A new study suggests that eating a diet low in ultra-processed foods and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, even in those with a strong genetic predisposition. The analysis of data on tens of thousands of people found that those who followed these habits were up to 70% less likely to develop the condition.
A preliminary study led by UC San Francisco found that reducing ultra-processed food intake significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants, who reduced their intake by over 85%.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 87 clinical trials found that consuming four to six servings of wholegrain per day can lower cardiovascular risk factors, including body weight, waist circumference, and total cholesterol levels. Benefits were most pronounced at intakes of 60 to 100 grams per day.
A study of 7,500 adults found that healthy eating is associated with slower biological aging, with no single diet being superior. The researchers examined ten dietary patterns and found that all were linked with slower aging, with some more effective than others.
A new study suggests that a fondness for well-known fast-food and sugar-sweetened beverage brands can predict poorer diet quality, even among those who rate these brands as unhealthy. The research found that participants who liked fast-food brands not only consumed more fat and sugar but also tended to perceive those brands as healthier.
Researchers found that GLP-1 treatment improved muscle and cognitive function, and reduced hallmarks of natural aging in older mice. The treatment also extended lifespan by nearly 100 days, suggesting a potential therapeutic route for slowing physiological aging.
A new study found that men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer who replaced saturated and animal fats with unsaturated and plant-based fats had a lower risk of death. Replacing about 10% of daily calories from animal fat with plant-based fat was associated with a 16% lower rate of death.
Researchers found typical errors in smartwatch calorie estimates of about 15% to 25%, with averages for the worst-performing watches climbing much higher. Smartwatches can still be useful, but users should understand their limitations and use data to track personal trends over time.
Researchers investigate how consumers incorporate dollar stores into their household food purchases and explore health concerns surrounding the proliferation of dollar stores. The study aims to develop educational resources and tools to help consumers stretch their food budget and maintain a nutritious diet utilizing dollar stores.
Researchers found that a Western-style diet exacerbated male infertility in mice with genetic mutations, leading to lower fertility and poorer sperm quality. The study suggests that lifestyle factors contribute to the severity of infertility in men with underlying genetic susceptibility, providing new insights into personalized fertili...
A 6-month study of 5132 MyNetDiary users found that consistent food-tracking, even with fewer than 2 days per week, is associated with better weight loss outcomes. Users who tracked food 6-7 days per week lost an average of 11.33% of their body weight, while those who tracked only 2-3 days per week lost 7.35%.
A recent study found that TikTok food content prompts hunger and cravings in adolescents, but parents can help them navigate its influence by fostering critical conversations and encouraging family meals. The study suggests parents can provide a protective perspective by questioning influencer claims and promoting healthy social media ...
A new review reveals that biochar can act as an electron bridge, tripling electron transfer capacity in ammonia-removing microbes and boosting wastewater treatment efficiency. Biochar production can be tuned to enhance electron transfer, and emerging technologies may further reduce energy footprint.
Researchers are seeking 450 participants to explore the health effects of adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet among younger adults with overweight or obesity. Over 12 months, participants will follow a plant-based diet and have regular health checks to measure their health outcomes.
Ancient populations across six regions in the central-eastern Eurasian Steppe shifted their diets in near-perfect synchrony over 4,000 years. The study suggests that climate, mobility, and advances in milling technology drove these dietary transitions.
A new USDA listing provides standardized nutrition data for watermelon rind, complementing the nutrient-rich flesh and offering a simple way to reduce food waste. The data reveals that 1/3-cup serving of diced raw watermelon rind contains just 10 calories and provides 1 gram of dietary fiber.
Researchers found that women receiving beetroot juice experienced fewer serious adverse events, better kidney function after pregnancy, and reduced need for blood pressure medication. The study suggests beetroot juice could be a safe and low-cost intervention to support women with chronic kidney disease during pregnancy.
