Articles tagged with Nutrition
A UGA professor studied the origins of Calories, a unit measuring food energy. He found that there is controversy about who invented the Calorie, with different sources citing Frenchmen P.A. Favre and J.T. Silbermann, German physician Julius Mayer, and French chemist Nicholas Clement as contributors to its development.
A 3-year study shows significant improvements in self-esteem, nutrition, physical activity, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels among teen girls participating in the Teen Esteem program. The program aims to address obesity and other health issues in high-risk teen girls.
Physicians can now provide personalized exercise recommendations using the FITT-PRO guidelines, which include frequency, intensity, type, time, and progression. Regular physical activity has been shown to benefit people of all fitness levels, particularly seniors who have limited access to information.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that cola consumption is associated with lower bone mineral density in older women, regardless of age, menopausal status, or diet. This may be due to phosphoric acid's potential to promote calcium loss from bones.
A clinical trial shows that Garli-Eze, a unique garlic product, can deliver large amounts of allicin directly to the upper gastrointestinal tract for easy absorption. This process eliminates degradation issues and allows for effective cardiovascular benefits.
A new Loma Linda University study confirms that eating pecans daily can inhibit unwanted oxidation of blood lipids, reducing the risk of heart disease. The research found that pecans contain gamma tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, which protects fats from oxidation.
A study found that many patients have difficulty interpreting and applying serving sizes on food labels, particularly those with poor literacy and numeracy skills. This can make it hard for patients to follow a good diet, highlighting the need for healthcare providers and the FDA to improve communication and label design.
A randomized control group study found that second graders who participated in the 'Healthy Choices, Healthy Me!' program scored 20% higher on food guidance system questions and reported significant increases in selecting healthy foods. The program was also effective in changing behavior over time.
According to researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute, most Americans do not meet daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. The new MyPyramid recommendations are 2 to 6 ½ cups per day, with only 17 percent of women age 51-70 meeting their combined recommendation. Salad consumption is p...
A study by Rutgers University found that portion distortion, where consumers perceive large portions as normal serving sizes, may contribute to expanding waistlines. The research suggests that efforts to educate the public on limiting excess calories from foods like salad dressing have been successful.
A UC Davis study of a Sacramento-area program found that healthier snack options increased daily servings of fruit by 83 percent and reduced saturated fat consumption by 42 percent. However, the new menu also led to a reduction in calcium and vitamin A intake due to the removal of dairy products.
Researchers investigated nutritional links between smoking and oral cancer, finding folate levels lower in smokers' blood and cheek cells. Smokers also had altered forms of folate distribution, while antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E showed similar trends. More studies are needed to clarify these findings.
Researchers developed a new measure of adherence to dietary guidelines in young children, finding that adherence decreases as children get older. An adjustable wedge aid also showed promise in reducing portion size estimation errors.
A Penn State study found that providing nutritional information at the point of service increases student satisfaction with food quality, but not ambiance or cost. The researchers also noted that students who were more empowered to make informed choices had higher ratings for service personnel.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that zebra finch siblings reared on lower-quality diets showed improved growth rates after switching to a normal diet, but at the cost of impaired learning performance. Compensatory growth, rather than diet quality itself, was linked to poor cognitive ability in adulthood.
A study published in Appetite magazine found that people who like sweets tend to eat more fruit, while those who prefer fruits tend to eat more sweets. The research analyzed data from over 770 individuals and suggests that understanding food preferences can inform strategies to increase fruit consumption.
A study of over 10,000 men and women found that increased calcium intake from supplements may help maintain weight over a decade. Additionally, education level can influence nutrition information sources among older adults, with less-educated individuals relying more on doctors, television, and neighbors.
The task force identified rapidly expanding research on vitamin D's benefits beyond bone health, as well as growing interest in nutrient-dense foods. Probiotics and prebiotics were also discussed for their intestinal and immune health benefits.
Women with high-glycemic-index diets had greater risk of early AMD, regardless of total carbohydrate intake. Dietary quality, not quantity, may play a crucial role in AMD development.
