Explore

USA Today USA Today
What parents should know about ultra-processed toddler foods

What parents should know about ultra-processed toddler foods

More parents are beginning to scrutinize the foods they give their children early in life, and a new study suggests they're right to do so.
Trendline Trendline
NOVA Classification Sparks Debate Over Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Risks

NOVA Classification Sparks Debate Over Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Risks

NOVA Classification Sparks Debate Over Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Risks
Trendline Trendline
Experts Debunk Myths About Processed Foods and Health Implications

Experts Debunk Myths About Processed Foods and Health Implications

Experts Debunk Myths About Processed Foods and Health Implications
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Study Highlights Nutritional Quality Over Processing Level for Long-Term Health Benefits

Study Highlights Nutritional Quality Over Processing Level for Long-Term Health Benefits

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health has found that the nutritional quality of a diet is more crucial than the level of food processing when it comes to long-term health outcomes. The study, which analyzed data from over 200,000 U.S. adults, revealed that diets high in nutritional quality were associated with a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and mortality, regardless of the level of food processing. The research utilized the plant-based diet index to evaluate participants' dietary habits, focusing on the consumption of plant-based foods across various processing levels. The findings suggest that while ultra-processed foods are often linked to poor nutritional quality, the processing itself is not inherently detrimental if the foods are nutrient-dense.
Trendline Trendline
Big Food Companies Face Legal Challenges Over Public Health Policies

Big Food Companies Face Legal Challenges Over Public Health Policies

Big Food Companies Face Legal Challenges Over Public Health Policies
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Study Highlights Diet Quality Over Processing Level in Plant-Based Diets

Study Highlights Diet Quality Over Processing Level in Plant-Based Diets

An unpublished study presented at Nutrition 2026 suggests that the quality of a diet is more important than the level of food processing when it comes to health outcomes. The study, which focuses on plant-based diets, indicates that both processed and unprocessed plant-based diets are protective against type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The research challenges the common narrative that ultra-processed foods are inherently unhealthy, emphasizing instead the importance of overall diet quality. Experts note that the health benefits of plant-based foods likely stem from their fiber, micronutrients, and non-nutrient chemicals.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Rutgers University Study Finds Meal Timing May Enhance Brain Health in Older Women

Rutgers University Study Finds Meal Timing May Enhance Brain Health in Older Women

A recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University suggests that the timing of meals may play a significant role in maintaining brain health as people age. The study, presented at the NUTRITION 2026 meeting, involved 47 women aged 50 to 79 who were either overweight or obese. Participants were instructed to reduce their daily calorie intake by 500 calories. However, one group was also asked to consume all their food within an eight to nine-hour window each day, typically between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. This group showed greater improvements in cognitive tests related to spatial planning and problem-solving compared to those who ate over a typical 12-hour period. The findings suggest that meal timing, in addition to calorie reduction, may help preserve cognitive functions such as memory and attention.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Study Warns of Nutrient Deficiency Risks if Grain Enrichment Ends

Study Warns of Nutrient Deficiency Risks if Grain Enrichment Ends

A study by the Grain Foods Research Institute highlights the potential risks of nutrient deficiencies if the enrichment of grain products is discontinued. The research, published by Shelley Maniscalco and Chesney Richter, emphasizes that enriched grains are significant sources of B vitamins and iron, contributing to a substantial portion of daily nutrient intake. The study warns that removing enrichment could lead to increased nutrient inadequacy, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Historically, enrichment has played a crucial role in reducing nutrient deficiency diseases in the U.S., and its removal could reverse these public health gains.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Federal Survey Highlights Promising Trends in Youth Mental Health and Substance Use

Federal Survey Highlights Promising Trends in Youth Mental Health and Substance Use

A recent federal survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reveals encouraging trends in youth mental health and substance use. The survey, which covers data from 2021 to 2025, indicates a decline in major depressive episodes and serious suicidal thoughts among adolescents aged 12 to 17. Additionally, fewer adolescents reported using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and engaging in binge drinking. The survey also notes a decrease in substance use disorders among this age group. Despite these positive trends, nearly 20% of adolescents still experience moderate or severe anxiety symptoms. The survey highlights that over half of individuals over the age of 12 used an illicit drug, drank alcohol, used tobacco, or vaped nicotine in the previous month.
Trendline Trendline
Time-Restricted Eating Shows Promise in Enhancing Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Time-Restricted Eating Shows Promise in Enhancing Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Time-Restricted Eating Shows Promise in Enhancing Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Trendline Trendline
Daily Habits for Improving Mental Health: A Guide to Natural Well-Being

Daily Habits for Improving Mental Health: A Guide to Natural Well-Being

Daily Habits for Improving Mental Health: A Guide to Natural Well-Being
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Researchers Propose Comprehensive Review to Assess Nutrients' Role in Brain Health

Researchers Propose Comprehensive Review to Assess Nutrients' Role in Brain Health

A new study has been initiated to evaluate the role of various nutrients in supporting brain health throughout different life stages. This research, supported by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS), aims to identify key nutrients and bioactive food components, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, that could potentially enhance brain function. The study will conduct an umbrella review of systematic reviews published between 2016 and 2026 to assess the current evidence and identify gaps in research. The goal is to establish evidence-based dietary strategies that could optimize brain health from early life through older adulthood. The findings are expected to inform public health priorities and interventions.