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Reduced activity in the brain's self-regulation system may be early predictor of obesity

In a small study that scanned the brains of teenagers while exposing them to tempting "food cues," researchers report that reduced activity in the brain's "self-regulation" system may be an important early predictor of adult obesity.

22 Aug 2017

Protein-rich diet may foster more tolerant, less inflammatory gut environment

Immune cells patrol the gut to ensure that harmful microbes hidden in the food we eat don't sneak into the body. Cells that are capable of triggering inflammation are balanced by cells that promote tolerance, protecting the body without damaging sensitive tissues.

3 Aug 2017

Using Modern Technology to Gamify Medication Adherence

Medication nonadherence is the phenomenon of people not sticking to their medication. Either stopping completely before they're supposed to, or taking it irregularly, at such a rate that it's below the optimal level.

From Perx Health 11 Jul 2017

Magnesium deficiency could be the reason behind some chocolate cravings

Many of us are hooked on the boost that chocolate gives, but as we approach World Chocolate Day (7 July) nutritionist Emily Whitehead explains there could be another reason for our choc compulsion.

3 Jul 2017

Cocoa and chocolate consumption could provide beneficial effects on cognitive function

A balanced diet is chocolate in both hands - a phrase commonly used to justify ones chocolate snacking behavior. A phrase now shown to actually harbor some truth, as the cocoa bean is a rich source of flavanols: a class of natural compounds that has neuroprotective effects.

29 Jun 2017

Assessing safety and toxicity of bioactives could be key to establishing tolerable upper intake levels

The good news is out that wine and dark chocolate may be good for your health. That's because of substances known as bioactives that are contained in those foods.

2 Jun 2017

Consumption of chocolate is associated with lower atrial fibrillation risks, study finds

A study published online in the journal Heart found that regular consumption of chocolate may be associated with a lower risk of developing irregular heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation (heart flutter).

24 May 2017

Moderate chocolate intake linked to lower risk of atrial fibrillation

A new study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in collaboration with researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Aalborg University and Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Denmark, found that consuming moderate amounts of chocolate was associated with significantly lower risk of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a common and potentially life threatening type of irregular heartbeat.

24 May 2017

Simple computer game shows potential to improve food choices in young children

A simple brain-training game could help children choose healthy snacks instead of chocolate and sweets, according to a new study.

17 May 2017

Left- or right-handedness influences speed of understanding sign language, study finds

The speed at which sign language users understand what others are 'saying' to them depends on whether the conversation partners are left- or right-handed, a new study has found.

9 May 2017

Choice of fat causes distinct epigenetic changes in human adipose tissue, study shows

Previous research has demonstrated that saturated fat is more fattening and less muscle building than polyunsaturated fats. A new study shows that the choice of fat causes epigenetic changes which in turn could contribute to differences in fat storage.

8 May 2017

Eating soil could be detrimental to health of babies

Up to 80% of people in Africa, especially women, regularly eat clayey soil - this habit is known as geophagy. A previous study conducted at MedUni Vienna has already shown that it is a form of craving.

25 Apr 2017

Brain genes influence our eating habits, study finds

Differences in the genetic make-up of our brains may account for the particular food preferences people have and their varying ability to stick to diets, according to new research.

24 Apr 2017

Study shows how brain genes influence food intake and dietary preferences

Have you ever wondered why you keep eating certain foods, even if you know they are not good for you? Gene variants that affect the way our brain works may be the reason, according to a new study. The new research could lead to new strategies to empower people to enjoy and stick to their optimal diets.

24 Apr 2017

Study: ‘No-fat’ or ‘no-sugar’ label on packaging rarely reflect actual nutritional quality of food

Terms such as no-fat or no-sugar, low-fat or reduced-salt on food packaging may give consumers a sense of confidence before they purchase, but these claims rarely reflect the actual nutritional quality of the food, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

16 Mar 2017

Drug combination delivered by nanoparticles may keep melanoma from becoming resistant to treatment

The first of a new class of medication that delivers a combination of drugs by nanoparticle may keep melanoma from becoming resistant to treatment, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.

15 Mar 2017

Chronic exposure to common food additive alters nutrient absorption in small intestine

The ability of small intestine cells to absorb nutrients and act as a barrier to pathogens is "significantly decreased" after chronic exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, a common food additive found in everything from chewing gum to bread, according to research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.

17 Feb 2017

American Heart Month: Time to know foods that protect cardiac health

February is American Heart Month, and it is an important time to be informed on the most beneficial foods and nutrients to maintain a heart-healthy diet.

8 Feb 2017

Nearly half of people working in professional services industry ditched the diet after eating chocolate on the job

New statistics released as part of the British Heart Foundation’s DECHOX campaign show the true extent of “cake culture” in the office, as around half of people working in Professional Services (48%) who are trying to watch their waistlines say they’ve ditched the diet at least once after being tempted by sweet treats in the workplace.

31 Jan 2017

Consumers estimate quantity decreases more accurately than increases

But whenever a brand tries to shave a few percentages off the size of their product, consumers immediately notice and complain.

28 Jan 2017