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Medscape
18 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Diet Drinks, Saccharin Tied to Increased Diabetes Risk
ORLANDO, Fla. — Consuming higher amounts of diet drinks and/or saccharin was associated with an elevated risk of developing diabetes, while total artificial sweetener intake, sucralose, and aspartame showed no significant association, according to an analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. 30-Year Study The current analysis, presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, included 4654 adults (54.4% women, 50.1% White individuals) enrolled in the CARDIA study, with a mean age of 24.9 years at baseline in 1985-86. Dietary intake was assessed by the CARDIA diet history at year 0, year 7, and year 20. The cumulative average intakes of artificial sweeteners, diet beverages, aspartame, and sucralose were calculated. Diabetes was defined as a fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL, oral glucose tolerance test 2-hour glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL, A1c ≥ 6.5%, or use of diabetes medications at follow-up visits. Associations of incident diabetes across quintiles of artificial sweetener, diet beverage, aspartame, or sucralose intakes through year 30 were assessed with time-dependent multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. The models were adjusted for age, sex, race, field center, education, energy intake, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol drinking, diet quality, and family history of diabetes. Over a median follow-up of 30 years, 691 incident diabetes events occurred. Participants in the fifth quintile of diet beverage intake had a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes than those in the first quintile (hazard ratio [HR], 2.29). Positive associations were also observed for intakes of saccharin (HR, 2.10). Adjustment for waist circumference attenuated the associations slightly, but overall, higher intakes of diet beverages and saccharin were associated with an increased risk for incident diabetes. More Work to Do This study represents a 'first pass,' as the team still has more work to do, including a mediation analysis, explained coauthor Lyn Steffen, PhD, professor of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis. 'These findings highlight the need to evaluate the long-term metabolic effect of artificial sweeteners on glucose metabolism,' the authors noted. A previous CARDIA analysis by Steffen's team suggested that long-term intakes of aspartame, saccharin, or diet soda were related to greater volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. 'I recommend limiting the use of any sweetener,' Steffen told Medscape Medical News. 'For beverages, I suggest unsweetened water, coffee, tea, milk, or small amount of 100% fruit juice — a small amount meaning limited calories, not 12- or 20-fluid-ounce containers.' CARDIA is supported by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Steffen declared having no relevant competing interests.
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Eating more of these plant-based foods could lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes
Eating more nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help to reduce your risk of contracting deadly heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Researchers said this week that people who consumed more phytosterols — a natural compound found in plant foods — significantly delayed both of the conditions. Furthermore, eating more of them was linked to reduced inflammation, markers of better insulin regulation, and differences in the gut microbiome that may contribute to healthy metabolism. The study was not designed to confirm why this is the case, but the researchers said their findings strengthen the evidence. More than 7000,000 Americans die from heart disease and some 101,000 die from diabetes. 'Our findings support the dietary recommendation of adhering to healthy plant-based dietary patterns that are rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains,' Dr. Fenglei Wang, a research associate at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said in a statement. 'These findings can help people make informed dietary choices.' Wang presented the observational findings on Tuesday at the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Some phytosterol-rich foods include corn, almonds, broccoli, bananas, and wheat bread. Previous research had found that eating foods with phytosterols can help to improve peoples' health by lowering bad cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of cancer. However, most clinical trials have used high doses of the phytosterols that were beyond what someone might get through just their own diet. The new research is the first to show the benefits as part of a normal diet. To reach these conclusions, Wang and his colleagues looked at data from more than 200,000 American adults that were a part of three studies. All of the participants were nurses or other health professionals and nearly 80 percent were women. Over the course of 36 years, more than 20,000 of them developed type 2 diabetes and nearly 16,000 developed heart disease. The participants' answers to food-frequency questionnaires allowed the researchers to estimate their individual intake of phytosterols, as well as three individual phytosterols known as β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Those who ate the most consumed the most phytosterol had about four to five servings of vegetables, two to three servings of fruits, two servings of whole grains, and half a serving of nuts each day. This made them 9 percent less likely to develop heart disease and 8 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compares to those in the bottom fifth percentage for phytosterol intake, the research showed. Looking at the individual phytosterols, similar associations were observed for β-sitosterol. But, the same was not true for campesterol or stigmasterol. In addition, the researchers analyzed blood samples, looking at the products of metabolism — also known as metabolites — from more than 11,000 people and other metabolic biomarkers in blood samples from over 40,000 participants. They found that phytosterol and β-sitosterol levels were tied to favorable metabolites and metabolic markers relevant to heart disease and diabetes. That signaled a possible reason for the association. 'Our clinical biomarker and metabolomic results suggest the involvement of insulin activity, inflammation and the metabolism of metabolites associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,' said Wang. 'This suggests that phytosterol might reduce risk by alleviating insulin resistance and inflammation.' In a group of just 465 participants, they examined the gut microbiome, or the trillions of microscopic organisms inside the intestines. They found several microbial species and related enzymes linked to higher intake of phytosterols that may affect the production of metabolites associated with a lower risk of diseases. 'We found that the gut microbiome might play a role in the beneficial associations. Some species, such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, carry enzymes that could help degrade phytosterol, potentially influencing host metabolism,' Wang said.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Women who drink coffee age better – thanks to three key health benefits
