An analysis of dietary and health data concerning over 40,000 adults suggests that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—which focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, olive oil, fish, lean meats, and nuts/seeds—is associated with up to a 12% lower overall cancer risk. Cancer Research, August 2018

Beyond protecting against birth defects such as spina bifida, fortifying grains with folic acid may also improve fetal brain development and reduce the risk of developing psychosis. Researchers reviewed 1,400 MRI brain scans of children who were born either before or after folic acid fortification became mandatory in the United States in the late 1990s…

In this study, researchers measured the inhibitory control, eye movement, and brain activity of female participants while they made food choices and found that after consuming a savory flavor-rich broth, those at risk for obesity consumed less saturated fat in their subsequent meal. Senior author Dr. Miguel Alonso-Alonso writes, “Many cultures around the world advocate…

Chinese researchers evaluated students from five universities and found that participants with poor eyesight who consumed larger quantities of dark, leafy green vegetables in their diet had a 40% reduced risk for eye strain. Examples of dark, leafy greens include spinach, broccoli, collard greens, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, and bok choy. International Journal of Ophthalmology,…

According to a Danish study that included 236 boys and girls, the longer a child exclusively breast feeds, the lower the chances they’ll be picky eaters when they move on to solid foods. In particular, the researchers found that kids who exclusively breast fed for their first four/five months of life were almost three-times less…

An analysis of data concerning nearly half a million people in China showed that daily egg consumers had a 26% lower risk of hemorrhagic stroke, a 28% lower risk of death from hemorrhagic stroke, a 12% lower risk of ischemic heart disease, and an 18% lower risk of cardiovascular death. Though the study was only…

Middle-aged men who eat a lot of meat, dairy, and other high-protein foods may be increasing their risk for heart failure. A review of 22 years of data concerning 2,400 Finnish men found that those with a high-protein diet had a 33% increased risk for heart failure, and the risk increased if their primary sources…

In atherosclerosis, a protein called apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) sticks to plaques and makes them larger, which further restricts blood flow. In a new study, researchers discovered that a compound found in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can break down apoA-1, potentially improving blood flow. Journal of Biological Chemistry, May 2018

Regular soda intake by kids may affect sleep duration. An analysis of data concerning 5,873 children from around the world found that kids who consume at least one soft drink per day sleep about twelve fewer minutes per night. Public Health Nutrition, April 2018

Among a group of over 9,600 older adults, those with a diet rich in plant-based foods had a significantly lower average BMI and fat mass index scores than participants with a more traditional Western-style diet. Lead author Dr. Zhangling Chen adds, “Our study suggests that a more plant-based and less animal-based diet beyond strict adherence…