All articles tagged with #nutrition study
A Nutrients study followed 23 men who ate five burgers per week for five weeks. Those who consumed high-fat beef (≈25% fat) showed reductions in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure and improved flow-mediated dilation (blood vessel function), while low-fat beef did not improve vessel function. Interestingly, both burger types lowered HDL (“good”) cholesterol, challenging the idea that saturated fat from red meat always harms heart health.
A Brazilian study of nearly 13,000 adults over eight years found that higher intake of six common artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol) was linked to faster cognitive decline; tagatose showed no such effect. The highest consumers declined about 62% faster than the lowest, roughly equating to 1.6 extra years of aging, with stronger effects in adults under 60 and those with diabetes. The study is observational and relies on self-reported intake, so it shows associations, not causation.
A study of 2,192 Australian adults found that every 10% increase in calories from ultra-processed foods is linked to a small drop in attention and a higher dementia risk, with effects persisting even for those following a Mediterranean-style diet; causation isn't proven, but the findings add to concerns about ultra-processed foods and cognitive health.
A 2014 CDC study found watercress to be the most nutrient-dense ‘powerhouse’ vegetable, scoring a perfect 100 per calorie among 41 PFVs. Rich in vitamins A, C, K1, B6, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber, it’s very low in calories (about 11 per 100g) and linked to heart and kidney protection, bone health, DNA protection, and potential cancer-fighting benefits. Easy ways to include it: raw in salads or sandwiches, in soups, or blended into pesto.
A six-month Melbourne study found that adults aged 66–89 who consumed 43g (about 3 tablespoons) of peanut butter daily improved their sit-to-stand speed, indicating increased muscle power, without weight gain; researchers say peanut butter could be an affordable, accessible aid to mobility alongside resistance training.
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.
A large, long-term study shows that the MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and emphasizes green leafy vegetables, berries, and whole grains, is more effective in reducing the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's, even when started later in life. The study highlights the importance of diet quality and diversity for brain health across different racial and age groups.
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.
A new study suggests that the MIND diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and emphasizes leafy greens, berries, and whole grains, is more effective in reducing the risk of dementia in middle-aged and older adults, even when started later in life, compared to other healthy diets.
A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and Columbia University highlights the impact of meal timing on glucose levels, suggesting that consuming over 45% of daily calories after 5 p.m. can increase glucose levels, posing health risks like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues. The research, involving individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, found that late eaters had poorer glucose tolerance, regardless of calorie intake or body weight. The study emphasizes the importance of meal timing in cardiometabolic health and suggests focusing on consuming more calories during daylight hours.
A new study presented at the Nutrition 2024 conference reveals that consuming ultra-processed foods like sugary sodas, hot dogs, and refined grains can significantly increase the risk of premature death and various health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. The research tracked over 500,000 people for three decades and found a 10% higher risk of all-cause mortality for those who consumed more ultra-processed foods. While not all ultra-processed foods are harmful, experts recommend focusing on nutrient-dense options and limiting processed meats and sugary beverages.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the quality of the American diet has seen modest improvements over the past two decades, with fewer adults having poor dietary quality. However, significant disparities remain, particularly among marginalized communities. The study highlights increased consumption of healthier foods like nuts, whole grains, and poultry, and decreased intake of refined grains and sugary drinks. Despite some progress, the diet quality gap persists, especially for young adults, women, Hispanic adults, and those with higher education and income levels.
Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge are conducting a 5-year, $189 million study backed by the National Institutes of Health to determine the best diet for individuals. Around 10,000 people, including 1,200 from Louisiana, will have their diets tracked and their body responses measured to create a massive dataset for personalized diet advice. The study aims to develop tailored diets based on factors such as medical history, genes, and regional food availability, with the ultimate goal of providing customized diet recommendations akin to personalized medicine.