It's good news for those unable to function without their morning brew: a new study has linked caffeine to healthy ageing in women. A 32-year-long study helmed by Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health showed that, of more than 47,000 women surveyed, those who drank 315mg of caffeine per day (or roughly three small cups) were 13 per cent more likely to see cognitive and physical benefits in their 70s and beyond. Each additional cup was linked to around a 2 per cent higher chance of healthy ageing, though the research showed the benefits did not apply to drinkers of cola (responsible for a 20 per cent reduction in the likelihood of ageing well), nor consumers of tea or decaf. The study's author, Dr Sara Mahdavi, iterated that caffeine was not a miracle cure. The findings are also yet to be peer-reviewed, but this is the first piece of research to assess the impact of consumption across multiple domains of ageing over a three-decade period. The sweet spot for midlife women appears to be 48, says Mahdavi, who presented the findings this week at the annual conference of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida. 'Those who drank moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee [at that age] were more likely to age in good health over the next 30 years.' The study does not suggest that everyone should start drinking coffee, Mahdavi adds. 'But for women who already consume caffeinated coffee, and tolerate it well, the findings are reassuring'; the results, 'while preliminary, suggest that small, consistent habits can shape long-term health'. Research is yet to demonstrate if and why women see enhanced benefits of caffeine consumption compared to men (the Harvard study only analysed women). 'While caffeine metabolism can vary between individuals due to factors like hormones and genetics, the biological mechanisms behind this association still need further investigation,' says Mahdavi. Here's exactly how caffeine is impacting your health as you age 1. It contains brain-protecting polyphenols Along with the immediate sharpening many experience after drinking coffee, caffeine consumption has been found in multiple studies to enhance brain function, particularly short-term or 'working memory'. According to an analysis published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, 'the scientific consensus regarding basic cognitive functions is that caffeine in doses from 32 to 300 mg enhances fundamental aspects of cognitive performance, such as attention, vigilance, and reaction time'. This is thought to be due to caffeine blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which temporarily heightens memory and alertness. Coffee is also rich in polyphenols, 'a group of antioxidants and particularly chlorogenic acids (naturally occurring compounds that appear in plants such as coffee and tea) that are linked to many brain health benefits,' explains Dr Emily Leeming, a nutritionist and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain. 'Studies in animals show they help relax and widen blood vessels, and in healthy people they may help lower blood pressure by boosting nitric oxide, a compound that helps keep blood vessels open, and may improve blood flow including to the brain.' These polyphenols are believed to be protective against Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. A 2023 meta-analysis published by scientists at Inje University in South Korea highlighted that for those who drank fewer than four cups a day, polyphenols 'may contribute to the prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline'. Caffeine has also been shown to reduce amyloid-beta production and tau phosphorylation – key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Dr Gill Livingston, professor in psychiatry of older people at University College London, says that of the studies undertaken to date, 'the jury is still out but [caffeine] does not seem to harm you'. She adds that 'there are a few possible mechanisms for the beneficial effect of coffee and caffeine on dementia and Alzheimer's disease, including reducing inflammation, decreasing the chance of stroke and slowing neurone (nerve cell) death.' 2. It contains good bacteria that boost your gut health The polyphenols in coffee also act as ' potential prebiotics for your gut microbes,' Dr Leeming says, boosting their growth and motility, and creating favourable conditions for other good bacteria to flourish. Research from ZOE, the nutrition app, found that coffee had the strongest food-microbiome association of 150 consumables they surveyed. In particular, coffee drinkers had six to eight times more L. asaccharolyticus in their microbiome – a bacteria which also led to increased levels of hippurate, a key marker of metabolic and gut health. Following data analysis of more than 22,000 people, they concluded that ' L. asaccharolyticus in coffee drinkers may be responding to these polyphenol pathways and could help explain coffee's health benefits.' Dr Leeming also points out that while much has been made of the potential upsides of coffee drinking, caffeine can be deleterious for our health if consumed too late in the day. She advises drinking it no later than noon, 'as caffeine floats around in our bloodstream long after the buzz has worn off, and can lead to a lower quality of sleep, even for those who have no problem getting to sleep after an evening espresso'. Poor sleep has repeatedly been found to increase mortality risk. There are concerns too that, as a high-caffeine diet increases the amount of calcium lost via urine, bone density could diminish if enough replacement calcium is not consumed. The Royal Osteoporosis Society advises that, 'if your calcium intake is low, or you have other risk factors for osteoporosis, aim to have no more than four cups of coffee a day'. 3. Coffee drinkers have improved heart health, studies show A study by Queen Mary University of London and the Budapest Semmelweis University in 2022 found that up to three cups of coffee a day had a protective effect on heart health, and led to a reduction in overall mortality rate and risk of stroke. Research published in the European Heart Journal in January, meanwhile, showed that morning coffee consumption was associated with improved heart health. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed theirs in the morning were 16 per cent less likely to die of any cause, and 31 per cent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. According to Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, 'research shows that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine – up to four or five cups of coffee a day – doesn't seem to have a negative impact on the heart and should be fine for most people.' But she warns that excessive consumption (above the recommended 400mg daily), 'can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as side effects like palpitations, anxiety, nausea and headaches.' Dr Leeming also adds that 'not everyone reacts well to coffee. It can cause jitters, or digestive issues in some people.' For optimal heart health, considering what you put in your cup is just as important as how many of them you drink, Parker says. 'If you want a healthy cup of coffee, avoid added syrups, sugar, cream or large milky coffees – they all add up in terms of sugar, calories and saturated fat.'
