Nutrition

High protein consumption may elevate atherosclerosis risk by activating immune cells that contribute to arterial plaque formation, with leucine playing a critical role, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.High protein consumption may elevate atherosclerosis risk by activating immune cells that contribute to arterial plaque formation, with leucine playing a critical role.University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers discovered a molecular mechanism by which excessive dietary…

What the body does need is fiber, a nutrient found in vegetables, whole grains, and legumes that helps regulate the bowel and lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Only about 5 percent of Americans get the recommended amount of daily fiber, which is about 30 grams a day.The enzyme Zya is developing comes from a family called inulosucrases, and is naturally made by a strain of bacteria found in the human microbiome that’s capable of converting sugar to fiber in the gut environment. This enzyme acts on sugar before it…

Research from Tufts University indicates that women who consume more plant-based proteins are less likely to develop chronic diseases and maintain better health into older age. The study, analyzing data from over 48,000 women, highlights the benefits of plant proteins over animal proteins for heart health, mental health, and overall longevity, recommending a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, with some fish and animal protein for essential nutrients.A recent study led by Tufts University discovered that…

Scientists have discovered a mechanism to prevent darkening and health risks in cold-stored potatoes, a breakthrough promising healthier, tastier snacks and addressing a billion-dollar market’s challenges. Their work, revealing a gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening (CIS), could lead to new potato varieties that avoid acrylamide formation, benefiting the snack food industry and potentially reducing food waste and costs.Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered a method to decrease the levels of a…

Incretin hormones, produced in our gut, play a pivotal role in managing metabolism and weight, akin to the function of drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro. This natural weight loss system, activated by our dietary choices and the health of our gut microbiome, offers a built-in method for obesity and diabetes control. By focusing on nurturing our gut health through proper nutrition, we can unlock this natural mechanism, offering a sustainable approach to weight management that parallels the benefits of these modern…

Recent research from the University of Otago has demonstrated that kiwifruit, a rich source of vitamin C, can quickly enhance mood and vitality, showing effects in as little as four days. The study, which involved 155 adults with low vitamin C levels, utilized smartphone surveys to track improvements in mood, vitality, and overall well-being. The findings underscore the benefits of incorporating nutrient-rich foods like kiwifruit into one’s diet for mental health and introduce a novel approach to nutritional research.…

In general, how healthy is your overall diet? Would you say it is.... (January 2024). Credit: Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability Food or nutrition-related New Year's resolutions were more popular among consumers going into 2024 compared to last year, according to the January Consumer Food Insights Report. This year 25% of consumers responded "yes" when asked if they had any food- or nutrition-related New Year's…

Most people only consume about half of the recommended amount of dietary fiber, and it can negatively affect overall health.Fiber is key to gut health and overall wellness, yet many diets lack sufficient fiber. Balance and variety in fiber sources are important for its full health benefits.There’s no shortage of advice about what to eat, including hype about the latest superfoods that will help you live to 100, or about the newest restrictive diets that claim to help you lose weight and look beautiful. As a researcher…

Scientists at Buck Institute found that the OXR1 gene is key to the beneficial effects of dietary restriction on brain health and lifespan. Their research shows that dietary restriction enhances a cellular mechanism in neurons, offering new targets for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Credit: SciTechDaily.com The mechanism provides potential therapeutic targets to slow aging and age-related neurodegenerative diseases.Restricting calories is known to improve health and increase lifespan, but much of how it…

A study with 22 pairs of identical twins found that a vegan diet significantly improves cardiovascular health in just eight weeks. By focusing on twins, the study effectively controlled for genetic and lifestyle variations, revealing that a vegan diet led to lower LDL cholesterol, insulin levels, and body weight, which are key indicators of cardiovascular health. The research underscores the benefits of a plant-based diet, advocating for its adoption for long-term health improvements.A trial led by Stanford Medicine,…