Research on food, its safety, and its effects. Covers nutrition advice and industry ties, meal timing, flavor chemistry, and plant-based diets.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the popular blood type diet theory is not valid, as associations between diets and health markers are independent of an individual's blood type. The study suggests that adherence to a sensible vegetarian or low-carbohydrate diet is key to improving health, regardless of blood type.
A University of Illinois study found that inadequate sleep, parental BMI, and restrictive eating practices are the most significant risk factors for child obesity in preschoolers. The research suggests that addressing these risk factors can lead to a reduction in children's weight status.
Nine-month-old infants can infer whether people are friends or not based on their reactions to shared evaluations, such as eating the same food. This suggests that infants track social relationships from an early age and make inferences about others' behavior.
Researchers found that adding half an avocado to a lunch reduced participants' desire to eat by 40% over three hours and increased feelings of satisfaction by 26%, compared to a standard lunch. The study's findings suggest avocados may play a role in blood sugar management, leading to further investigation.
A study of over 2,600 menu items found that full-service restaurants in Philadelphia exceed daily recommended values for calories, fat, and sodium. Nutrition education can help consumers make informed choices, but policy changes are necessary to promote healthier options.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that early hominins like Paranthropus boisei ate a diet of tiger nuts, fruits, and insects, providing enough nutrients for their large brains. The research calculates that a hominin could extract sufficient calories from tiger nuts in just two to three hours per day.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that colorful or noticeable food packages predispose people to look and choose certain options. Visual attractiveness influences where people look, with a ratio of 1:3 compared to consumer preferences, and plays a significant role in decision-making.
Archaeologists at the University of Cincinnati have uncovered a more complex picture of life in ancient Pompeii, finding that the poor did not scrounge for scraps but instead enjoyed a range of affordable food options. The research, led by Steven Ellis, reveals exotic spices and meats were part of non-elite diets.
A systematic review of experimental studies found that providing information about others' eating habits influences food intake and choices. Social norms play a significant role in shaping eating behaviors, even when individuals are alone or unaware of the influence.
A new study found that slowing down meal pace can lead to reduced hunger and calories consumed in normal-weight individuals. However, the effect was less pronounced in overweight or obese subjects, who may have eaten less due to self-consciousness. Both groups experienced lower hunger levels after slower-paced meals.
Researchers discovered that pikas in Oregon can thrive in hot weather by consuming high amounts of fiber-rich moss. The pikas' unique digestive system allows them to recycle low-quality food into nutritious protein and energy.
A study found that orb web spiders make up 25% of their diet with pollen, consuming aerial plankton like fungal spores. Spiders that ate both pollen and flies gained optimal nourishment.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity found that food and beverage ads on children's TV programs are nutritionally unhealthy for kids. The researchers assessed the nutritional content of over 84% of food and beverage products advertised during children's programming.
University of Utah researchers found roly-poly pikas can survive extreme heat by consuming 60% moss in their diet, setting a new record for fiber intake. The study also revealed these low-elevation pikas build smaller food caches to survive winter, highlighting an unexpected adaptation to climate change.
A Taiwanese study found that high-quality diets among children are correlated with those of their elders, regardless of factors such as household income and parental education. The researchers suggest that grandparents may play a significant role in influencing food habits across generations.
A recent study found that eating burgers from restaurants at least twice a week was associated with a 26% increased risk of obesity in young African American women. Higher sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption also significantly contributed to obesity risk, with a 10% increase seen in those who drank two or more per day.
A meta-analysis found that healthier diet patterns cost significantly more than unhealthy ones, with an average daily difference of $1.50, representing a real burden for some families. The study suggests creating policies to offset these costs and reduce the economic benefits of healthy diets.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide discovered that the stomach's nerves act as a circadian clock, controlling food intake. The discovery suggests that the gut signals the brain about when to stop eating, and how this timing varies throughout the day.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an implantable genetic circuit that monitors and regulates blood fat levels, reducing hunger and promoting weight loss in obese mice. The innovative device exploits the natural human satiety mechanism, providing a potential alternative to surgical interventions.
A majority of young California children eat fast food regularly, with 60% consuming it at least once a week. Parents in lower-income households have less influence over their children's eating habits, emphasizing the need for targeted health education and support.
