Latest news with #JournalofNutrition
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Overeating And Inflammation
Research continues to emerge showing the adverse health effects of consuming ultra-processed foods. While the exact definition can vary, ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are typically foods that are calorically dense, higher in refined sugar, fat, and salt, low in fiber and other nutrients, and of course, highly processed. One problem with UPFs is that they tend to make people overeat. The high salt, fat, and carb combination can make them particularly easy to overconsume. Coupled with typically lower protein levels, these foods often fail to provide the same level of satiety as a similar number of calories from whole foods might offer. 'Experimental evidence demonstrates that the soft texture, high energy density and hyperpalatable nutrient combinations of UPF facilitate excessive energy intakes by affecting ingestive behaviours, satiety signalling and food reward systems,' read a July 14 study in Nature. Another study published in May in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found a strong link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and the presence of C-reactive protein (CRP). CPR is produced by the liver in response to inflammation and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The researchers also found that consuming UPFs drove a higher white blood cell count. 'These two biomarkers indicate that these foods are causing an inflammatory response in our bodies. In a sense, this suggests that our bodies are seeing these as non-foods, as some kind of other element,' said Anthea Christoforou, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University and senior author of the paper. In short, UPFs may be harmful for a multitude of reasons: they cause us to overeat, trigger inflammation, and lack sufficient protein and nutritious vitamins and minerals. To make matters worse, these types of foods are heavily marketed and convenient. Children are particularly susceptible to nutrient-scarce, high-sugar items, such as cereal, prominently featured in grocery store aisles. The good news? Trials have shown that dropping even one daily serving of UPFs from your diet can help cut inflammatory markers. Solve the daily Crossword
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Health Surprise: Eggs May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk in Seniors! - Jordan News
Health Surprise: Eggs May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk in Seniors! As the world continues to face the rising tide of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline, researchers are increasingly exploring everyday lifestyle choices and dietary habits that could help protect against early mental deterioration. One such simple food—eggs—has come into the spotlight. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, based on exclusive data from a research sample, suggests that eating more than one egg per week may significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer's in older adults. اضافة اعلان What is Alzheimer's Disease? According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia—a brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory and thinking skills. Symptoms include loss of cognitive functions such as reasoning, memory, and judgment. It's also common for individuals to have more than one type of dementia; for example, someone may have both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Inside the Study: Examining the Link Between Egg Consumption and Brain Health The study, titled 'Association Between Egg Consumption and Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease in Older Adults,' tracked more than 1,024 adults (average age: 81.4 years), all of whom were dementia-free at the beginning of the 7-year study. Their diets were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive performance was assessed annually. By the end of the study, 280 participants had developed Alzheimer's-related dementia. However, those who consumed more than one egg per week were nearly 50% less likely to develop the disease compared to those who ate fewer eggs. Why Eggs? What Makes Them Brain-Friendly? A key factor highlighted in the research is choline—a vital nutrient found abundantly in eggs. Though not a vitamin, choline functions like one, playing a crucial role in supporting brain and body function. While the body produces a small amount of choline, the majority comes from food. In addition to brain health, choline helps reduce inflammation, regulate mood and mental health, support muscle function, and assist in fat metabolism. Other Dietary Sources of Choline Include: Eggs (especially the yolk) Fish (like salmon and tuna) Chicken or turkey Milk and other dairy products Risk of Alzheimer's and Neurological Diseases: Additional Findings Researchers also conducted autopsies on the brains of 578 deceased participants. The findings were striking: Reduced Amyloid Plaques – Protein build-ups strongly linked to Alzheimer's. Fewer Neurofibrillary Tangles – Twisted fibers inside brain cells that impair brain function and contribute to cognitive decline. What Did the Researchers Conclude? The results suggest that regular egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with dietary choline playing a key role. As scientists continue to explore the impact of nutrition on brain health, studies like this underscore the powerful potential of simple, accessible dietary choices—like eating eggs—to support long-term cognitive well-being. Source: Times of India
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Eating this breakfast daily can lower Alzheimer's risk by almost half and boost brain health
As the world continues to grapple with the rising tide of Alzheimer's and age-related cognitive decline, researchers continue to explore everyday lifestyle choices and food items that can offer protection from this early cognitive decline, and among them is one surprisingly simple food item that is drawing attention from millions of people worldwide: An egg. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, based on the exclusive data collected from their research sample, suggests that eating more than one egg per week may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia among older adults. What is Alzheimer's? According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, which is a brain disorder that slowly destroys a person's memory and thinking skills. Its symptoms include: Loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and even reasoning. It is common for some people to have more than two types of dementia. For example, some people have both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Inside the study: Exploring the link between egg consumption and brain health The research titled ' Association of Egg Intake with Alzheimer's Dementia Risk in Older Adults: The Rush Memory and Aging Project' tracked over 1,024 adults (average age came out to be 81.4%), all initially indicating they were free from dementia, for over 7 years. Their dietary patterns were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive outcomes were monitored annually. By the end of the study, a total of 280 participants had developed Alzheimer's dementia. But those who consumed eggs more than once per week had almost 50% lower risk compared to those who had fewer eggs. Why eggs? What makes them brain-friendly? Through this research, one major factor that stuck out appears to be choline. Choline is an essential nutrient found in high amounts in eggs. It is a simple nutrient that helps the brain and body work properly. Now, remember it is not a vitamin, but it acts like one. The body makes a small amount of choline even on its own, but most of it has to come from food. Apart from assisting in brain health, Choline also reduces inflammation, regulates mood and mental health, supports muscle function, and even assists in fat metabolism. Animal-based sources of Choline: Eggs (especially the yolk) Fish (like salmon and tuna) Chicken or turkey Milk and other dairy products Alzheimer's risk and neuropathology While conducting this much-needed research, the researchers also performed brain autopsies on 578 participants who had passed away. The analysis was shocking; it examined the signs of Alzheimer's pathology in the brain, and participants who had consumed more than one egg per week showed: Fewer amyloid plaques: Protein build-ups known to have a link with Alzheimers' Fewer Neurofibrillary tangles : Twisted-fiber-like components inside the brain cells that disrupt brain function and lead to cognitive decline. What was the conclusion according to the researchers? These findings suggest that frequent egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia and AD pathology, and the association with Alzheimer's dementia is partially mediated through dietary choline. As scientists continue to unravel the hidden mysteries of our food consumption with our brain health, it has become quite evident that studies like this underscore the potential of simple, readily available food options that can support brain health.
