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diet

This shows a brain and people looking with disgust at a steak.

·May 14, 2025·5 min read

Disgust, Not Taste, Drives Vegetarian Meat Avoidance

A new study finds that vegetarians reject meat with the emotion of disgust, rather than simple distaste, mirroring the strong aversion meat-eaters feel toward taboo foods like human flesh or feces. In contrast, disliked vegetables like beets or sprouts are typically rejected due to distaste—an aversion based on taste or texture.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 12, 2025·4 min read

Eating More Ultra-Processed Food Linked to Higher Health Risks

A major new analysis of over 8 million adults reveals that each additional 100 grams per day of ultra-processed food intake significantly raises the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, digestive disease, cancer, and death. Ultra-processed foods—like sugary drinks, chips, and packaged snacks—are high in sugar, salt, and additives, and low in essential nutrients.

This shows processed foods and the outline of a person.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 8, 2025·4 min read

Ultra Processed Foods May Accelerate Parkinson’s Brain Changes

A large new study shows that consuming high amounts of ultra processed foods may be linked to early indicators of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers tracked over 42,000 adults for up to 26 years, finding that those eating 11 or more daily servings of ultra processed foods were 2.5 times more likely to show multiple prodromal Parkinson’s symptoms.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 7, 2025·7 min read

Western Diet Blocks Gut Microbiome Recovery After Antibiotics

New research shows that a Western-style diet rich in processed foods disrupts the gut microbiome’s ability to recover after antibiotic treatment. In mice, this diet prevented the regrowth of a healthy, diverse microbiome, leaving them more vulnerable to infections like Salmonella.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 29, 2025·5 min read

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Rising Premature Deaths Worldwide

A new study across eight countries shows that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is significantly linked to increased premature deaths. Researchers found that each 10% rise in UPFs' share of total energy intake raises all-cause mortality risk by 3%.

This shows food bowls and weight equipment.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 22, 2025·7 min read

Plant or Meat? Either Fuels Muscle Growth Equally

A new study finds that when it comes to building muscle, the source of dietary protein—whether animal- or plant-based—makes no difference, as long as intake is sufficient. Researchers also discovered that evenly distributing protein across meals doesn't enhance muscle protein synthesis compared to skewed intake later in the day.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 17, 2025·4 min read

Vagus Nerve Signals Link Diet to Socio-Economic Background

New research reveals that the vagus nerve, which helps regulate appetite, interacts with socio-economic status to influence eating behavior. In a chocolate tasting study, participants from higher socio-economic backgrounds showed stronger alignment between their internal hunger signals and food intake.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 16, 2025·4 min read

Plant-Based Proteins Diet Linked to Longer Life

A global analysis of dietary trends across 101 countries over 60 years reveals that populations consuming more plant-based proteins tend to live longer. While animal-based proteins are linked to lower infant mortality, plant-based sources such as legumes, tofu, and grains are associated with increased adult life expectancy.

Neuroscience

·April 12, 2025·4 min read

Social Variety Boosts Diet Quality in Women

A new study finds that older Canadian women who remain socially isolated over time are more likely to consume fewer fruits and vegetables, reducing their overall diet quality. Using data from over 30,000 adults tracked for six years, researchers discovered that sustained social engagement—especially through varied activities—was linked to healthier eating.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 11, 2025·5 min read

Probiotics May Reduce Negative Feelings

A new study shows that daily probiotics can significantly reduce negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and fatigue in healthy adults. Using a mix of mood tracking, emotion-processing tasks, and psychological questionnaires, researchers found that probiotics began improving mood after about two weeks.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 8, 2025·5 min read

Natural Compound in Kale May Help Treat ALS and Dementia

A natural antioxidant found in foods like kale and berries, kaempferol, may help protect nerve cells and shows promise as a treatment for ALS and dementia. Researchers found that it improves energy production and eases stress within nerve cells, helping maintain muscle function and slow degeneration.

This shows a brain surrounded by vitamin K rich foods.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·April 8, 2025·6 min read

Low Vitamin K Intake May Accelerate Age-Related Memory Decline

A new study reveals that insufficient vitamin K may harm brain health and memory as we age. In rodent models, a vitamin K-deficient diet led to increased brain inflammation and fewer newly formed neurons in the hippocampus—key factors in learning and memory.