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Diet Quality

All articles tagged with #diet quality

Quality Diet, Not Carbs or Fats, Linked to Better Heart Health in Large Study
health5 hours ago

Quality Diet, Not Carbs or Fats, Linked to Better Heart Health in Large Study

A Harvard-led study of nearly 200,000 US health professionals over about 30 years finds that heart health hinges on diet quality, not just low carbs or low fat. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats, with few processed foods and excessive animal proteins/fats, are linked to better cholesterol, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of coronary heart disease—supporting flexible eating patterns focused on food quality.

Eating Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Death Risk for Cancer Survivors
nutrition14 days ago

Eating Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Death Risk for Cancer Survivors

A Healthline study of over 24,000 adults in southern Italy found that cancer survivors who ate the most ultra-processed foods had about 48% higher risk of death from any cause and 57% higher risk of death from cancer, compared with those who ate the least. The researchers link this to increased inflammation and resting heart rate, and emphasize that overall dietary patterns matter more than individual foods. The study is observational and cannot prove causation, but experts advocate reducing ultra-processed foods in favor of fresh, minimally processed meals.

Two Decades of Pecan Research Highlight Heart-Healthy Benefits
health14 days ago

Two Decades of Pecan Research Highlight Heart-Healthy Benefits

A review of over 20 years of studies links pecan consumption in a balanced diet to improvements in heart-health markers—lower total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol—and better overall diet quality, likely due to pecans’ polyphenols and unsaturated fats. Evidence on blood sugar regulation and weight is mixed; researchers note promising avenues in gut and brain health and how growing conditions may affect bioactive compounds. The study, funded by the American Pecan Promotion Board, states findings were independent of sponsor.

Top Heart-Healthy Snacks That Lower Cholesterol
health8 months ago

Top Heart-Healthy Snacks That Lower Cholesterol

Eating pecans as a snack can lower cholesterol levels and improve overall diet quality, potentially reducing heart disease risk, according to a study from Penn State. Participants who replaced their usual snacks with pecans showed better cholesterol measurements and diet adherence, highlighting the benefits of polyphenol-rich foods like nuts, fruits, and vegetables for cardiovascular health.

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Brain and Heart Diseases
health9 months ago

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Brain and Heart Diseases

A large study finds that diets high in ultra-processed foods are linked to increased risks of stroke and cognitive decline, independent of overall diet quality, suggesting that food processing itself may harm brain health. Reducing ultra-processed food intake could improve long-term neurological outcomes, even among those following healthy diets.

"Maximizing Diet Quality: The Impact of Daily Avocado Consumption"
health-and-nutrition1 year ago

"Maximizing Diet Quality: The Impact of Daily Avocado Consumption"

A study led by researchers at Penn State’s Department of Nutritional Sciences found that consuming an avocado daily can significantly improve overall diet quality, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The research, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, revealed that participants who incorporated one avocado per day into their diet showed increased adherence to dietary guidelines. The study suggests that simple dietary changes, like adding avocados, can play a crucial role in enhancing diet quality and reducing the risk of preventable diseases.

"Avocado Daily: A Heart-Healthy Habit"
health-and-nutrition1 year ago

"Avocado Daily: A Heart-Healthy Habit"

A study suggests that consuming an avocado daily may improve overall diet quality, but its effects on cardiometabolic health remain unclear. The research found that daily avocado intake improved adherence to dietary guidelines among adults with abdominal obesity, but did not directly influence cardiometabolic disease risk factors. While avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats and beneficial nutrients, promoting them as a singular solution for improving dietary habits may overlook the importance of nutritional diversity, accessibility, affordability, and environmental considerations. Long-term improvements in diet quality, including a variety of nutrient-rich foods, are essential for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting longevity.

"Surprising Benefits of Eating an Avocado Daily for Men's Health"
health-and-nutrition1 year ago

"Surprising Benefits of Eating an Avocado Daily for Men's Health"

A study found that eating an avocado a day led to a significant improvement in overall diet quality by increasing consumption of healthier foods, as participants used avocados to replace less healthy options. This change could help improve or prevent health issues related to poor diets, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The researchers are now looking into other foods that may have similar unexpected benefits for diet quality.

"Daily Avocado Consumption: A Key to Better Health and Longevity"
health-and-nutrition1 year ago

"Daily Avocado Consumption: A Key to Better Health and Longevity"

A study led by researchers at Penn State’s Department of Nutritional Sciences found that consuming one avocado per day can significantly improve overall diet quality, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, involved 1,008 participants and revealed that those who incorporated an avocado into their daily diet showed increased adherence to dietary guidelines. The researchers emphasized the importance of food-based interventions in improving diet quality and reducing the risk of preventable diseases, while also highlighting the need for further research into other food-based strategies for enhancing adherence to dietary guidelines.

"The Longevity Benefits of Daily Avocado Consumption"
health-and-nutrition1 year ago

"The Longevity Benefits of Daily Avocado Consumption"

A study from Penn State University's Department of Nutritional Sciences found that consuming one avocado daily can significantly improve diet quality and adherence to dietary guidelines. The research, published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition, showed that participants who added an avocado to their daily diet demonstrated improved adherence to dietary guidelines and made healthier food choices. This simple dietary intervention could potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Avocados are rich in nutrients and can be a versatile and nutritious addition to various dishes, but it's important to consider sustainable practices in avocado farming due to environmental concerns.

"Cocoa Extract Boosts Cognitive Function in Aging Adults"
health2 years ago

"Cocoa Extract Boosts Cognitive Function in Aging Adults"

Daily cocoa extract supplements may improve cognitive health in older adults with poor-quality diets, according to a randomized controlled trial. The study found no cognitive benefit from cocoa extract for those with high-quality diets. Cocoa is rich in flavanols, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential cognitive benefits of cocoa.

"Cocoa's Cognitive Benefits for Aging Brains"
health2 years ago

"Cocoa's Cognitive Benefits for Aging Brains"

Older adults who took daily cocoa extract supplements for two years saw modest improvements in cognitive function, but only if they had lower diet quality at the start of the study. The study, part of the larger Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS), included 573 participants and found that daily cocoa extract supplements had no effect on overall cognition for the entire group. However, those with lower diet quality experienced "relatively better" changes in overall cognition and executive function. While more research is needed before recommending cocoa extract supplements for improving cognition, maintaining a healthy and diverse diet, along with regular exercise, can help reduce the risk of dementia.