Diet News and Research

Latest Diet News and Research

Discovery of more genes involved in height

Scientists are beginning to develop a clearer picture of what makes some people stand head and shoulders above the rest.

7 Apr 2008

Newly identified height genes may lead to treatments for arthritis and cancer

New research which has identified 20 sections of genetic code linked to height may also lead to new treatments for arthritis and cancer.

7 Apr 2008

Pregnant mothers' diet linked to baby's obesity

Pregnant and lactating rats fed on a diet of hydrogenated fat during pregnancy and lactation had babies who were fatter than rats fed a normal diet, according to research published in Lipids in Health and Disease.

4 Apr 2008

Not all trans fats are bad for you

University of Alberta researcher Flora Wang found that a diet with enriched levels of trans vaccenic acid (VA) - a natural animal fat found in dairy and beef products - can reduce risk factors associated with heart disease, diabetes and obesity

3 Apr 2008

A daily dose of caffeine may help protect against Alzheimer's

A daily dose of caffeine blocks the disruptive effects of high cholesterol that scientists have linked to Alzheimer's disease.

3 Apr 2008

Expert warns size zero leads to 'famine then feast' eating disorder

A leading British expert on eating disorders has warned that the current obsession with size-zero in the fashion industry is encouraging women to 'famine then feast'.

2 Apr 2008

Cancer expert warns about eating processed meat

A leading cancer expert has issued a warning about eating processed meats such as sausages.

2 Apr 2008

Body mass often down to our genes

Your friend can eat whatever she wants and still fit into her prom dress, but you gain five pounds if you just look at that chocolate cake.

2 Apr 2008

Oligosaccharides may help fight Salmonella and other food poisoning bacteria

Natural sugars found in breast milk that are now included in prebiotic foods may help in the fight against Salmonella and other food poisoning bacteria, scientists heard at the Society for General Microbiology's 162nd meeting being held this week at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

2 Apr 2008

Potential link found between bacteria found in the human digestive system and obesity

Obesity is more than a cosmetic concern because it increases a person's risk for developing high blood pressure, diabetes and many other serious health problems.

2 Apr 2008

Immune system needs food to function properly

Researchers studying deer mice have discovered evidence to support what mothers everywhere have long suspected: the immune system needs food to function properly.

2 Apr 2008

Diabetics have same risk for heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular diseases

People with diabetes have the same high risk for heart attack or stroke or cardiovascular death as people who've already had a heart attack, researchers reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

1 Apr 2008

Bad breakfast habits could harm long-term health

Skipping breakfast and snacking on sugary and fatty foods could be fuelling Britain's rising obesity rates among the under 25s.

31 Mar 2008

Partners can help or hinder attempts at changing diet

For people trying to make a change in their diet, significant others generally play a positive and supportive role, but sometimes respond in negative ways, according to a study in the March/April Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

28 Mar 2008

Keeping in good shape in old age is harder for women

Women aged 65-plus find it harder than men of the same age to preserve muscle - which probably impacts on their ability to stay as strong and fit, according to new research.

28 Mar 2008

Environmental factors linked to development of autoimmune diseases

Scientists working at the MRC National Institute for Medical Research have shown that environmental factors can influence the development of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.

28 Mar 2008

Pectin-rich apple products shown to have anticarcinogenic effects on colon

The apples and apple juice you consume may have positive effects in one of the most unlikely places in the body – in the colon.

28 Mar 2008

Partners can help or hinder attempts at changing diet

26 Mar 2008

Dieting and medication may reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension

Adults with hypertension may be able to lower their weight and their blood pressure by following a weight-loss diet or using the medication orlistat, according to a meta-analysis of previously published studies reported in the March 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

25 Mar 2008