Researchers found that orange and grapefruit juice can increase antioxidants in rats' systems, leading to enhanced bone density. The study suggests a potential link between citrus consumption and improved bone health.
A survey found that many people do not look at food labels or understand the calorie information they contain, which may limit the effectiveness of nutrition labeling legislation in combating obesity. A high-fiber diet was also found to be associated with normal body fat stores and standard weight for height in adults.
A study found that women in low-income food-insecure households are 50% more likely to be obese and gain at least 10 pounds in a year compared to those in fully secure households. Researchers propose modifying food assistance programs and nutrition education to address this issue.
A study finds that HIV's impact on severe child malnutrition is limited, and economic growth does not always improve nutrition. The development agenda must tackle child wasting to make a lasting impact on human well-being.
A new study found that high-flavanol cocoa improves skin structure and function, increasing hydration and decreasing skin roughness. The study suggests that the benefits of cocoa flavanols may be due to improved blood flow to the skin.
Adolescents who play sports tend to have better eating habits and nutrient intake compared to their non-sporting peers. In contrast, nearly half of children and young adults with diabetes fail to meet daily nutritional requirements, posing a significant challenge for disease management.
Research highlights how mega-brands, such as processed foods with high sugar and salt content, maintain market share despite health concerns. Supermarkets favor these brands due to their high sales velocity and profit margins, perpetuating unhealthy eating habits.
The American Dietetic Association's new position statement warns of common inaccuracies in media coverage of nutrition studies. Journalists should ensure research is conducted by credible institutions and qualified researchers, and that results reflect appropriate context.
Improved breastfeeding rates over the past 25 years have led to high infant iron levels; human milk provides essential nutrients. Complementary foods in older infants' diets require improvement to meet nutritional needs.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has partnered with Tetra Pak to support World Osteoporosis Day. The partnership aims to empower women and men to take responsibility for their bone health. World Osteoporosis Day, celebrated on October 20, highlights the importance of healthy food and nutrition in building strong bones.
A study published in the American Physiological Society found that pine nut oil stimulated two well-known appetite-suppressing peptide hormones, CCK and GLP1, increasing their levels by 60% and 25%, respectively. This effect lasted for up to four hours, reducing desire to eat and prospective food intake scores.
A new scientific review highlights the effectiveness of vegetarian diets in promoting weight loss, with body weights averaging 3-20% lower than meat-eaters. A low-fat vegan diet leads to a weekly weight loss of about 1 pound without additional exercise or calorie restrictions.
A new study provides evidence that consuming three servings of low-fat dairy foods per day can aid in weight loss and promote overall health. The research, consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, highlights the benefits of dairy consumption on body weight.
Researchers found that home availability of healthy foods has a limited impact on adolescents' eating habits, especially compared to restaurants. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the need for improved food preparation skills and awareness of accessible healthy options in various settings.
Trends in declining nutrient levels will be discussed along with research findings on organic apples and strawberries.
The world's largest nutrition crises are in West Africa, Niger, Ethiopia, and Malawi, with undernutrition linked to half of premature child deaths. To address malnutrition, intervention programs must target processes, promote breastfeeding, and address micronutrient deficiencies.
Collaborative research in nutritional genomics aims to develop new diagnostic tests, identify nutrient needs, and create more nutritious foods. The international consortium seeks to address health disparities by involving diverse cultures and protecting individual biological information.
A recent study from Tufts University found that higher whole-grain intake is associated with lower fasting blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of metabolic syndrome in elderly individuals. Consuming three or more servings of whole grains per day may help mitigate insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance.
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with metabolic syndrome. The diet's effects are attributed to its action on inflammation and dysfunction of blood vessel cells.
Researchers found that early lunch periods lead to higher a la carte sales, which often feature lower-nutritional-value foods. Soft drink machines also contribute to vending machine proliferation, decreasing hot lunch participation. Parents' involvement in prohibiting fast food in cafeterias increases school meal program participation.
A study found that 31.4% of non-Latino and 48.4% of Latino WIC clients use medicinal herbs for childhood illnesses, with most being low-risk. The researchers urge herbal education in WIC clinics to address potential risks and ensure safe use.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that more principals than school foodservice directors reported enforced policies, but many expressed misconceptions about nutritional standards. The researchers found few school nutrition policies related to competitive foods, particularly in areas such ...
