrono-nutrition and its impact on our internal body clocks.
A study published in Cell Reports found that mice fed a high-fiber diet had fewer severe peanut allergies than those with an average fiber intake. The researchers discovered that gut bacteria release specific fatty acids in response to fiber intake, which impact allergic responses via changes to the immune system.
A high-fibre diet shaped by fibre and short-chain fatty acids boosts dendritic cells, which control allergic responses, reducing allergy symptoms. The study suggests that a lack of fibre may promote food allergies in infants due to low levels of vitamin A.
A study using GPS technology found that adolescents' exposure to junk food outlets during trips to and from school significantly affects their likelihood of making a junk food purchase. The research revealed that longer exposure times increased the chances of a purchase, with females being more likely to make unhealthy choices than males.
Research suggests that mothers' obesity can impair the health of later generations through mitochondrial DNA passed to offspring. Healthy diets and exercise may reverse genetic metabolic abnormalities.
A plant-rich diet with high fruit and vegetable intake can reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 20%, according to a new study. A healthier version of this diet further reduces the risk by 34%, while an unhealthy version increases it.
A plant-based diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes is associated with a 20% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The study found that even modestly lowering animal food consumption can lower diabetes incidence.
Research from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that caregivers often serve large portions to show affection, leading to unnecessary food waste. The study suggests connecting food pantries with nutritional educators can reduce food waste in lower-middle class households.
A new NIH-funded study shows that introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy is a safe and effective strategy for preventing peanut allergy. The research, based on the LEAP clinical trial, found no negative effects on infant and child growth and nutrition, including breastfeeding duration and body mass index.
The Nutrino app will connect with Medtronic continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and insulin pumps, providing personalized food suggestions and meal plans based on carbohydrate intake, glucose levels, and other measures. The app aims to enhance daily life and inform future diabetes management strategies.
A new study found that late sleep timing is associated with higher fast food intake and lower vegetable consumption, as well as lower physical activity levels. The study suggests that poor dietary behaviors may predispose individuals with late sleep to increased risk of weight gain.
Researchers found a genetic variation linked to food addiction in Asian-American college students, who were more likely to crave carbohydrates and fast food. The study's findings suggest that targeting addictive behavior in individuals with the DRD2 A1 variant could lead to personalized approaches for promoting healthier eating habits.
A University of Georgia study finds that people's definitions of moderation vary based on their perception of food, leading to inconsistent behavior. The research suggests that the concept of moderation can be misleading for weight management and obesity prevention.
A new study by NYU Langone Health finds that music stars' endorsement of food and beverage products are mostly unhealthy, contributing to the rising rate of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed over 163 identified pop stars' endorsements, finding 81% of their endorsed food products were nutrient-poor.
Research published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that diners in well-lit rooms are more likely to order healthier options, such as grilled fish or vegetables, compared to those in dimly lit spaces. The study also revealed that increased alertness leads to better food choices.
A new study from RIKEN Brain Science Institute reveals that the brain processes ambiguous associations, like those between odors and food or sounds and predators. Researchers found that the amygdala stores both memories and uncertainty in neural circuits.
A five-week middle school obesity prevention program called Students for Nutrition and eXercise (SNaX) helped obese students lose weight over a long term, with an average reduction in body mass index (BMI) of about nine pounds. The program combined environmental changes and peer-led education to promote healthy eating and physical acti...
Research from North Carolina State University finds that bees in cities rely on flowers for nectar, not processed sugars. Domesticated and feral bee populations show varying levels of sugar consumption.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher intakes of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes and French fries are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Replacing one serving a day of potatoes with non-starchy vegetables is linked to a lower risk of hypertension.
Researchers found that placing protein bars at the start of the dessert line increased selection by 46%, while keeping them in original packaging boosted selection by 59%. These simple changes made healthy foods more convenient and appealing to clients.
Researchers at King's College London examined eating habits of 1,620 children to determine if timing of evening meals was associated with obesity. They found no significant risk of being obese or overweight when eating dinner between 8pm and 10pm compared to earlier times.
Infants following baby-led weaning tend to be exclusively breastfed longer and eat meals with their families, which is great for long-term health. However, they have higher fat intakes and lower nutrient levels compared to spoon-fed babies.
A Drexel University study found that upgrading local corner stores with healthier stock and training did not lead to significant changes in healthy eating behaviors. Despite increased perception of food accessibility, residents' purchasing and consumption habits remained unchanged.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified elevated levels of eosinophil progenitor cells in the blood of pediatric patients with active EoE disease. This finding suggests a potential non-invasive biomarker for monitoring disease activity and reducing discomfort, costs, and side effects for patients.
Researchers from the University of Missouri confirm exercise plays a crucial role in fighting obesity, with significant benefits for fat tissue and metabolism. The study found exercising rats developed different gut microbes than sedentary groups, despite eating the same amount of food, indicating exercise's importance in overall health.