All articles tagged with #diet
Recent reports emphasize that maintaining cognitive health in older age depends less on mental puzzles and more on physical habits. Experts highlight the importance of specific exercise zones, a Mediterranean-style diet, and social engagement to combat brain shrinkage and reduce dementia risk.
Debra Coltune, a food critic, moved from Las Vegas to the Italian island of San Pietro after discovering its status as a 'Blue Zone' known for exceptional longevity. She relocated with her children and dogs within a year of visiting, citing the island's plant-centered diet and slower pace as key factors in her decision to leave her previous high-stress lifestyle.
A cardiologist identifies nine fruits that support cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation. The list includes berries, grapes, apples, pears, avocados, citrus, pomegranates, watermelon, and cherries. Experts emphasize consuming whole fruits rather than juice to maximize fiber intake and avoid sugar spikes.
A new academic review finds no strong evidence that specific magnesium forms, such as glycinate or L-threonate, offer unique advantages over others. While social media promotes these variants for sleep or brain function, experts note that direct human trials are lacking. Most people can meet magnesium needs through diet, though supplements may help those with deficiencies or absorption issues. Timing and dosage matter more than the specific chemical form for general health outcomes.
A large French observational study of 112,395 adults over ~7–8 years links eight common food preservatives to higher blood pressure risk (up to 24% for the highest intake) and to increased cardiovascular disease risk, especially for non-antioxidant preservatives; ascorbic acid (E300) also showed a 15% association with cardiovascular disease. While the researchers adjusted for diet and other factors, the findings show correlations, not causation, and call for reevaluation of safety guidelines and more research.
Colorectal dietitian Sophie Medlin advocates two daily habits—eat diverse plant foods and daily fermented foods—while limiting red meat to two portions per week and avoiding processed meat, to help lower colorectal cancer risk as cases rise among younger adults and gut health is linked to cancer prevention.
The piece argues that “superfood” is a marketing term with no official definition, and no single food can transform health. Instead, a nutritious diet comes from an overall pattern: plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, fiber-rich carbohydrates, and healthy fats, with minimal processing and limited added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. Emphasize variety (colorful plates) and small, sustainable changes over time to support long-term health.
A Newsweek report summarizes a study finding that a Western-style diet is associated with faster cognitive decline in people who carry Alzheimer’s risk genes. The researchers stress that diet is one factor among genetics and lifestyle, and the study indicates correlation rather than causation, calling for more research to unpack how diet and other factors interact in brain aging.
A four-week trial in Australians aged 65–75 found that reducing dietary fat or animal-based protein lowered estimated biological age, as measured by 20 biomarkers, with three of four diet patterns showing age-related biomarker reductions and the strongest effect in an omnivorous high-carbohydrate plan. Researchers caution that these results are preliminary, and it remains unknown whether the changes persist long-term or reduce aging-related disease risk.
Northwell Health researchers found that a medically supervised diet modeled after treatment for GAMT deficiency—restricting arginine and boosting ornithine to curb the production of guanidinoacetate (GAA)—slowed glioma growth in mice, a result that could lead to pre-surgical testing in humans, with a clinical trial planned for 2027.
A HuffPost health piece warns MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly fatty liver disease) affects about 25% of U.S. adults, with under 5% knowing they have it; the condition is largely preventable and reversible with a healthy diet. It highlights sugar as the main driver once it reaches the liver, though saturated fat also stresses liver cells, and cites three foods to cut—starting with sugar-sweetened beverages and fried foods (the third item isn’t shown in this excerpt)—with a large study linking fried foods to a 15% higher MASLD risk. Cutting added sugars and fried foods could lower liver-fat risk over time.
A HuffPost health piece notes that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly fatty liver disease) affects about 25% of U.S. adults, with fewer than 5% aware of their condition. MASLD is largely preventable (and possibly reversible) through diet and lifestyle changes. Key culprits include sugar—especially from sugar-sweetened beverages—as the main driver of liver fat and insulin resistance, plus saturated fats and fried foods. Reducing these foods can help lower MASLD risk and protect liver health, according to hepatologists quoted in the article.
About 1 in 4 U.S. adults have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a largely undiagnosed but potentially reversible condition. The piece highlights three foods to minimize: sugar-sweetened drinks, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates, explaining how sugar drives fat buildup in the liver and how fat, refined carbs, and even alcohol contribute to MASLD risk. It also recommends a Mediterranean-style diet, fruit (especially berries), dark chocolate in moderation, and regular coffee as liver-friendly choices to help prevent MASLD.
A long-term observational study of 39,498 older adults tracked for about 15 years found that higher egg consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, with five or more eggs per week associated with a 27% reduction vs rarely eating eggs. Intermediate intake also correlated with risk reductions, while avoiding eggs correlated with higher risk; however, causation cannot be established and overall dietary quality and lifestyle factors may drive the association.
New research links what you eat and when you eat to how well you sleep, favoring a Mediterranean/plant-forward diet for better rest while avoiding late meals, ultra-processed foods, and high-GI snacks; protein sources provide tryptophan that aids serotonin and melatonin production, while caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep depending on timing. The article also notes the role of chronotype, shift work, and potential supplements like magnesium or melatonin, but emphasizes overall sleep hygiene and balanced meals as the most reliable route to improved sleep.