While salmon is a well-known source of omega-3 fatty acids, registered dietitian nutritionist Maddie Pasquariello and RD Samantha Peterson point out that foods like chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts offer even more omega-3s, particularly in the form of ALA. To maximize the benefits, they suggest combining these foods with healthful fats like olive oil and anti-inflammatory spices to improve ALA conversion to EPA and DHA.

Anti-inflammatory foods, such as fatty fish, olive oil, berries, and leafy greens, offer significant health benefits by reducing chronic inflammation and supporting overall health, according to registered dietitian nutritionists Mackenzie Burgess and Melissa Mroz-Planells, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. These foods provide nutrients that protect cells from damage, improve heart and gut health, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Simple dietary changes, like using olive oil instead of butter or adding berries to meals, can help incorporate these foods into daily diets.

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of plant-based protein and offer various health benefits. Pumpkin and hemp seeds top the list with 9 grams of protein per ounce, followed by peanuts, almonds, pistachios and sunflower seeds. Cashews, chia seeds and flaxseeds also provide significant protein and are linked to improved cholesterol and cardiovascular health. "Among tree nuts, almonds and pistachios are the top protein sources," registered dietitian nutritionist Stephani Johnson says.

Emerging evidence presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes suggests links between both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. A 20-year multinational study found dementia-related mortality rose sharply after age 80 among individuals with Type 2 diabetes, while a study from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry found a higher incidence of neurodegenerative diseases among those with Type 1 diabetes.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists may be the most cardioprotective glucose-lowering agents for patients with Type 2 diabetes, particularly those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heart failure and those 65 and older, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. The study found GLP-1s provided greater protection against major adverse cardiovascular events compared with sulfonylureas, dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors.

Avian influenza has begun its return in the US after a quiet summer, with the USDA identifying a spike among waterfowl and other birds and three states noting outbreaks in dairy cows. Cases this fall are appearing earlier than in previous years, and experts expect a steep rise in the coming months. Although fall bird flu outbreaks are becoming the norm, according to influenza expert Richard Webby, this year there is one major difference: the government shutdown.  

The shutdown has disrupted national surveillance of respiratory viruses, leaving states, health systems and individuals without the information they need to prevent outbreaks. Key CDC reports and dashboards have not been updated, but states are still collecting and submitting some information to the agency. However, that means data is fragmented and states are having to rely on their own resources to monitor outbreaks.

Using fitness apps can cause feelings of shame, frustration and disappointment when goals set by the apps are not achieved, demotivating users, researchers reported in the British Journal of Health Psychology. Researchers analyzed nearly 14,000 social media posts about five popular fitness apps and found evidence of shame, irritation, annoyance and skepticism. The researchers suggested that fitness apps take a more holistic approach and focus on overall well-being.

After years of pumpkin spice dominating fall menus, consumer fatigue is setting in. According to a Rubix Foods survey, 47% of respondents now view pumpkin spice as overrated, and 25% say they are completely over pumpkin-flavored items. Apple flavors, meanwhile, are quickly rising in popularity as fall beverage choices. The survey reports that apple butter is now the top fall flavor consumers want to see on menus, with apple cider and spiced apple also ranking highly. Industry analysts note that apple's tangy, spiced profile and association with comfort and nostalgia make it well-suited to the fall season.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture's Farm to School program has directed over $40 million to connect nearly 600 farmers and food businesses with more than 300 pre-K through 12th grade sites. By supporting local producers and school gardens, the initiative ensures students receive fresh, Oregon-grown foods while also boosting the state's agricultural economy.