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You are what you eat — or are you?

A new mathematical model developed by Arizona State University researchers estimates how much of the calories people absorb from food, considering the role of gut microbes. The model, DAMM, suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes contribute to an average of about 140 calories per day.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Colorectal cancer risk linked to gut microbiome alterations

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that gut microbiome alterations persist even after adenoma removal, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. The researchers discovered that diet and physical activity were closely tied to CRC-associated gut microbes, suggesting lifestyle habits may contribute to sustained risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2026

Plant-forward and low-insulinemic diets may help reduce weight gain and obesity risk during menopause, long-term study finds

A large study of nearly 40,000 women found that plant-based diets with lower insulinemic potential can help women manage their weight and reduce the risk of obesity during menopause. Women who followed a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and vegetables had a significantly lower risk of developing obesity.

Vitamin C may help prevent cancer

A University of Waterloo study uses mathematical modelling to explore how Vitamin C affects digestion-related cancer risk. The research suggests that consuming Vitamin C-rich foods like leafy greens may decrease cancer risk, while taking supplements after meals could have a moderate positive effect.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMay 20, 2026

Is “yo‑yo dieting” really harmful? New analysis challenges long‑standing assumptions about weight cycling

Weight loss followed by weight regain, known as 'yo-yo dieting,' is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The authors found that benefits of losing weight outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling in most cases. Repeated attempts at weight loss can provide meaningful periods of improved metabolic health and quality of life.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2026

‘Fitspiration’ posts may do more harm than good for young adults – international study, led by Olympian, suggests

A new study suggests that fitspiration content on social media can lead to negative self-esteem, unhealthy dieting, and exercise habits among young adults. Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving 6,111 individuals across seven countries, finding that even brief exposure to idealized images can trigger harmful comparisons.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHealth Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 4, 2026

New clinical trial shows vegan diet dramatically cuts food-related emissions—with major health benefits

A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

Plant-based diet cuts climate impact by more than half, randomized clinical trial shows

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition shows that adopting a low-fat vegan diet can rapidly reduce environmental impact while improving metabolic health. The 12-week randomized clinical trial found dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2026

How to remove a metabolic tattoo

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that exposure to high-fat diets induces persistent metabolic stress in killer T cells, but also discovered a pathway for protection through purine metabolism. By recycling xanthine, killer T cells can produce antioxidants to boost their ability to fight tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2026

Fiber in whole wheat foods protects against gut inflammation in mice, study finds

Researchers found that metabolism of wheat fiber by intestinal bacteria generated bioactive anti-inflammatory metabolites, including polyphenols, which reprogrammed intestinal immune cells to suppress inflammation. The study suggests eating whole wheat foods may reduce one’s risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

Dietary changes and medications could help prevent recurrent kidney stones

A systematic review of 31 studies found that diet changes and medications like thiazide diuretics, alkali therapy, and allopurinol may reduce stone recurrence in adults with calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones. However, evidence was generally limited, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 23, 2026

Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health

Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

High meat consumption linked to lower dementia risk in genetic risk group

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that older people with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease who consume relatively large amounts of meat have a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study also shows that the type of meat is important, with a lower proportion of processed meat associated with a lower risk of de...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2026

Researchers clarify how ketogenic diets treat epilepsy, guiding future therapy development

A new review outlines the scientific explanations behind ketogenic diets' therapeutic benefits for epilepsy, including their ability to strengthen brain energy systems, reduce inflammation, and protect neurons. The review highlights the need for further research, particularly in adults, to develop new therapies that mirror the diet's e...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 11, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researcher publishes editorial in leading American Heart Association journal

A Pennington Biomedical researcher published an editorial on the benefits of fruit intake for vascular health, citing a study on increasing fruit intake with avocados and mangos. The findings suggest that diets rich in fruits can improve nutrient status and health outcomes, aligning with the goals of the Food Is Medicine initiative.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 3, 2026

GLP-1 drugs combined with healthy lifestyle habits linked with reduced cardiovascular risk among diabetes patients

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System found that using GLP-1 receptor agonists in combination with adhering to healthy lifestyle habits significantly reduces cardiovascular risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that these two stra...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Study explains how ketogenic diets prevent seizures

A ketogenic diet causes physical changes in brain cells that affect how they send information to one another, dampening the strength of signals between them. This quieter neural landscape might explain how the diet calms overactive electrical signaling characteristic of epileptic seizures.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

It’s not just about the number on the scale: The hidden value of so-called “yo-yo dieting”

A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers found that repeated attempts at weight loss confer significant and sustainable health benefits over time, particularly through reduced visceral fat. Even when participants regain all the weight lost in a previous diet, their cardiometabolic health may remain improved.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 24, 2026

New research finds heart health benefits in combining mango and avocado daily

A new study found that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to daily meals and snacks for eight weeks improved vascular function among adults with prediabetes, while also reducing diastolic blood pressure. The Avocado-Mango diet showed significant increases in flow-mediated dilation and nutrient-dense nutrients without changes in calo...

SourceWild Hive·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 24, 2026

Dietary patterns and indicators of cognitive function

A study published in JAMA Neurology found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns, such as the DASH diet, is associated with lower subjective cognitive decline and better cognitive function. The findings highlight the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining long-term brain health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 23, 2026

Eleven genetic variants affect gut microbiome

Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2026

Healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets linked to better cardiovascular and metabolic health

A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 11, 2026