Heavily processed foods may raise heart disease risk beyond poor nutrition alone

A new review links ultra-processed foods and their additives to higher cardiovascular risk, pointing to large human studies and inflammation-related mechanisms that may help explain why heavily processed diets can harm heart health. Key takeaways Higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Food additives may also contribute to … Read more

Chronic inflammation leaves epigenetic scars that increase future cancer risk

Chronic inflammation can raise a person’s risk of cancer, and a new study reveals key details about how that might happen in the gut and points to better ways to identify and reduce risk. Scientists at the Broad Institute and Harvard University have revealed in mice that after colitis, or chronic intestinal inflammation, seemingly healed … Read more

Study connects ultra-processed diets to fertility and embryo development

Eating large amounts of ultra-processed food (UPF) is linked not only to reduced fertility in men, but also to slower growth in early embryos, and smaller yolk sacs, which are essential for early embryonic development, according to new research. The authors of the study, which is published today (Tuesday) in Human Reproduction, one of the … Read more

Small, combined improvements to sleep, diet and physical activity may yield major heart benefits

New research shows that small improvements to sleep, diet quality, and physical activity, made in combination, are associated with a significantly reduced risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attacks, and heart failure. The study followed more than 53,000 adults from UK Biobank over an eight‑year period and found that making even modest improvements … Read more

Wholegrain rye changes gut bacteria and lowers inflammation in obesity trial

A 12-week randomized trial found that wholegrain rye did not beat refined wheat for weight loss, but it did reduce inflammation and shift gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in potentially beneficial ways. Key takeaways Rye did not outperform wheat for weight loss Rye reduced inflammation after 12 weeks Rye altered gut bacteria and short-chain … Read more

Leaving home may worsen diet quality in young adults, Australian study finds

Moving out of the parental home may do more than change where young adults live; it may also mark a lasting shift toward poorer diet quality during one of the most formative stages of life. Key takeaways Drop in diet quality Leaving the parental home was associated with a small decline in overall diet quality, … Read more

What python blood can teach us about weight loss, muscle health and gut bacteria

A python’s extraordinary metabolism may unlock new paths to healthy weight loss and even fight age-related muscle loss. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT In less than a decade, new weight-loss drugs have transformed the market, helping millions, but often causing side effects such as nausea or digestive discomfort. What if similar appetite control could be achieved without these … Read more

Mediterranean MIND diet reduces brain ageing and helps ‘ward off dementia’, study finds

New research shows the Mediterranean MIND diet, rich in vegetables, berries, nuts and olive oil, significantly slows brain ageing over 12 years, with benefits equivalent to delaying brain ageing by up to two-and-a-half years A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, berries, nuts and olive oil could slow down brain ageing, according to a long-term study … Read more

Gut health trend enters new growth phase

Gut health industry – summary Global gut health market now exceeds $71bn dollars worldwide Category expected to surpass $105bn by 2030 Brands shift from gut health language towards clearer functional ingredient messaging Younger consumers drive proactive wellness habits and fuel category diversification Manufacturers gain opportunities through science-backed claims and advanced product innovation The gut health … Read more