Diets
Articles tagged with Diets
American Society for Nutrition Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation announce 2026 awardees advancing nutrition and obesity science
Dietary changes in older people can improve ‘biological age’
A study published in Aging Cell found that reducing dietary fat or animal-based protein can reduce 'biological age' in older adults. After just four weeks, participants showed significant reductions in biomarker profiles indicative of improved health and aging outcomes.
FAU review: Obesity and Alzheimer’s linked by disease-driving metabolic pathways
A review from Florida Atlantic University links obesity to Alzheimer's disease through disruptions in metabolism, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial function and gut-brain axis balance. Early detection and whole-body prevention may become possible through monitoring metabolic health.
Study: Egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that moderate egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that eating one egg per day for at least five days a week reduces the risk of Alzheimer's by up to 27%.
‘Fitspiration’ posts may do more harm than good for young adults – international study, led by Olympian, suggests
A new study suggests that fitspiration content on social media can lead to negative self-esteem, unhealthy dieting, and exercise habits among young adults. Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals across seven countries, finding that even brief exposure to idealized images can trigger harmful comparisons.
New clinical trial shows vegan diet dramatically cuts food-related emissions—with major health benefits
A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.
Plant-based diet cuts climate impact by more than half, randomized clinical trial shows
A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition shows that adopting a low-fat vegan diet can rapidly reduce environmental impact while improving metabolic health. The 12-week randomized clinical trial found dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand.
Plant-based eating may reduce inflammation, new research suggests
A study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based dietary patterns were associated with significantly lower C-reactive protein levels compared to omnivorous diets. This reduction may indicate less background inflammation and lower cardiovascular risk.
Biomonitoring the Anthropocene: NY's East River becomes a living biosensor
A year-long study of NYC's East River used environmental DNA to reveal insights into urban wildlife activity, human food consumption and ecosystem health. The findings suggest that urban waterways can become continuous biosensors tracking biodiversity and habitat restoration outcomes.
How eating primes immune cells for future responses
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that eating creates a temporary metabolic state that influences T cell function, leading to improved responses to infection. The findings have particular relevance for cancer immunotherapy and may inform when immune cells are collected or activated.
Lifestyle, diet, and clinical factors shape the gut microbiome in cancer patients
A new review found that lifestyle behaviors like physical activity and diet can positively modulate the gut microbiome of cancer patients, but these effects are often influenced by non-modifiable variables. The study also highlighted the role of intrinsic patient characteristics in shaping microbial composition.
Top 3 dietary risks behind 5.9 million heart deaths globally
A comprehensive study reveals that high sodium intake, low fruit consumption, and lack of whole grains are the primary drivers behind 5.9 million cardiovascular deaths worldwide. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions, such as mandatory front-of-pack labeling and food reformulation in high-population countries.
FDA ‘healthy’ label boosts sales of healthier snacks and commands price premium, study finds
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.
Keto diet may improve beta cell function in people with type 2 diabetes
A ketogenic diet has been shown to improve beta-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes by decreasing proinsulin secretion and reducing pancreas stress. This improvement is associated with changes in the proinsulin-C-peptide ratio, a biomarker of pancreas stress.
How to remove a metabolic tattoo
A team of Kyoto University researchers found that exposure to high-fat diets induces persistent metabolic stress in killer T cells, but also discovered a pathway for protection through purine metabolism. By recycling xanthine, killer T cells can produce antioxidants to boost their ability to fight tumors.
Eating more ultra-processed foods linked with greater risk of being overweight or obese in adolescents
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.
High-salt diet linked to faster memory decline in men, ECU study finds
A new study from Edith Cowan University found that higher sodium intake is associated with a faster decline in episodic memory in men. The study of over 1,200 participants suggests that diets high in salt may have broader cognitive impacts than previously understood.
People who consume ultra-processed foods have worse muscle health
Researchers found a diet high in ultra-processed foods is associated with higher amounts of fat stored inside thigh muscles. This increased intramuscular fat may increase the risk for knee osteoarthritis. The study suggests that addressing obesity and improving dietary quality are crucial to preserving muscle health.
Negative effects of artificial sweeteners may pass on to next generation, mouse research suggests
Research in mice suggests artificial sweeteners can affect gut microbiome and gene expression, potentially impacting metabolic health. The study found that offspring of mice fed sucralose or stevia had altered gene expression linked to inflammation and metabolism.
