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How a mere 12% of Americans eat half the nation’s beef, creating significant health and environmental impacts

A new study found that 12% of Americans are responsible for eating half of all beef consumed on a given day. The study analyzed data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that these individuals, mostly men or those between 50-65 years old, eat disproportionately large amounts of beef.

SourceTulane University·JournalNutrients·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Effect of a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment

A randomized clinical trial found that maternal lifestyle interventions during pregnancy based on a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction significantly improved child neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study included 626 children and showed that these interventions can have long-lasting effects on a child's development...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 22, 2023

A healthy diet, reading, and doing sports promote reasoning skills in children

A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that improved overall diet quality and increased time spent in reading and organised sports enhanced reasoning skills among children over two school years. Children with healthier eating habits showed greater cognitive development than their peers.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateAug 17, 2023

Promising anti-inflammatory properties of black soldier fly larvae oil – implications on conditions such as ulcerative colitis

The study found that black soldier fly larvae oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and improving colon health. BSFL oil's unique compound profile may offer a new approach to managing inflammatory diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle associated with lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality

A new study finds that people who adhere to a Mediterranean lifestyle have a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. The study, led by La Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed data from 110,799 participants and found an inverse association between adherence to the Mediterranean lif...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Out with the life coach, in with the chatbot

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that chatbots significantly improved physical activity, diet and sleep. Chatbots were effective across different age groups and more conducive to achieving positive outcomes than speech-based AI. A blended approach with human coaching may be the most beneficial.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDigital Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 6, 2023

Consuming added sugars may increase risk of kidney stones

Researchers have shown a positive association between added sugar consumption and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Participants with higher intakes of added sugars had greater odds of developing kidney stones over the course of the study.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023

DNA decodes the dining preferences of the shell-shucking whitespotted eagle ray

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University uncover the finer-scale feeding patterns of the whitespotted eagle ray, revealing a significantly broader diet than previously described, with high proportions of cockles and wedge shells. The study's findings suggest that these rays can play a facilitative role in reducing predation threats f...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFishes·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

MIND diet study shows 'short-term' impact on cognition

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the MIND diet had a significant improvement in cognition during the first two years, but no significant difference in three-year changes. The study enrolled 604 people with suboptimal diets and family history of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

Kids who lose WIC lose nutrition

A new study from the University of Georgia found that when children age out of WIC after their fifth birthday, nutritional quality of their diet takes a significant hit, resulting in a 20% reduction. This can have long-term effects on healthy eating habits and nutritional knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJul 25, 2023

Sylvester, Dana-Farber researchers to receive funding to study how diet, exercise impact mental and physical functioning in older cancer survivors

A $7 million PCORI-funded study will examine the effectiveness of supervised and unsupervised exercise-and-diet interventions in pairs of older cancer patients and their caregivers. The five-year study aims to improve mental and physical functioning as well as physical activity and diet.

Not eating enough of these six healthy foods is associated with higher cardiovascular disease and deaths globally

A large-scale global study found that consuming six key foods in combination is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study recommends an average daily intake of two to three servings of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as well as moderate amounts of fish and whole-fat dairy.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 6, 2023

Inadequate energy intake affects female athletes

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that female athletes who consume too little energy through their diet in comparison to their training volume experience negatively impacted muscles' ability to respond to training. The study shows that insufficient energy intake can lead to changes in the hormonal system, including a decrease ...

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 3, 2023

DNA barcoding identifies the plants a person has eaten

A new technique using DNA barcoding can identify the plant matter in human feces, improving clinical trials, nutrition studies and historical research. The method detected specific plant species and their relative amounts consumed, varying according to diet, age, and household income.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Education on under-prescribed drug helps reduce cravings for those with alcohol use disorder, MU study finds

A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023