Nutrition

While it’s well known that processed foods can harm health, a new study reveals the problem runs deeper than just excess calories, refined carbs, or unhealthy fats. Researchers found that certain preservative additives are independently associated with increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Choosing products made with avocado oil doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting pure avocado oil. A new study found that nearly 9 in 10 processed foods labeled as containing avocado oil also contained cheaper oils, even though those oils weren’t listed on the ingredient label.

Valine is an essential amino acid the body relies on to make proteins and support normal growth and tissue repair. Unlike some other amino acids, it cannot be produced naturally by the body, so it has to be consumed through food. A new study found that restricting dietary valine extended bothmedian and maximum longevityin male mice while improving overall healthspan in both male and female mice.

For many people, grabbing a hot drink in a disposable cup is part of their daily routine. Yet the container holding your coffee or tea may not be as harmless as it seems. New research suggests the very cup designed to keep your drink hot could also be releasing tiny plastic particles into it.

Not all disposable cups release microplastics at the same rate. Researchers found that the cup material and beverage temperature both affect how many tiny plastic particles leach into a drink. Although microplastics were detected across all temperatures tested, hotter beverages triggered significantly greater particle release.

Measuring less than 5 millimeters, microplastics have emerged as an increasing public health concern. These tiny particles can enter the body through food, beverages, or the air we breathe, where they may build up in organs including the lungs and digestive system and contribute to inflammation and other health problems.

The study combined evidence from previous research with new laboratory testing. Researchers first reviewed 30 published studies, compiling 237 observations to assess how variables such as water temperature and soaking time influenced microplastic release. They then tested two popular types of disposable cups, those made entirely of polyethylene (PE) and paper cups with a polyethylene coating, to compare how much microplastic each released.

Researchers found that hot water caused the surface of polyethylene (PE) cups to become increasingly rough and irregular, a sign of physical degradation that likely contributed to greater microplastic shedding. By comparison, paper cups coated with polyethylene maintained smoother surfaces with less visible damage, which may have helped limit the release of plastic particles.

The study estimated that a single 10-ounce hot beverage consumed each day could add hundreds of thousands of microplastic particles to a person's yearly intake. Drinks served in polyethylene (PE) cups were associated with roughly 360,000 particles per year, while polyethylene-coated paper cups were estimated to release about 240,000 annually.

The healthiest and most environmentally friendly choice is a reusable cup made from stainless steel, glass or ceramic. Because these materials are non-reactive, they won't break down or release chemicals or plastic particles when filled with hot beverages.

The gut microbiome is the community of trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses that primarily live in the colon. These tiny organisms help digest food while producing compounds that can influence many aspects of both physical and mental health. Researchers have uncovered a link between specific gut bacteria and biological aging, adding to growing evidence that the gut microbiome may affect how we age.

The foods consumed during pregnancy may influence more than just a baby’s growth. High consumption of fructose from sugary foods and drinks during pregnancy has been associated with increased risks of diabetes and heart-related problems in mothers. Now, new research suggests that a diet high in fructose may affect brain development, potentially causing biological changes that could impact learning and cognitive function later in the child’s life.

Healthy aging isn't just about living longer, it’s about staying strong enough to enjoy those extra years. New research shows that getting enough protein and combining it with resistance exercise is one of the most effective ways to preserve muscle, maintain mobility, and reduce the physical decline that often comes with aging.

Reducing calorie intake and limiting nighttime eating are well established ways to improve health and potentially extend lifespan. But researchers are now asking whether eating only during set hours each day could have a similar impact on overall healthy aging. In a new study, mice that followed a consistent daily eating window showed significant improvements in healthspan and remained free of disease for longer.

Research shows that diets rich in high-alkaline foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits lead to a more alkaline urine pH level. This higher alkalinity helps protect healthy cells and maintain balanced essential mineral levels in the body.

Herbs and spices have long been used for their medicinal properties, and are well known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. New research suggests that incorporating herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and turmeric into a typical American diet can meaningfully alter gut microbiome diversity in adultswith increased cardiovascular disease risk.

A major new study has linked several common food preservatives to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Although preservatives are critical for keeping foods safe and fresh, the study suggests that diets high in processed foods containing these additives may contribute to inflammation in the blood vessels.