Latest news with #JournaloftheAcademyofNutritionandDietetics
12-08-2025
- Health
Dollar store food shopping isn't derailing American diets: Study
Dollar stores tend to sell less healthy food, but households that shop there appear to compensate by making healthier purchases elsewhere, a new study suggests. Researchers from Tufts University in Boston analyzed more than a decade of household food purchasing data from 183,000 U.S. households between 2008 and 2020. The study, published Monday in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, found that dollar stores now account for 6.5% of household calories, double the 3.4% they made up in 2008. To track the healthfulness of household food purchases and diet quality, the team looked at data from the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), which ranges from 0 to 100. The HEI measures how closely a person's diet aligns with national dietary guidelines, considering factors such as fruit and vegetable intake, whole grains and fat consumption. Higher scores indicate better alignment with these recommendations. Researchers excluded non-food items like alcohol and tobacco, as well as fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, which don't have standard nutrition labels. Meals eaten outside the home, such as those at restaurants, were also not included in the assessment. Households with substantial purchases at dollar stores had an HEI score of 46.3, which was similar to the 48.2 score of those with moderate purchases and the 50.5 score of those with no purchases. "Purchases directly from dollar stores were less healthy, but even households that bought a lot from dollar stores had overall diets similar in healthfulness to those who bought less -- suggesting they may be getting healthier options from other places," Dr. Wenhui Feng, a professor of health care policy research at Tufts University School of Medicine and lead author of the study, told ABC News. Families were likely strategizing by purchasing certain items at dollar stores for affordability, while continuing to buy healthier items at other grocery stores, Feng suggested. The study also found overall that household diet quality remained consistent long-term, even as the share of food calories from dollar stores doubled. "Most of what dollar stores sell is likely ultra-processed -- packaged, ready-to-eat foods that tend to be higher in salt and additives that aren't necessarily healthy," Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, a professor of nutritional medicine at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, told ABC News. St-Onge said this is troubling given the rapid growth of dollar stores, especially in low-income and rural areas. In these areas, dollar stores play a much larger role in food access, sometimes serving as one of the few nearby retail options, she noted. But St-Onge added that the issue probably won't be solved by simply restricting dollar stores. "Everyone should have access to affordable, healthful foods no matter where they're sold," she said. "If dollar stores are more prevalent in certain neighborhoods, improving their offerings would be a great step." Feng stressed that food accessibility is clearly a nuanced issue that requires work beyond just stopping the expansion of dollar stores. Even if the issue of access is solved, he said that nutritional inequality may still exist due to consumer preferences and economic constraints. "I don't think there is one policy that can make food purchase immediately healthier. We should approach this as part of the greater discussion about food access and food affordability," Feng said.
The Hill
11-08-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Dollar store food options might not be harming American diets overall: Study
Relying on dollar stores for the bulk of grocery purchases might not be harming American diets, despite the comparative lack of healthy products, a new study has found. As families look to free up funds on costly shopping lists, they are increasingly turning to their locals dollar stores to buy staple food items, according to the study, published on Monday in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 'People go to different types of stores for different reasons and the dollar store is one that people choose because of the price advantage,' lead author Wenhui Feng, a professor of health care policy of research at Tufts University, said in a statement. 'There are a lot of concerns that foods on dollar store shelves are less healthy, but what's on the shelf does not equal what each household takes home,' added Feng, who is also an assistant professor at the Tufts School of Medicine. What's on the shelf at the dollar stores also does not equal what each household puts on the table, as families are balancing their increased purchases there with more nutritious items elsewhere, the authors found. To understand the impacts of the dollar store proliferation and the convenient, calorie-rich snacks that these outlets offer, Feng and her colleagues assessed food purchases made by 180,000 nationally representative U.S. families between 2008 and 2020. They then combined the data with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service's Purchase to Plate Crosswalk tool — allowing them to estimate the quality of these purchases. Ultimately, the scientists determined that calories obtained from dollar store items have nearly doubled, surging from 3.4 percent to 6.5 percent of a household's purchases, particularly in those with lower incomes and those headed by people of color. Meanwhile, in rural areas, where the nearest grocery stores tended to be much further than dollar stores, families were particularly reliant on the latter for their food supplies. Although these retailers provide discounts for lower-quality items, people who frequented these outlets were getting more than 90 percent of their calories on average from them. Dollar stores are now the fastest growing food retailers in the U.S., having transformed the shopping landscape with at least 37,000 storefronts nationwide, according to the authors. These outlets — which have a particularly strong footprint in the South — usually sell packaged foods and beverages that are high in calories and low in nutrients, with just a small share carrying produce or meats, the researchers noted. 'Some people seem to be going to dollar stores strategically to buy sweets and snacks, along with other packaged foods,' senior author Sean Cash, a global nutrition professor at the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, said in a statement. Cash noted, however, that those households that buy more prepackaged foods at dollar stores seem to be buying less of these items elsewhere. 'The results further suggest that many of those same households that are buying less-healthy foods from dollar stores are, at the same time, buying healthier foods from other types of retail outlets,' the authors added. And if dollar stores were not available, the researchers stressed that it remains unclear whether families would still opt for these same healthy mixes, due to higher cost burdens. As such, they concluded that recent legislative calls for restrictions on dollar store openings might not be beneficial if they are not accompanied by proposals for acquiring healthier foods at affordable prices. 'We need more data on the real effects of dollar stores on healthy eating as some communities may be putting the policy cart before the horse,' Cash added.