A new Cornell University study reveals that consumers are willing to pay more for products labeled as 'free of' certain ingredients. When provided with more information about the risks associated with those ingredients, consumers become even more confident in their purchasing decisions and value the product more.
A 3-year study in Colombia found that preschoolers participating in a structured curriculum using Sesame Street's materials improved their knowledge of healthy eating and exercise habits by 15-27%. The percentage of children at a healthy weight increased by 13%. Parents' knowledge and attitudes also showed significant improvements.
A Drexel University study reveals that customers at restaurants with menu labels purchase food with 151 fewer calories, 224 milligrams less sodium, and 3.7 grams less saturated fat compared to those without labels. The study highlights the difficulty for consumers in making healthy choices when dining out.
Despite mandatory calorie postings, customers' purchasing habits and calorie intake remained unchanged. The study, conducted in Philadelphia and Baltimore, found that only a small percentage of customers noticed the labels, leading to minimal behavioral change.
Fruit juices could serve as carriers for probiotics, offering a dairy-free alternative. The study found that certain strains are stable in fruit juice without affecting sensory scores.
A growing body of evidence shows that diet affects brain function and identifies patterns associated with eating disorders like binge eating. Targeted magnetic stimulation reduces severe eating disorder symptoms, while rats' impulsivity is linked to calorie consumption on binges.
A large prospective study has shown that a higher dietary acid load increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of individual foods. The study found that women with higher acid loads had a 56% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with lower acid loads.
A new Dartmouth study suggests that chronic dieters overeat when their brain regions that balance impulsive behavior and self-control are disrupted. This depletion reduces a person's ability to engage in self-control by reducing connectivity between brain regions involved in cognitive control and rewards.
A study analyzing 6 popular food blogs found that vegetarian entrees were lower in calories and saturated fat, while overall recipes were acceptable in calories but excessive in sodium. Nutrition educators and dietitians can work with bloggers to promote healthier recipes online.
Research found that adults with lower education levels consumed more sugar- and fat-rich foods than those with higher education levels. They also expended more energy through physical activity, which may explain their higher food intake.
Residents in a low-income urban neighborhood on Indy's east side have higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease compared to other areas. The study suggests that limited access to healthy food contributes to these health disparities.
A new study suggests that stress eaters show dynamic patterns of eating behavior, with 'munchers' eating more after being stressed but less when pleased, while 'skippers' do the reverse. This challenges the idea that stress eaters need to regulate their eating habits to prevent weight gain.
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism behind hyperphagia in obese patients, where specific antibodies stabilize ghrelin, leading to increased appetite. This discovery opens new opportunities for designing treatments targeting this mechanism to reduce excessive food intake.
A University of Illinois study found that when groups eat together at a restaurant and must state their food choice aloud, they tend to select items from the same menu categories. This phenomenon suggests that people want to fit in with their peers rather than exhibit variety-seeking behavior.
A traffic-light labeling system in a hospital cafeteria increased customers' attention to nutritional quality and encouraged purchases of healthy items. The study found that 61% of respondents considered health/nutrition important factors in their choices after the intervention, compared to 46% before.
A new review reveals that simply reducing portion sizes is not an easy solution to reducing energy intakes, as consumers prioritize factors like packaging and cost over nutrition. Professor Benton highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach addressing various factors affecting energy intake and expenditure.
A study by Cornell researchers found that schools using debit card payment systems serve lower nutrition and higher calorie meals, as students tend to overspend. This can lead to a greater intake of unhealthy food items like candy, cheeseburgers, and fries.
A Michigan State University study found that advergames on food marketer websites often promote high-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium products. These games can be engaging and fun for children, but they also contribute to unhealthy diets and a less-than-active lifestyle.
The concept of food addiction is being debated as a potential mental disorder, with some studies suggesting that certain obese individuals exhibit addictive-like behavior towards food. However, more evidence is needed to support inclusion in the DSM, and experts caution against over-diagnosing disorders.
A new study from Brigham Young University finds that overexposure to food imagery on Instagram and other platforms increases satiation, leading to a decrease in enjoyment with repeated consumption. This phenomenon, known as sensory boredom, can result in people becoming tired of certain tastes without even eating the food.
