Children born to parents suffering from anxiety or depression during and after pregnancy are more likely to grow into fussy eaters, a Dutch study reveals. Fussy eaters are very selective about food. It is quite common in childhood and a serious concern for a growing child. Researchers from Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, enlisted 4,746 mother and child pairs and 4,144 fathers. Parents were asked to complete a survey during pregnancy, and then again three years later, to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. By the age of three, around 30% of the children were classified as fussy eaters and in most of the cases mothers were suffering from anxiety and depression during and after pregnancy. The study was published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. Read more here.

Daily intake of almond can improve diet quality

Eating almonds even in a small quantity on a daily basis can improve the quality of diet in children as well as adults, a US study claims. Researchers from the University of Florida asked 28 parent-child pairs living in North Central Florida to eat 40g almonds daily for three-weeks while children were instructed to eat half an ounce of almonds every day. At the beginning of the study, parents’ average Healthy Eating Index score (measure of diet quality) was 53.7 ± 1.8 and children’s score was 53.7 ± 2.6. According to USDA’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a score below 51 indicates poor diet and a score greater than 80 indicates a good diet. After the almond intervention, parents’ average diet score increased to 61.4 ± 1.4 and children’s score was 61.4 ± 2.2. The study was published in the Journal of Nutrition Research. Read more here.

Partner’s lifestyle increases risk of obesity in other partner

Poor lifestyle of one partner can increase the risk of obesity in the other partner, irrespective of the partner’s genetic profile, a Scottish study claims. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh examined health records of 20,000 people and compared their family genetics and home environments during childhood and adulthood. The findings revealed that the environment a person shares with a partner also influences whether the person will become obese or not. Even people who come from families with a history of obesity can reduce their risk by changing their lifestyle habits. The study has been published in the journal PLOS Genetics. Read more here.

Low fibre diet affects sleep quality

People on diet which is low on fibre and high on fat and sugar are more likely to take longer to sleep and have a restless sleep compared to those on high fibre and low sugar diet, a US study shows. Researchers from Columbia University studied 26 adults who played around with their diet regularly. When participants had a high-fibre, high-protein dinner which was low on saturated fat, they fell asleep in less than 20 minutes and spent more time in deep sleep. When they ate a meal low in fibre, but high in saturated fat and sugar, they took about 30 minutes to sleep, and had a less restful sleep. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Read more here.

Graphical warning on cigarettes not always effective

Use of graphic warning labels on cigarette packages is not the most effective deterrent to smoking, a US study suggests. Researchers from the University of Illinois enlisted 435 undergraduates between 18 and 25 years of age. All participants were given a cigarette package with graphical warning and were asked to respond to a questionnaire to measure their psychological reaction to the package. The graphic warning was seen by many as a threat to their freedom of choice and autonomy and they responded accordingly. At times it can even have a boomerang effect and lead people to smoke. The study was published in the journal Communication Research. Read more here.

Compiled by Abhijit Ahaskar

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