https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/food_additives/ Read the latest research on food additives and preservatives including their effect on human health. en-us Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:18:51 EDT Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:18:51 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/food_additives/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000820.htm For most adults, a daily caffeine habit may be safer for the heart than many people assume. A new American Heart Association review found that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, roughly three to five cups of regular black coffee, is generally safe and may even be linked to lower risks of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and Type 2 diabetes. But the source matters: highly concentrated energy drinks and shots can sharply raise blood pressure and trigger irregular heart rhythms. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:30:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260721000820.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260717033213.htm Several popular sugar substitutes may not be as harmless as they seem. Adults who consumed the most artificial sweeteners showed substantially faster declines in memory and thinking, especially if they were under 60 or had diabetes. The highest intake was linked to cognitive aging roughly 1.6 years faster than the lowest intake. Researchers stressed that more studies are needed before concluding that sweeteners are the cause. Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:55:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260717033213.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023552.htm A large laboratory study found that many commonly used sweeteners can directly change the growth of gut bacteria. Researchers identified more than 100 cases in which sweeteners behaved differently when combined with medications, caffeine, or flavorings. The combination of isosteviol and the antidepressant duloxetine was especially disruptive, reducing beneficial bacteria and overall microbial diversity. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:59:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260716023552.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084904.htm A new study found that chewing sugary gum after eating nitrate-rich vegetables or drinking beetroot juice helped the body produce more beneficial nitrite, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure. Researchers hope the discovery will lead to healthier ways to enhance the cardiovascular and performance benefits of dietary nitrate without relying on sugar. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:24:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260713084904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625060218.htm Almost half of the takeaway meals tested contained more salt than advertised, with some dishes delivering nearly twice the recommended daily limit in a single serving. Surprisingly, classic fish and chips ranked among the lowest-salt options, while pasta, pizza, and curries were often the saltiest. Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:34:37 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260625060218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260622091518.htm Researchers have identified a vitamin B12–based compound that can cross the blood-brain barrier and home in on glioblastoma tumors. In animal studies, the compound accumulated preferentially in tumor tissue and delivered sustained nitric oxide directly to cancer cells. It also worked synergistically with existing glioblastoma treatments, significantly enhancing their tumor-fighting effects. Sat, 27 Jun 2026 18:38:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260622091518.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060318.htm Not all fats affect your body the same way. Researchers found that palmitic acid, a saturated fat common in many foods, may contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes by triggering inflammation, toxic fat buildup, and cellular stress. In contrast, oleic acid—the heart-healthy fat abundant in olive oil—appears to help protect insulin function and may even counter some of the harmful effects of palmitic acid. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:25:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060313.htm Scientists discovered that kombucha’s flavor, chemistry, and antioxidant activity vary dramatically depending on the tea used to make it. Green and oolong tea kombuchas emerged as the most biologically active, while fermentation transformed each tea into a distinctly different beverage. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:06:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260621060313.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619020514.htm A new study suggests that learning and remembering speech relies more on how the brain processes sounds and sensations than on the areas that control mouth and face movements. The discovery could reshape speech therapy and help improve future brain-based communication technologies. Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:06:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260619020514.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260618041504.htm The battle between butter and margarine comes down to chemistry. Butter’s naturally occurring fats create rich flavors, golden browning, and flaky baked goods, while margarine’s modified plant oils offer consistency and a longer shelf life. Although both contain mostly fat, their different structures influence how they behave in recipes. Understanding those differences can help you choose the right one for cooking, baking, or health goals. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:43:10 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260618041504.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260617032204.htm A major study of more than 112,000 people found that eating foods containing common preservatives may be linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart-related diseases. Researchers tracked participants for up to eight years and discovered that people consuming the highest amounts of certain preservatives had significantly greater risks of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:21:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260617032204.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260616102217.htm A minimally invasive treatment that blocks inflammation-driving blood vessels in the knee provided significant pain relief and improved function for osteoarthritis patients, with benefits lasting at least a year. The procedure was safe, highly successful, and could offer a new alternative for people seeking relief before considering knee replacement. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:46:51 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260616102217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260609025534.htm Tea may help protect against heart disease, diabetes, cancer, cognitive decline, and age related muscle loss, according to a major review. But the way you drink it matters, since bottled and bubble teas often contain ingredients that can diminish tea's health benefits. Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:38:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260609025534.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260606075852.htm A major long-term study of more than 54,000 adults found that where nitrate comes from may matter far more than how much you consume. People who got more nitrate from vegetables—roughly the amount in a cup of baby spinach a day—had a lower risk of developing dementia, while higher nitrate and nitrite intake from red meat, processed meat, and even drinking water was linked to a greater risk. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 01:07:34 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260606075852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260604044304.htm A large study of older adults in Brazil found that adding extra salt at the table is still a common habit, especially among men. While too much salt is linked to serious health problems and faster cognitive decline, researchers discovered that women’s salt-shaking habits were tied more closely to lifestyle and diet. Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:05:04 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260604044304.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260526233433.htm Scientists in Japan have created powerful new vitamin K-based compounds that may help the brain regenerate lost neurons — a breakthrough that could one day change how diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are treated. By combining vitamin K with components related to vitamin A, the researchers developed compounds that were about three times more effective at turning neural stem cells into neurons than natural vitamin K alone. Wed, 27 May 2026 00:02:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260526233433.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260524021154.htm Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice may do more than support heart health — it could actually reshape the bacteria living in the mouth in ways that help lower blood pressure in older adults. In the largest study of its kind, researchers found that older people who drank concentrated beetroot juice twice daily for two weeks experienced noticeable blood pressure reductions, while younger adults did not. Mon, 25 May 2026 01:01:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260524021154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260515233343.htm Coffee may give your blood pressure a temporary jolt, but that doesn’t mean it’s secretly wrecking your heart. Researchers say caffeine can briefly raise blood pressure by stimulating your heart and tightening blood vessels, especially in people who don’t drink coffee regularly. But large studies involving hundreds of thousands of people found no strong evidence that moderate coffee drinking increases the risk of developing hypertension. In fact, coffee also contains natural compounds that may help blood vessels function better. Fri, 15 May 2026 23:33:43 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260515233343.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260509210644.htm Ultra-processed foods may be doing far more damage than many people realize. A major new European cardiology report warns that people who eat the most ultra-processed foods face significantly higher risks of heart disease, irregular heart rhythms, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cardiovascular death. Researchers say these industrially manufactured foods — often packed with sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and additives — can disrupt metabolism, trigger inflammation, and promote overeating, even when marketed as “healthy.” Sun, 10 May 2026 20:59:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260509210644.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417225020.htm Engineers at Northwestern University have taken a striking leap toward merging machines with the human brain by printing artificial neurons that can actually communicate with real ones. These flexible, low-cost devices generate lifelike electrical signals capable of activating living brain cells, a breakthrough demonstrated in mouse brain tissue. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:32:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417225020.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417001658.htm Sparkling water is often seen as a simple, healthy drink—but could it also help with weight loss? New research suggests it may slightly boost how the body processes blood sugar and energy. However, the effect is very small, meaning it’s no substitute for diet and exercise. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:17:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260417001658.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225950.htm Chronic inflammation often works quietly in the background but can fuel serious diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. New research reveals that everyday plant compounds—like menthol from mint, cineole from eucalyptus, and capsaicin from chili peppers—can team up inside immune cells to dramatically boost their anti-inflammatory power. While individual compounds showed modest effects, certain combinations amplified results hundreds of times over by activating different cellular pathways at once. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:57:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260408225950.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331034337.htm Salt substitutes offer a simple, low-cost way to reduce sodium intake and improve blood pressure, yet very few Americans actually use them—even among those who need them most. A large national analysis spanning nearly two decades found that usage remains surprisingly low and has not improved over time. Researchers say this gap represents a major missed opportunity for preventing heart disease and stroke. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:57:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331034337.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001054.htm A breakthrough urine test could dramatically speed up how doctors treat urinary tract infections, identifying the right antibiotic in under six hours instead of waiting days. By testing directly from urine—skipping the usual lab culturing step—the method quickly shows which drugs stop bacterial growth and which don’t. In trials involving hundreds of patient samples, the test proved highly accurate, matching standard methods in over 96% of cases. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:45:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001054.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328065333.htm A widely used sugar substitute found in everything from keto snacks to diet drinks may not be as harmless as it seems. New research shows that erythritol can disrupt brain blood vessel cells, reducing their ability to relax, increasing harmful oxidative stress, and impairing the body’s ability to break down clots. These changes create conditions that could raise stroke risk, even at typical consumption levels. Sat, 28 Mar 2026 07:01:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260328065333.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033111.htm Malaria parasites contain tiny spinning crystals that have puzzled scientists for years. New research reveals they’re powered by a rocket-like reaction that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, releasing energy. This motion may help the parasite detoxify harmful chemicals and manage iron more efficiently. The discovery could lead to new drugs and spark innovations in microscopic robotics. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:19:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033107.htm A new study suggests that eating less sweet food doesn’t make people crave it any less—or improve their health markers. Participants who increased or decreased sweetness in their diets showed no changes in preferences, weight, or disease risk. Many even returned to their old eating habits over time. Researchers say it may be time to rethink guidelines that focus on cutting sweetness instead of reducing sugar and calories. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:57:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260318033107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040602.htm Ultra-processed foods are everywhere in the American diet, and researchers are finding alarming consequences. Using national health data, scientists found that adults with the highest intake of these foods had a 47% higher risk of heart attack or stroke. The results held even after accounting for age, smoking, and income. Experts say reducing ultra-processed foods could become as important to public health as cutting back on tobacco once was. Tue, 10 Feb 2026 22:31:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260210040602.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131082433.htm Lowering salt in everyday foods could quietly save lives. Researchers found that modest sodium reductions in bread, packaged foods, and takeout meals could significantly reduce heart disease and stroke rates in France and the U.K. The key advantage is that people would not need to alter their eating habits at all. Small changes to the food supply could deliver large, long-term health benefits. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 09:27:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260131082433.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112132.htm Drinking tea, particularly green tea, is linked to better heart health, improved metabolism, and lower risks of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. It may also help protect the brain and preserve muscle strength as people age. However, processed teas—such as bottled and bubble varieties—often contain sugars and additives that may cancel out these benefits. Moderation and choosing freshly brewed tea appear key. Wed, 28 Jan 2026 04:59:07 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127112132.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010154.htm A large French study tracking more than 100,000 people over a decade has found that higher consumption of certain food preservatives—commonly found in processed foods and drinks—is linked to a modestly higher cancer risk. While many preservatives showed no association, several widely used ones, including potassium sorbate, sulfites, sodium nitrite, and potassium nitrate, were tied to increased risks of overall cancer and specific types such as breast and prostate cancer. Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:58:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260127010154.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260117053528.htm Thyme extract is packed with health-promoting compounds, but it is difficult to control and easy to waste. Researchers created a new technique that traps tiny amounts of the extract inside microscopic capsules, preventing evaporation and irritation. The method delivers consistent nanodoses and could eventually be used in medicines or food products. It may also work for many other natural extracts. Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:48:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260117053528.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022808.htm A vitamin A byproduct has been found to quietly disarm the immune system, allowing tumors to evade attack and weakening cancer vaccines. Scientists have now developed a drug that shuts down this pathway, dramatically boosting immune responses and slowing cancer growth in preclinical studies. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:06:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260115022808.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112214302.htm Scientists at Tufts have found a way to turn common glucose into a rare sugar that tastes almost exactly like table sugar—but with far fewer downsides. Using engineered bacteria as microscopic factories, the team can now produce tagatose efficiently and cheaply, achieving yields far higher than current methods. Tagatose delivers nearly the same sweetness as sugar with significantly fewer calories, minimal impact on blood sugar, and even potential benefits for oral and gut health. Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:24:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112214302.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260109080211.htm Foods that rely heavily on preservatives may be doing more than extending shelf life. In a large study spanning more than a decade, people with the highest intake of preservative additives were far more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The increased risk appeared across many commonly used additives found in everyday processed foods. Researchers say the findings support advice to limit highly processed products when possible. Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:16:05 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260109080211.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080732.htm Scientists discovered that common food emulsifiers consumed by mother mice altered their offspring’s gut microbiome from the very first weeks of life. These changes interfered with normal immune system training, leading to long-term inflammation. As adults, the offspring were more vulnerable to gut disorders and obesity. The findings suggest that food additives may have hidden, lasting effects beyond those who consume them directly. Fri, 26 Dec 2025 03:57:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251225080732.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222044104.htm MIT scientists have achieved the first-ever lab synthesis of verticillin A, a complex fungal compound discovered in 1970. Its delicate structure stalled chemists for decades, despite differing from related molecules by only two atoms. With the synthesis finally complete, researchers created new variants that showed strong activity against a rare pediatric brain cancer. The breakthrough could unlock an entire class of previously unreachable cancer-fighting molecules. Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:36:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222044104.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093315.htm Researchers have revealed that so-called “junk DNA” contains powerful switches that help control brain cells linked to Alzheimer’s disease. By experimentally testing nearly 1,000 DNA switches in human astrocytes, scientists identified around 150 that truly influence gene activity—many tied to known Alzheimer’s risk genes. The findings help explain why many disease-linked genetic changes sit outside genes themselves. The resulting dataset is now being used to train AI systems to predict gene control more accurately. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:03:19 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251219093315.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082459.htm Sorbitol, a popular sugar-free sweetener, may not be as harmless as its label suggests. Researchers found it can be turned into fructose in the liver, triggering effects similar to regular sugar. Gut bacteria can neutralize some of it—but too much sorbitol or glucose can overwhelm that defense. The result: yet another “healthy” sweetener that may stress the liver. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:24:59 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251217082459.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100928.htm Researchers tracking over 63,000 adults found that high-quality, minimally processed plant foods significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But when those plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire. Some ultra-processed plant diets increased risk by 40%. The study urges a shift toward whole, naturally nutrient-rich plant foods. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:55:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251214100928.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm Ultra-processed foods are rapidly becoming a global dietary staple, and new research links them to worsening health outcomes around the world. Scientists say only bold, coordinated policy action can counter corporate influence and shift food systems toward healthier options. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:07:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124025654.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114041214.htm By reactivating a long-lost gene, researchers were able to lower uric acid levels and stop damaging fat accumulation in human liver models. The breakthrough hints at a future where gout and several metabolic diseases could be prevented at the genetic level. Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:56:04 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114041214.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010245.htm Almost 20% of packaged foods and beverages in the US contain synthetic dyes, often paired with excessive sugar to attract children. These additives have been linked to behavioral issues, yet remain widespread among major brands like Mars and PepsiCo. Experts criticize the FDA for relying on voluntary reform, contrasting it with Europe’s stricter labeling laws. Growing state-level action offers hope for meaningful change. Fri, 07 Nov 2025 03:18:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251107010245.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013006.htm A collaboration between Brazilian and German researchers has led to a sunflower-based meat substitute that’s high in protein and minerals. The new ingredient, made from refined sunflower flour, delivers excellent nutritional value and a mild flavor. Tests showed strong texture and healthy fat content, suggesting great potential for use in the growing plant-based food sector. Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:40:46 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251104013006.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093005.htm Boston researchers linked nighttime light exposure to greater stress-related brain activity and inflamed arteries, signaling a higher risk of heart disease. The study suggests that artificial light at night disrupts normal stress responses, leading to chronic inflammation. Experts call for reducing unnecessary light in cities and homes to protect cardiovascular health. Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:44:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093005.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092824.htm A massive brain imaging study of nearly 30,000 people has uncovered striking connections between eating ultra-processed foods and measurable changes in brain structure. These changes may be tied to overeating and addictive eating patterns, though scientists caution that more research is needed to confirm cause and effect. Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:23:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251020092824.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251016223108.htm A long-term Australian study found that calcium supplements do not raise dementia risk in older women, countering previous fears. The research followed more than 1,400 participants for nearly 15 years and revealed no harmful cognitive effects. Scientists say these results should reassure those using calcium to prevent osteoporosis, though more research is needed across broader populations. Sat, 18 Oct 2025 02:44:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251016223108.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074011.htm Flu detection could soon be as simple as chewing gum. Scientists have created a molecular sensor that releases a thyme-like flavor when it encounters influenza, offering a low-tech, taste-based alternative to nasal swabs. Unlike current tests that are slow, costly, or miss early infections, this method could catch the flu before symptoms appear. Thu, 02 Oct 2025 07:40:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251002074011.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250927031219.htm Beer and wine, staples of human history for millennia, are still yielding new surprises. Recent research highlights how yeast extracts can cloud lagers, gluten can be quickly detected with a simple test strip, tannins give red wine its lip-puckering edge, and sulfites alter gut bacteria in unexpected ways. These discoveries not only deepen our understanding of these drinks’ sensory qualities but also hint at implications for health and brewing innovation. Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:36:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250927031219.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085237.htm Despite strong evidence that salt substitutes can safely lower sodium intake and reduce high blood pressure, very few Americans use them. A new analysis of nearly 20 years of national health data found that usage peaked at just over 5% and then declined, even among those with hypertension. Researchers say this represents a major missed opportunity to improve heart health, especially since salt substitutes are inexpensive and effective. Sat, 20 Sep 2025 03:43:45 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085237.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250906013455.htm Sucralose, the sugar substitute in many diet products, may weaken cancer immunotherapy by altering gut bacteria and reducing arginine levels needed for immune cells. But supplementation with arginine or citrulline could counteract this effect, pointing to new clinical trial possibilities. Sat, 06 Sep 2025 12:20:50 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250906013455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250904103923.htm A large Brazilian study following more than 12,000 middle-aged adults found that those consuming the most artificial sweeteners—commonly found in diet sodas, flavored waters, and processed snacks—experienced significantly faster declines in memory and thinking skills. The effect was equivalent to about 1.6 years of extra brain aging, with the strongest impact seen in people under 60 and those with diabetes. Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:39:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250904103923.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250831010505.htm Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice lowered blood pressure in older adults by reshaping their oral microbiome, according to researchers at the University of Exeter. The study found that beneficial bacteria increased while harmful ones decreased, leading to better conversion of dietary nitrates into nitric oxide—a molecule vital for vascular health. Sun, 31 Aug 2025 04:35:09 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250831010505.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250825015638.htm Scientists have identified compounds that block bitter taste receptors activated by saccharin and acesulfame K. The most promising is (R)-(-)-carvone, which reduces bitterness without the cooling side effect of menthol, potentially making sugar-free products much more palatable. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 05:21:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250825015638.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250825015635.htm UBC researchers revealed that gut bacteria can digest cellulose-based food thickeners, once thought indigestible, by using enzymes activated by natural dietary fibers. This discovery suggests these common additives may play a more active role in our nutrition than previously believed. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:35:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250825015635.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809101005.htm Many foods we consume today are ultraprocessed, packed with unhealthy ingredients, and linked to major health risks. As consumption of these foods rises, so do chronic health issues, especially among lower-income groups. Experts are calling for clearer guidelines, better research, and systemic changes to reduce the impact of ultraprocessed foods on public health. Sun, 10 Aug 2025 03:12:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250809101005.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250805041616.htm People eating minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those on ultra-processed diets, even though both diets were nutritionally balanced and participants could eat freely. This real-world, long-term study revealed that food processing itself—not just nutrients—plays a significant role in shaping body weight and health outcomes. Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:14:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250805041616.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729001208.htm A mysterious gut hormone may be behind many cases of chronic diarrhea, especially in people with undiagnosed bile acid malabsorption, a condition often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified that the hormone INSL5 spikes when bile acid reaches the colon, triggering intense diarrhea. Their discovery not only sheds light on the biological cause of symptoms but opens the door to a diagnostic blood test and new treatment options, including a surprising existing drug that blocks this hormone’s effects. Tue, 29 Jul 2025 01:33:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729001208.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718035156.htm Erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute found in many low-carb and sugar-free products, may not be as harmless as once believed. New research from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that even small amounts of erythritol can harm brain blood vessel cells, promoting constriction, clotting, and inflammation—all of which may raise the risk of stroke. Sat, 19 Jul 2025 10:49:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250718035156.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714052231.htm Kids who consume artificial and natural sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and glycyrrhizin may face an increased risk of early puberty, especially if they carry specific genetic markers. This large-scale Taiwanese study links sweeteners to hormonal changes and gut bacteria imbalances that can speed up puberty, with effects differing between boys and girls. Early onset puberty has been tied to serious health consequences later in life, including emotional stress and metabolic disorders. The findings could reshape dietary recommendations and encourage genetic screening to mitigate long-term risks. Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:16:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250714052231.htm