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Consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is on the rise globally, leading to a displacement of healthy diets, according to Professor Carlos Monteiro of the University of Sao Paulo. Monteiro, who coined the term “ultra-processed food,” will address the International Congress on Obesity this week, highlighting the dangers UPFs pose to both children and adults. Consumption of UPF’s is growing This stark warning comes as consumption of UPFs, including sugary cereals, processed meats, instant noodles, and sugary drinks, skyrockets worldwide. In countries like the UK and US, these convenient yet unhealthy options now make up over half of the average person’s diet....

A new study found a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with an increased risk of relapse in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The researchers found a more pro-inflammatory diet is associated with a higher risk of relapses and more inflammatory brain lesions for MS patients in the years following their first disease attack. MS is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that can damage nerve cells. A pro-inflammatory diet as per the study includes foods containing high amounts of fats and proteins. These foods are thought to drive chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation that could affect the course of MS. The...

New research from the Imperial College’s School of Public Health shows that “ultra-processed foods” are linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. The London researchers classified ultra-processed foods as products like carbonated drinks, cereals, mass-produced and packaged bread and pre-packaged meals. The study authors noted that such foods are typically not ingredients used in household cooking but instead are made up of “derived ingredients,” such as high fructose corn syrup or modified starch. They discovered that those who consumed convenience food items were potentially at a higher risk of developing life-threatening cancers after studying 200,000 middle-aged participants over the...

According to a recent study in JAMA Network Open, Americans gained about 1 1/2 pounds every month during stay-at-home orders last year. At the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2 in 5 are struggling with mental health issues. One local researcher believes a ketogenic diet could help address both issues. Eric Rodgers was running marathons when his doctor said he was pre-diabetic. At the time, he was also taking anti-depressants. "You would lose enjoyment in things. You're not looking forward to things that you used to look forward to," Rodgers said. He...

Food engineers in Brazil and France developed gels based on modified starch for use as “ink” to make foods and novel materials by additive manufacturing. Credit: Bianca C. Maniglia / USP ================================================================== Food engineers in Brazil and France developed gels based on modified starch for use as “ink” to make foods and novel materials by additive manufacturing. It is already possible to produce food with a 3D printer, potentially delivering products that suit consumer preferences regarding taste, texture, cost, convenience, and nutrition. In the near future, it will be possible to produce food with personalized shapes, textures, flavors, and colors...

Odds are you sometimes think about calories. They are among the most often counted things in the universe. When the calorie was originally conceived it was in the context of human work. More calories meant more capacity for work, more chemical fire with which to get the job done, coal in the human stove. Fat, it has been estimated, has nine calories per gram, whereas carbohydrates and proteins have just four; fiber is sometimes counted separately and gets awarded a piddling two. Every box of every food you have ever bought is labeled based on these estimates; too bad then...

<p>PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The nation's largest public health group is recommending a 50% decrease in salt in processed food and restaurant meals over the next 10 years.</p> <p>The American Public Health Association said the reduction could save 150,000 lives a year from strokes, heart attacks and other illnesses linked to high blood pressure.</p>