Tag

Diet Quality

All articles tagged with #diet quality

health-and-medicine8 days ago•6 min saved

Watermelon May Boost Heart Health and Diet Quality

New research finds watermelon consumption is associated with higher-quality diets and better nutrient intake, including more fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, while lower in added sugars and saturated fat. A small clinical trial suggests watermelon juice may help preserve vascular function during hyperglycemia by supporting nitric oxide pathways via L-citrulline and L-arginine. Watermelon's high water content makes it hydrating and low in calories, and its lycopene content may further support cardiovascular health, but larger long-term studies are needed.

via ScienceDaily|

#diet-quality #health-and-medicine #heart-health

health10 days ago•36 min saved

Slight calorie cuts may slow aging, study finds

A long-running CALERIE 2 trial found that about a 10–15% reduction in daily calories over two years improved diet quality, reduced inflammation, and slowed cellular aging in healthy adults without nutrient deficiencies, suggesting modest, sustainable calorie cuts may promote healthier aging.

via Earth.com|

#aging #calerie-2 #calorie-restriction

health27 days ago•4 min saved

Ultra-Processed Diet Linked to Reduced Focus and Higher Dementia Risk

An observational study of 2,192 dementia-free Australians aged 40–70 found that ultra-processed foods made up about 41% of total energy intake and were associated with poorer attention and higher dementia risk. Specifically, every 10% increase in ultra-processed foods correlated with a ~0.05-point drop in attention and ~0.24-point higher dementia risk scores. The findings suggest processing itself may affect cognitive health beyond nutrients; adherence to a Mediterranean diet did not offset the effect. Causality can’t be established, and further research is needed.

via ScienceAlert|

#brain-health #cognition #dementia-risk

health27 days ago•7 min saved

Ultraprocessed foods linked to higher dementia risk and weaker attention

A Monash University-led study of more than 2,000 dementia-free Australians aged 40–70 found that each 10% rise in ultraprocessed food intake was associated with lower attention scores and higher dementia risk, even among people with generally healthy diets; memory effects were not observed. Self-reported data and potential confounding limit the strength of conclusions. Researchers and experts, including Dr. Daniel Amen, call for dietary guidelines to consider processing level and for replacing ultraprocessed foods with real foods to protect brain health.

via Fox News|

#attention #brain-health #dementia-risk

health1 month ago•7 min saved

Healthy Diet Tied to Lung Cancer Risk in Young Non-Smokers, Study Finds

A USC-led study found that Americans under 50 who have never smoked and eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may have a higher lung cancer risk, possibly due to environmental pesticide exposure. The study used diet quality scores and did not measure pesticides directly; researchers urge further testing of biological samples to confirm exposure and assess the role of specific pesticides.

via SciTechDaily|

#diet-quality #health #lung-cancer

health1 month ago•6 min saved

Ultra-processed foods linked to fatty thigh muscles in people at risk for knee OA

In 615 adults at risk for knee osteoarthritis, higher intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to greater fat infiltration in thigh muscles on MRI, independent of total calories or fat intake. The cross-sectional design means causality can’t be established, but the study suggests dietary quality may affect muscle health and osteoarthritis risk, warranting further longitudinal research.

via Medical News Today|

#diet-quality #health #knee-osteoarthritis

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Ultra-processed foods linked to higher death risk for cancer survivors

An observational Italian study of more than 800 cancer survivors followed nearly 18 years found that those with the highest intake of ultraprocessed foods had a 48% higher risk of death from any cause and a 57% higher risk of death from cancer compared with those with the lowest intake. The association persisted after adjusting for overall diet quality, suggesting that how foods are processed may influence long-term health beyond nutrient content. The researchers recommend minimally processed, home-cooked meals, but note limitations like self-reported diets and lack of cancer-stage data, so causation cannot be established.

via Fox News|

#cancer-survivors #diet-quality #health

health-and-medicine2 months ago•3 min saved

Ultra-Processed Diets Linked to Lower Fertility Odds in Women, McMaster Study Finds

A U.S. study analyzing NHANES data from over 2,500 women found that higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with about 60% lower odds of conceiving, independent of age, weight and lifestyle factors. A Mediterranean-style diet showed a positive link to fertility, though the benefit diminished when obesity was accounted for. The researchers cite possible hormonal disruption from additives and chemicals in processed foods; the study is cross-sectional, so it shows association, not causation.

via McMaster News|

#chemical-exposures #diet-quality #health-and-medicine

health2 months ago•3 min saved

Quality Diet, Not Carbs or Fats, Linked to Better Heart Health in Large Study

A Harvard-led study of nearly 200,000 US health professionals over about 30 years finds that heart health hinges on diet quality, not just low carbs or low fat. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, with few processed foods and excessive animal proteins/fats, are linked to better cholesterol, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of coronary heart disease—supporting flexible eating patterns focused on food quality.

via ScienceAlert|

#cardiovascular-disease #diet-quality #health

nutrition3 months ago•46 min saved

Eating Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Death Risk for Cancer Survivors

A Healthline study of over 24,000 adults in southern Italy found that cancer survivors who ate the most ultra-processed foods had about 48% higher risk of death from any cause and 57% higher risk of death from cancer, compared with those who ate the least. The researchers link this to increased inflammation and resting heart rate, and emphasize that overall dietary patterns matter more than individual foods. The study is observational and cannot prove causation, but experts advocate reducing ultra-processed foods in favor of fresh, minimally processed meals.

via Healthline|

#cancer-survivors #diet-quality #inflammation

health3 months ago•6 min saved

Two Decades of Pecan Research Highlight Heart-Healthy Benefits

A review of over 20 years of studies links pecan consumption in a balanced diet to improvements in heart-health markers—lower total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol—and better overall diet quality, likely due to pecans’ polyphenols and unsaturated fats. Evidence on blood sugar regulation and weight is mixed; researchers note promising avenues in gut and brain health and how growing conditions may affect bioactive compounds. The study, funded by the American Pecan Promotion Board, states findings were independent of sponsor.

via SciTechDaily|

#diet-quality #health #heart-health

health11 months ago•2 min saved

Top Heart-Healthy Snacks That Lower Cholesterol

Eating pecans as a snack can lower cholesterol levels and improve overall diet quality, potentially reducing heart disease risk, according to a study from Penn State. Participants who replaced their usual snacks with pecans showed better cholesterol measurements and diet adherence, highlighting the benefits of polyphenol-rich foods like nuts, fruits, and vegetables for cardiovascular health.

via Daily Express|

#cholesterol #diet-quality #health

health11 months ago•4 min saved

Eating More Phytosterols and Plant-Based Foods Reduces Heart Disease and Diabetes Risk

A large, decades-long study found that the quality of food consumed is as important as whether one follows a low-carb or low-fat diet, with high-quality foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reducing heart disease risk, while processed and animal-based foods increase it.

via SciTechDaily|

#diet-quality #health #heart-health

health11 months ago•5 min saved

Calorie Restriction and Low-Carb Diets May Impact Mental Health

A study finds that low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing plant-based proteins and healthy fats are linked to fewer depression symptoms, while diets high in animal proteins and saturated fats show no such benefit, highlighting the importance of food quality in mental health.

via PsyPost|

#depression #diet-quality #health

health11 months ago•3 min saved

Simple diet changes can significantly reduce disease risks and save lives

A Harvard study involving nearly 200,000 participants found that the quality of food, especially diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, significantly reduces heart disease risk by about 15%, regardless of whether the diet is low-carb or low-fat, emphasizing the importance of food choices over macronutrient focus.

via Times of India|

#diet-quality #health #heart-disease