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Unhealthy food environments may play a role in increasing rates of childhood obesity in low- and middle-income countries

A study published in Public Health Nutrition found that unhealthy food retailers and advertisements dominate urban school neighborhoods in Greater Tunis, contributing to high rates of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed over 3600 retailers and nearly 2100 advertisements, revealing that two-thirds were classified as unhealthy, w...

SourceArnold School of Public Health·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateMar 5, 2024

With regular exercise, medical weight loss treatment does not have to be permanent

A new study published in LANCET eClinicalMedicine found that regular exercise can help individuals maintain weight loss after completing medical weight loss treatment. The study showed that exercising just two hours a week can lead to better quality of life, improved mental health, and reduced fatigue.

Protein-rich breakfast boosts satiety and concentration

A new Danish study finds that a protein-rich breakfast increases satiety and improves concentration, but eating the same meal in larger quantities may lead to consuming more calories. The study's results suggest that replacing a carbohydrate-rich diet with a protein-rich diet can have a positive impact on preventing weight gain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 15, 2024

Plant-based diet tied to improved sexual health in men treated for prostate cancer

A study of over 3,500 men with prostate cancer found that a plant-based diet significantly improved measures of sexual function, urinary health, and vitality scores. The research suggests that adding more fruits and vegetables to the diet while reducing meat and dairy can have a positive impact on quality of life.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCancer·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

New study shows nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude in parents of children with autism and ADHD

Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists develop artificial ‘worm gut’ to break down plastics

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed an artificial 'worm gut' that can efficiently break down plastics using microbes found in worms' guts. The artificial system replicates the natural process of worms breaking down plastics and has potential for biotechnological approaches to process plastic waste.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Microgreens made to order: Italian scientists have tailored iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, rocket and chard

Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Do different plant-based diets affect pregnancy and birth outcomes?

Women following vegan diets during pregnancy may face increased risks of preeclampsia and lower birth weights compared to omnivorous mothers. A recent study found that micronutrient intake was lower among vegans but no major differences were observed when supplements were considered.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateJan 24, 2024

Buck scientists identify how dietary restriction slows brain aging & increases lifespan

Researchers have identified the role of OXR1 in maintaining retromer function, which protects neurons from oxidative damage. Boosting this gene's expression may help extend human lifespan. The study provides potential therapeutic targets to slow brain aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2024

Low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing healthy, plant-based sources associated with slower long-term weight gain

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that low-carbohydrate diets rich in plant-based proteins and fats, along with healthy carbohydrates, are linked to slower long-term weight gain. Diets high in animal proteins and unhealthy carbohydrates, on the other hand, are associated with greater weight gain.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 27, 2023

Researchers prove human influence on large herbivore diets during anthropocene

A study published in Ecology Letters reveals that human population growth and land-use changes led to significant dietary shifts in large herbivores in eastern China. The researchers found that these herbivores adapted by altering their diets, with increased interspecific differences and expanded intraspecific dietary ranges.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 24, 2023

Slimming significantly alters your microbiome and brain activity

A study of 25 obese Chinese individuals reveals that intermittent energy restriction (IER) alters the gut microbiome and brain activity, leading to significant weight loss and reductions in obesity-related comorbidities. The changes are coupled over time, suggesting a complex relationship between the gut microbiome and brain.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2023

Study provides insights into diets of early primates

A University of Otago-led study found that early primates primarily consumed soft fruits, as indicated by dental chipping patterns and cavities. The research, published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, analyzed fossils from the Fayum Depression in Egypt and compared them to data from living primates.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·DateDec 17, 2023

Prone to abandoning New Year’s resolutions? Bayes’ research suggests blaming money worries rather than being time-poor

Research by Dr Janina Steinmetz found that people are more likely to see others as having good self-control if they blame a lack of money rather than time for abandoning New Year's resolutions. Studies involving around 1,200 participants showed that excusing financial constraints leads to better perceptions of self-control.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2023

US adults eat a meal’s worth of calories of snacks in a day

A new study suggests that US adults consume almost a quarter of their daily calories in snacks, often more than they do at breakfast, yet these snacks offer little nutritional value. Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 people and found that snacks accounted for between 19.5% to 22.4% of total energy intake.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

Poor diet quality during adolescence is linked to serious health risks

Research from the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that poor diet quality among adolescents is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity and related diseases. The study suggests that promoting nutrition knowledge is necessary to prevent these health risks.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2023

Beef farming that keeps cattle on lifelong grass diets may have higher carbon footprint

A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023