A new narrative review published in Nutrition Reviews analyzes the growing evidence on berberine, a plant-derived alkaloid widely used in traditional medicine and increasingly studied for its metabolic and therapeutic properties. The authors examine berberine's chemical characteristics, absorption, metabolism, and diverse biological actions - ranging from antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects to potential benefits for diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular health. The review emphasizes that while berberine shows measurable clinical promise, its effects are not universally applicable and require cautious interpretation.
A new meta-analysis published in Nutrition Reviews has found that the Mediterranean diet significantly lowers key inflammation markers in adults, strengthening its reputation as one of the most effective dietary patterns for preventing chronic disease. By analyzing data from 33 randomized controlled trials involving over 3,400 participants, researchers revealed measurable reductions in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) - biomarkers linked to heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
Ketogenic diets are often praised for their weight-loss benefits, but new evidence suggests their impact reaches deeper - into the health of the liver itself. A large meta-analysis of clinical trials shows that going keto may lower key liver enzymes and reduce signs of stress in the body's most complex metabolic organ. Yet while these short-term improvements look promising, the research also reminds us that balance matters: what helps one system adapt can, if pushed too far or followed too long, strain another.
A new Open Access study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology suggests that probiotic bacteria can influence the biochemical signals related to cognition and emotion - even without any human cells present. Using an advanced in vitro model simulating the human colon, researchers observed subtle yet meaningful increases in the microbial synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and valerate, both key molecules in the gut - brain axis. The results reveal that microbial communities alone can participate in neurochemical dialogue, offering a glimpse into how life sustains communication far beyond the nervous system itself.
A study published in Brain reveals that a mother's diet during lactation can leave long-lasting imprints on her offspring's brain health. Using a mouse model of Alzheimer's-like tauopathy, researchers found that maternal high-fat intake accelerated neurodegenerative changes and memory decline in offspring, with males showing earlier and more severe effects. The findings highlight a critical developmental window when nutrition can influence the molecular trajectory of brain aging and suggest early-life interventions may alter the course of neurodegenerative disease.
This Halloween, scientists from Kobe University have revealed that pumpkins and zucchini might be hiding more than just seeds inside their bright orange skins. The team discovered that certain varieties of these gourds draw toxic chemicals - like dioxins and dieldrin - straight from the soil and into their edible parts. At the heart of this unsettling ability lies a microscopic trick: a protein that decides whether the plant becomes a natural filter or a silent carrier of poison.
Fermented quinoa may do more than nourish the body - it could protect the aging brain. A new study shows that betaine, boosted through fermentation, reshapes gut microbes, reduces inflammation, and preserves memory in aging mice.
What if the future of mental health treatment doesn't come in the form of a pill, but as a microbe? A growing body of research points to the gut - brain axis - the two-way communication system between the digestive tract and the brain - as a powerful regulator of mood, cognition, and resilience. Psychobiotics, live microorganisms that can influence this system, are emerging as next-generation therapies. By producing serotonin, GABA, and other neuroactive compounds, restoring gut barrier integrity, and even being engineered through CRISPR or nanotechnology, these tiny allies could help rewrite the rules of psychiatry. Yet questions of safety, ethics, and personalization remain before psychobiotics can move from lab bench to mainstream mental health care.
Creatine has a reputation as the gym world's secret weapon, a supplement that builds strength and muscle. But a growing body of research suggests its influence may extend beyond the body. New evidence points to potential benefits for memory, attention, and overall brain health - raising a striking question: can a muscle supplement also sharpen the mind?
