Free Republic

Obesity elevates the risk of cancer. But it has long been unclear whether these effects stem from the fat in people or from dietary fats they consume. Now, Lydia Lynch has provided a compelling answer. "Our study reveals that the source of dietary fat, not adiposity itself, is the primary factor that influences tumor growth in obese mice," said Lynch. "We found that high-fat diets derived from lard, beef tallow or butter compromise anti-tumor immunity and accelerate tumor growth in several tumor models of obese mice. Diets based on coconut oil, palm oil or olive oil, meanwhile, do not have...

In the world's first comprehensive study to evaluate both the nutritional quality and environmental footprint of food served in health care institutions using detailed, food-level data, researchers assessed menus and food procurement data from two hospitals and three nursing homes of average size in Germany. These institutions' foodservice likely reflects that of many health care institutions in high-income countries. "We found that meals contained too few healthy plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, and too many refined grains, added sugars, salt and saturated fats," says Lisa Pörtner. "This leads to an inadequate provision of nutrients and...