
Dietitian: Eat Fish Twice Weekly for Brain Health
A registered dietitian advises eating fatty fish twice a week to support brain health, as these foods provide essential omega-3 fatty acids that plant sources cannot efficiently supply.
All articles tagged with #dietary guidelines

A registered dietitian advises eating fatty fish twice a week to support brain health, as these foods provide essential omega-3 fatty acids that plant sources cannot efficiently supply.

A new review in the Annual Review of Nutrition finds that consuming just 25 grams of processed meat daily, equivalent to one or two slices of deli meat, is associated with a 44% higher risk of all-cause dementia and a 52% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. Led by Owen Carmichael, the study suggests that ultra-processed foods may contribute to brain aging. While the evidence remains observational and does not prove causation, experts note that replacing 10% of ultra-processed food calories with whole foods could lower dementia risk by 19%.

A meta-analysis of 87 randomized trials involving over 6,500 adults reveals that consuming 60 to 100 grams of whole grains daily yields the greatest improvements in cardiovascular risk factors. This intake, equivalent to four to six servings, significantly lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight. The benefits are most pronounced when whole grains replace refined grains rather than simply being added to the diet.

People with diabetes can consume candy if they prioritize items containing fat or protein, which slow digestion and prevent rapid glucose spikes. Experts recommend limiting sugar-heavy treats and choosing nutrient-dense alternatives like fruit or dark chocolate to maintain metabolic health without sacrificing sweet cravings.

The 2026 U.S. Dietary Guidelines increased recommended protein intake by over 50%, sparking a massive surge in protein-fortified products. While experts advise prioritizing whole foods over processed snacks, the industry has flooded shelves with items ranging from protein Doritos to protein Pop-Tarts, driving $90 billion in annual consumer spending.

A large US study confirms that eating whole fruit is associated with lower risks of heart disease, while drinking fruit juice shows no clear protective benefits.

A large US study finds that adults with heart disease or risk factors consume whole fruit less frequently than those without, while fruit juice intake shows no consistent protective link.

The U.S. food industry has aggressively expanded protein-infused products, driven by new federal dietary guidelines that increased recommended intake by over 50%. While consumer spending on protein-labeled items reached $90 billion last year, experts warn that adding protein to processed snacks offers no health benefits and may pose risks.

A large meta-analysis published in the European Heart Journal indicates that consuming 60 to 100 grams of whole grains daily, equivalent to four to six servings, yields the greatest reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. This exceeds current US dietary guidelines, which recommend two to four servings. While benefits for weight and cholesterol are high-certainty, the study notes that long-term outcomes like heart attacks require further research.

Sardines are a highly nutritious, affordable seafood option rich in omega-3s, protein, and calcium, but their high sodium and purine content require caution for individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, or gout.

A large-scale study published in September 2026 found that consuming just 100 grams of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) daily is associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events and increased risks of cancer, diabetes, and premature death. While experts debate the definition and impact of processing, dietitians emphasize that overall dietary balance matters more than avoiding all processed items. The debate highlights a tension between public health warnings and industry claims of reformulation.

A comprehensive review of 87 randomized trials indicates that consuming 60 to 100 grams of whole grains daily, equivalent to four to six servings, yields the greatest reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. While current US guidelines recommend two to four servings, this new evidence suggests higher intakes may offer superior benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol, though long-term effects remain under investigation.

A massive meta-analysis of nearly 8.8 million adults across four continents finds that consuming just 100 grams of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) daily is associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events, a 4% higher risk of cancer, and a 3% higher risk of all-cause mortality. Published in Family Medicine and Community Health on September 22, 2026, the study highlights that even small daily amounts of additive-heavy, packaged foods correlate with significant health declines, including metabolic syndrome and depression. Experts emphasize replacing UPFs with whole, minimally processed foods to mitigate these risks, noting that while the observational study cannot prove causation, the dose-response relationship is strong.

A large-scale analysis of nearly 8.8 million adults across multiple continents finds that consuming just 100 grams of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) daily is associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events and increased risks for cancer, metabolic syndrome, and all-cause mortality. The study, led by Xiao Liu, highlights that even small amounts of packaged, additive-heavy foods like chips and candy correlate with significant health declines. While the research is observational and cannot prove causation, experts emphasize replacing UPFs with whole, minimally processed foods to improve long-term health outcomes.

Despite viral 'fibermaxxing' trends, only 4-5% of U.S. adults meet daily fiber recommendations, with average intake around 16g. Experts emphasize that fiber benefits vary by type, and the 2025 dietary guidelines controversially downplay whole grains. While supplements offer quick fixes, most dietitians recommend gradual increases through diverse whole foods to avoid digestive distress and maximize gut microbiome diversity.