Articles tagged with Nutrition
A new nutrition education program designed for older adults with diabetes improved blood sugar control and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. The program, which included 10 weekly sessions, taught participants how to evaluate food labels and make informed dietary choices.
The new guidelines recommend a diet rich in carbohydrates or monounsaturated fats, with an emphasis on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk. Increasing fiber intake from foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables is also recommended to improve diabetes control.
A new study by Frank et al. investigated the relationship between female physicians' personal diet-related habits and their nutrition counseling practices. The findings suggest that physicians who have intentionally altered their own diets are more likely to counsel their patients about nutrition and weight.
The article reviews the possible psychopharmacologic effect of several nutrients on mood and behaviour. Key findings include the potential mild antidepressant effects of SAMe, folic acid, and tryptophan, as well as the relation between carbohydrate consumption and sedation.
A study of 73 postmenopausal women found no significant changes in serum estrogen, cortisol, or follicle stimulating hormone levels after consuming soy protein for up to 6 months. Circulating thyroid hormone levels were modestly increased in those taking the highest dose of soy isoflavones.
Linoleic acid significantly induced mRNA transcripts of inflammatory genes, while oleic acid showed protective effects on arterial endothelial cells. This study highlights the importance of plasma fatty acid concentrations in vascular disease research.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that factors like poverty, low education, and social isolation are linked to inadequate purchasing power for a nutritious diet. The research also reveals that functional impairments significantly increase the risk of food insecurity among elderly individuals.
A study published in Women's Health Issues found that nutrition education significantly lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women. The research showed that a six-month nutrition education program led to a reduction in fat intake and improved body composition, reducing the risk of heart disease.
A randomized study found that a moderate exercise program improved stress-induced blood pressure levels and sleep quality in older caregivers. The program, which included four 30-minute aerobic exercise sessions per week, showed significant benefits compared to nutrition counseling.
Researchers found that an egg phospholipid interferes with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, lowering its uptake by the intestine. This may explain why some studies have found no association between egg intake and blood cholesterol levels.
A new study from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and Mayo Clinic found that women in western Africa need more energy than men based on their work burden. The research determined that women worked two to three hours more per day than men, resulting in a 30% increase in energy needs.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that elderly subjects had a lower white blood cell count increase after refeeding, indicating impaired immune function. This suggests that poor nutritional status in elderly patients may amplify the risk of infection or disease.
New research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that physiology, particularly the vagus nerve, plays a role in gender differences in food choices. Studies found that women exhibited diminished vagally-mediated hormonal and gastric responses to food compared to men, which could explain why women tend to prefer healthier foods.
The study, conducted by Virginia Tech researchers, analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III. It found that regular soft drink consumption was not associated with dental cavities among adolescents, young adults, or older adults.
A new study reveals that 12% of Indian women are overweight and 2% obese, with urban areas showing higher rates of overweighness. The research highlights the need for targeted health education programs for high socioeconomic groups to combat obesity.
A study of 72,904 French women found that those who consumed alcohol had a 29.5% higher calorie intake compared to non-drinkers, with protein and cholesterol intake also increased. Heavy drinkers were more likely to be smokers and experienced negative health effects.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that church-based nutrition and exercise programs significantly reduced heart disease risk factors in African-American women. The program, which included on-site exercise and dietary activities, showed a 10% reduction in 11 of 13 risk factors for heart disease after one year.
Deregulated electric utilities will need to change their marketing strategies to provide standardized information, enabling consumers to make informed choices. The study found that people prefer to choose utilities by comparing standardized labels, similar to shopping for food at the supermarket.
Campers receive controlled dietary intake of calcium, allowing researchers to track bone density changes and determine optimal levels. The goal is to establish guidelines that will help slow bone density decline after middle age.
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 new study found that puberty causes a general metabolic slowdown in both white and African American adolescents, with African Americans having greater lean mass in limbs but lower lean mass in the trunk. This difference may contribute to a lower resting energy expenditure (REE) in African Americans.
A study found that consuming high-procyanidin chocolate increased plasma concentrations of a procyanidin metabolite and reduced serum leukotriene, promoting blood platelet aggregation. This compound may provide cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
A one-year study found that moderate vitamin E supplementation can slow the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in diabetics, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. The authors suggest that uninterrupted long-term supplementation may be preferable over short-term 'cures' using high-doses or intravenous administration.
Adults exposed to Dutch famine in utero exhibit abnormal lipid profiles, with significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. Maternal malnutrition in the first trimester permanently alters offspring lipid profiles later in life.
The study found that the global prevalence of overweight among infants and children aged 0-5 years is 3.3%, with some countries having very high rates of both overweight and wasting. Developing countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America have the highest prevalences of overweight.
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 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 new study from Michigan Medicine shows that color-coded labels on supermarket shelves can guide shoppers to healthier food choices, particularly among African Americans. The program may lower the risk of diet-related health problems like heart disease.
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 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 study by Heaney et al. found that calcium absorption from soy milk is three-quarters of that from cow's milk. The researchers recommend increasing soy milk fortification to match calcium absorption levels of cow's milk.
A Penn State researcher suggests listing energy density on Nutrition Facts labels to encourage people to choose lower-calorie, yet still satisfying foods. This approach can help reduce calorie intake and combat the current obesity epidemic.