A two-part study found that reducing available choices led to increased selection of low-fat entrées in elementary schoolchildren. Surveying foodservice directors and principals revealed few schools have nutrition policies for competitive foods, with those that do being more likely enforced.
Researchers found that a four-year study combining weight-bearing exercise and calcium supplementation increased bone mineral density in women by 1-2%, reversing typical loss of BMD with age. The regimen, developed for the BEST Study, includes six core exercises to build bone in key fracture sites.
Researchers identified a compound in cocoa responsible for improving blood flow and cardiovascular function. The flavanol (-)epicatechin was shown to relax blood vessels and increase nitric oxide levels, leading to improved heart health.
A study found that one-third of congestive heart failure patients had low thiamin levels, highlighting the importance of diet in managing serious conditions. Vitamin supplements may help prevent thiamin deficiency and improve patient outcomes.
Research found that calorie-restricted individuals had hearts with improved elasticity and function, similar to those of younger people. Their low levels of inflammation may have played a key role in preventing primary aging.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that eating breakfast every day or some days was significantly protective against overweight in adolescents with obese parents. Additionally, nutrition education is crucial for successful weight loss among low-income women, particularly when combined wit...
The percentage of US households classified as food insecure rose from 11.2 percent in 2003 to 11.9 percent in 2004, surpassing the official goal of six percent by 2010. Household food insecurity is influenced by unobserved hardships such as medical emergencies, which can divert income normally used for food.
Elderly people in developing countries face significant health challenges, including infectious and non-communicable diseases. Nutritional interventions such as supplementation, food fortification, or development of nutrient-rich crops may help reduce the disease burden.
A recent study found that a genetic variation in the perilipin gene is associated with weight loss resistance, particularly in men and women who have become obese. Carriers of this gene variant lost an average of 20 pounds during a low-calorie diet, while those without it experienced significant weight changes.
Researchers at Tufts University found that a low-glycemic-load diet facilitated greater weight loss in overweight adults with high insulin secretion, but not in those with low insulin levels. The study suggests that measuring insulin secretion may help personalize weight-loss diets.
A new study found that nutritionally enhanced rice can significantly increase total body iron levels in women. The research, led by the International Rice Research Institute, demonstrates the potential of biofortification to combat micronutrient malnutrition.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming skimmed milk products can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension by 50%. The research, which followed 6,000 people over two years, revealed no association between whole milk consumption and hypertension risk. These findings contribute to ...
Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Grundy, two UT Southwestern researchers, have been recognized by the American Heart Association as Distinguished Scientists for their contributions to cardiovascular research and treatment. The recognition acknowledges their lifelong dedication to advancing our understanding of heart disease and stroke.
A new Cornell University study reveals that serving stale popcorn in large buckets leads to a 34% increase in consumption compared to medium-sized containers. Fresh popcorn in large tubs also results in a significant appetite boost, with participants eating 45% more than those given fresh popcorn in medium containers.
Researchers identified five dietary patterns among adult men, ranking them according to their nutritional risk. The study found close associations between these patterns and chronic disease profiles, emphasizing the importance of preventive nutrition interventions to promote health in the male population.
The sixth issue of the Bibliography includes abstracts of 25 significant dietary supplement research papers published in 2004. It highlights research on phenolics and flavonoids, reflecting growing interest in their potential health effects.
A new study using a risk analysis model shows that soft drink consumption from school vending machines has a minimal impact on adolescent body mass index (BMI) or overweight. The authors used publicly available data sets to estimate consumption and found that regular soft drinks have little to no effect on adolescents.
A new study found that psychosocial stimulation led to beneficial effects on cognitive and educational tests in children with stunted growth. In contrast, a food supplement alone was insufficient to sustain benefits. The study suggests that early childhood stimulation is crucial for improving the development of undernourished children.
Men who consumed more folate in their diets showed significantly less decline in verbal fluency skills over three years. High folate levels also protected against declines in spatial copying abilities, a category of cognitive skills distinct from memory tests.