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Women who drink up to three cups of coffee a day in their 50s may be healthier in old age, scientists say
A new study has found that women in middle age who maintain a healthy coffee habit may have better physical, mental, and cognitive health as they grow older. 'Women who drank one to three cups of caffeinated coffee per day in their 50s were more likely to reach older age free from major chronic diseases and with good cognitive, physical, and mental health,' the study's lead author, Dr Sara Mahdavi, adjunct professor in the the faculty of medicine and department of nutritional sciences at the University of Toronto said. The research was initially presented as an abstract at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition on Monday, but will be submitted for peer review in the coming months, according to Mahdavi. The study draws on dietary data from more than 47,000 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study. All of the women surveyed were in middle age and had been followed for 30 years to understand their rates of death and disease. 'In this study, we found that moderate caffeinated coffee consumption during midlife was associated with a higher likelihood of healthy aging 30 years later,' Mahdavi said. But it's not just the caffeine or just the coffee that's giving the health benefits. Tea and cola, both of which have caffeine, did not yield the same signs as drinking coffee, nor did drinking decaffeinated coffee. The study is primarily observational and cannot state definitive cause and effect relationships. It is simply pointing out that women who maintained a healthy use of coffee in middle age also tended to experience a healthier aging. Researchers note that coffee drinking may just be a habit of individuals who tend to lead otherwise healthy and active lifestyles, which also contribute to healthier aging. In the past, moderate coffee drinking has been linked to lower risks of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Despite the findings, Mahdavi wasn't ready to call for non-coffee drinkers to pick up a press and a mug. 'Coffee may support longevity, but it's not a universal prescription — especially for women. Hormonal shifts influence how caffeine is metabolized, so the benefits depend on timing, biology, and individual health," Mahdavis told CNN. Caffeine can last longer in the bodies of some people due to hormonal differences — for example, estrogen inhibits a liver enzyme that is needed to break caffeine down — and midlife tends to be a time when women's hormones are shifting. 'Moderate caffeinated coffee consumption — typically one to three cups per day — can be part of a healthy diet for many adults,' Mahdavi said. 'However, this should not be taken as a blanket recommendation for everyone to begin or increase coffee intake with the goal of longevity.' And coffee — or other caffeinated drinks — are best avoided by individuals with other health problems, like anxiety or sleep disorders, according to the National Institute of Health.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Rates of dementia are lower in people who eat this specific diet, research shows
Certain foods may feed the brain better than others. New research presented this week at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Orlando, Florida, found that the MIND diet is particularly beneficial for cognitive health. People who followed the MIND eating plan — which stands for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay — were "significantly less likely" to develop Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, according to a press release from the American Society for Nutrition. MIND is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), the latter of which is designed to reduce blood pressure. The diet focuses on "brain-healthy foods" like leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts and olive oil. "The MIND diet is unique as the first eating plan focused on foods to specifically improve and support cognitive health," Lauren Harris-Pincus, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of and author of "The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook," told Fox News Digital. The plant-focused MIND diet highlights 10 types of food, including berries, leafy greens, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds, beans, legumes, seafood, poultry and olive oil, according to Harris-Pincus, who was not involved in the research. "These focus foods contain nutrients that play a critical role in supporting brain health, including flavonoids, carotenoids, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA), choline, and minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium," she said. "The diet also suggests limiting foods such as pastries, refined sugar, red meat, cheese, fried foods, fast food, and butter or margarine." Researchers from the University of Hawaii analyzed data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults who reported their dietary habits during the 1990s as part of the Multiethnic Cohort Study. At the start of the study, participants ranged in age from 45 to 75. "The MIND diet is unique as the first eating plan focused on foods to specifically improve and support cognitive health." In analyzing which participants developed Alzheimer's or other dementias in later years, the MIND eating plan performed better than other healthy diets in terms of reducing dementia risk, with benefits seen among both younger and older groups. Those who followed the diet were shown to have an overall 9% reduced risk of dementia, and some groups — African American, Latino and White participants — showed a 13% lower risk. Asian-Americans and native Hawaiians did not show as pronounced of a risk reduction. The longer people adhered to the diet, the greater the reduction of risk. Those who followed the plan over a 10-year period had a 25% lower risk compared to those who didn't stick with it. "Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer's and related dementias," said Song-Yi Park, PhD, associate professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, in the release. For more Health articles, visit "This suggests that it is never too late to adopt a healthy diet to prevent dementia."
