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 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:01 EST 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/2012/02/120215190138.htm A medication commonly used to help people stop smoking may have an unanticipated positive side effect for an entirely different vice: drinking alcohol. A new study finds that varenicline, sold as Chantix, increases the negative effects of alcohol and therefore could hold promise as a treatment for alcoholism. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215190138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213153957.htm Being involved in a healthy, loving relationship is good for the heart, says a cardiologist. People who are married or who are in close, healthy relationships tend to be less likely to smoke, are more physically active and are more likely to have a well-developed social structure, she said. They are also more likely to have lower levels of stress and anxiety in their day-to-day lives. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213153957.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213083717.htm New research suggests that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day may double the risk of memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), among people age 70 and older. MCI is the stage between normal memory loss that comes with aging and early Alzheimer’s disease. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213083717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131452.htm Researchers have found new evidence for the role of the brain in obesity. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133750.htm In a study of nearly 200 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults, a researcher found that a 600-calorie breakfast that includes dessert as well as proteins and carbohydrates can help dieters lose weight and keep it off over the long term. Her research indicates that such a morning meal staves off cravings and defuses psychological addictions to sweet foods. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207133750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm Programs that support parents during their child’s early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092316.htm In an animal study, researchers found that decaffeinated coffee may improve glucose utilization in the brain, reducing the risk for Type 2 diabetes and the brain dysfunction associated with some neurological disorders. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201092316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094353.htm Trying to resist that late-night tweet or checking your work email again? The bad news is that desires for work and entertainment often win out in the daily struggle for self-control, according to a new study that measures various desires and their regulation in daily life. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162418.htm When people in the U.S. are asked to provide their weight for research surveys, they underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, despite numerous public reports about increasing rates of obesity. Whites are more likely to do so than Blacks or Hispanics, finds a new study. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132608.htm New research reveals a fascinating and unexpected molecular partnership within the brain neurons that regulate appetite. The study resolves a paradox regarding a receptor without its hormone and may lead to more specific therapeutic interventions for obesity and disorders of dopamine signaling. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134425.htm Every year between 3 and 10 percent of school-age children in this country are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasingly, families are using natural or complementary therapies to improve their child’s attention or behavior, and often seek advice from an integrative pediatrician, according to a new study. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112925.htm Scientists looked at blood levels of lipids and fatty acids in two groups of South Korean children – one group of typically developing boys and another group of boys with an autism diagnosis. Even though there were no major differences in what these children ate, those with autism had a lower omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio and lower levels of high density lipoprotein, more commonly known as HDL. For both levels, it’s often believed, the higher the better. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124112925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163242.htm A simple program involving color-coded food labeling and adjusting the way food items are positioned in display cases was successful in encouraging more healthful food choices in a large hospital cafeteria. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111740.htm New research shows that a specific brain region that contributes to a person’s appetite sensation is more activated in response to food images after one night of sleep loss than after one night of normal sleep. Poor sleep habits can therefore affect people’s risk of becoming overweight in the long run. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118111740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143357.htm While the percentage of obese children in the United States tripled between the early 1970s and the late 2000s, a new study suggests that -- at least for middle school students -- weight gain has nothing to do with the candy, soda, chips, and other junk food they can purchase at school. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093818.htm Dietitian says resveratrol which lowers blood sugar is found in red wine and also dark chocolate, making them ideal for heart holidays like Valentine's Day and year round consumption for heart health. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113093818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134336.htm Why do we like fatty foods so much? We can blame our taste buds. In the first study to identify a human receptor that can taste fat, researchers report that our tongues recognize and have an affinity for fat and that variations in a gene can make people more or less sensitive to the taste of fat in foods. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112050.htm Parents of picky eaters can encourage their children to eat more nutritionally diverse diets by introducing more color to their meals, according to new research. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092036.htm People with diets high in several vitamins or in omega 3 fatty acids are less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients, according to a new study. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092036.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm Women with celiac disease -- an autoimmune disorder associated with a negative reaction to eating gluten -- are more likely than the general population to report symptoms of depression and disordered eating, even when they adhere to a gluten-free diet, according to researchers. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111226093348.htm The quality of the emotional relationship between a mother and her young child could affect the potential for that child to be obese during adolescence, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed national data detailing relationship characteristics between mothers and their children during their toddler years. The lower the quality of the relationship in terms of the child's emotional security and the mother's sensitivity, the higher the risk that a child would be obese at age 15 years, according to the analysis. Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111226093348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173637.htm Blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of stroke by 22 percent in people with prehypertension. More than 50 million Americans have an increased risk of stroke due to prehypertension. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175825.htm Overeating, whether in children or adults, often takes place even in the absence of hunger, resulting in weight gain and obesity. Current methods to treat such overeating in youth focus on therapies that restrict what kids may eat, requiring them to track their food intake and engage in intensive exercise. Psychiatrists are now developing new ways to treat overeating in children and adults. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152418.htm Mastering simple mindful eating and stress-reduction techniques helped prevent weight gain even without dieting in overweight women. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105313.htm A 15-minute walk can cut snacking on chocolate at work by half, according to new research. The study showed that, even in stressful situations, workers eat only half as much chocolate as they normally would after this short burst of physical activity. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000833.htm Women who work a rotating (irregular) schedule that includes three or more night shifts per month, in addition to day and evening working hours in that month, may have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes when compared with women who only worked days or evenings, according to a new study. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163556.htm Swedish women who ate an antioxidant-rich diet had fewer strokes especially if they had no history of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The findings persisted even after statistics were adjusted for other risk factors such as smoking and physical activity. Women with the highest level of antioxidants in their diet consumed about half their antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201163556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112321.htm Fewer Ontario teens are smoking cigarettes than ever before -- good news that is tempered by continuing concerns around binge drinking, and driving while under the influence of cannabis, according to the 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. The survey, which included 9,288 students across Ontario in grades 7 to 12, is the longest running student survey in Canada. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129112321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194035.htm Scientists have demonstrated, for the first time, that a critical hormone that helps people feel "full" after eating can be delivered into the bloodstream orally. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140258.htm Now, a research study discovers intriguing new information about how dietary nutrients influence brain cells that are key regulators of energy balance in the body. The study suggests a cellular mechanism that may allow brain cells to translate different diets into different patterns of activity. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117140258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm A new study has found that protein and not sugar activates the cells responsible for keeping us awake and burning calories. The research has implications for understanding obesity and sleep disorders. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175349.htm Getting enough sleep can help children maintain a healthy weight, new research reveals. Similarly, the more time children spend in front of the TV or their computers (screen time), the higher their body weight. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125747.htm Football players experience repeated head trauma throughout their careers, which results in short and long-term effects to their cognitive function, physical and mental health. Researchers are investigating how other lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, impact the late-life health of former collision-sport athletes. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162742.htm State policies banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in schools are associated with reduced in-school access and purchase of these beverages, however these policies are not associated with a reduction in overall consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, according to a new report. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162742.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162736.htm A web-based computer-tailored intervention aiming to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behavior, and promote healthy eating among adolescents was not associated with positive long-term outcome measures, but may have positive short-term effects on eating behaviors, according to a new report. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093043.htm Eating a Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity can help to improve some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, according to new research. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102093043.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115226.htm A new report suggests that deficits in endocannabinoid function may contribute to anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Endocannabinoids are substances made by the brain that affect brain function and chemistry in ways that resemble the effects of cannabis derivatives, including marijuana and hashish. These commonly abused drugs are well known to increase appetite, i.e., to cause the "munchies." Thus, it makes sense that deficits in this brain system would be associated with reduced appetite. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115226.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027132459.htm If you believe that good things always come in small packages, a new study may change your mind -- especially this close to Halloween. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027132459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm Binge eating is a disorder which affects both men and women, yet men remain underrepresented in research. A new study has found that the medical impact of the disorder is just as damaging to men as it is to women, yet research has shown that the number of men seeking treatment is far lower than the estimated number of sufferers Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm Teens who drink more than five cans of non-diet, fizzy soft drinks every week are significantly more likely to behave aggressively, new research suggests. This includes carrying a weapon and perpetrating violence against peers and siblings. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084634.htm Are Nutrition Facts labels read in detail by consumers when making purchases? Do people read only certain portions of the labels? According to a new study, consumers' self-reported viewing of Nutrition Facts label components was higher than objectively measured viewing using an eye-tracking device. Researchers also determined that centrally located Nutrition Facts labels are viewed more frequently and for longer than those located peripherally. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125715.htm Consumers who feel powerless will choose larger size food portions in an attempt to gain status, according to a new study. But there is hope for convincing them that a Big Gulp won't translate to higher ranking. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074640.htm A particular fish oil (omega-3) supplement has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain during mental activity and to impact on certain aspects of mental performance in young adults, according to new research. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105904.htm Sheep’s head: Until now very few of us have been tempted by this traditional Norwegian dish. Eating scary food is practice in overcoming fear, according to one researcher. In the tourism industry, a few entrepreneurs have commercialized this idea and thereby raised traditional food to new heights. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018212346.htm If you're dealing with a crabby co-worker or sour-faced friend, perhaps some new research can help. It sheds light on the question: Can eating sweets make you--well--sweet? A new study suggests people with a "sweet tooth" have sweeter dispositions. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018212346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm It is well-known that eating disorders are common among teens and college students. Heavy alcohol consumption is another well-known unhealthy habit of this age group. A new study shows that when college students combine these two unhealthy habits, their long-term health may be affected. "Drunkorexia" is a new term coined by the media to describe the combination of disordered eating and heavy alcohol consumption. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170831.htm Family members of patients who have undergone surgery for weight loss may also shed several pounds themselves, as well as eat healthier and exercise more, according to a new study. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013091350.htm Previous studies have found that health outcomes improve during an economic downturn. Job loss means less money available for potentially unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking, according to existing literature on employment and alcohol consumption. A new study has concluded just the opposite -- heavy drinking and alcohol abuse/dependence significantly increase as macroeconomic conditions deteriorate. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013091350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124145.htm A new study finds that mothers who took folic acid supplements from four weeks before to eight weeks after conception reported a significantly lower prevalence of severe language delay in their children at age three. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124145.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011163045.htm Use of folic acid supplements by women in Norway in the period four weeks before to eight weeks after conception was associated with a reduced risk of the child having severe language delay at age three years, according to a new study. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011163045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170734.htm Obesity among adolescents has more than tripled over the past 40 years, and recent estimates find that over 18 percent of teens in the US are obese. Education and mentoring targeting obesity and delivered in high schools by peers has been shown to have a significant impact on teen diet and physical activity, according to a new study. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm It's no secret that women often gain weight as they get older. The sex hormone estrogen has an important, if underappreciated, role to play in those burgeoning waistlines. Now, researchers have traced those hormonal effects on metabolism to different parts of the brain. The findings may lead to the development of highly selective hormone replacement therapies that could be used to combat obesity or infertility in women without the risks for heart disease and breast cancer, the researchers say. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123558.htm People with narcolepsy are not only excessively sleepy, but they are also prone to gaining weight. In fact, narcoleptic patients will often pack on pounds even as they eat considerably less than your average person. Now researchers appear to have an answer as to why. It seems a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, an ingredient that encourages hunger and wakefulness, may leave them with a lack of energy-burning brown fat. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm Researchers have discovered that the hormone orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice. Orexin deficiency is associated with obesity, suggesting that orexin supplementation could provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. An orexin-based therapy would represent a new class of fat-fighting drugs -- one that focuses on peripheral fat-burning tissue rather than the brain's appetite control center. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144641.htm Schools can increase fruit sales by as much as 104 percent by just putting it in a colorful bowl. This is one of the changes proposed through the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement which has garnered the White House's support to help fight childhood obesity. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165852.htm Older people with low blood levels of vitamin B12 markers may be more likely to have lower brain volumes and have problems with their thinking skills, according to researchers. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926165852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921132334.htm Zinc has been found to play a critical role in regulating communication between cells in the brain, possibly governing the formation of memories and controlling the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921132334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919164509.htm Scientists have found new evidence that infant formulas fortified with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are good for developing brains and hearts. In the randomized, double-blind study, 122 term infants were fed one of four formulas from birth to 12 months; three with varying levels of two LCPUFAs (DHA and ARA) and one formula with no LCPUFA, and tested at four, six and nine months of age. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919164509.htm