All articles tagged with #diet quality
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.
A large, decades-long study found that the quality of food consumed is as important as whether one follows a low-carb or low-fat diet, with high-quality foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reducing heart disease risk, while processed and animal-based foods increase it.
A study finds that low-carbohydrate diets emphasizing plant-based proteins and healthy fats are linked to fewer depression symptoms, while diets high in animal proteins and saturated fats show no such benefit, highlighting the importance of food quality in mental health.
A Harvard study involving nearly 200,000 participants found that the quality of food, especially diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, significantly reduces heart disease risk by about 15%, regardless of whether the diet is low-carb or low-fat, emphasizing the importance of food choices over macronutrient focus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study analyzing data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study found that individuals who consumed a high amount of ultra-processed foods between the ages of 13 and 17 were more likely to experience psychological distress, an indicator of depression, more than a decade later. The link remained even after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and health-related behaviors. Ultra-processed foods, which are heavily processed and low in nutritional value, have been previously associated with poor mental health. However, the study design does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, and there may be recall and self-report biases in the data. Further research is needed to better understand the harmful attributes of ultra-processed foods and their impact on mental health.
New research suggests that irregular sleep patterns, also known as social jet lag, can have detrimental effects on gut health and increase health risks. Even a 90-minute change in sleep schedule can lead to shifts in gut bacteria, promoting species associated with obesity and heart disease. The study, conducted by scientists from King's College London and ZOE, highlights the links between social jet lag, diet quality, inflammation, and gut microbiome composition. The findings emphasize the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns for overall health and suggest that improving sleep time consistency may lead to beneficial changes in the gut microbiome and related health outcomes.