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How well do Americans eat for the planet? New index reveals gaps and opportunities in sustainable diets

The study introduces the Planetary Health Diet Index for the United States (PHDI-US) to evaluate how well U.S. adults adhere to a diet that's both nutritious and environmentally sustainable. Findings reveal significant disparities in adherence based on race, income, and other demographic factors, providing critical insights for promoting sustainable eating practices.

27 Sep 2023

Toddler diet quality covered in the latest version of the Healthy Eating Index

In four articles in the Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, published by Elsevier, leading nutrition experts describe and evaluate the latest versions of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), issued to correspond to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). For the first time, there are two new HEIs, one for children and adults 2 years and older, and one for young children aged 12 through 23 months.

26 Sep 2023

Smart capsules: the future of gut health diagnosis and monitoring?

Researchers discussed using smart and robotic capsules for sampling and sensing the gut.

26 Sep 2023

Antibiotics can sometimes benefit bacteria

Scientists have found a surprising effect of some antibiotics on certain bacteria – that the drugs can sometimes benefit bacteria, helping them live longer.

25 Sep 2023

Study discovers a new endocytic pathway in budding yeast

Endocytosis is an important cellular process through which cells internalize substances such as water and nutrients.

25 Sep 2023

Can crafted meal plans in kindergarten lead to healthier kids?

Crafted meal plans in kindergarten significantly boost children's intake of vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, according to a study in the journal Nutrients. The research highlights the importance of structured nutrition in early education settings for long-term health benefits.

25 Sep 2023

Plant-based proteins boost muscle mass and cut fat in older adults

Plant-based proteins are just as effective as animal-based options in maintaining muscle mass and strength in older adults, a new meta-analysis finds. The study shows that plant proteins can even aid in reducing fat mass, offering a sustainable and healthful option for combating age-related muscle decline.

24 Sep 2023

Is hemp the superfood vegetarians have been waiting for?

This recent study in the journal Nutrients delves into the nutritional power of hemp seeds, highlighting their potential as a rich source of proteins, essential fatty acids, and dietary fiber—particularly valuable for vegetarians. The paper also suggests that hemp could offer numerous health benefits, from antioxidant activity to potentially aiding in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, paving the way for more focused research.

22 Sep 2023

Hokkaido red wines show promise in boosting vascular function

Researchers find that consuming red wines made from Zweigelt grape varietals cultivated in Hokkaido, Japan, can positively affect vascular and platelet function in healthy adult men, with the 2018 vintage having a more pronounced effect on blood pressure. The study highlights the role of specific polyphenolic profiles in wines for cardiovascular benefits.

21 Sep 2023

Unlocking the potential of the ketogenic diet: studies reveal health benefits

Researchers reported on the effects of the ketogenic diet (KD) on various aspects of metabolic and endocrinal health.

20 Sep 2023

New study sheds light on vitamin D's role in cardiovascular health

Researchers conducted a prospective population-based analysis to understand whether vitamin D levels were associated with cardiovascular disease events and mortality, and overall mortality.

20 Sep 2023

Is sucralose the safer sweetener for your gut health?

The study found that consuming a beverage sweetened with sucrose significantly increased bacterial endotoxin levels in the blood, a marker for inflammation and gut barrier dysfunction, while no such effect was observed with sucralose-sweetened drinks. The findings suggest that sucralose may be a safer alternative to sucrose in terms of intestinal health and inflammation.

19 Sep 2023

Coffee, fiber, and the Mediterranean diet are key players in fighting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Dietary patterns, foods, and nutrients to ameliorate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

19 Sep 2023

Can your baby's gut bacteria predict food allergies?

Researchers in Italy delve into how changes in gut microbiota during the first 1000 days of life can influence the onset of food allergies in children. The study sheds light on various factors such as birth methods, breastfeeding, and antibiotic use that impact gut health, highlighting the need for more research on effective interventions for allergy prevention.

18 Sep 2023

Can teachers be the secret weapon in the fight against childhood obesity?

A recent study demonstrates that teachers equipped with nutrition education resources can effectively combat childhood obesity in underserved areas. The research highlights the need for professional development programs that enhance teacher well-being and self-efficacy, emphasizing their vital role as agents of change in public health.

17 Sep 2023

Breast milk proteins linked to abundance of beneficial bacteria in infants

More than 320 million years of mammalian evolution has adapted breast milk to meet all the physiological needs of babies: it contains not only nutrients, but also hormones, antimicrobials, digestive enzymes, and growth factors.

15 Sep 2023

How food insecurity fuels sugary drink consumption in vulnerable kids

New research from New York City reveals that children in low-food-security households are more likely to consume sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Factors such as chronic stress and U.S. parental immigration status were found to exacerbate the link between food insecurity and higher SSB consumption among these children.

13 Sep 2023