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Fat flies live longer on a diet at any age

Researchers found that switching fruit flies to a low-calorie diet extends their lifespan, even in old age. This study suggests that obese humans may benefit from reducing calorie intake in old age, as it can dramatically change their metabolisms and extend their lives.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients crucial for them and their babies

A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023

The risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by eating more oily fish

A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

ECHO research examines nutrition data's value from pregnancy to adolescence in understanding child health

Researchers now have access to a large amount of diet information collected from over 33,000 pregnancies and 31,000 children. This de-identified data, available through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's DASH Hub, will help answer important questions about nutrition and child health.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateDec 4, 2023

Building a global, multi-disciplinary platform to promote women’s health: Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health

The Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats can reduce the risk of gestational hypertension and preterm birth. The study also linked narrowing of retinal arterioles before conception to reduced fetal growth during pregnancy.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 26, 2023

Obesity may not be the only factor to link ultra-processed foods to higher risk of mouth, throat and oesophagus cancers

A new study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The study analysed data from 450,111 adults and found that eating more UPFs was linked to a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2023

Liver cancer rates increase in each successive generation of Mexican Americans, study finds

A study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that liver cancer risk increases with each successive generation of Mexican Americans, particularly among men. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 participants and found third-generation Mexicans to be 66% more likely to develop liver cancer than first-generation individuals.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Following a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cognitive decline in older people

A Mediterranean diet has been found to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. The study, which involved over 840 participants aged 65+, reveals that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with long-term cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

Cut salt, cut blood pressure

A new study from Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury, comparable to the effect produced by commonly used first-line medication for high blood pressure. The study involved middle-a...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 11, 2023

Cut salt, cut blood pressure

A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury. Most people, regardless of whether they are already on blood pressure medications or not, can see a reduction in their blood pressure if they lower the sodiu...

Obesity linked to neurodegeneration through insulin resistance

Researchers found that a high-sugar diet causes insulin resistance in the brain, reducing its ability to remove neuronal debris and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This study provides insight into how obesity-inducing diets contribute to disease risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

Practicing mindfulness can help people make heart-healthy eating choices

A study led by Brown University researchers found that mindfulness-based blood pressure reduction programs improve health behaviors associated with lower blood pressure. Participants in the program showed significant improvements in adherence to a heart-healthy diet and self-awareness, which influences dietary choices.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 2, 2023

Is red meat intake linked to inflammation?

A Baylor College of Medicine study analyzed metabolite data from over 4,000 adults and found no direct link between red meat consumption and markers of inflammation. The researchers suggest that body weight may be the driver of increased systemic inflammation instead.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Strength training may reduce health risks of a high-protein diet

A new study suggests that progressive strength training using resistance can protect against the detrimental effects of a high-protein diet. The research found that exercise protected mice from gaining excess fat mass, but did not affect blood sugar control. This paradoxical finding has implications for athletes and individuals with se...

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 18, 2023

What drives obesity - diets high in fat? Carbohydrates? Actually, it’s everything – and fructose is at the center

A new study led by Richard Johnson, MD, suggests that fructose is the key driver of obesity, bringing together long-incompatible theories on dietary causes. Fructose lowers active energy in the body, triggering hunger and food intake, and fatty foods become the major source of calories driving weight gain.

Can’t stop binging on fries and BBQ?

Buck Institute researchers discover that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in processed foods increase hunger and test willpower, contributing to overeating and obesity. By understanding the biochemical signaling pathway behind AGEs, scientists may develop strategies to limit their accumulation and promote healthy eating.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2023

Omega watch: Researchers develop new blood test for measuring levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids

A new blood test has been developed to measure the levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, providing a convenient way to assess cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is derived from two key fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which can be obtained only from certain dietary sources.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 12, 2023

Mummified poop reveals pre-Columbian cultures of the Caribbean consumed a diversity of plants, with peanuts, papaya, maize, and even cotton and tobacco detected

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures consumed a wide variety of plants, including sweet potato, chili peppers, and domesticated tomatoes. The analysis also detected tobacco and cotton, challenging the traditional staple food narrative.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023

Being a vegetarian may be—partly—in your genes

A genome-wide association study reveals 34 genes potentially involved in choosing a vegetarian diet, including those related to lipid metabolism and brain function. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2023

Adoption of vegan dog and cat diets could have environmental benefits

A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Fatty liver disease patients likely to suffer from personality disorder

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that individuals with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to have a personality disorder than those without. Lifestyle modifications, such as changes in diet and exercise, can prevent disease progression but often fail to be implemented due to mental health factors.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Gastroenterology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

NIH study identifies foods to help pregnant people optimize intake of key nutrients

Researchers found that no single food meets daily requirements for six essential nutrients during pregnancy, but some low-calorie options like raw seaweed and ready-to-drink nutritional shakes can help fill the gaps. The study highlights a variety of nutrient-rich foods and beverages that pregnant people can add to their diets.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2023

Weight loss? ‘Nuting’ to worry about with almonds

Researchers found that almond-supplemented diets resulted in significant weight loss and improved cardiometabolic outcomes. The study demonstrated the benefits of nuts as part of a balanced weight loss diet, with almonds providing unsaturated fats that can improve blood cholesterol levels and contribute to a healthy heart.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023

Both high-protein and normal-protein diets are effective for T2D management

A randomized controlled trial found that high-protein and normal-protein diets were both effective in improving glucose control, weight loss, and body composition in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that individuals can choose a dietary pattern that suits their preferences while still achieving significant health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 12, 2023

Plant-based food alternatives could support a shift to global sustainability

Replacing meat and milk with plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce agriculture's impact on the environment. By 2050, this shift could halve future declines in ecosystem integrity and contribute up to 25% of global land restoration needs. The study suggests that a 50% substitution scenario would substantially reduce environm...

Adult food literacy program increases nutrition habits over time

A new study found that the Food Sensations for Adults program effectively improves food literacy behaviors and dietary habits in participants aged 18 and older. The program's sustained behavioral change is comparable to other similar programs, with notable improvements in vegetable servings and cooking confidence.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 11, 2023