Turkey, a staple of the holiday season in the US, is celebrated for its nutritional benefits, offering a lean source of protein with essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamins B6 and B2, phosphorus and selenium. Registered dietitian nutritionist Yasi Ansari and RD Jen Messer highlight its low calorie and fat content, particularly in white meat, making it a heart-healthy choice. However, caution is advised with dark meat and processed turkey products due to higher fat and sodium levels. Turkey is also a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids.

The World Health Organization has announced that starting in 2027, the International Classification of Diseases version 11 will include a new code for undernutrition in adults. This development, supported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society of Nutrition, aims to enhance the ability of registered dietitians and other health care professionals to diagnose and treat undernutrition. The code will help standardize the diagnosis process, allowing for better recognition and treatment of undernutrition, which can occur even in individuals with overweight or obesity when associated with disease or inflammation.

Consuming mushrooms daily offers numerous health benefits, according to registered dietitians Erin Palinski-Wade and Isabel Smith. Mushrooms can help lower inflammation, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and cancer. They support gut health by boosting prebiotics and enhance brain health through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, mushrooms contribute to heart health with potassium and fiber, and they are a unique source of vitamin D2, supporting bone health. Adaptogenic mushrooms like reishi and lion's mane help manage stress and support mental health.

Fresh fruit is generally considered more healthful than dried fruit due to its lower sugar and calorie content, as well as its hydrating properties and nutrient integrity. However, dried fruit also offers benefits like fiber and antioxidant levels, making it a useful addition to a balanced diet. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend prioritizing fresh fruit for at least half of daily fruit intake, while dried fruit can contribute to better diet quality and lower health risks when consumed in moderation.

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that the global prevalence of childhood hypertension is increasing, with rates of 4.28% using in-office blood pressure measurements and 6.67% when combining in-office and out-of-office measurements. With an in-office approach, the highest hypertension rates were found for children and adolescents with obesity, at 18.77%. Overall, the data included 443,914 children in 21 countries.

Type 1 diabetes may be more severe in children because the pancreas is still developing, making it more vulnerable to immune system attacks, according to a study in the journal Science Advances. Researchers found beta cells in the pancreas of young children were more susceptible to damage before they mature into larger, more resilient clusters called Islets of Langerhans.

A study presented at ObesityWeek found that adolescents who reduced their body mass index by at least 10% over 26 weeks by following a reduced-calorie diet had decreased fat mass but maintained lean mass and bone mineral content. The study involved 126 adolescents with severe obesity who followed a 1,200 calorie-per-day diet for a year.

Soda consumption is driven by a combination of biological and psychological factors, experts say. The brain's reward system is affected by the sweetness and caffeine in soda, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms, says Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan. "It's not that these foods are so amazingly tasty, it's that they alter our metabolism. ... (The) fundamental problem is that the processed carbs are sending us on a blood sugar and insulin roller coaster ride," says David Ludwig, an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital.