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A four-week spice experiment challenges expectations about post-meal benefits

Culinary doses of herbs and spices did not significantly alter postprandial endothelial function, glycemia, or lipemia after four weeks of corresponding spice-containing diets in adults at cardiometabolic risk. The findings suggest that acute spice-related effects may be less apparent with longer-term exposure, although the study may have been underpowered to detect modest benefits.

17 Aug 2026

Taste preference genes drive overeating and metabolic disease risk

Ever wonder why some people crave sweets while others can take them or leave them? Preliminary findings from a new study suggest that people who carry certain genetic variants associated with a preference for sweet or fatty tastes not only tend to eat more of these foods but also have a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes as a result.

27 Jul 2026

Three courageous heart transplant survivors are celebrated by the British Heart Foundation for giving their old hearts for research

The British Heart Foundation is celebrating three incredible young women who donated their old hearts to science after having heart transplant surgery.

25 Jun 2026

TikTok promotes a thriving illicit vaping culture among young people

TikTok videos glamorizing illicit vaping highlight challenges in public health communication, as youth engage more with social media than educational resources.

3 Jun 2026

Adding herbs and spices makes people choose more vegetables

Enhancing vegetable flavor with spices and offering larger servings can significantly improve vegetable intake in cafeterias, promoting healthier choices.

28 May 2026

How common spices may improve gut, brain, and metabolic health

The health effects of spices are explored, revealing their potential to influence blood sugar, inflammation, and brain function through various mechanisms.

28 May 2026

How do everyday spices help protect the heart?

A Nutrition Reviews supplement article reviewed controlled studies showing that culinary spice and herb blends may improve selected cardiometabolic risk markers, including post-meal triglycerides, insulin responses, inflammation, endothelial function, and 24-hour blood pressure. The review also highlighted exploratory evidence that spices and herbs may influence immune-cell activity, circulating phytochemical metabolites, and gut bacterial composition, while emphasizing the need for longer and more diverse studies.

27 May 2026

Higher marine microplastics may signal greater stroke and chronic disease burden in coastal communities

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19 May 2026

Can supplements slow Parkinson’s disease? Review reveals where the evidence stands

Dietary supplements are widely used by people with Parkinson’s disease, but this review finds that none have yet been proven to slow disease progression. Biotics, nicotinamide riboside, and omega-3 fatty acids combined with vitamin E show the most promise, but larger, longer, and better-designed trials are needed.

14 May 2026

WSU researchers use spice extracts to enhance medical bone implants

An extract of turmeric and ginger helps bone implants bond strongly while killing bacteria and cancer cells, according to new research from Washington State University with implications for millions of patients with joint replacements and bone cancer.

7 Apr 2026

Scientists map how cinnamon’s bioactives interact with cancer signaling

This review synthesizes preclinical evidence showing that cinnamon-derived compounds can modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis through multiple cancer-related signaling pathways. While biologically plausible, the findings are largely limited to cell and animal models, underscoring the need for pharmacokinetic, safety, and clinical validation.

15 Dec 2025

Herbal garlic mouthwash emerges as a potential alternative to chlorhexidine

Garlic extract demonstrates antimicrobial efficacy comparable to other widely used antiseptics and disinfectants, such as chlorhexidine, according to University of Sharjah medical scientists.

19 Nov 2025

Daily black cumin intake improves blood lipids and reduces obesity risk

Nigella sativa (black cumin), the spice that boosts the flavor of curries like korma and paneer also has another use: its seeds have long been used as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

18 Nov 2025

Inconsistent labels and risky doses found in turmeric supplements worldwide

A global analysis of 125 turmeric supplements across five major markets revealed widespread inconsistencies in labeling, dosage, and regulatory compliance. Over a third lacked curcuminoid content disclosure, and nearly one-third exceeded safe intake levels, exposing consumers to unverified and potentially risky formulations.

3 Nov 2025

Caraway seeds inspire new seizure-fighting medicines

A UNLV-led team of researchers has co-opted a common kitchen spice to create a new class of cannabidiol (CBD)-like medicines that show powerful seizure-reducing effects - offering a safer, more affordable, and more effective treatment for childhood seizure disorders than existing frontline therapies.

15 Oct 2025

New molecular sensor for taste-based detection of influenza

Flu season is fast approaching in the northern hemisphere. And a taste-based influenza test could someday have you swapping nasal swabs for chewing gum.

2 Oct 2025

Can ginger help diabetes? Major review says yes, it lowers blood sugar and inflammation effectively

A new systematic review of five meta-analyses confirms that ginger significantly reduces inflammation, lowers blood sugar and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes, and improves antioxidant status. It also effectively reduces nausea in pregnancy, though its impact on vomiting is less consistent.

17 Aug 2025

Study explores how a familiar spice tackles the toughest cancer cells

Researchers found that clinically achievable doses of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, target and suppress colorectal cancer stem-like cells, especially in early adenomas. Curcumin shifts these cells toward differentiation, delays tumor growth in mice, and may offer a safe preventive strategy.

27 Jun 2025

Can saffron treat Alzheimer’s and depression?

Saffron shows promise as a natural treatment for depression and cognitive decline, performing as well as standard drugs in clinical trials. However, more rigorous studies are needed before saffron can be recommended in mainstream psychiatric and dementia care.

26 Jun 2025

Scientists discover natural compounds that tame chili pepper heat

If you've ever regretted ordering a spicy meal, take note: A new study identifying molecules that suppress the heat of chili peppers hints at the possibility of adapting these compounds into an "anti-spice" condiment for food that's too fiery to eat.

22 May 2025