Articles tagged with Diets
A new study published in Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity suggests that statin therapy is not justified for healthy individuals with high cholesterol. The research found a very weak association between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A randomized clinical trial found that protein restriction diets can lead to weight loss, improved blood sugar and lipid levels, and controlled blood pressure. The study involved 21 patients with metabolic syndrome, who were given either a calorie or protein restriction diet for 27 days.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that energy-restricted diets had the most beneficial effects on serum lipids, lowering triglycerol concentrations and elevating HDL cholesterol. The authors suggest reevaluating current low-fat diet recommendations for individuals with excess body weight.
A recent NHLBI study found that reducing sodium intake, combined with either a typical U.S. diet or the DASH diet, substantially lowered blood pressure in persons with high blood pressure and those at higher than optimal blood pressure levels. The DASH-Sodium study found that lower sodium intake resulted in lower blood pressures for bo...
A study by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that people who feel frustrated with dietary recommendations are more likely to eat a fat-laden diet. The study, which surveyed 1,751 adults in Washington state, also found evidence of 'nutrition backlash,' where negative feelings about diet messages lead to unhealthy ea...
A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that two major US dietary patterns, prudent and Western, result in distinct health risks. The prudent diet was associated with a favorable biomarker profile, while the Western diet was linked to higher plasma levels of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk and l...
A study of 120 Asian women found that those with the highest isoflavone levels had a 50% decrease in breast cancer risk compared to those with lower levels. The researchers recommend including soy in the diet from teenage years to reduce cancer risk.
A study of British adults found that most men follow a beer and fast food diet, while women prefer the traditional British diet. The research also revealed significant regional and socioeconomic differences in dietary patterns, with those on low incomes and smokers consuming less healthy diets.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that substituting regular margarine for butter can lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 11% in adults and 9% in children. The study also confirmed that a margarine-based diet is healthier than a butter-based diet, reducing heart-disease risk.
A study found that household exposure to passive smoke is associated with lower serum concentrations of carotenoids and other micronutrients in non-smokers. This depletion may be due to cigarette smoke exposure, rather than shared inadequate diets, suggesting a possible causal link between passive smoking and nutrient deficiencies.
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fruit, and fish was associated with a lower risk of death after a heart attack. The study found that participants who consumed more fresh fruits and vegetables had a reduced risk of dying within 42 months after their heart attack.
Consumers who consumed high amounts of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods had lower serum concentrations of vitamins and micronutrients, as well as higher levels of homocysteine. This study highlights the need for new strategies to educate consumers on moderating their EDNP food intake.
The study found that a Western diet pattern was associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in middle-aged men, particularly those who smoked. In contrast, a prudent diet pattern was linked to lower risks, even when accounting for other factors such as smoking and family history.
The average American consumes 27% of their daily energy from junk foods, which can lead to nutritional and health issues. The study found that those who consumed more healthy foods like fruits and vegetables were less likely to develop heart disease.
A study analyzing data from 28 countries found that a diet rich in olive oil was associated with a decreased risk of bowel cancer. The researchers discovered that meat and fish consumption, particularly high amounts, increased the risk of the disease, whereas cereal and vegetable intake had a protective effect.
Adolescents raised on a strict macrobiotic diet during infancy and early childhood show signs of impaired cognitive function, including lower intelligence and spatial ability scores. A study found an association between vitamin B12 status and cognitive abilities, highlighting the potential risks of avoiding animal products.
A large study of 191 nuns found no correlation between phosphorus and protein intake and calcium absorption. The researchers suggested that high protein diets may actually contribute to a negative calcium balance due to increased urinary calcium loss.
The DASH diet, known for its blood pressure-lowering effects, also reduces homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease. Participants on the DASH diet had lower homocysteine levels compared to those on a control diet or one rich in fruits and vegetables.
Research found that a poor diet, particularly low intakes of vegetables and vitamin E, significantly increases the risk of wheeze in children with asthma symptoms. The study suggests that a Western diet may be an important contributing factor to the rising prevalence of asthma and allergies in developed countries.
