http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/nutrition/ Nutritional Information. Answers to questions about nutrition, obesity, herbal and nutritional supplements, and the role of diet in improving and maintaining your health. en-us Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:05:01 EDT Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/nutrition/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008073741.htm No one knows how to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease. But researchers are finding clues to the mystery by studying exercise, estrogen, diet and drugs, and many other avenues. Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081008073741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007085534.htm Researchers are trying to pinpoint the factors that affect how much food a child eats, to stave off unhealthy relationships with food later in life. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007085534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081004080914.htm Researchers recently examined the eating habits of urban children before and after school as part of a larger project to make corner store snacks healthier. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081004080914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122705.htm When dining at Chinese buffets, overweight individuals serve themselves and eat differently than normal weight individuals. This may lead them to overeat, according to a recent study. Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122756.htm In a discovery that counters prevailing thought, a study in mice has found that inactivating a pair of key genes involved in "fat-burning" can actually increase energy expenditure and help lower diet-induced obesity. Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002171908.htm An overload of calories throws critical portions of the brain out of whack, reveals a new study. That response in the brain's hypothalamus -- the "headquarters" for maintaining energy balance -- can happen even in the absence of any weight gain, according to the new studies in mice. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081002171908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093227.htm Women with a history of dieting or other restricted eating practices are at risk of gaining an inappropriate amount of weight during pregnancy. Researchers report that restrained eating behaviors prior to pregnancy were associated with weight gains above IOM recommendations for normal, overweight and obese women, and weight gains below recommendations for underweight women. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122709.htm Researchers have recently found that as household energy insecurity increases, the odds of infants and toddlers experiencing food insecurity, negative health, hospitalizations and developmental risks also increases. A household experiences energy insecurity when it lacks consistent access to the amount or the kind of energy needed for a healthy and safe life. Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081003122709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930135251.htm Pregnant women should think twice about high-fat foods. Scientists found that female mice fed high-fat diets were more likely to have oversized offspring (a risk factor for overweight and obesity) because fat causes the placenta to go into "overdrive" by providing too many nutrients to the fetus. This also suggests the reverse may be true -- high fat diets may help prevent undersized babies. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080930135251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922174521.htm Young adults who follow a diet that is low in calories but nutritionally sound for six months appear to lose weight and fat without significant bone loss, according to a new article. Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080922174521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164535.htm Ghrelin is a peptide found mostly in the stomach but also in the brain. Ghrelin is known to have an effect on food intake by increasing feelings of hunger and the urge to eat. New findings show that the ghrelin system may also be involved in addictive behaviors and brain reward. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080923164535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915170751.htm Menus and advertising affect our emotions, and if we understand those emotions, we make better food choices, according to a new study. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915170751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917095356.htm Women who have bulimia in pregnancy have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to pregnant women without eating disorders. A new Norwegian study shows that they also have lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationship with their partner. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080917095356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915143330.htm Banishing tempting goodies may not be the best way to keep from eating them. Tempting foods can actually increase willpower, according to new research. Although it seems counterintuitive, consumers show more self-control after they've spent some time in the presence of a treat. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080915143330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911111522.htm A carefully framed combination of moderate exercise and nutritional supplements could help older people maintain an active lifestyle for longer. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911111522.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909122755.htm A mother's stress may contribute to her young children being overweight in low income households with sufficient food, according to a new Iowa State University study published in the September issue of Pediatrics, the professional journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909122755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909105633.htm When fall classes at the University of California, San Diego begin on Sept. 25, freshmen will be on their own for the first time to spend endless hours on the computer, play video games and eat whatever they want, a recipe for weight gain. However, several UC San Diego wellness, weight-management and counseling programs will help students beat the dreaded "freshmen fifteen." Sun, 14 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080909105633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911111528.htm People who are asked whether they would choose between a "good" snack and a "bad" snack might not follow their intentions when the snacks arrive. Researchers found that there is a substantial inconsistency between healthful snack choice intentions and actual behavior. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080911111528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912075204.htm Sticking to a full Mediterranean diet provides substantial protection against major chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080912075204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185121.htm Vitamin B12, a nutrient found in meat, fish and milk, may protect against brain volume loss in older people, according to a new study. Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185228.htm High levels of physical activity can help to counteract a gene that normally causes people to gain weight, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed gene variants and activity levels of the Old Order Amish in Lancaster County, Pa., and found that the obesity-related FTO gene had no effect on individuals who were the most physically active. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185332.htm Infantile spasms are a severe and potentially devastating epilepsy condition affecting children aged typically 4-8 months. In a new study appearing in Epilepsia, researchers have found that the ketogenic diet, a high fat, low carbohydrate diet more traditionally used for intractable childhood epilepsy, is an effective treatment for this condition before using drugs. The study is the first description of the ketogenic diet as a first-line therapy for infantile spasms. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080908185332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902221744.htm Popular slimming programs do result in reduced energy intake while providing enough nutrients. A new scientific analysis provides comprehensive dietary data about Slim Fast, Atkins, Weight Watchers and Rosemary Conley's "Eat Yourself Slim" Diet & Fitness Plan. Sat, 06 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902221744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904115119.htm Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus can contribute to mild neurodegeneration with features common with Alzheimer's disease -- the first study to show that obesity can cause neurodegeneration. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904115119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904102804.htm Scientists have demonstrated that intellectual work induces a substantial increase in calorie intake. The details of this discovery could go some way to explaining the current obesity epidemic. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080904102804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902095110.htm A B-vitamin-deficient diet caused cognitive impairment and cerebral vascular changes without evidence of neurodegeneration in mice. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms that may underlie human age-related cognitive decline. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902095110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080831151343.htm Body weight and fertility have long known to be related to each other -- women who are too thin, for example, can have trouble becoming pregnant. Now, a master switch has been found in the brain of mice that controls both, and researchers say it may work the same way in humans. Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080831151343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827195738.htm A brain chemical that plays a role in long term memory also appears to be involved in regulating how much people eat and their likelihood of becoming obese, according to a National Institutes of Health study of a rare genetic condition. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827195738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826190948.htm Elevated cholesterol levels return to normal or near normal levels over time in four out of 10 children with uncontrollable epilepsy treated with the high-fat ketogenic diet, according to results reported in the Journal of Child Neurology. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080826190948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822160345.htm Beware of mini-packs and mini-foods, especially if you're a dieter. Chronic dieters tend to consume more calories when foods and packages are smaller, according to a new study. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822160345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707092055.htm Despite scores of studies documenting the effects of healthful plant nutrients called polyphenols in protecting nerves from damage, it would be "unwise" to assume that the same protective effects occur for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other human disorders, a new report concludes.  Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707092055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822131303.htm Public health campaigns intended to reduce unhealthy behaviors like binge drinking and eating junk food often focus on the risks of those behaviors. But a new study suggests a relatively simple but surprisingly effective strategy to improve consumer health. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822131303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822160343.htm As portion sizes have increased, Americans' waistlines have expanded. And as a new study demonstrates, consumers are tricked into drinking more soft drinks when retailers eliminate small drink sizes. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822160343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163103.htm Vigabatrin, a medication proposed as a potential treatment for drug addiction, also leads to rapid weight loss and reduced food intake according to a new animal study from the same research group. Genetically bred 'fat rats' experience dramatic weight loss, reduced food intake after being given vigabatrin. Vigabatrin is currently undergoing US Food and Drug Administration-approved Phase II clinical trials against cocaine and methamphetamine addiction across the US. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822160351.htm Tempting treats are being offered in small package sizes these days, presumably to help consumers reduce portion sizes. Yet new research found that people actually consume more high-calorie snacks when they are in small packages than large ones. And smaller packages make people more likely to give in to temptation in the first place. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080822160351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110113.htm Scientist has discovered key appetite control cells in the human brain degenerate over time, causing increased hunger and, potentially, weight gain as we grow older. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821163844.htm Children's refusal to swallow liquid medication is an important public health problem that means longer or more serious illness for thousands of kids each year. Researchers are reporting how knowledge from basic research on the chemical senses explains why a child's rejection of bitter medicine and nutritious but bitter-tasting foods like spinach and other green vegetables is a reflection of their basic biology. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821163844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163008.htm Chemists are reporting a discovery that could expand the palate of human tastes, such as sweet, sour or salty, to include a new flavor that could be called "calcium." Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820163008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819160245.htm Do you know someone who claims to remember their first day of kindergarten? Or a trip they took as a toddler? While some people may be able to recall trivial details from the past, laboratory research shows that the human memory can be remarkably fragile and even inventive. New research shows that it is possible to change long-term behaviors using a simple suggestive technique. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819160245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814154321.htm Ear infections are a painful rite of passage for many children. New research suggests the damage caused by chronic ear infections could be linked to people's preference for fatty foods, which increases their risk of being overweight as they age. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814154321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814104841.htm How the body regulates blood pressure in response to daily stress is the focus of a study geared toward helping people whose pressure is out of control. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814104841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813164638.htm People who use monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a flavor enhancer in their food are more likely than people who don't use it to be overweight or obese even though they have the same amount of physical activity and total calorie intake, according to a study in the journal Obesity. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080813164638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160607.htm Younger service members and Reserve and National Guard combat personnel returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are at increased risk of new-onset heavy drinking, binge drinking and other alcohol-related problems, according to a new study. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080812160607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200425.htm To combat the increasing problem of childhood obesity, researchers are studying how to get preschoolers to eat more fruits and vegetables. One way is early home interventions -- teaching parents how to create an environment where children reach for a banana instead of potato chips. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811200425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811070628.htm In a study on fetal alcohol syndrome, researchers were able to prevent the damage that alcohol causes to cells in a key area of the fetal brain by blocking acid sensitive potassium channels and preventing the acidic environment that alcohol produces. The cerebellum, the portion of the brain that is responsible for balance and muscle coordination, is particularly vulnerable to injury from alcohol during development. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811070628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080810214008.htm As scientists investigate the brain's intricate neurocircuitry, they are forming a clearer picture of the myriad events that lead to weight loss and weight gain. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080810214008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804155123.htm As Ohio and Michigan fruit and vegetable farms yield this year's harvest, they also will provide data about the eating choices of Latino migrant children for a Case Western Reserve University researcher. Information gathered this summer will help migrant families understand why their children are part of the growing national obesity epidemic and contribute to new interventions to combat this serious health issue. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804155123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100154.htm Many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage. Meanwhile, the use of other methods, such as biofeedback, homeopathy and acupressure, are relatively uncommon. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804100154.htm