Dietary Fiber News and Research

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Ultra-processed foods increase risk of anxiety and depression, study shows

A large UK Biobank study linked ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption to increased risks of anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, and other mental health outcomes. A metabolomic signature associated with UPF intake partially mediated these relationships, especially in adults under 60.

5 May 2025

Chitosan clears microplastics from the gut in rats within days

A study in rats found that ingesting chitosan, a dietary fiber from shells, significantly increased the fecal excretion rate and decreased the gut retention time of polyethylene microplastics. This suggests chitosan could potentially help mitigate microplastic accumulation in the digestive system.

24 Apr 2025

Can a plant-based diet help prevent breast cancer?

A case-control study in Iranian women found that higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet significantly reduces breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and those with a BMI under 25. In contrast, high intake of unhealthy plant-based foods raised risk in premenopausal women.

22 Apr 2025

High fiber diet helps protect against dangerous gut infections

A study published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe by Brazilian and American researchers suggests that a diet rich in soluble fiber can protect the intestine against pathogenic bacteria.

9 Apr 2025

Eating ultra-processed foods may rewire your brain’s hunger and reward circuits

High intake of ultra-processed foods is linked to adverse metabolic health and microstructural brain changes in regions that control appetite and reward. These effects occur both through obesity-related pathways and independently via inflammation and dyslipidemia.

9 Apr 2025

How your dairy choices could impact your risk of type 2 diabetes, new study shows

A study of Swedish adults finds that high intake of non-fermented milk and cheese increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, while fermented milk, cream, and butter offer protective benefits.

7 Apr 2025

Smoothies with seeds may improve glycemic control, study shows

Blending whole fruits into smoothies may reduce glycemic spikes compared to eating fruit whole or drinking juice, especially when seeds are included. Researchers urge a re-evaluation of public health guidelines that currently limit smoothie intake.

3 Apr 2025

Gut microbiome interventions could stop type 1 diabetes in its tracks

Researchers at The University of Queensland have found improving the function of the gut microbiome may delay the onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D).

2 Apr 2025

Study reveals hidden cardiovascular risks in real-world low-carb diets

Researchers examined a real-world low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet population to assess links between nutrient intake and cardiovascular risk.

2 Apr 2025

Only 13% of French adults have optimal heart health—here’s what’s driving the gap

Only 13% of French adults aged 18–69 have optimal cardiovascular health, according to a national study using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) score. The findings highlight missed prevention opportunities and suggest that modest lifestyle changes could prevent up to 81% of cardiovascular events.

1 Apr 2025

Not all Chinese food is equal: study ranks cuisines by inflammatory potential

Researchers analyzed 980 dishes from eight major Chinese cuisines to evaluate their nutritional profiles and inflammatory potential using the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII).

31 Mar 2025

AI reveals how much hidden sugar is in packaged foods worldwide

Researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm to accurately predict free sugar content in packaged foods globally. The model enables large-scale assessment of carbohydrate quality based on fiber and sugar content.

30 Mar 2025

Can brain-healthy eating improve your quality of life? This study tested it

A 12-week feasibility trial tested the MIND diet in midlife adults, showing improved diet quality, mood, and physical quality of life but no significant cognitive gains.

30 Mar 2025

Strawberries enhance brain speed and heart health, but cognitive benefits remain unclear

Strawberries may modestly enhance processing speed and lower systolic blood pressure in older adults, but they do not significantly improve overall cognitive function or vascular health.

19 Mar 2025

Australian scientists redefine dietary fiber classification for better health benefits

Australian food scientists have reclassified dietary fibers – beyond just soluble and insoluble – to better guide nutritional decisions and drive targeted health food products.

19 Mar 2025

Increased intake of fruit, fiber, dairy and caffeine linked to lower tinnitus risk

Increased consumption of fruit, dietary fiber, dairy products and caffeine may be associated with a reduced risk of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), suggests an analysis of the available evidence, published in the open access journal BMJ Open.

18 Mar 2025

Global study finds fruit and vegetable consumption cuts disease risk—why aren't we eating enough?

Scientists confirm fruits and vegetables reduce diabetes, heart disease risk, but highlight urgent need for clarity on cancer protection mechanisms. Sustainable water practices and targeted policy actions are crucial for wider adoption.

6 Mar 2025

Eating ultra-processed foods harms your gut—here’s how inflammation takes hold

Ultra-processed foods disrupt gut microbiome balance, causing inflammation, reduced microbial diversity, and increased gut permeability. This microbiome imbalance contributes to chronic diseases including diabetes, IBD, cancer, and neurological disorders.

6 Mar 2025

Study uncovers how glucose excreted in the gut converts into beneficial fatty acids

Gut microbes that were thought to feed exclusively on dietary fiber also get fed sugar from our guts, from which they produce short-chain fatty acids that are crucial to many body functions.

4 Mar 2025

Can chili peppers improve ADHD symptoms? Scientists explore their gut-brain connection

Chili peppers may influence ADHD symptoms by modulating the gut microbiome, with capsaicin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids showing potential effects on neurotransmitters and inflammation. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.

20 Feb 2025