Researchers pinpointed the precise cellular connections responsible for triggering overeating behavior in mice, suggesting a neurological basis for obesity and eating disorders. The study highlights a potential target for drug treatments to correct malfunctioning brain circuits.
Innovative food ingredients showcase significant health benefits, including reduced sodium intake and improved bowel health. Studies demonstrate the potential impact of sodium reduction technology and added fibre on reducing hypertension and increasing calcium absorption.
Researchers have developed edible films to keep produce fresh for longer periods, improving food safety and convenience. The technology uses invisible, colorless, odorless coatings made from natural materials like carnauba wax and vitamin C to prevent spoilage and discoloration.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that fast-food marketing aimed at children emphasizes giveaways and movie tie-ins more frequently than ads targeted at adults. The study also highlights the importance of aligning advertising to children with health promotion efforts to address concerns about obesity.
A new study reveals an unexpected role for a protein in the integration of opposing attractive and aversive gustatory stimuli in fruit flies. The findings demonstrate that the protein inhibits the activity of sugar-activated receptors when bitter compounds are present, reducing attraction to sugars.
Research published in Psychological Science found that fans of losing teams consume more saturated fats and sugars after a defeat, while supporters of winning teams opt for healthier options. Writing down personal values can counteract this effect and improve eating habits.
Researchers found that genetic variations in two bitter taste receptor genes can explain differences in the perception of artificial sweeteners like Ace K. Additionally, studies on stevia extracts revealed that RebD is perceived as less bitter than RebA, suggesting potential opportunities for developing new sweeteners.
The study reveals deeply concerning problems with the way workplaces are changing, including drivers' susceptibility to developing diabetes and other diseases. Truck drivers also face challenges such as federal regulations limiting their driving hours and pressure to meet market demands, which can lead to fatigue and health issues.
Scientists from Norwich BioScience Institute have gathered data to assess the hazards of lower temperature cooking in sous vide, filling a knowledge gap. They propose a way forward to ensure consistent and effective safety assessments, commensurate with any risk to public health.
Researchers at University of Illinois find way to boost health benefits of frozen broccoli by sprinkling it with daikon radish, a process that preserves sulforaphane's cancer-fighting properties even when cooked. The discovery aims to make frozen broccoli as nutritious as fresh.
A new UC Berkeley study reveals that sleep-deprived brains prefer unhealthy snacks and junk foods over whole grains and leafy greens. The researchers found impaired activity in the frontal lobe but increased activity in deeper brain centers that respond to rewards.
A recent study found that pregnant Hispanic women in California consume high levels of toxins such as methylmercury from tuna and PCBs from farmed salmon, which can cause birth defects and developmental delays. The researchers also highlighted the dangers of tap water and caffeine consumption during pregnancy.
Consumers of grapes and grape products have increased intakes of essential nutrients, including vitamin A, C, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This study suggests that incorporating grapes into one's diet may lead to healthier dietary patterns and improved nutrient intake.
Australian researchers have developed a food additive that can be used to improve the growth rate, health and sustainability of farmed prawns. The Novacq feed additive has been shown to promote faster growth, reduce reliance on wild fishery resources and produce high-quality products.
A maternal junk food diet during pregnancy changes the development of the opioid signalling pathway in the baby's brain, making them more likely to overconsume high-fat, high-sugar foods. This alteration can lead to negative metabolic outcomes and a lifelong risk of obesity.
A recent study found that taxing sugary beverages can lead to reduced calorie intake, but the health benefits are offset by consumers substituting other unhealthy foods. Lower-income households may reap some benefits from reduced sugary beverage consumption, but also face higher costs due to taxes.
Research suggests that early-life stress exposure increases adulthood anxiety, hormonal stress responses, and a preference for comfort foods. These changes may be used as self-medication to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that rituals we perform before eating, even seemingly insignificant ones, can change our perception of food. The researchers found that short, fabricated rituals can produce real effects on the taste and enjoyment of food.
A recent Carnegie Mellon University study found that providing recommended calorie intake information on menus does not encourage consumers to make healthier food choices. Despite this, policymakers have continued to rely on menu labeling as a tool in the fight against obesity.
A Minnesota high school dance team banquet led to a strep throat outbreak among 18 people who consumed cooked pasta. DNA fingerprinting revealed the bacteria isolated from throats matched those found in the pasta.