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 published in Social Science & Medicine suggests that parents' dietary choices have a limited impact on their children's eating habits. The research found weak to moderate resemblance between children's and their parents' diets, with factors like community and peer influence playing a bigger role.
Research finds most food adverts shown during children's TV are not targeting kids with unhealthy foods, contrary to common belief. Fewer than 5% of food adverts were found to be prohibited under new UK regulations aimed at limiting such ads.
The 2009 Greendex survey reports an increase in environmentally friendly consumer behavior in 13 of the 14 surveyed countries. Top-scoring consumers are in developing economies like India, Brazil, and China, while American and Canadian consumers rank last.
Researchers found that traffic light nutrition labels are more effective than percentage daily intake labels in helping consumers identify healthier foods. The study, which tested four different approaches on 790 Australians, recommended mandatory traffic light labelling regulation to improve nutrition information and promote healthier...
A recent study by Dr. Santosh Khokhar at the University of Leeds found that immigrant populations in Europe replace healthy components of their native diet with processed and fast foods, leading to higher levels of fat, salt, and sugar. Younger generations are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits, which can increase the r...
A Universite de Montreal study reveals that sharing meals with others increases food consumption among elderly patients in hospital geriatric re-adaptation units. Nutritional deficiencies often occur when patients eat alone, highlighting the importance of social interaction during mealtimes.
Researchers identified 19 volunteers with high dietary self-control and 18 without, showing differences in brain activity. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) modulates the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) to incorporate health considerations into decisions.
A large prospective case-cohort study found no association between dietary acrylamide intake and lung cancer risk in men, but suggested an inverse association in women. The researchers hypothesize that acrylamide may affect hormonal balances to explain the findings.
Research from Experimental Biology 2009 found that eating eggs for breakfast can reduce hunger, daily caloric intake, and BMI in adults. Additionally, protein-rich breakfasts can help teens control appetite and reduce post-meal hunger.
Consumers may feel they have fulfilled a healthy eating goal when choosing an unhealthy option, while the presence of a healthy choice draws attention to the least-healthy alternative. The study found that this phenomenon is more pronounced in individuals with high levels of self-control.
Research shows that children in poor, rural Mississippi Delta areas are willing to try fresh fruits and vegetables, with many consuming a large variety and quantity. However, the lack of grocery stores, fast food options, and quality delivery of fresh produce hinders their ability to make healthy choices.
A Rutgers study found that only 60% of Americans check their homes for recalled food products, and even fewer take action after finding a recall. The study suggests that personalizing communications about food recalls can increase consumer engagement.
Research finds that fast food and soft drinks contribute to childhood obesity, but paradoxically also reduce unhappiness. The study highlights the need for policies and programs that balance children's physical health with their emotional well-being.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study analyzed children's diets combined with psychological and sociodemographic variables in mothers. The results show that mothers with high negative affectivity are more likely to give their children unhealthy food, but not the opposite for healthy food.
A study by Joseph P. Redden and Stephen J. Hoch found that variety in optical illusions leads to underestimation of quantity, causing individuals to pour more when faced with a mix of items. This perception affects food portions and may contribute to overeating.
A new study examines how restaurants providing nutritional data influences consumer food choices and reveals that this practice can help people make healthier decisions. The research shows that when consumers' expectations are not met, providing nutrition information increases the perceived likelihood of weight gain and heart disease.
Researchers found that repeated exposure to similar temptations can enhance self-control, while a single tempting experience can wear down resistance. The studies showed that participants who had previously faced similar options performed better in subsequent decisions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients with type 2 diabetes excreted less calcium through their urine when consuming a high-fiber diet. This suggests that dietary fiber reduces the body's capacity to absorb calcium, leading to potential benefits for bone health.
A study of over 500,000 individuals found that high red meat consumption was associated with a higher risk of death from all causes, cancer, and heart disease. In contrast, higher intake of white meat appeared to be linked to a slightly decreased risk for overall death and cancer death.