India Today
14-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Can a simple diet change reduce chances of dementia, Alzheimer's disease?
Is the food on your plate the secret to a sharper mind after 60? A growing body of research says yes, and a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Ageing offers some of the strongest evidence study, conducted by researchers at Yonsei University, South Korea, tracked over 1,31,000 adults aged 40 to 69 over a span of thirteen and a half years, investigating how four well-established dietary patterns impacted their risk of developing findings were clear: following diets rich in whole foods, leafy greens, and healthy fats, especially the MIND diet, significantly reduced the risk of dementia by up to 28%. WHAT IS THE MIND DIET?The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). But it goes a step further by targeting nutrients specifically linked to brain health and cognitive brain-boosting components of the MIND diet include:Flavonoids and polyphenols from fruits, vegetables, tea, and dark chocolateFolate from leafy greens and legumesOmega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, seeds, and nutsCompared to general healthy eating guidelines, the MIND diet places special emphasis on daily consumption of green leafy vegetables and weekly servings of berries and fish foods known to nourish neurons and reduce brain HIGHLIGHTS: MIND DIET STANDS OUTResearchers scored participants' diets using four systems: Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), MIND Diet Score, Recommended Food Score (RFS), and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)The MIND and RFS diets showed the strongest associations with lower dementia risk, while a higher score on the Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII), which reflects diets high in processed and inflammatory foods, was linked to a 30% higher risk of dementia.'The associations between dietary patterns and dementia were stronger in older adults and women, and varied by obesity status, highlighting how diet affects different populations differently,' the researchers AS PREVENTION, NOT JUST NUTRITIONThis study reinforces findings from earlier research. For instance, a previous trial of 906 older adults found that those with higher MIND diet scores experienced slower cognitive decline over nearly five autopsy-based study of 581 participants revealed that those who had followed the MIND or Mediterranean diet had fewer amyloid plaques in their brains, a biological hallmark of Alzheimer's both studies, higher intake of leafy greens was the most protective dietary CURE, BUT PREVENTION IS POWERFULWith no definitive cure for dementia, researchers stress the urgency of prevention-focused interventions, particularly findings underscore the potential of dietary interventions as modifiable factors to reduce the risk of dementia, especially in vulnerable populations,' the authors also noted that unlike earlier studies, this research compared multiple dietary patterns and followed participants for more than a decade, providing robust, long-term WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN?To follow the MIND diet, here's a simple roadmap:Eat more of:Leafy greens (daily)Berries (more than two days per week)Whole grainsNuts and seedsLegumesFish (once a week)Poultry (at least twice a week)Olive oil as main cooking fatLimit these foods:Red and processed meatsButter and stick margarineCheesePastries and sweetsFried and fast foodsWith science uncovering more about the links between food and brain health, one thing is becoming clear: what's good for your heart is often good for your no single diet guarantees immunity from cognitive decline, the MIND diet could be practical, sustainable with strong evidence to nourish your brain.- Ends
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 prominent signs of vitamin B deficiency everyone should look out for
Vitamin B is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in our overall health. However, many people may not be getting enough of this essential vitamin, leading to various health issues. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here are some prominent signs of vitamin B deficiency that everyone should be aware of. Fatigue and weakness One of the most common signs of vitamin B deficiency is fatigue and weakness. If you often feel tired, even after getting enough sleep, it could be a sign that your body is not getting enough vitamin B. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness due to its role in energy production in the body. Pale or jaundiced skin Image: Canva Another noticeable sign of vitamin B deficiency is pale or jaundiced skin. Vitamin B12 deficiency, in particular, can cause a reduction in red blood cell production, leading to a condition known as megaloblastic anaemia. This can result in pale or yellowish skin, as well as weakness and shortness of breath. A study published in the American Journal of Hematology found that vitamin B12 deficiency was a common cause of megaloblastic anaemia. Tingling or numbness T Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ingling or numbness in the hands and feet can also be a sign of vitamin B deficiency. This is because vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in nerve function, and a deficiency can lead to nerve damage. According to research published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy, resulting in tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation in the extremities. Mouth ulcers or cracks in the corners of the mouth Image: Canva If you frequently experience mouth ulcers or cracks in the corners of your mouth, it could be a sign of vitamin B deficiency. Deficiencies in vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin) have been linked to these symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that vitamin B2 deficiency was associated with an increased risk of oral ulcers. Mood changes or depression Vitamin B deficiency has also been linked to mood changes and depression. Research published in Nutrients suggests that low levels of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate may be associated with an increased risk of depression. These vitamins play a crucial role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. Vitamin D & Iron Supplements: Benefits & Hidden Side Effects