A study found that women with low-fat diets had 19% lower fractional calcium absorption rates than those with high-fat diets. The authors propose that fat may increase calcium absorption by slowing transit time through the intestines.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that physical activity has a greater impact on preschoolers' weight than diet. The research, which followed 77 preschool children for four days, showed no significant correlation between energy intake and body fat percentage.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that a reduced-calorie diet selectively lowers the activity of genes related to inflammation and free-radical damage in the aging brain. This may lead to improved cognitive function and motor skills, as well as lower risk of age-related neurological disorders.
A new diet study, funded by Duke University Medical Center, aims to test the hypothesis that reducing fat intake can halt or slow diabetes progression. Participants will consume specially prepared foods with Olestra instead of real fat, allowing researchers to study a low-fat diet independently from a low-calorie diet.
Scientists have conclusively determined that European Neandertals were top-level carnivores who lived on a diet of mainly hunted animal meat. The team analyzed bone-chemistry and stable-isotope analysis to reconstruct the Neandertal diet, finding that they likely ate almost exclusively meat.
Researchers found that men who ate two servings of high-fiber cereal per day made spontaneous changes to their diets, reducing fat intake and increasing fiber consumption. The study suggests that high-fiber cereal can be an easy way for Americans to improve their diet and reduce their risk of heart disease.
A study found that fiber supplements containing psyllium can lower harmful cholesterol by up to 5%, reducing the risk of heart attack by 10-15%. The treatment is considered a viable alternative to cholesterol-lowering medications, especially for those who have difficulty tolerating statins.
A new study found that a high glycemic load diet, which includes foods like rice and potatoes, increases the risk of coronary heart disease in US women. Women with higher glycemic load were 1.57 times more likely to have CVD than those with lower glycemic load.
Researchers discovered a sub-group of alcoholics who self-medicate low serotonin levels with carbohydrates when not drinking. Carbohydrates increase serotonin levels, similar to alcohol, and this study provides insight into treating alcoholics with disturbed serotonergic function.
A new University of Florida study reveals that consuming folate-rich foods daily can significantly reduce homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease, in postmenopausal women. The research suggests that improving folate intake is crucial for older women's health.
A recent study by the NHLBI found that reducing dietary sodium can significantly lower blood pressure in people with and without hypertension. The study, which involved 412 participants, showed that the lowest sodium intake produced the greatest blood pressure reduction, regardless of diet type.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a high-fiber diet can lower blood glucose levels and decrease insulin levels in patients with type II diabetes. Patients who consumed 50 grams of fiber per day showed a 10% reduction in glucose levels, compared to the recommended 24 grams of fiber per day.
A study by Ashima K. Kant and colleagues found that women who followed a dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats had a 30% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with the lowest intake level.
A major study on colon cancer prevention found no link between dietary changes and reduced polyp recurrence. Despite initial hopes, researchers now recommend regular screening and colonoscopies for those with existing polyps.
A recent study updated the classic 'Stigler's Diet Problem' to reflect current dietary recommendations and prices. The results show that a woman's diet is approximately $115.40 cheaper than a man's, with daily costs of $535.27 for women and $651.27 for men.
A new study found that soy foods can help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease without stimulating harmful hormone activity. The research involved two groups of people on low-fat diets with or without soy, revealing no evidence to support claims of estrogenic effects.
Research found that frequent family dinners lead to better diet quality in adolescents, including more fruits and veggies, and fewer unhealthy foods. Health professionals can support this trend by encouraging family meals as a way to improve the dietary habits of older children and adolescents.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that smokers who received vitamin C supplements showed a substantial 3-fold increase in vitamin C levels, while nonsmokers and placebo recipients showed minimal changes. Vitamin C is significantly depleted by smoking, making supplementation beneficial for smokers.
Multiple studies show that psyllium can effectively lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with hypercholesterolemia. Psyllium husks, a non-soluble fiber, may increase bile acid excretion and secondarily reduce cholesterol from the liver.
A study in rats found that olive oil reduced precancerous tissue and tumours, while increasing the production of anti-cancer prostaglandin E. The research suggests that other constituents of olive oil, such as squalene, flavonoids, and polyphenols, may also protect against cancer.
