A study on low-carbohydrate diets emphasizes the importance of source and quality for weight management. Consuming healthy low-carb diets with plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fewer refined carbohydrates is linked to lower long-term weight gain. The study analyzed the diets and weights of 123,332 adults over 20 years, revealing the significance of nutrient quality in maintaining a healthy body weight.
The Mediterranean diet has been ranked as the healthiest way to eat, winning the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. It emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, healthy fats, and plenty of plants, and is linked to longevity and heart health. The DASH diet is a close contender, but the Mediterranean diet remains the top choice overall.
High-fat diets have been linked to gene dysregulation in the gut, impacting immunity, metabolism and susceptibility to diseases like COVID-19. Research from the University of California Riverside found a high-fat diet dysregulated genes linked to infectious diseases, inflammation, and metabolic functions, emphasizing the need to reconsider dietary habits. __JETPACK_AI_ERROR__
A study suggests that ketogenic diets may protect children with epilepsy by altering the gut microbiome and brain gene expression. Fecal transplants from pediatric epilepsy patients on a keto diet helped mice become more seizure-resistant. The diet’s efficacy and potential for new therapeutic approaches were highlighted, despite challenges in implementation and side effects.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham found a potential protective effect of cocoa on the cognition of older adults with lower diet quality in a new randomized trial known as the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS).
The study’s findings suggest that taking cocoa extract supplements containing 500 mg of cocoa flavanols daily had cognitive benefits for older adults with lower habitual diet quality. Oddly enough, mental benefits were not found among participants with healthy dietary patterns.
A team of London-based researchers reveal that a daily beetroot juice supplement may benefit individuals suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The 12-week study, conducted at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, underscores the potential of beetroot juice, which is rich in nitrate, to improve health outcomes in COPD patients.
Consumers worldwide look forward to the upcoming holiday season with Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, often linked to festive feasts and indulgence. Meanwhile, companies and researchers are finding new ways to help people enjoy the holidays and support their health goals.
Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers have discovered that arginine supplements boost the production of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, in the green algae Haematococcus pluvialis. Arginine was found to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species in high-light conditions, leading to better algal growth, astaxanthin levels, and lipid production by regulating certain genes related to carotenoids and lipids.
The nutricosmetics market is moving mainstream, fueled by consumers’ increasing embrace of nutrition for beauty and health. Industry insiders from companies including Rousselot and Gencor highlight preventative healthcare for skin, hair, and aging as key drivers. They note a need for technically-founded product development, innovative delivery formats, and a holistic view of health. Innovations focusing on gut health, immunity support, personalisation, sleep enhancement, and “snackable skin care” are emerging, supporting the shift towards “beauty from within”. The sector also sees technology and microbiome-focused products as future growth areas.
Researchers have unveiled potential health benefits of Wasabi, a horseradish native to Japan. Studies indicate its potential to influence gut microbiota in obesity cases, improve memory, and manage hypertension and cardiovascular health. Despite current findings being restricted to rat populations, if replicated in humans, Wasabi could be recommended as a dietary supplement, especially for those prone to hypertension.
Performance nutrition brand Dymatize has partnered with Dunkin’ to launch a glazed donut-flavored whey protein isolate named ISO100. Each 25 g serving comprises 120 calories and 1 g of sugar, promising ultra-fast absorbing protein for fitness enthusiasts. The flavor completes a range of cookie and confectionery-themed proteins aimed at enhancing sports performance.
The market has seen a surge in demand for ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, and others due to their fiber and blood sugar-regulating properties. Big Bold Health introduced Himalayan tartary buckwheat sprout powder in the US, which boasts high levels of immune-supporting phytonutrients. KosmodeHealth Singapore, in collaboration with Nestlé, is turning spent barley grains into noodles with blood sugar management properties. Additionally, ProV Foods launched pre-soaked nuts in India, eliminating the traditional overnight soaking process and offering immediate consumption.
A eight-week trial comparing vegan and omnivore diets in 22 pairs of identical twins found the vegan diet improved cardiovascular health and correlated to healthy aging. This was linked to higher fiber and lower saturated fat intake, leading to a reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels, insulin, and body weight. Despite contrary research highlighting the nutrient density of animal products, the study suggests those choosing a vegan diet can enhance their long-term health within two months, potentially even boosting longevity.
New research has uncovered that trans-vaccenic acid (TVA), a long-chain fatty acid found in meat and dairy, improves immune cell function and anti-tumor immunity, potentially complementing cancer treatments. Higher levels of TVA in patients’ blood enhanced their response to immunotherapy. Despite this, researchers warn against increasing red meat and dairy consumption due to known negative health effects, suggesting that bioactive nutrient supplements may be more effective. They also suggest plant nutrients might activate the same pathway as TVA.
