Professor Lisa Harnack analyzed 37 different plant-based products and found they tend to be good sources of nutrients, such as fiber, folate and iron, but also higher in sodium.
Food
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with six unhealthy eating behaviors
A University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health study shows a slight increase in eating disorders, one of the deadliest psychiatric health concerns.
More research needed on how food insecurity affects parent feeding practices
Faculty Katherine Arlinghaus and Melissa Laska say experiences with food insecurity can influence the behaviors and practices parents use to feed their children — and have long-term consequences for everyone.
Emerging adults are struggling with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Lead researcher Nicole Larson says the study results reveal a need to expand food assistance benefits for people ages 18-26 years old, reduce barriers to safely purchasing healthy foods, and other measures.
Analyzing the quality of product nutrition information found on grocery store websites
Student Kelly Olzenak (MPH ’19) looked at the product nutrition information found on 12 grocery shopping sites and found the ease of finding and reading it varied greatly.
Switching to a plant-centered diet linked to reduced diabetes risk for young adults as they age
PhD student Yuni Choi found that study participants with the greatest increase in plant-centered diet quality scores had a 48% lower risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to those who did not alter their diet.
Evaluating changes in food insecurity, stress, and weight-related behaviors among mothers during pandemic
The findings of the study by PhD students Jessica Friedman and Junia N. de Brito will help clinicians and policymakers improve their understanding of how the pandemic is affecting the health of mothers and connect women and their families with community resources and support.
Nearly one in four young people experience food insecurity from adolescence to adulthood
The study was completed by researcher Nicole Larson prior to the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, which likely has increased the extent and severity of food insecurity in the U.S.
Food insecurity raised risk for disordered eating in low-income adolescents
The study led by PhD student Laura Hooper surveyed a group of diverse, low socioeconomic status adolescents and found that 39% experienced household food insecurity and 43% reported disordered eating.
Excess sugar linked to dangerous heart and abdominal fat
The study led by PhD student So Yun Yi found that sugar intake over a 20-year period was related to the existence of fat volumes around the heart and abdomen later in life.
New resource helps Somali grocery stores teach community about COVID-19
SPH Professor Alan Lifson and Assistant Extension Professor Serdar Mamedov partnered to create health information guidelines to be shared with store owners, employees, and shoppers alike.
Talking healthy eating habits with U of M
Professor Dianne Neumark-Sztainer talks about what healthy eating habits are, what parents can do to encourage their kids to have healthy eating habits, and more.
