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Study finds that youth exposed to environmental tobacco smoke experienced significantly lower odds of wheezing when maintaining a higher quality diet

A study of over 7,000 adolescents found that consuming a high-quality diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, was associated with significantly lower wheezing odds among those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. This suggests that targeted public health interventions focused on improving access to higher quality foods may be effectiv...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 21, 2022

Chef’s kiss: Research shows healthy home cooking equals a healthy mind

Researchers at Edith Cowan University found that a 7-week healthy cooking course improved participants' general health, mental health, and self-perceived mental well-being. Cooking confidence also increased significantly, particularly among women, who reported improved mental health benefits despite no changes in diet quality.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2022

Trial testing cocoa flavanol supplement shows promise for reducing cardiovascular risk

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that a cocoa flavanol supplement reduced cardiovascular death by 27% and total cardiovascular events by 10%. The study also showed no significant effect on cancer risk. Further investigation is warranted to understand the effects of cocoa flavanols on cardiovascular health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMar 16, 2022

Excess sugar consumption costs Canada’s health-care system $5 billion each year

A new study by University of Alberta researchers estimates that excessive sugar consumption in Canada results in $5 billion annual healthcare costs due to 16 chronic diseases. Limiting free sugar intake could reduce diabetes prevalence by 27% if Canadians follow the 10% recommendation, and 44.8% if they limit consumption to less than 5...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022

Rare trophic eggs behind the success of snakehead fish?

Researchers discovered that certain snakehead species, including the kampango catfish, produce and provide trophic eggs as supplemental nutrition for their offspring. This unique adaptation likely enabled these fish to conquer new environments and lead to the high diversity of species in this group.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Natural History·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2022

The Green Mediterranean diet modifies the bacterial population in our gut, with specific bacteria mediating weight loss and cardiac risk reduction

The green Mediterranean diet induces specific microbial changes in the gut microbiome, enriching with bacteria that positively affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This novel diet also promotes genetic pathways involved in reducing branched-chain amino acids linked to insulin resistance.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 10, 2022

Which promote greater metabolic health, almonds or potatoes? Rigorous, randomized trial weighs in

A rigorous randomized controlled trial found that adding a 300-calorie serving of French fries to one's diet daily for a month did not result in differential weight gain or biomarker changes compared to an isocaloric daily serving of almonds. The study measured body composition, blood sugar, and insulin levels, finding no clinically si...

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2022

Front-of-package claims and images persuade parents that sugar-sweetened drinks are healthy choices for their young children

Research reveals that sugar-sweetened fruit-flavored drinks and toddler milks are misleadingly marketed as healthy options for young children. Experts confirm that these products contain high amounts of added sugars, non-nutritive sweeteners, and little to no juice.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

A study in which UNEATLANTICO participated, led by Dr. Cubas, demonstrates the benefits of nut consumption in the elderly

A study led by Dr. Cubas found that regular nut consumption is associated with a lower prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome in elderly people in northern Spain. The research, published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, involved 556 participants aged 65-79 years.

SourceUniversidad Europea del Atlantico·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Ceramides – Blood lipids provide new insights into the link between diet and diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Researchers discovered specific ceramides in the blood are associated with unfavorable levels of diabetes-related compounds, linking unhealthy diets to increased risk. Ceramide profiling may enable more precise dietary approaches for preventing cardiometabolic diseases.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Undernourished infants at risk for lung restriction, weaker health as adults, UArizona Health Sciences study finds

Researchers found three risk factors linked to adult spirometric restriction: maternal nutritional problems during pregnancy, low birth weight, and below normal childhood weight. Infants with poor nutrition have a higher risk of developing lung restriction and comorbidities as adults.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

The view from above

Giant kelp forests are driven by a mix of external and internal factors, according to researchers who used remote sensing technology to assess canopy biomass and age dynamics. The effects of different drivers are more pronounced at different scales.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2022

Culinary medicine education program shows positive outcomes for low-income patients with diabetes

A culinary medicine curriculum significantly improved biometric and diet-related behavioral outcomes among low-income patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants showed reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a positive impact on diabetes management.

Unique strengths and facilitators in American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

New expert review of the global approach to rehabilitation following fragility fracture

A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation highlights the importance of comprehensive post-fracture care, including exercise, nutrition, physiotherapy, and patient education. The study concludes that individualized exercise approaches can improve recovery and reduce future fracture risk.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 2, 2022

New commentary in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition makes case for adopting ‘blue zone’ diet to stave off COVID-19

A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2022

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Food labeling is lacking in online grocery retailers

A study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health and Tufts University found that only a third of online grocery items display required nutrition information. This omission poses significant health risks for consumers, particularly those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The authors advocate for federal regulation to e...

SourceNew York University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJan 20, 2022

Naturally healthy: How much do adolescents know about food?

A study found that adolescents' ratings of food products were influenced by naturalness, with simpler judgments on taste components. Experts also applied the same rule, but with more consistent knowledge about food ingredients. The results suggest that nutrition education for adolescents should target their knowledge about food ingredi...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2022

Swapping just one food item per day can make diets substantially more planet-friendly

A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Dried goji berries may provide protection against age-related vision loss

A study published in Nutrients found that consuming a small serving of dried goji berries five times a week for 90 days increased lutein and zeaxanthin levels in healthy participants' eyes. This increase provides antioxidant protection and filters out harmful blue light, potentially delaying age-related vision loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022

Chewing to stay slim: how to savor your food better and dodge weight gain, too!

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that chewing food thoroughly increases energy expenditure through diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), which helps prevent obesity. The study involved participants who chewed liquid food for varying durations, revealing that prolonged chewing and tasting increased DIT, gas exchange, pro...

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Higher olive oil intake associated with lower risk of CVD mortality

A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022

Healthful food for children is the same as for adults

A new position paper argues that healthful foods for children are the same as those for adults, with age-appropriate adjustments in texture and portion size. Nutrition educators play key roles in shifting consumer demand and social norms to promote healthy food choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2022

Childhood obesity linked with mother’s unhealthy diet before pregnancy

Research by Dr. Sarah Crozier found that children aged eight or nine were more likely to be obese if their mother had a poor diet during – and before – pregnancy. The study, which analyzed data from 2,963 mother-child pairs, suggests that intervening at the earliest possible stage in a child's life can help tackle childhood obesity.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2021