New research published in Food Quality and Preference evaluated the impact of front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on the purchasing probability of processed and ultra-processed foods in Colombia. More specifically, the study evaluated the impact of black octagonal front-of-package warning labels (FOPL), introduced by Resolution 254 of 2023 (RESOLUCIÓN No. 254), on consumer purchasing intentions forContinue reading “Impact of new octagonal front-of-package labeling on the purchasing probability of processed and ultra-processed foods in Colombia: New research”
Author Archives: greengrass50
High intake of ultra-processed foods linked to systemic inflammation: New research
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially altered products – such as soft drinks, sweet and savory packaged snacks, prepared pizzas, and processed meats. Hundreds of new ingredients, previously unknown to the human body, now make up nearly 60% of the average adult’s diet and almost 70% of children’s diets in the United States. “These products reduceContinue reading “High intake of ultra-processed foods linked to systemic inflammation: New research”
New landmark EAT-Lancet Commission warns food systems breach planetary limits
On October 3, 2025, The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission released its Report on Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems, presenting the most comprehensive global scientific evaluation of food systems to date. Analysis outlines pathway to health, equity, and a liveable planet Key findings of the new report include: “Building on its influential 2019 report, the new CommissionContinue reading “New landmark EAT-Lancet Commission warns food systems breach planetary limits”
Ultra-processed food consumption is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake: New research
“An international team of scientists has reported that people gain more weight on an ultra-processed diet compared to a minimally processed diet, even when they eat the same number of calories. The study in humans also revealed that a diet high in ultra-processed foods introduces higher levels of pollutants known to affect sperm quality (PrestonContinue reading “Ultra-processed food consumption is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake: New research”
Green roofs can capture nearly all microplastics that contaminate rainwater in modern cities: New research
“Green roofs can capture nearly all the microplastic particles that contaminate rainwater in modern cities, according to a new study. The findings add to the list of benefits of green roofs, which have previously been shown to reduce energy needed for heating and cooling buildings and calm the flow of stormwater. These nature-based solutions canContinue reading “Green roofs can capture nearly all microplastics that contaminate rainwater in modern cities: New research”
Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy
During my trip to Ecuador in late June, I dined at Somos Restaurant, in Quito, Ecuador. The theme of Somos restaurant is “Ecuadorian Born, Globally Inspired.” Somos restaurant specializes in preparing locally-available, indigenous foods and advocates for sustainable gastronomy. Here are some photos of the impressive restaurant, including the delicious dishes we sampled from theContinue reading “Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy”
Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds
Tearing off plastic wrap from the meat or prepackaged fruit and vegetables you purchased at the supermarket may contaminate your food with micro- and nanoplastics, according to a new research review published in the journal NPJ Science of Food. “Plastic contamination may also occur when you’re unwrapping deli meat and cheese, steeping a tea bagContinue reading “Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds”
The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table
The story of açaí begins in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where local tribes regarded it as a precious source of energy and vitality. It’s no coincidence that the name “açaí” means “fruit that cries” in the Tupi language, referring to how the pulp flows from the fruit. For generations, Amazonian communities have harvested these smallContinue reading “The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table”
Ultra-processed food increases risk of early death, international study finds
In a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Nilson et al., 2025), researchers reported “a linear dose-response association between the ultra-processed food consumption and all-cause mortality” when they examined official surveys previously undertaken in the United Kingdom (UK) and US, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. (NilsonContinue reading “Ultra-processed food increases risk of early death, international study finds”
Dietary & lifestyle strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics
In a recent commentary published in the journal Brain Medicine, three medical doctors (MDs) identified dietary and lifestyle-based strategies that may reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). This commentary was published shortly after a research study published in Nature Medicine reported that the human brain contains “approximately a spoon’s worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs).”Continue reading “Dietary & lifestyle strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics”
Sustainable RDN 