Researchers propose using a simple GKI test to track metabolic health in noncommunicable diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The test measures glucose to ketone ratio and may help assess nutritional ketosis and adherence to metabolic interventions.
A new study found that nostalgia and family traditions are major barriers to adopting plant-based diets, with personal experiences and cultural identities playing a significant role. Researchers suggest recreating nostalgic or culturally significant dishes using vegan ingredients can make dietary change feel more accessible.
A new Cornell study found that drinking water at meals can lead to consuming more food, rather than less. The researchers also discovered that adding spice to snacks can decrease eating volume, making it a potentially effective strategy for reducing energy intake.
Researchers from 12 countries have launched a global effort to document and study 'heritage' diets before they are lost. These diets, shaped by local environments and traditions, may hold vital clues to better health.
A new study of nearly 1,500 pregnant participants found that following dietary guidelines may reduce exposure to many environmental chemicals from food and everyday products. However, the same dietary pattern does not lower exposure to all chemicals, with higher levels found in certain pesticides on fresh produce.
A new study suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may provide additional benefits for mental health, particularly among older adults. The research found that individuals with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet had less decline in emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Duke-NUS study found that mandatory Nutri-Grade front-of-pack labels on beverages redirected household consumers to healthier drinks and encouraged manufacturers to reformulate products with less sugar. The study resulted in an 18% reduction in sugary drink consumption and a 44% decrease in purchases of unhealthy drinks.
A new study reveals that a Green Mediterranean diet enriched with the aquatic plant Mankai can improve gene activity and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. Participants who followed this diet experienced increased folate levels, which fueled one-carbon metabolism and supported DNA maintenance.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that chewing sugary gum after consuming beetroot increases nitrite production, leading to lower blood pressure. This finding could have implications for sports people using beetroot to improve athletic performance.
A study found that prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides reduced harmful metabolites and improved liver health in overweight adults. The composition of the gut microbiota prior to supplementation influenced the benefits observed.
A study by King's College London found that following a short-term low-calorie diet can reduce markers of inflammation associated with gum disease. This suggests lifestyle modifications may be important alongside plaque control in managing gum disease.
NUTRITION 2026 brings together thousands of researchers and health professionals to share new evidence on protein needs, infant formula regulation, microbiome mysteries, and more. The meeting features over 1,650 scientific studies and provides a platform for experts to discuss the future of nutrition science.
Dr. Mey directs the Mitochondrial Energetics and Nutrient Utilization (MENU) Laboratory at Pennington Biomedical, researching precision nutrition and metabolic health. He will represent Pennington Biomedical and the Academy as a Media Spokesperson.
New research from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre found that alcohol can trigger biological pathways that increase levels of the hormone FGF21, which is linked to protein appetite. This can lead people to overconsume savoury ultra-processed foods, contributing to excess energy intake and weight gain.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health identifies simple food substitutions that can improve meal nutritional quality and lower costs. By analyzing 135,491 meal records, researchers trained an AI model to suggest one to three ingredient swaps, resulting in a 10% improvement in nutritional quality and a 22-34% reduction in costs.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that phytic acid, found in plant-rich diets, activates a cellular regulator to maintain intestinal barrier function. This finding offers a promising natural solution for managing leaky gut and its link to chronic conditions.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gut microbiome alterations persist even after adenoma removal, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers discovered that diet and physical activity were closely tied to CRC-associated gut microbes, suggesting lifestyle habits may contribute to sustained risk.
The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) is hosting a scientific symposium in Tokyo to foster global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Key findings from leading experts will be presented on innovative biotics research and microbiome science.
A combination of guava juice and iron supplements is more effective than iron supplements alone in boosting haemoglobin levels, according to a meta-analysis. The study found that regular guava juice consumption can help lower the risk of anaemia in women, particularly those with low vitamin C intake.
A recent study found that consuming common preservative food additives increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Non-antioxidant preservatives, in particular, were linked to a higher risk of hypertension.