A high fibre diet was found to lower PSA levels in men, suggesting a potential link between soluble fibre and reduced prostate cancer risk. The study also supported existing advice to eat more vegetable foods and less animal products in preventing prostate cancer.
A new study of 663 children with elevated cholesterol levels found no adverse psychological effects after three years on a cholesterol-lowering diet. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) looked at the effect and safety of a low-fat diet, and showed that it is safe for children with high blood cholesterol.
A recent study found that a diet rich in monounsaturated fats, particularly from sources like peanut butter and olive oil, can lower cardiovascular risk by up to 20.6%. This contradicts conventional wisdom that low-fat diets are best for heart health.
A special diet formula with antioxidants and plant and fish oils reduced the need for ventilator support by an average of five days and ICU stay by five days in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The diet also significantly reduced organ failures, a common complication of ARDS.
A traditional Chinese diet high in vegetables and green tea may be protective against heart disease. Researchers found that westernized Chinese individuals consumed more animal fats and dairy products than those who followed a traditional diet.
A diet rich in folate, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 may significantly lower homocysteine concentrations in individuals with high cardiovascular risk. This study found that a prescribed diet fortified with these nutrients was effective in reducing homocysteine levels, while self-selected diets showed no change.
A daily fish meal as part of a weight-loss diet lowers cholesterol levels, benefits glucose metabolism, and promotes successful weight loss in overweight middle-aged men and women with hypertension. The study found that a low-fat diet combined with fish consumption improved patients' glucose tolerance and reduced abdominal fat.
A study by Purdue University found that vegan diets lack sufficient calcium, even with dairy-free alternatives. Experts recommend drinking milk or adding fortified foods/supplements to meet the daily calcium requirement. Vegans may need to consume large amounts of calcium-rich vegetables like broccoli and kale to get enough.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified key genes that govern critical biological tasks, revealing how a low-calorie diet slows aging. The study provides insight into the genetic basis of aging and holds promise for developing age-retarding drugs.
Researchers will examine strategies for persuading people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including better diets, exercise, and regular screening. The project aims to reduce the risk of colon cancer and save lives.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are launching a clinical trial to assess the impact of isoflavones, found in clover and soybeans, on the human endometrium. The study aims to determine whether these plant compounds can counteract estrogen's proliferative effects and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
A recent study found that low-fat diets combined with moderate exercise resulted in not only desired weight loss but also significant loss of bone mineral density. Women who participated in the study lost an average of 7 pounds, but also experienced twice as much bone loss as those who didn't modify their diets or exercise patterns.
A decade-long primate study on diet and aging will be extended with a $6.75 million NIH grant, exploring mechanisms of aging in rhesus macaques. The research aims to answer whether calorie restriction can slow or prevent aging, building on existing studies in rodents.
According to the third annual Federal report on America's Children, infant, childhood, and adolescent death rates are down, as well as teen smoking, teen crime, and teen birth rates. However, most children and adolescents have poor or improving diets, with 12 percent having difficulty performing everyday activities.
New research recommends a higher intake of vitamin C due to its role in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cataracts. Studies show that increased levels of vitamin C can reduce risk factors associated with these conditions, making it essential for overall health.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that lean cuts of red meat can be part of a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that subjects who consumed 80% lean red meats had nearly identical changes in cholesterol levels compared to those who ate lean white meats.
A Penn State study found that female athletes with poor body image and excessive exercise schedules are more likely to experience menstrual irregularities, including transient infertility. The research highlights the importance of addressing psychological and behavioral factors alongside dietary and exercise habits.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a moderate-fat diet rich in plant oils reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 25% in hyperlipidemic men. The specific type of plant oil used in the study was found to have a significant impact on improving cholesterol profiles.
Researchers found that dietary choline deficiency changes brain structure in developing rats, reducing cell division and increasing premature cell death. The study suggests a similar effect on human babies, highlighting the importance of prenatal nutrition for long-term cognitive health.
A low-protein diet can safely delay dialysis treatment for up to a year in patients with severe chronic renal failure. The diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, provides essential nutrients without side effects.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that the DASH diet can effectively lower blood pressure, particularly among African Americans with hypertension. The diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, resulted in an average 13-point drop in blood pressure among participants.