New evidence that fat promotes tumor growth in aggressive breast cancer
A study by Princeton University researchers found that high-fat diets contribute to aggressive breast cancer growth, with tumors fed fatty acids forming hollow appendages. The team's 3D model showed that a ketogenic diet did not provide the expected benefits for this type of cancer.
Older men most likely to reach for saltshakers, while women’s salt-adding behavior more nuanced, study suggests
A new study found that older men are more likely to reach for saltshakers than women, who's behavior is influenced by factors such as diet quality and lifestyle. The research highlights the importance of reducing salt consumption, particularly in industrialized foods.
Simple blood test could spot dementia years earlier, research shows
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
Placing fruit and veg near store entrances can improve sales and diet quality
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.
Plant-based dietary patterns linked to slower epigenetic aging
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.
New tool spots and evaluates nutrition misinformation’s potential for harm
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.
Children and teenagers more open to meat free diets - but struggle to maintain it
A new study from the University of Exeter found that children and teenagers are more open to vegetarian or vegan diets, but often struggle to keep it up. The study identified key reasons for this, including disgust at learning about animal meat sources, health concerns, and environmental issues.
Fiber in whole wheat foods protects against gut inflammation in mice, study finds
Researchers found that metabolism of wheat fiber by intestinal bacteria generated bioactive anti-inflammatory metabolites, including polyphenols, which reprogrammed intestinal immune cells to suppress inflammation. The study suggests eating whole wheat foods may reduce one’s risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Preparing a home cooked meal at least once a week may cut older people’s dementia risk by 30%
A study of 10,978 participants found that cooking at home at least once a week is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Novice cooks with few culinary skills saw a 70% reduction in risk, while skilled cooks still benefited from regular meal prep
Dietary changes and medications could help prevent recurrent kidney stones
A systematic review of 31 studies found that diet changes and medications like thiazide diuretics, alkali therapy, and allopurinol may reduce stone recurrence in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. However, evidence was generally limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions.
Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health
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.
Researchers find link between ultra-processed foods and infertility in US women
Researchers analyzed data from 2,500 US women and found that those consuming fewer ultra-processed foods had higher fertility rates. The Mediterranean diet showed a positive association with fertility, but this benefit disappeared once obesity was factored in.
High meat consumption linked to lower dementia risk in genetic risk group
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that older people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease who consume relatively large amounts of meat have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study also shows that the type of meat is important, with a lower proportion of processed meat associated with a lower risk of de...
Adherence to healthy lifestyle and risk of cardiometabolic diseases in individuals with hypertension
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a high-quality diet, moderate exercise, and low alcohol consumption, was associated with lower cardiometabolic disease risk. The study found that adhering to these healthy behaviors reduced the risk of major cardiometabolic diseases independent of medication use.
Researchers clarify how ketogenic diets treat epilepsy, guiding future therapy development
A new review outlines the scientific explanations behind ketogenic diets' therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, including their ability to strengthen brain energy systems, reduce inflammation, and protect neurons. The review highlights the need for further research, particularly in adults, to develop new therapies that mirror the diet's e...
Remote ketogenic metabolic therapy found to reduce depression symptoms by 62%
A UK study found that a 12-week ketogenic metabolic therapy program led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety scores. The program, delivered remotely, showed a 62% reduction in depression symptoms and a 46% reduction in anxiety, with 100% of participants completing the program.
Study reveals how gut bacteria and diet can reprogram fat to burn more energy
Researchers found that specific gut bacteria can sense diet and translate information into signals that tell fat cells to burn energy. A low-protein diet activated precise gut microbes that promote beige fat production, leading to improved glucose control and lower cholesterol levels.
Pennington Biomedical researcher publishes editorial in leading American Heart Association journal
A Pennington Biomedical researcher published an editorial on the benefits of fruit intake for vascular health, citing a study on increasing fruit intake with avocados and mangos. The findings suggest that diets rich in fruits can improve nutrient status and health outcomes, aligning with the goals of the Food Is Medicine initiative.
High-fat diet accelerates breast cancer tumor growth and invasion
Researchers found a high-fat diet accelerates tumor growth and invasion in triple-negative breast cancer, causing an increase in the enzyme MMP1. This dietary condition may lead to a poor prognosis and provide insight into tumor therapies.
Study explains how ketogenic diets prevent seizures
A ketogenic diet causes physical changes in brain cells that affect how they send information to one another, dampening the strength of signals between them. This quieter neural landscape might explain how the diet calms overactive electrical signaling characteristic of epileptic seizures.
