A large study suggests exercise has minimal impact on calorie burn and weight loss, with diet—particularly ultra-processed foods—being the main factor in obesity; however, exercise remains crucial for overall health and body composition.
A new study links the consumption of ultra-processed foods, including lunch meats and fizzy drinks, to an increased risk of lung cancer, highlighting the importance of dietary choices in disease prevention, though further research is needed to confirm causality.
Experts warn that regularly consuming ultra-processed bagged potato chips can harm gut health by promoting inflammation, disrupting the microbiome, and increasing disease risk. They recommend healthier snacks like nuts, berries, legumes, and probiotic-rich yogurt to support gut health and reduce inflammation. Small, sustainable dietary changes are emphasized over strict diets.
A scientific review links the global food system to both rising obesity and climate change, highlighting how ultra-processed foods and beef-heavy diets contribute to health issues and environmental damage, and advocating for systemic policy changes to promote healthier and more sustainable food options.
A Harvard study highlighted by Dr. Wendi LeBrett emphasizes avoiding 14 specific ultra-processed foods, such as cookies, candy, chips, and processed meats, to reduce the risk of colon polyps and subsequent colon cancer, especially in younger women.
A recent study found that while high-quality, minimally processed plant-based diets can lower heart disease risk, diets high in ultra-processed plant foods may increase it, highlighting the importance of food quality and processing level in dietary choices.
San Francisco has sued major food companies like Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and Coca-Cola, accusing them of knowingly marketing unhealthy, ultra-processed foods linked to serious health issues, and seeking penalties and changes in marketing practices.
A new study links high consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer, highlighting the importance of dietary choices in cancer prevention and encouraging a diet rich in plant-based, fiber-rich foods while limiting processed foods.
A large international study found that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to structural differences in the brain, which may promote overeating and unhealthy eating behaviors, highlighting the need for regulatory and dietary changes.
A study found that consuming a milkshake did not cause a significant dopamine release in the brain's reward region, challenging the idea that ultra-processed foods are highly addictive due to dopamine surges. The research showed individual variability in dopamine response, unrelated to body weight, and suggested that the reward response to such foods may be weaker than that of addictive drugs.
Research from Virginia Tech highlights that ultra-processed meats and sugary beverages significantly increase the risk of cognitive impairments, including dementia, in older adults. The study emphasizes the importance of moderating consumption of these foods and suggests cooking classes as a practical intervention to improve diet quality and protect brain health.
The article discusses the overemphasis on protein in modern diets, highlighting that while protein is essential, excessive intake and reliance on ultra-processed, protein-fortified foods can be counterproductive and health-damaging. It emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition, adequate carbs for performance, and suggests that most active individuals should focus on whole food sources rather than processed protein products. The article also notes that the current protein craze is driven by wellness trends and historical diet fads, but moderation and balance remain key.
Many high-protein products are ultra-processed and contain added sugars, salt, and fats, which can negate their health benefits. While protein is essential, most people already consume enough through whole foods like meat, eggs, and legumes. Experts recommend focusing on whole foods for nutrition and using high-protein processed products sparingly, mainly for convenience or specific dietary needs, and always checking ingredient labels.
A study links high consumption of ultra-processed foods to increased inflammation, which is associated with higher risks of heart disease and cancer, suggesting that these foods may be as harmful as smoking and highlighting the need for public health interventions.
The article highlights six daily habits that can harm heart health, including consuming ultra-processed foods, drinking sugary beverages, prolonged sitting, poor sleep, smoking and vaping, and chronic stress, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes for cardiovascular well-being.