Nutrition Science
![Tomatoes, onions, garlic and other vegetables, along with olive oil sit on a white table.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hPhYmYRzHMnr7EAzUyP8ke-320-80.jpg)
Eating well is becoming more and more of a science, with new research showing us which foods may lower our risk of disease, and which are increasingly pointed to as the culprits behind ill health. Researchers are looking to better understand how nutrients work in our bodies, with studies that analyze at the diets of people with heart disease, cancer, and other diseases, along with research aimed at helping people to lose weight, or maintain weight loss. From all this research, new advice constantly emerges for people who are dieting, or want to eat more healthfully. With news, features and reference pages, we will provide science-supported tips for improving your nutrition.
Latest about Food & Diet
![An artist's rendering of veggie burgers going down a factory conveyor belt](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mfSyMEDHcb8Duupxuake7b-320-80.jpg)
Does fake meat cause heart disease? Here's what the science actually says.
By Lori Youmshajekian published
A recent study found that eating ultraprocessed plant-based foods was linked to heart attack and stroke risk. But the devil is in the details.
![A photo of a spread of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, legumes, and grains](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JLGEzmwZuWC7GPe9BQA4Tj-320-80.jpg)
'We've always been omnivores': Why 'meatfluencers' are wrong about what our ancestors ate
By Kate Wong published
Nutrition influencers claim we should eat meat-heavy diets like our ancestors did. But our ancestors didn't actually eat that way
![photo of a man checking the label on a yellow can that he's pullled from a fridge at a large grocery store](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rTWZi5J6bvkdEmDoXWMAik-320-80.jpg)
What is brominated vegetable oil, and why did the FDA ban it in food?
By Nicoletta Lanese published
The FDA will no longer allow BVO in food due to safety concerns revealed in studies.
![close up on a woman's gold and white wristwatch as she checks it for the time](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yhAfRa3yQrM2v62kiD3CFG-320-80.jpg)
8-hour intermittent fasting tied to 90% higher risk of cardiovascular death, early data hint
By Kelly Carroll published
A study followed participants for about eight years and found an increased risk of death in those who practiced intermittent fasting. But more data is needed.
![Close-up image of the hands of a waiter giving two small brown takeout boxes to a customer in a restaurant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T7ukLm3Qg9Cj46ZFNpiXgC-320-80.jpg)
PFAS 'forever chemicals' to officially be removed from food packaging, FDA says
By Emily Cooke published
New food packaging products sold in the U.S., such as takeout boxes and fast-food wrappers, will no longer contain harmful "forever chemicals" known as PFAS.
![close up on a striped red and white straw inside a fizzy glass of diet soda](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YhyTxuHuAah8C33kw5x66j-320-80.jpg)
Risk of AFib tied to sugary and artificially sweetened drinks
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
A study links drinking sugary sodas and artificially sweetened beverages to an increased arrhythmia risk.
![Close up on an older person's hands as they pour out a large quantity of soft gel vitamins into their palm](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Wx4zdV6N34GJvqvufFUJbD-320-80.jpg)
Is it possible to have too many antioxidants?
By Clarissa Brincat published
Antioxidants have long been touted as disease-fighting molecules, and it's easy to assume that the more of them you eat, the healthier you will be. But research shows that larger doses can actually be harmful.
![Bunches of yellow bananas.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kzMYKaqQhtY2EzL7GABdah-320-80.jpg)
Why are bananas berries but strawberries aren't?
By Laura Geggel last updated
Why is a banana a berry but a strawberry isn't? Turns out, berries can be hard to define, even for scientists.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.