A study found that unfiltered coffee increases plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy volunteers, equating to a 10% overall increase in risk for heart attack or stroke. Individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases should limit their consumption of unfiltered coffee.
A new study from Penn State suggests that healthy eating habits and good health status can help maintain the ability to fight off germs and reduce illness in older adults. The research found that well-nourished women between 60 and 80 years old have immune systems that function similarly to younger women.
A study of middle-aged women found that high consumption of zinc, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C was linked to higher bone mineral density and reduced evidence of bone loss. Moderate alcohol intake also appeared to have a positive effect on bone health.
Two studies published in December 1999 found that green tea consumption can trigger biochemical mechanisms affecting human health. The studies suggest that increasing green tea intake can increase energy utilization, thermogenesis, and fat oxidation, while also protecting cells from oxidative damage.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is establishing a prestigious new Clinical Nutrition Research Unit with $4.7 million in NIH funding. The unit will focus on enhancing the use of laboratory discoveries in population-based and clinical research, as well as educating health professionals about nutrition.
A meta-analysis of formerly obese individuals who lost weight found that their resting metabolic rate decreased, explaining why dieters struggle to maintain weight loss. This decrease in metabolism may be a key factor contributing to the difficulty in keeping excess weight off.
The long-term study found that orlistat helped successful dieters keep weight off. The accompanying editorials suggest that orlistat's benefits are modest.
The IFT Meeting will address key nutrition topics, including the impact of new dietary reference intakes on industry and public policy. The event also highlights the nutritional needs of older adults, particularly those turning age 65 each year, who are at increased risk for nutrient deficiencies.
A Penn State study suggests that eating low-energy-density meals, which contain fewer calories per ounce and are rich in fruits, vegetables, or grains, can help individuals manage their weight while still feeling full and satisfied. The study found that the energy density of food, rather than fat content, plays a key role in satiety.
Researchers found a strong relationship between reading nutrition labels and eating less fat. People who read labels tend to consume 30% or less of their daily calories from fat, compared to 35% for non-label readers.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered specific compounds in garlic that lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting liver cell production. The study found three water-soluble sulfur-containing compounds that decreased cholesterol production in cultured rat liver cells by 40 to 60 percent, with potential implications for heart health.
A recent study found that 57% of patients who received nutrition counseling felt better emotionally after the visit, while nearly 65% felt more in control of their illness. The researchers also found improvements in health, such as weight loss and improved blood pressure, among 44% of patients.
A study found that leptin decreases in response to energy deficit in women, leading to increased hunger and desire to eat. Leptin's role in regulating food intake is supported by the association between leptin levels and self-reported hunger.
A new consortium of experts plans to increase the number of physician nutrition specialists on medical school faculties, establish educational standards for post-graduate training, and promote accreditation and monitoring. The goal is to help create a supply of nutrition professionals who can inform medical curricula and patient care.
A growing recognition of age differences in dietary needs is driving calls for separate guidelines for children. Key findings include the importance of sound scientific evidence and gradual changes to a child's diet, with monitoring of growth by health professionals at regular intervals.
A study investigated the understanding of common food label quantifier terms among consumers, revealing significant discrepancies between their perceptions and FDA regulations. Consumers tended to overestimate the amounts of components affected by these terms.
The American Heart Association recommends using oils in their natural state for cooking, and choosing softer margarines over harder ones for spreads. New guidelines suggest that these choices can help lower total fat intake and reduce trans fatty acid consumption.
A Penn State study found that teenagers prioritize health concerns when shopping, but primarily rely on front-of-label nutrition claims. Researchers suggest educational programs to improve food shopping and label reading skills.
The Nutrition Analysis Tool (NAT) allows users to analyze the nutrients in over 5,200 common food items based on daily allowance data from the US Department of Agriculture. Researchers are working to add an energy calculator to help high school athletes at risk for anorexia and bulimia make better nutrition decisions.
Athletes often overconsume carbohydrates while underconsuming fats, leading to inadequate calories. A well-balanced diet with essential fatty acids is crucial for performance enhancement.
A recent study by Penn State found that Meals on Wheels clients, particularly women, are at risk for iron deficiency due to insufficient nutrition. The study's authors recommend iron supplementation as a viable solution to improve the iron status of female recipients.
A global study of children's weights and heights found a significant association between stunting and overweight in kids from diverse countries. The research suggests that critical periods for weight gain include infancy, childhood, and adolescence, emphasizing the importance of healthy feeding practices.
A study of postmenopausal women found that soy protein increased bone-mineral density, suggesting a potential role for isoflavones in maintaining bone health. The researchers also observed significant improvements in blood cholesterol profiles, with LDL cholesterol dropping by about 8% and HDL increasing by 4.5%.
A sports nutrition program has been adopted by top US women's heptathlon athletes, credited with improving performance and hydration. The program emphasizes fluid replacement and eating small, frequent meals to optimize fuel for high-intensity exercises.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that rosemary significantly inhibited the binding of a known cancer-causing agent to DNA in mammary cells, reducing tumor formation by 76 percent in rats fed a diet supplemented with 1 percent rosemary.