Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in over 6,000 food products. While it provides a sweet taste without calories, emerging research suggests aspartame may negatively impact brain health and function. Key Facts: Aspartame is made up of phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. High levels of these metabolites may cause neurophysiological issues. Studies link aspartame to …
A new study published in PLOS Medicine has found associations between consumption of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame and acesulfame potassium, and increased risk of overall cancer as well as breast and obesity-related cancers. Key findings: Higher consumers of artificial sweeteners had a 13% increased risk of overall cancer compared to non-consumers. Aspartame intake was associated …
Theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, may impact mood and depression risk. But the details are complicated. Here’s what the science says so far. Key Facts: A recent study found higher theobromine intake was associated with increased depression risk. However, some experts argue the study had limitations in how it measured depression and theobromine intake. …
Research shows that getting the right amount of the vitamin niacin may help lower the risk of depression. Niacin is one of the B vitamins and is also known as vitamin B3. Consuming too little or too much niacin appears tied to higher odds of depression, suggesting an optimal niacin intake level for depression prevention. …
New research shows that when mothers experience famine during pregnancy, it can change babies’ brain development in the womb. This may increase their risk for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and depression later in life. Key Facts: Babies whose mothers experienced famine while pregnant had a higher risk of schizophrenia as adults. For depression, results were …
Plant-based milk alternatives like almond, oat, rice, and soy milk are growing in popularity. But how do these plant milks compare to cow’s and goat’s milk in terms of nutrition? A new study investigated the protein, fat, carbohydrate, and mineral composition of various plant-based beverages (PBBs) and animal milk to find out. Key Facts: Cow’s …
A new study suggests that eating more acid-producing foods may increase the risk of depression and anxiety, especially in women. Here are the key facts: Women with high dietary acid load had 21% higher odds of severe depression compared to those with low acid load. People with high dietary acid load had 13% higher odds …
A new study looked at how having diabetes may impact brain health in Native Americans. The researchers found that the longer someone had diabetes, the more it affected their brain. But other health issues like obesity did not appear to impact the brain as much. Key facts: The study involved 51 Native Americans with type …
Researchers explored the relationship between body weight and depression symptoms in teens and adults. They found a link between higher body weight and increased depression, especially among teens. Genetic factors appear to play only a small role. Key Facts: Teens who had higher body mass index (BMI) at age 12 were more likely to have …
Our bodies have an internal “clock” that anticipates and prepares for food intake at regular times each day. This was demonstrated in a new scientific study that manipulated meal timing in participants. Key Facts: Participants were given either 2 large meals per day or 14 small meals evenly spaced through the waking period. In those …
