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Modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet may benefit adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease

A recent study found that a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by modifying biological pathways linked to the disease. The diet showed robust changes in gut microbiome and reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer's.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 5, 2023

Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

A systematic review of clinical trials found that strength training with moderate to vigorous intensity, two or three times a week, can significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study analyzed over 21,000 scientific articles and concluded that effective results appeared around the twentieth training session.

Scientists make a breakthrough in the cellular recognition of microplastics

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Shedding pounds may benefit your heart — even if some weight is regained

Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateMar 28, 2023

U of I study gives a thumbs up to carefully formulated vegan diets for dogs

A University of Illinois study finds that two human-grade vegan diets provide adequate nutrition for dogs, with benefits including lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol. The research also shows positive changes in the fecal microbiome and reduced stool, indicating a potential shift towards improved gut health.

Food insecurity and cognitive trajectories in older adults

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity is associated with a decline in executive function among older adults. The research used data from 3,037 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and suggests that interventions to increase healthy food access may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 24, 2023

Sweets change our brain

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

New research establishes how and why western diets high in sugar and fat cause liver disease

New research from the University of Missouri establishes a link between western diets high in fat and sugar and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found that a specific bacteria called Blautia producta and a lipid caused liver inflammation and fibrosis, leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Evidence for the health benefits of consuming more live microbes

A new study found that increased consumption of live dietary microbes is linked to better health outcomes, including lower waist circumference and body mass index. The research suggests that a higher intake of fermented foods, raw fruits, and vegetables may support immune function and increase the diversity of microbes in the gut.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Assessing the risk of excess folic acid intake

A recent study published in Cell Discovery found that high levels of folic acid supplementation may increase DNA mutation rates and impair DNA repair mechanisms. The researchers discovered a 'Goldilocks Effect' where too little or too much folic acid is detrimental to human health.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation may help people live longer

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 1, 2023

Keto vs vegan: Study of popular diets finds over fourfold difference in carbon footprints

A new study from Tulane University compared popular diets on nutritional quality and environmental impact, finding that keto and paleo diets scored among the lowest on nutrition quality and had the highest carbon emissions. Vegan diets, on the other hand, generated significantly less carbon dioxide per calorie consumed.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

CU School of Medicine researchers part of national team that identified a new dietary approach to treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis

A new dietary approach has been identified to treat eosinophilic esophagitis by eliminating only dairy products, showing similar effectiveness to the standard six-food elimination diet. This breakthrough study led by CU School of Medicine researchers offers a more patient-friendly treatment option with fewer drawbacks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateFeb 28, 2023

Forgoing one food treats eosinophilic esophagitis as well as excluding six

A new study found that eliminating animal milk alone from the diet of adults with eosinophilic esophagitis is just as effective as eliminating six common foods, including animal milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and nuts. The one-food elimination diet may be a more manageable option for people with EoE.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateFeb 27, 2023

Black women of childbearing age more likely to have high blood pressure, raising pregnancy risks

A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 27, 2023

Psyllium fiber protects against colitis by activating bile acid sensor, biomedical sciences researchers find

Researchers at Georgia State University found that psyllium fiber protects against ulcerative colitis by activating the bile acid nuclear receptor FXR, which suppresses inflammation. The study suggests that pharmacologic activation of FXR might be useful in managing inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

The benefits of olive oil for health and wellbeing

Research suggests that oleic acid in olive oil has antioxidant properties, inhibiting the expression of proteins associated with cholesterol transport, and reducing atherosclerosis. Additionally, oleic acid is recognized as an anti-cancer molecule, which also displays hypocholesterolaemic effects and may influence epigenetic mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 23, 2023

How Iceland could have a starring role as a sustainable alternative protein exporter to Northern Europe

A feasibility study suggests that Iceland can produce enough Spirulina to feed six million Europeans every year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater withdrawals. The country's industrial-scale biomass cultivation system powered by renewable energy could support Northern European countries in achieving protein self-sufficie...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFoods·DateFeb 22, 2023

Veterinary: Non-processed meat-based early diet reduces risk of dog digestive issues later in life

Research published in Scientific Reports found that dogs fed non-processed meat-based diets and human leftovers during puppyhood and adolescence were less likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders later in life. This suggests that providing puppies with a variety of whole foods early on may reduce the risk of future digestive iss...

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 9, 2023

Fossil discovery reveals complex ecosystems existed on Earth much earlier than previously thought

A 250.8 million-year-old fossil find reveals complex marine ecosystems on Earth just one million years after the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, contradicting long-held theories. The discovery provides insights into life's rapid recovery from extreme crises and necessitates a re-evaluation of early Triassic ocean conditions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Sugar consumption and early interruption of breastfeeding are risk factors for dental caries in infancy

A Brazilian study found that early sugar consumption and interruption of breastfeeding are key factors contributing to dental caries in infants. Extended breastfeeding was shown to protect babies' teeth as long as they didn't receive sugary food, with the risk declining with falling sugar consumption.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateFeb 7, 2023

Ideal cardiovascular health can help people live longer, finds Chinese Medical Journal study

A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023