GLP-1 drugs combined with healthy lifestyle habits linked with reduced cardiovascular risk among diabetes patients
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System found that using GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with adhering to healthy lifestyle habits significantly reduces cardiovascular risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that these two stra...
New research finds heart health benefits in combining mango and avocado daily
A new study found that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to daily meals and snacks for eight weeks improved vascular function among adults with prediabetes, while also reducing diastolic blood pressure. The Avocado-Mango diet showed significant increases in flow-mediated dilation and nutrient-dense nutrients without changes in calo...
Lifespan-extending treatments increase variation in age at time of death
Lifespan-extending treatments and dietary restriction have increased variance in age-at-death in vertebrates, failing to 'square the survival curve'. The findings highlight that current interventions do not equally benefit all individuals, leading to a biological lottery.
It’s not just about the number on the scale: The hidden value of so-called “yo-yo dieting”
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers found that repeated attempts at weight loss confer significant and sustainable health benefits over time, particularly through reduced visceral fat. Even when participants regain all the weight lost in a previous diet, their cardiometabolic health may remain improved.
High-fiber diet linked to reduced risk of heart disease in night shift workers
A high-fiber diet has been linked to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease in night shift workers. The study, published in the European Journal of Epidemiology, found that consuming more fiber daily can lower the risk, with moderate intake recommended for those working night shifts regularly.
Dietary patterns and indicators of cognitive function
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns, such as the DASH diet, is associated with lower subjective cognitive decline and better cognitive function. The findings highlight the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining long-term brain health.
Emotional memory region of aged brain is sensitive to processed foods
A new study suggests that a lack of fiber in the diet may impair emotional memory in older adults, linked to cognitive problems and inflammation. The amygdala, responsible for processing fearful experiences, is sensitive to highly processed diets, regardless of fat or sugar content.
Unveiling powerful synergies between plant compounds that dramatically reduce inflammation
Researchers discovered that pairing familiar plant-derived compounds can suppress inflammatory signals more effectively than using each compound independently. The study found that certain combinations increased the anti-inflammatory effect several hundred-fold compared to single ingredients alone.
Eleven genetic variants affect gut microbiome
Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.
Climate-friendly diet yielded unexpectedly strong nutritional outcomes
A study from Lund University found that a climate-friendly diet rich in plant-based foods like wholegrains, legumes, fruit, and vegetables leads to better nutritional status compared to traditional diets. Despite lower meat consumption, most participants achieved sufficient amounts of key vitamins and minerals.
New findings highlight two decades of evidence supporting pecans in heart-healthy diets
A comprehensive scientific review highlights pecans' positive effects on cardiovascular health, including improved lipid metabolism and antioxidant defenses. While findings on blood sugar control are mixed, the review suggests pecans may support better diet quality and satiety.
Low-carb and low-fat diets associated with lower heart disease risk if rich in high-quality, plant-based foods, low in animal products
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.
Healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets linked to better cardiovascular and metabolic health
A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.
Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that higher fat diets were more harmful than high-carbohydrate diets, even when fiber supplementation was added. Mice on high-fat and ketogenic diets experienced weight gain, liver damage, and other negative health effects, while those on a high-carbohydrate diet did not.
Strength training delivers the best and healthiest dieting results for both sexes
A new study found that strength training is the most effective tool for achieving 'high-quality' weight loss, reducing body fat while preserving and even increasing muscle mass. This type of exercise also reduces waist circumference, a key indicator of abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic risk.
Does a vegetarian upbringing stunt growth?
A landmark study of nearly 1.2 million infants suggests that a vegan or vegetarian diet does not compromise infant growth by age two. The research found that infants from plant-based households follow growth trajectories nearly identical to their omnivorous peers, providing reassuring evidence for parents and pediatricians.
Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns
A cohort study reveals that infants from vegan households have similar growth patterns to those from omnivorous households, with a higher risk of early underweight at birth. As the findings suggest, further research is needed to examine the quality of vegan diets and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy.
FAU study links ultra-processed foods to greater heart attack, stroke risk
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those consuming high amounts of UPFs had a significant increase in heart attack and stroke ...
A ketogenic diet for treatment-resistant depression
A ketogenic diet was found to have a modest effect in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study's results suggest that this dietary approach may be worth exploring as an adjunct therapy option.
Eating habits revealed by wearable cameras and AI
A new review highlights the limitations of traditional self-reported dietary tools and proposes an integrated framework combining emerging technologies to improve accuracy in dietary assessment. This approach may help build a clearer picture of what people truly eat and support healthier lives and food systems.