Diet

Eliminating all sugar from your diet might sound like the ultimate “clean eating” move, but new research suggests it could quietly damage your health instead of improving it. In a small rodent study, mice on a strict zero-sugar, low-fat diet stayed slim, yet their metabolic health collapsed, with hormones signalling gut distress and a reduced ability to clear glucose from the blood. The key appears to be the gut microbiome. Helpful bacteria rely on simple sugars from natural foods to produce compounds that protect the gut lining, support nutrient absorption and regulate appetite and insulin response. When sugar disappears completely, beneficial microbes die off, the gut barrier weakens and “leaky gut” inflammation can follow. Experts emphasise this is not a green light for processed suga...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, urging manufacturers to adopt natural alternatives such as beet juice and turmeric. Major companies including Nestlé and PepsiCo aim to complete the transition by 2027, according to a recent report by Yahoo News. While the shift has been welcomed by health advocates, experts caution that natural dyes are not inherently safer. Some lack extensive toxicological data, and scaling production may prove difficult. Studies have also linked certain natural additives, including beta-carotene and carmine, to health risks ranging from allergies to increased disease rates. Regulators maintain that all additives, natural or synthetic, must meet the same safety standards before approval.

Forget the one-size-fits-all approach to gut health — researchers say your personal food habits are the key. University of Minnesota scientists are developing an AI-powered algorithm to decode how individual eating patterns shape the gut microbiome, moving away from blanket dietary advice. Detailed in a new study published in Gut Microbes Reports, the research introduces a "house" framework: core foods act as the stable foundation of your diet, while secondary foods are the variable "furniture" that shift over time — both influencing gut bacteria in distinct ways. "There is no single miracle food for gut health," said co-lead author Levi Teigen. "Behavioral patterns and daily food choices have critical influence on the gut microbiome." By using mobile health technology and nutrition soc...

For many, mornings begin with tea or coffee, but nutrition experts say sustained energy doesn’t have to rely on caffeine. According to integrative nutritionist Neeraja Mehta, simple whole foods can provide longer-lasting fuel. In a recent interview, highlighted by MSN, Mehta recommends oats for their slow-releasing carbohydrates, and eggs for high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Other options include poha, a light, easily digestible dish, and bananas, which offer quick energy through natural sugars and potassium. Nuts, seeds, and sprouts round out the list, supplying healthy fats, fibre, and plant-based protein. Together, these foods help stabilise energy levels, reduce hunger spikes, and support overall health—without the crash often associated with caffeine.

Nutritionist Deepsikha Jain is urging people who rely on laxatives to consider a more natural option: black prunes. In a recent Instagram video, she describes the dried plums as a functional food that can “act as a medicine” for constipation thanks to their rich fibre, potassium and antioxidant content. Black prunes also contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that helps soften stool and improve bowel movements, offering gentle relief without standard over-the-counter drugs. Jain recommends soaking four to five prunes overnight and eating them on an empty stomach for best results. She also cautions that popular remedies like psyllium husk (Isabgol) may backfire for people with sensitive guts, potentially increasing gas and discomfort if overused. Read the full report on NDTV, syndicated...

As Jamaicans live longer, experts say what we put on our plates could decide how well we age. Dietician Claudhia Ashley told the Jamaica Observer that longevity diets are less about strict rules and more about sustainable patterns built on whole, minimally processed foods. Plans such as the Mediterranean, Blue Zones, plant-based, DASH and MIND diets emphasise vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, and moderate protein from fish and lean meats, helping to cut inflammation and lower risks of heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline. Many also encourage mild calorie restriction, regular movement, good sleep and strong social ties as part of a broader lifestyle for healthy ageing. Read the full article in the Jamaica Observer.

With artificial food coloring increasingly under fire, home cooks are turning to pantry staples to tint their Easter eggs instead of relying on synthetic dye kits. Beets, turmeric, blueberries, onion skins, cabbage, and hibiscus can all yield vivid hues when simmered in water, strained, then spiked with vinegar to help the pigment cling to shells. After cooling, the natural dye baths work much like store-bought versions: some eggs color in minutes, others need an overnight soak and multiple dips for depth. Turmeric produces sunny yellows, blueberries deep purples, beets pinks, while red onion skins and purple cabbage create surprisingly intense reds and blues. Not every “natural” colorant performs well—spirulina and matcha barely register on shells—so experiment and keep eggs refrigerated ...

Cutting out added sugar may do far more than trim your waistline. Research compiled by Health.com links high sugar intake to rising rates of obesity, visceral belly fat, and type 2 diabetes, while reducing added sugars can aid weight management and improve insulin sensitivity. Oral health also benefits: bacteria feed on sugar to produce acids that erode tooth enamel, so limiting added sugars to under 10% of daily calories helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Evidence suggests lower sugar consumption may support heart health by reducing triglycerides and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, and it could even calm inflammation that contributes to acne and fatty liver disease. Experts stress you do not need to eliminate natural sugars in fruit, vegetables, and milk—only to rein...

A growing body of evidence suggests that what people eat can powerfully influence the course of fatty liver disease, a condition marked by excess fat buildup in the liver. Researchers and clinicians now emphasize patterns such as the Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, as a cornerstone of care alongside weight management and exercise. At the same time, they warn that ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive saturated fats may accelerate liver damage and related metabolic problems. For patients, the message is shifting from isolated “superfoods” to long-term, sustainable eating habits that protect liver function. A detailed discussion of these dietary strategies appears in an overview on fatty liver disease and diet published by Liv...

Bloating may be common, but nutrition experts say your grocery list can make a real difference. Drawing on research and registered dietitians’ advice, a new Women’s Health roundup highlights 20 foods that may help ease gas and water retention, from probiotic-rich yogurt and ginger to potassium-packed bananas and avocados. Hydrating produce like cucumber, tomatoes, and asparagus may help the body flush excess fluid, while high‑fiber picks such as oatmeal, lentils, and artichokes support more regular digestion. Enzyme-rich fruits, including kiwi, papaya, and pineapple, are also flagged for their potential to speed up the breakdown of food and reduce discomfort. The story stresses that simple habits—like eating slowly, cutting back on ultra‑processed foods, and skipping fizzy drinks—remain es...