NDTV
29-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Is Drinking 100% Pure Coffee Good For You?
A few weeks ago, NDTV visited Timbertales - a hidden resort nestled within a 100 acre coffee plantation in Coorg, Karnataka. While the stay was wholesome, it was what we learned about coffee that lingered. Surrounded by lush greenery and the earthy scent of dew and roasted beans, every moment at Timbertales was like walking in nature's lap. During the stay, Somana, the resort's resident coffee connoisseur, casually asked: "Did you know most coffee in India contains chicory?" What Is Chicory And Why Is It In Your Coffee Chicory is a root from the same family as dandelions. It is generally roasted, ground, and added to coffee to enhance its flavour. Chicory has a woody flavour and nutty aroma, which is widely enjoyed in France and India. "The more chicory in your coffee, the cheaper it is," Somana shared with a smile. Is Chicory Root In Your Coffee Acidic While chicory enhances the flavour and aroma of coffee, it may affect your gut. Somana noted that excessive chicory could trigger acidity. Science supports this claim. While chicory is slightly less acidic than coffee itself, overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating and flatulence. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that chicory inulin products, though high in fibre, may increase digestive symptoms mildly. Interestingly, some people who blame coffee for their acidity might actually be reacting to the chicory mixed in it. Some studies have also found that chicory root is good for digestion, when taken in moderation. "Chicory is generally added to reduce the bitterness of coffee," Pavithra N Raj, Chief Dietician at Manipal Hospital, Yeshwantpur, Bangaluru, Karnataka, told NDTV. "However, filter coffee without chicory tends to be less acidic. Adding chicory may make the coffee more acidic, and might lead to more digestive issues. The percentage of chicory in your coffee powder should not exceed 20-30%," adds the expert. Is Drinking 100% Pure Coffee Good For You This leads to an obvious question: If additives like chicory can complicate digestion, is pure coffee a better choice? For the uninitiated, 100% pure coffee is just natural coffee and water - no blends, no filter. Turns out, pure coffee, particularly black coffee, offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, coffee contains antioxidants that offer these nine health benefits Boosts energy Enhances focus Keeps your blood sugar levels in check Good for your heart health May even help you live longer Reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease Lower chances of getting colon cancer Promotes liver health Decreases Parkinson's Disease risk Dietitian Pavithra N Raj says, "Pure coffee is also believed to help you lose weight. Many people prefer to drink it before they hit the gym. So, it is okay to drink pure coffee as long as you are drinking it in moderation." "There is no harm in drinking chicory coffee or plain black coffee. These instant coffee powders usually contain less chicory content and more coffee, which again is not harmful to a person. So, you can drink both types but in moderation," concludes the expert. While chicory root can lead to acidity, it is not all bad. You can have it but in moderation, as the expert recommends. Also, make sure to check with a healthcare provider before adding anything to your diet.
Indian Express
25-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Should you skip dinner after your 40s? Gut doctor on why you should junk celebrity chatter on fasting and one-meal diets
Most personal health conversations between peers and on social media focus on skipping dinner or just having that one big meal a day, particularly for those above 40. The logic is your metabolism slows down by the end of the day and the body can very well do without the third meal. Celebrities, from Karan Johar, Ram Kapoor and Raveena Tandon, have credibilised this view on social media, touting their individual case histories as proof that a diet fad works. Fact is, the concept of dinner evolved because of a reason. 'Every meal has its importance and so has dinner. It's the last major meal of the day and is needed by everybody, whether you are 20 or 50. There's no ageism here. It gives your body the calories and nutrients it needs to ride out the longest hours it goes without food. If we are to synchronise our lifestyle with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle or the circadian rhythm, then we ought to provision for the body's functions at rest. Yet most people these days drop dinner, disregarding its nutrition value,' says Dr Sudeep Khanna, gastroenterologist and GI medicine specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi. This is the biggest myth there is. The body doesn't stop working while sleeping and needs calories to perform its basic functions. Dinner fuels your body for these tasks. Without calories, your body can slow down to conserve energy. This is what slows down metabolism, not the dinner itself. And slower metabolism can lead to weight gain. Sometimes the body cannot adjust to this denial and may have an extremely strong late night craving. That's what leads to 2 am eating binges. Late-night eating can lead to increased hunger and decreased leptin, a hormone that signals satiety, and may raise your risk for obesity. The only rule to be followed about dinner is that you must have it early, by 7.30 pm, to ensure a decent three hour gap before sleeping and a 10-12 hour gap before your next meal or breakfast. This way we can ensure steady calorie burns. And if you want to perk up your metabolism, make sure you exercise enough. It has a negative impact, especially given the burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease that Indians are vulnerable to. It can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar, with sudden dips and highs, which can harm people with diabetes. It can leave you feeling exhausted. A 2023 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics showed how eating just one meal a day was linked to a higher mortality risk and skipping lunch or dinner specifically increased the risk of cardiovascular disease. And since you asked about people over 40 not requiring dinner, let me tell you that another study in 2020 had shown how skipping meals plunged older adults deeper into depression, anxiety and insomnia. A recent Harvard study has found that sticking to a healthy diet in midlife has a direct impact on healthy ageing. The research, based on data from over 100,000 people spanning 30 years, revealed that people who followed a healthy diet from their 40s onward were 43-84% more likely to be well-functioning physically and mentally at age 70 compared with those who did not. If you're not eating regular meals, you may miss out on essential vitamins and minerals needed for overall health and well-being. Look at your dinner plate. Remove the refined carbs and focus on proteins and greens. Post 40s and 50s, our muscles start degenerating fast. So we need more protein to replace the muscle loss, at least 1 gm per kg of body weight. I have seen people weighing 75 to 80 kg but their plates don't match their protein requirement. Choose fibrous fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and healthy fats.
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
R. Madhavan's Remarkable 21-Day Weight Loss Transformation
Last Updated: R. Madhavan stunned fans with a 21-day weight loss transformation—no gym, no crash diets, just mindful habits and discipline. Actor R. Madhavan, fondly remembered as Maddy from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, continues to captivate fans not just with his acting but now with a stunning physical transformation. The actor, last seen in Aap Jaisa Koi, made waves in 2024 when he shed several kilos in just 21 days, surprising fans and health enthusiasts alike. What stood out was that he didn't rely on crash diets or intense workout regimes. Instead, Madhavan adopted a simple, structured lifestyle—one that focused on discipline, natural habits, and sustainability. The Simplicity Behind Madhavan's Weight Loss In a viral clip from his chat with Curly Tales, Madhavan opened up about his wellness journey. He later tweeted a detailed summary of his approach, which read: 'Intermittent fasting, heavy chewing of food 45-60 times (drink your food and chew your water)… last meal at 6.45 pm (only cooked food—nothing raw AT ALL post 3 pm)… early morning long walks and early night deep sleep (no screen time 90 min before bed)… plenty of fluids… lots of green vegetables and food that is easily metabolised by your body and healthy. Nothing processed at all." Let's break down the methods behind his inspiring transformation. 1. Intermittent Fasting Madhavan followed a strict intermittent fasting routine. He consumed his final meal of the day by 6:45 PM and avoided raw foods after 3:00 PM. This fasting window allowed his body to rest and reset, helping manage insulin sensitivity and boosting overall health. Intermittent fasting is known to support weight loss, metabolic balance, and even better digestion, making it a popular wellness trend. 2. Chewing Every Bite—A Lot A major highlight of Madhavan's routine was mindful eating. He chewed each bite 45 to 60 times. This might sound excessive, but science backs this up. A 2014 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggested that increasing the number of chews per bite can help reduce food intake and assist in weight management. It improves digestion, gives your body more time to signal fullness, and enhances nutrient absorption. 3. Walking Over Workouts Rather than intense gym sessions, the 3 Idiots star opted for long walks early in the morning. Simple yet effective, walking is a low-impact activity that burns calories, boosts mood, and improves cardiovascular health. In fact, research in the American Heart Association Journals confirms that regular walking helps combat belly fat and promotes lean muscle retention. 4. Screen-Free Evenings and Sound Sleep Madhavan credited quality sleep as a pillar of his weight loss success. He ensured he avoided screen exposure at least 90 minutes before bedtime to improve his sleep quality. Good sleep plays a crucial role in regulating hormones related to hunger and metabolism. When the body rests well, it naturally supports weight loss efforts. 5. Hydration and Natural Foods Throughout his transformation, Madhavan remained well-hydrated and focused on eating foods his body could easily process. He prioritized green vegetables and stayed away from all processed items. The emphasis was on natural, clean, and wholesome meals—nothing raw post-afternoon, and no packaged foods at all. R. Madhavan's 21-day journey proves that profound results don't always need extreme measures. With commitment to mindful habits—like eating clean, moving gently, sleeping well, and listening to one's body—sustainable and healthy weight loss is within reach. His story is a powerful reminder that wellness isn't about quick fixes but consistent, conscious living. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 08:41 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness R. Madhavan's Remarkable 21-Day Weight Loss Transformation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