A higher dietary intake of soy and legumes is associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure. The optimal daily amount may be around 170g of legumes, which include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, and 60-80g of soy foods.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that only 43% of menu items at the UK's highest-grossing restaurant chains met all voluntary targets for sugar, salt, and calorie reduction. This suggests that stricter regulation may be needed to improve the nutritional quality of out-of-home food.
Lancaster University researchers created a new toolset to guide developers in designing digital technologies that support mindful eating. The toolset, MEDEC cards, provides practical guidelines for designers and health practitioners, aligning with evidence-based health research and ensuring safe and effective solutions.
A study of over 2,100 Australian adults found that a daily increase in ultra-processed foods can significantly impact attention span and cognitive function. Even among those who consume a healthy Mediterranean diet, the degree of food processing plays a critical role in damaging brain health.
A Japanese study examines the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on individuals with glucose intolerance, revealing a clear divergence in clinical trajectories among those who worsened and improved. Flexible lifestyle adaptation is crucial for restoring metabolic health, suggesting personalized support may improve glycemic control.
A new study found that FDA 'healthy' labels increase consumer selections of healthier snacks and command a price premium. The study, led by researchers at Oregon State University, examined consumer purchasing preferences for snack products with and without healthy labels.
A recent study found that adolescents consuming more ultra-processed foods have significantly higher odds of being overweight or obese. The study, which analyzed data from 155,000 adolescents across multiple countries, suggests that public health strategies should prioritize reducing UPF consumption among adolescents.
A new study confirms a direct link between good physical fitness and reduced risk of suffering from over 30 diseases. Individuals with high genetic predisposition to be physically fit exhibit lower risks of cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and asthma, while also showing better health in metabolic and inflammatory aspects.
Researchers discovered that placing fruit and vegetable sections near supermarket entrances increases purchased portions by 2,525 per week. This led to improved women's diets and potential long-term health benefits.
The updated guidance offers nine key features of a heart-healthy dietary pattern, emphasizing the importance of making sustainable and personalized choices throughout life. The American Heart Association aims to encourage lifelong adherence to healthy eating patterns to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
A review of international studies found that regular physical activity, a Mediterranean-style diet, and stress management can help reduce endometriosis-related pain and improve quality of life. The study also introduces the fasting-mimicking diet as a potential approach for managing gynecological conditions.
A new study published in Aging-US found that plant-based dietary patterns are associated with slower epigenetic aging. The research analyzed data from two large cohorts and found that higher intake of plant foods was linked to decelerated biological aging.
A review highlights the importance of healthy lifestyles in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Adhering to optimal lifestyle factors, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, can dramatically lower disease incidence.
A new tool developed by UCL researchers can identify diet and nutrition misinformation, as well as its risk for potential harm. The tool assesses the content's risk based on factors like inaccuracy, hazardous omissions, and manipulative framing.
Researchers found that adults who followed routine eating patterns lost more weight than those with varied diets. Those who repeated many of the same foods lost an average of 5.9% of their body weight, compared to 4.3%. Greater calorie consistency was also linked to better results.
Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.
A new study from Drexel University found that individuals who spent more time in nature reported better dietary behaviors, such as eating more fruits and vegetables. Participants who spent more time in nature also experienced improved mental health, including reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.
A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.
A study found that individuals trying to diet are more likely to choose unhealthy snacks when feeling negative emotions, but emotional awareness is the key to maintaining healthier eating habits. Practicable strategies like mindfulness exercises and checking in with feelings can help dieters stay on track.
A six-month study found that consuming 43 grams of peanut butter daily significantly increased muscle power in older adults. This improvement enables them to perform daily activities like stair climbing and rising from a chair more efficiently.
A recent study published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics has identified a link between high sugary drink consumption and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. The research team found consistent associations between energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks and increased anxiety rates.
A new study finds that the quality of macronutrients matters more than their quantity for heart health, with diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study also found improved cardiovascular biomarkers in healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets.