American diet

People with diabetes who were prescribed fruits and vegetables, saw their blood sugar decline significantly. And adults with hypertension saw their blood pressure go down.

Prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables help boost heart health

7:22am September 04, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

People with diet-related diseases show health improvements when they're given "prescription" produce. A new study shows reductions in blood sugar and blood pressure, key measures of heart health.

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Dr. Chris van Tulleken took part in a month-long experiment. He ate 80% of his calories from ultra-processed food. He explains what happened in his new book, Ultra-Processed People.

An ultra-processed diet made this doctor sick. Now he's studying why

2:48pm July 24, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

A diet composed of 80% ultra-processed foods led one British doctor to gain weight and feel unwell. Now he's trying to nail down the health effects of this type of diet, which many Americans eat.

The U.S. food system makes junk food plentiful and cheap. Eating a diet based on whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables can promote health - but can also strain a tight grocery budget. Food leaders are looking for ways to improve how Americans eat.

Health & Safety

The U.S. diet is deadly. Here are 7 ideas to get Americans eating healthier

1:41pm August 31, 2022

by Allison Aubrey

The way many Americans eat is fueling chronic disease. Here are seven big ideas from the White House's upcoming nutrition conference for how to improve Americans' diets.

Researchers found that 67% of calories consumed by children and adolescents in the U.S. came from ultra-processed foods in 2018, a jump from 61% in 1999. The nationwide study analyzed the diets of 33,795 children and adolescents.

If You Think Your Kids Are Eating Mostly Junk Food, A New Study Finds You're Right

8:19pm August 11, 2021

by Xcaret Nuñez

What do frozen pizza, cookies and ice cream have in common? A new study finds ultra-processed foods make up the majority of U.S. children's and teen's diets.

Despite a push in recent years for healthier snacks and more exercise for U.S. kids, the prevalence of obesity is still too high, pediatricians say.

No Downturn In Obesity Among U.S. Kids, Report Finds

9:47pm February 26, 2018

by Rob Stein

The childhood obesity epidemic rages on in the United States, with a big surge among the youngest kids, according to the latest government data.

Scientists are keen to figure out how diet influences aging, including brain health. A five-year study of healthy seniors found those who ate a serving or two of daily greens had less cognitive decline.

Eating Leafy Greens Each Day Tied to Sharper Memory, Slower Decline

12:07pm February 05, 2018

by Allison Aubrey

Scientists are keen to figure out how diet influences aging, including brain health. A 5-year study of healthy seniors found those who ate a serving or two of daily greens had less cognitive decline.

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The foods on the left contain naturally occurring fibers that are intrinsic in plants. The foods on the right contain isolated fibers, such as chicory root, which are extracted and added to processed foods. The FDA will determine whether added fibers can

The FDA Will Decide Whether 26 Ingredients Count As Fiber

3:41pm October 23, 2017

by Allison Aubrey

Chicory root. Bamboo. Soy fiber: Manufacturers can use these to add fiber to foods. Critics say this makes snack foods seem healthy. FDA will decide if these can count as fiber on nutrition labels.

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