A recent study suggests that older adults who avoid meat may be somewhat less likely to reach age 100 than those who eat it. However, the findings are more complex than they first appear and should not be taken as a simple verdict against plant based diets. Researchers followed more than 5,000 adults in China who were age 80 or older and enrolled in the Chinese Longitudinal … [Read more...]

An investigation by Consumer Reports found elevated lead levels in some bubble tea products sold in the United States, raising concerns similar to past warnings about cassava based foods. Tapioca pearls are made from cassava starch, and cassava plants are known to absorb lead and other heavy metals from the soil as they grow. That ability means contamination can make its way … [Read more...]

A growing trend called “fibermaxxing” is putting dietary fiber in the spotlight—and for good reason. Fiber plays a powerful role in keeping the body healthy, from supporting digestion and feeding beneficial gut microbes to helping regulate blood sugar and cholesterol. Researchers say getting enough fiber may even lower the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and certain … [Read more...]

A new study reports a clear association between high sugar drink intake and anxiety symptoms in teenagers. Researchers from Bournemouth University collaborated on a large review that examined findings from multiple earlier studies exploring the relationship between diet and mental health. By analyzing the combined data, the team looked for patterns that appeared … [Read more...]

For people who committed to an unprocessed food diet as a New Year's resolution, research suggests the change may guide food choices in a surprising way. Instead of gravitating toward higher calorie whole foods such as rice, meat, and butter, people naturally tend to eat much larger amounts of fruits and vegetables. That shift alone may help support weight loss without … [Read more...]

A comprehensive review finds that tea, especially green tea, is strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, diabetes, and several forms of cancer. Beyond these well known benefits, tea consumption is also linked to brain protection, reduced muscle loss in older adults, and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Together, these … [Read more...]

Researchers at the University of Nottingham report that combining specific dietary supplements may provide stronger immune and metabolic support than taking prebiotics or omega 3 alone. Their findings suggest this paired approach could help lower the risk of diseases associated with long term inflammation. The study, published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, … [Read more...]

Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), more commonly known as monk fruit, is a long living vine that belongs to the gourd family, the same plant group as cucumbers and squash. It is native to southern China, where it has been used for centuries in traditional foods and remedies. In recent years, monk fruit has drawn modern scientific attention because it contains high levels of … [Read more...]

Bamboo is known as the fastest growing plant on the planet, with some species capable of growing up to 90cm in a single day. While China and India are the largest producers and bamboo shoots are already common in many Asian cuisines, the findings suggest bamboo could become an important food option for diets around the world. Nutritional Profile of Bamboo Shoots Bamboo … [Read more...]