Eating foods rich in certain flavonoids may help lower the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms, suggests new research based on U.S. national health data. Key facts: Higher intakes of anthocyanidins, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms after adjusting for confounders. There was an inverse association between total flavonoid intake …
Food provides the building blocks for our mental and physical health. New research reveals that many common foods supply key neurotransmitters that regulate brain and nervous system function. Understanding how our diet provides these crucial molecules opens up possibilities for supporting brain health through food. Key Facts: Foods contain the same neurotransmitters used by the …
Researchers have uncovered new insights into how fasting alters dopamine signaling in the brain’s reward circuitry. Their findings, published in the Journal of Neurophysiology, suggest that fasted mice exhibit enhanced dopamine release in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain compared to fed mice. This may help explain fasting’s impact on motivation and reward-seeking …
Insects are increasingly being recognized as a nutritious and eco-friendly alternative protein source that could help feed the world’s growing population. Recent research highlights the nutritional benefits of insects, their potential use as food ingredients, health-promoting bioactive compounds, impact of processing, barriers to adoption, and considerations around safety and regulation. Key Facts: Over 2,000 insect …
Edible insects offer immense potential as a sustainable and nutritious protein source that could help feed the growing global population. Key facts: Nearly 2 billion people worldwide already eat insects as part of their diet and culture. Insects require far less resources (land, water, feed) to produce the same amount of protein as livestock. Farm-raised …
Vegetable oils are an essential part of a healthy diet, providing essential fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients. A new comprehensive review analyzes the chemical composition and health benefits of 39 different vegetable oils. Key Facts: Vegetable oils contain fatty acids, vitamins, plant sterols, antioxidants that promote health. Different oils have unique nutritional profiles and …
Eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, depression, and early death, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. Key Facts: Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made with ingredients extracted from foods or synthesized in labs. Examples include chips, soft drinks, instant noodles, chicken nuggets, and frozen …
A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial provides evidence that a green coffee bean extract standardized to chlorogenic acids (CGA-7) can help with weight loss in healthy overweight adults. Key facts: CGA-7 supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage and fat mass compared to placebo. Improvements were …
Recent research suggests that adjusting overall diet, rather than taking supplements, may help improve symptoms of depression. Whole food and whole diet interventions show promise as adjunctive treatments for depression, though more research is still needed. Key Facts: 7 studies with over 49,000 participants found that whole food or whole diet interventions reduced depression symptoms …
Depression is a major global health issue, but diet may be an effective yet overlooked treatment approach. New research identifies the top food sources of 12 key nutrients that help prevent and treat depression. Oysters, organ meats, leafy greens, lettuces, peppers and cruciferous veggies pack the biggest nutritional antidepressant punch. Key facts: Depression is the …