Researchers from the University of Leeds used computer modeling to study animal specialization and found evidence supporting the neural limitations hypothesis. This suggests that animals adapt to eat certain foods due to information overload, leading to a loss of ability to process and choose new options.
Researchers found that controlling parents may inadvertently encourage their children to eat more, especially boys, as they seek larger portion sizes of sweetened cereal at daycare. Parents are advised to provide moderate portions and let children decide if they want additional servings.
The LIFE research project is the world's largest study on children's health and well-being, focusing on a new Nordic diet to address obesity-related issues. The five-year project aims to strengthen public health by introducing a regional food concept in schools and families.
A Cornell Food & Brand Lab study shows that giving vegetables fun names like X-Ray Vision Carrots boosts their consumption in preschoolers. The researchers found that these names can even influence kids' eating habits the next day.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that many middle-aged and older Americans are not getting adequate nutrition. Supplement use was associated with meeting recommended dietary intakes for calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, but potassium intake remained low regardless of supplement use.
A new study demonstrates simple techniques to avoid extreme actions when feeling depressed or happy. Focusing on reasons why feelings will pass or last can help individuals act in their long-term interests.
Researchers are using stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the past lives of hominids, revealing their diets and environments. The study of Paranthropus robustus suggests a diverse diet that includes hard foods like nuts, as well as sedges, grasses, seeds, and possibly animal foods.
Recent findings suggest early humans primarily ate gelatin, contradicting the long-held notion that they ate hard, tough foods like nuts. This shift in understanding may be linked to crisis situations rather than everyday dietary needs.
A study published in PNAS found that the facial structure of an ancient human relative was adapted for cracking open hard nuts and seeds. The team used finite element analysis and comparative methods to challenge the long-standing hypothesis about Australopithecus africanus' diet.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial warns of the dangers of excessive salt intake, citing that populations with very low salt consumption have no hypertension. The authors recommend a maximum daily intake of 2.8g for active young people and 2.2g for older adults.
A study found that American consumer awareness of trans fats increased significantly between 2006 and 2007, with 92% of consumers aware of the term. However, despite this increase, many respondents struggled to identify food sources of trans fats.
Research followed over 2000 high- and middle-school children, finding that TV viewing times predict a poor diet in the future. Young adults who watched more than five hours of TV per day had lower intakes of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but higher intakes of fast food and unhealthy snacks.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study challenges common assumptions about BPA exposure, suggesting that levels can remain high even after fasting for 24 hours. The finding highlights the need for further research into the effects of BPA on adipose tissue hormones and function.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that food adverts in popular UK magazines often feature sugary and salty products, despite promoting a healthier lifestyle. The study analyzed 30 widely-read weekly magazines and found that nearly every one contained unhealthy food options.
The USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion has reported a significant increase in calories in home-cooked recipes over time, with the iconic cookbook 'The Joy of Cooking' experiencing a 63% rise from its first publication to 2006. Small changes in recipe ingredients can have a substantial impact on nutritional content.
According to ASN President James O. Hill, PhD, small changes in diet and physical activity can prevent weight gain and reduce the magnitude of the obesity problem. Examples of such small changes include taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking extra 2,000 steps a day, and reducing food portion size by 5%.
A study of 1687 young adults found that those with more time for meals consumed healthier foods and fewer fast foods. The researchers suggest addressing time barriers to promote healthy meal behaviors among young adults.
A study found that 50% of school lunches provided inadequate nutrients, while young adults often can't find time to eat. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of consistent nutrition in child-care settings and supports businesses providing scheduled meal times for young adults.
A study published in JAMA found that a diet high in low-glycemic foods, such as nuts and beans, improved glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. The ESC recommends structured lifestyle advice for diabetes management, suggesting it may be as effective as some drug interventions.
A study published in Preventive Medicine found that rural Americans who regularly eat at buffets and engage in low physical activity are more likely to be obese. The research also highlights the importance of community-friendly transportation and access to healthy foods in reducing obesity rates.
