Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant properties found abundantly in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, red wine, and cocoa. Examinations of 1,326 teenagers revealed an association between higher polyphenol levels in urine samples and better cardiovascular health. Scientific Reports, October 2022

While the current research suggests that moderate coffee intake may offer health benefits, it’s unclear if coffee preparation plays a role. In a study that looked that the coffee habits of over 450,000 adults, researchers found the best outcomes came from coffee prepared from ground beans, while decaf and instant coffee products only conferred about…

In a recent study that included 31 women, researchers found that consuming one serving of fermented vegetables a day for six weeks can lead to positive improvements in gut biodiversity, as well as an increase in immune-boosting Faecalibacterium prausnitzii bacteria and a reduction Ruminococcus torques bacteria, which can negatively affect the gut barrier. PLOS ONE,…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that salmon can’t be labeled as a “healthy” food under current federal regulations due to it high levels of fat, but that may soon change. A proposed FDA rule will allow foods that are part of a healthy diet pattern (fruit, vegetables, dairy, grains, and lean proteins) to…

An analysis of data on nearly 20,000 mother-child pairs revealed that a high maternal intake of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy is linked to a 26% increased risk for childhood obesity in her offspring. BMJ, October 2022

An experiment involving 16 men and 14 women found that participants felt more satiated throughout the day when they consumed a large breakfast (reducing their risk for snacking) than when dinner was their most calorie-rich meal. Cell Metabolism, September 2022

Compared with participants on a low-fat diet, those who consumed a reduced-calorie diet that included 35 grams of peanuts eaten before two meals each day experienced greater improvements in blood pressure, weight loss, and fasting glucose levels. The researchers note that peanuts have a high satiety value, which may have helped participants feel fuller for…

According to an analysis of data on over 200,000 adults, a high intake of pre-cooked and instant meals—particularly processed meat products—is associated with an elevated risk for colorectal cancer in men, but not women. BMJ, August 2022

Croup is a viral respiratory condition that causes a cough, a hoarse voice, and difficulty breathing. A study that included 736 mother-child pairs revealed an association between taking either a daily 2,800 IU vitamin D supplement or 2.4 g dose of fish oil during pregnancy and a reduced risk for croup by age three in…

The American Heart Association reports that women who breastfeed at least one child have a 15% lower risk of heart disease and a 12% reduced risk for stroke later in life than women who do not breastfeed. American Heart Association, August 2022