A study published in Food Quality and Preference found that moderately spicy meals can lead to a reduction in food intake by 11% to 18% without affecting enjoyment. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation, which could help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, according to John "Wesley" McWhorter, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Despite potential health benefits, spicy foods may not be suitable for individuals with conditions like acid reflux or celiac disease. "The same is true if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, or allergic reactions after consuming spicy foods," registered dietitian nutritionist Emma M. Laing said.

30 years of research shows that eating almonds every day can help support your heart, maintain a healthy weight, and improve gut health; all important factors in cardiometabolic wellness.

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Registered dietitian nutritionists Alma Simmons, Julie Duffy Dillon and Lauren Harris-Pincus and RD Maggie Moon emphasize the importance of diet in maintaining brain health, recommending foods providing omega-3s, B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants. Key foods include salmon, pistachios, avocados and dark chocolate, which support cognitive function and reduce inflammation. They spotlight the role of these nutrients in preventing cognitive decline.

Registered dietitian nutritionist Bonnie Taub-Dix and RDs Roxana Ehsani, Melissa Mitri and Michelle Cardel say you don't have to avoid starchy vegetables if you're trying to manage weight. Green peas, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, corn and butternut squash provide filling fiber which promotes satiety and slows digestion. "Even though corn is a vegetable, it's also considered a whole grain, a category of foods shown to support a healthy weight," Mitri says.

Higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods was linked to more relapses and greater brain lesion activity in people with early multiple sclerosis, according to a study presented at a meeting of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. "This pattern suggests ultra-processed foods act as a chronic inflammatory accelerant rather than a disease trigger, amplifying existing inflammatory processes in MS rather than determining whether someone develops the disease in the first place," said researcher Gloria Dalla Costa.

GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a greater reduction in Alzheimer's disease risk when compared with DPP-4 inhibitors, according to a study in Alzheimer's & Dementia that analyzed data from two large real-world databases. Researchers found GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors may offer potential prevention or treatment effects for AD.

Family meals can significantly combat loneliness and boost mental health, according to Christine Crawford, child psychiatrist and associate medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Family meals provide opportunities for meaningful connections, behavioral monitoring and the development of healthy habits. "When you're sitting down and you're having a meal and you're asking your family members the question, 'How are you really doing?' that is a great opportunity to model how to talk about your stress and to share what sort of tools or strategies you are using to cope with that stress," Crawford said.

A study in The Lancet projects a 61% increase in global cancer cases and a 75% rise in related deaths by 2050, driven by population growth and aging, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers say nearly 42% of cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthful diets and unsafe sex.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released updated guidance on managing food allergies in schools, aligning with national guidelines, laws and new evidence since its 2010 report. Published in Pediatrics, the report says accurate diagnosis is the basis of food allergy management and that while any food can trigger a reaction, most of the severe cases involve peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame.

Marietta High School in Georgia is updating its lunch program, using farm-fresh ingredients and culturally diverse recipes to create meals that comply with federal nutrition standards. The initiative, supported by $40,000 in federal funding to source from minority-owned farms, reflects the school's majority minority population and aims to create a positive relationship between students and food.

Consumer preferences are shifting away from sugar and artificial sweeteners toward natural, plant-based options in high-protein foods and beverages. Research and industry insights indicate that Americans desire sweet taste but are increasingly selective, seeking products that tick multiple boxes like flavor, nutrition and clean labeling. Sweeteners such as monk fruit, allulose and stevia are gaining popularity for their perceived naturalness, minimal processing and additional benefits like masking off-flavors and enhancing texture.

For National Coffee Day, try this legume-filled sweet treat, with a hint of coffee flavor and flecks of vanilla bean. eatright.org

If you are interested in attending the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo®, October 11-14 in Nashville, but need to make your case to your employer to attend, use these resources to illustrate the value of attending.

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