A new study involving mice has revealed that compounds found in black tea increase the population of gut bacteria associated with lean body mass while reducing the presence of gut bacteria associated with obesity. European Journal of Nutrition, October 2017

In a new study, researchers found that healthy participants who consumed a high-sugar diet for just three months developed a fatty liver similar to that of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—a condition associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Researcher Dr. Bruce Griffin writes, “Our findings provide new evidence that consuming high…

Not eating enough leafy green vegetables may take a toll on the heart health of teens. In this study, researchers monitored the physical activity, diet, and heart health of 766 teens and found that those who seldom ate vitamin k-rich foods, such as spinach and lettuce, had a three-times greater risk for an enlarged left…

An analysis of data from twenty published studies involving 39,740 adults found that individuals who had the highest blood levels of an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid—a fatty-acid is found in bean and seed oils such as soybean and sunflower oils—were 35% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest…

Studies show that children who eat breakfast tend to be healthier and perform better in school than those who skip what’s considered to be the most important meal of the day. The United States Food and Drug Administration offers these suggestions for choosing a good breakfast for your child: offer healthy foods that your child…

A new animal study suggests that cocoa powder antioxidants may help slow diabetes progression. In the study, researchers found that when rats ate a high-fat diet that included a cocoa flavanol called catechin, their bodies were better able to control their blood sugar levels. It’s believed that the beta cells which produce insulin are particularly…

Investigators looked at 99 studies that included data on 29 million adults from all over the world and found that eating three servings of whole grains daily can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by 17%. American Institute for Cancer Research, September 2017

A review of data concerning 45,058 Swedish men suggests that current and former smokers who consume more than 36 grams of fiber per day have a 38-46% reduced risk for developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when compared with current/former smokers who consume less than 23 grams of fiber each day. Epidemiology, September 2017

Fatty liver disease among adolescents has more than doubled over the past twenty years and is strongly linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases. In a new study, researchers found that a nine-day diet that cut out fructose—a common form of sugar found in soft drinks, fruits juices, and…

A study involving mice suggests that a low-calorie diet can slow the natural aging process. In the study, investigators discovered that as mice age, the biological clock in their stem cells shift its focus onto other cell processes. Basically, the stem cells become less concerned with maintaining tissue and more focused on dealing with activities…