In a six-month study, women doubled their fruit and vegetable intakes by following a Mediterranean diet plan with an exchange list. The plan maintained caloric and total fat intakes, leading to significant changes in their eating habits.
A study published in the Review of Agricultural Economics found that both fast food and table service restaurant meals are larger and have more calories than meals prepared at home. However, fast food meals tend to be smaller, resulting in fewer calories overall.
A new study found that consuming a single chocolate truffle can induce cravings for fatty foods and awaken desires for luxury items. Researchers discovered that people who were allowed to eat the truffle unconsciously activated a goal of indulgence, leading them to desire more treats.
A new partnership between nutritionists and chefs will provide Quebec daycares with healthier meal options. The three-year project aims to improve childcare centers' food preparation methods and introduce new approaches to healthy cuisine.
A Penn State study found that obese rats are less sensitive to sweet tastes and prefer sweeter foods due to a weakened response to weak concentrations, leading to a vicious circle of overeating and sugar cravings. The research suggests that the brain's reward center is affected by the increased consumption of sugary foods.
Scientists have identified a group of genes in rice that enable a yield of up to 100% more in severe drought conditions. This breakthrough has the potential to bring relief to farmers in countries like India and Thailand, where rice crops are regularly affected by drought.
A new study reveals that positive moods increase our ability to understand the big picture and make healthier decisions. Researchers found that people in a good mood think more abstractly and adopt higher-order future goals.
A new study finds that individuals with high and low self-control categorize items differently as necessities or luxuries. People with low self-control tend to categorize fewer items as necessities, making it more challenging to stick to their goals.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute brisk walk can reduce chocolate cravings in regular eaters. The exercise not only lowered cravings during the walk but also for at least ten minutes afterwards.
Consumer market readiness for tailored nutrition based on genetic profiles is limited due to concerns over personalization and regulation. Key factors hindering adoption include the need for clear scientific consensus and acceptable disruption to daily life.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that bumblebees use flower scent to guide their nest-mates to good food sources. The bees learned the most from demonstrations by other bees bringing back scent, but also gained knowledge when the anise odour entered the nest.
Researchers discovered that the small intestine can detect bitter toxins in food, slowing digestion and producing hormones that suppress appetite. This finding has potential applications for treating ailments like cancer and diabetes, and may explain why certain populations adapt to eat local foods that are toxic to outsiders.
A low-cholesterol diet can trigger an increase in bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) in the gut, according to a new study. This may help limit the absorption of toxins in the intestine.
A study found that children serve themselves larger portions when super-sized meals are available, but portion sizes vary by gender, ethnicity, and parental feeding practices. The researchers aim to identify factors affecting children's eating habits and promote healthy choices from an early age.
A study led by Texas AgriLife Research scientists has shown that the Brazilian acai berry's antioxidants are absorbed by the human body when consumed as juice or pulp. The finding is significant as it provides evidence for the berry's purported health benefits, which have been heavily marketed in the US.
Researchers found that 70% of students bought food or drink on their commute to school, spending $3.00 a day. The study aims to make corner store snacks healthier and involve kids in the process.
Research published in Obesity journal reveals overweight individuals sit closer to food, use larger plates, and eat more when dining at all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurants. These subtle differences contribute to increased food consumption among obese diners.
A survey of US consumers reveals that many have limited knowledge and consumption habits around Asian vegetables. Most participants had not tried over 9 different Asian veggies, but expressed interest in learning more about them.
A University of Missouri poverty expert found that the emotional stress associated with food stamp participation is higher than previously thought, particularly during the application and transition processes. The researcher suggests modifying the program by implementing a web-based application system to alleviate negative effects.
New research by Sugar Nutrition UK reveals that most children have sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals in their diets. The study found that even though children consume more added sugars than recommended, they still get the required amounts of most nutrients.
New research in the Journal of Consumer Research found that presenting tempting foods in a real setting can improve self-control and lead to moderation, contradicting the idea of banning or avoiding temptation altogether.