OpenNutrition is a free and open-source nutrition database aiming to be comprehensive and easily accessible. It allows users to search for foods by name or barcode, providing detailed nutritional information like calories, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The project aims to empower individuals, researchers, and developers with reliable nutritional data, fostering healthier eating habits and facilitating innovation in the food and nutrition space. The database is actively growing and encourages community contributions to improve its coverage and accuracy.
A shift towards softer foods in ancient human diets, starting around the time of the Neolithic agricultural revolution, inadvertently changed the way our jaws develop. This resulted in a more common occurrence of overbites, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. This change in jaw structure, in turn, facilitated the pronunciation of labiodental sounds like "f" and "v," which were less common in languages spoken by hunter-gatherer populations with edge-to-edge bites. The study used biomechanical modeling and analyzed phonetic data from a variety of languages, concluding that the overbite facilitates these sounds, offering a selective advantage in populations consuming softer foods.
HN commenters discuss the methodology of the study, questioning the reliance on biomechanical models and expressing skepticism about definitively linking soft food to overbite development over other factors like genetic drift. Several users point out that other primates, like chimpanzees, also exhibit labiodental articulation despite not having undergone the same dietary shift. The oversimplification of the "soft food" category is also addressed, with commenters noting variations in food processing across different ancient cultures. Some doubt the practicality of reconstructing speech sounds based solely on skeletal remains, highlighting the missing piece of soft tissue data. Finally, the connection between overbite and labiodental sounds is challenged, with some arguing that an edge-to-edge bite is sufficient for producing these sounds.
A Japanese study found a correlation between higher potassium intake at dinner and improved sleep quality, particularly in older men. Researchers analyzed dietary data and sleep diaries from over 600 participants aged 60 and above. Results indicated that those consuming more potassium during their evening meal experienced fewer sleep disturbances like waking up during the night. While the study highlights a potential link, further research is needed to establish causality and determine the optimal potassium intake for better sleep.
Hacker News users discussed the study linking higher potassium intake at dinner with fewer sleep disturbances, mostly expressing skepticism. Several commenters pointed out the correlation-causation fallacy, suggesting other factors associated with healthy eating (which often includes potassium-rich foods) could be responsible for better sleep. Some questioned the study's methodology and small sample size, while others highlighted the difficulty of isolating potassium's impact from other dietary variables. A few users shared anecdotal experiences of potassium supplements aiding sleep, but overall, the consensus leaned towards cautious interpretation of the findings pending further research. Some also discussed the potential benefits of magnesium for sleep.
While squirrels are typically known for their herbivorous diet of nuts and seeds, recent observations and studies have confirmed that they also consume meat. Documented instances include squirrels preying on small animals like birds, snakes, and insects, sometimes even engaging in cannibalism. This carnivorous behavior, though surprising to some, is not entirely new and is likely driven by nutritional needs, especially protein scarcity during certain times of the year. These findings highlight the adaptable nature of squirrels and their broader role within the ecosystem.
Several Hacker News commenters point out that squirrels eating meat isn't novel or surprising. Many share personal anecdotes of observing squirrels consuming meat, including baby birds, roadkill, and even leftover chicken wings. Some highlight that squirrels are rodents, and rodents are opportunistic omnivores, so this behavior is expected. A few commenters criticize Gizmodo's reporting, suggesting the headline is sensationalized and misleading. Others discuss the adaptability of squirrels and their ability to thrive in various environments, with their diet reflecting available resources. Finally, some users humorously compare squirrels' opportunistic eating habits to their own scavenging for leftovers.
Summary of Comments ( 60 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43569190
HN users generally praised OpenNutrition's clean interface and the usefulness of a public, searchable nutrition database. Several commenters expressed interest in contributing data, particularly for foods outside the US. Some questioned the data source's accuracy and completeness, particularly for branded products, and suggested incorporating data from other sources like the USDA. The discussion also touched upon the complexity of nutrition data, including varying serving sizes and the difficulty of accurately capturing all nutrients. A few users pointed out limitations of the current search functionality and suggested improvements like fuzzy matching and the ability to search by nutritional content.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: OpenNutrition – A free, public nutrition database" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments. Many users expressed enthusiasm for the project and its potential applications.
One commenter highlighted the challenge of accurately measuring nutritional values due to variations in produce based on factors like growing conditions and ripeness. They emphasized that relying solely on USDA data might not reflect this variability.
Another user raised concerns about the accuracy of the database, pointing out that a search for "bell pepper" yielded results that were close but not entirely consistent with the USDA FoodData Central database. They suggested potential improvements in data presentation, like including units and specifying whether values represent the edible portion of the food.
The creator of OpenNutrition responded to these concerns by acknowledging the inherent difficulties in nutritional data accuracy and explaining that the project uses the USDA database as its primary source. They further clarified that discrepancies might arise from using different versions of the USDA database or variations in data processing. The creator also welcomed contributions and corrections from the community, emphasizing the open-source nature of the project.
Several users appreciated the project's commitment to open-source principles and suggested potential future features, such as an API, branded food search capabilities, and integration with other health and fitness platforms. Some commenters expressed interest in contributing to the project's development. There was also a discussion around the potential for gamification to encourage healthier eating habits.
The conversation also touched on the complexities of nutritional science and the need for careful interpretation of nutritional data. One commenter mentioned the importance of considering bioavailability, meaning the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed and utilized by the body.
Overall, the comments reflected a positive reception to OpenNutrition, acknowledging its potential while also raising important questions about data accuracy, presentation, and future development. The thread demonstrates a constructive dialogue between the project creator and the Hacker News community, highlighting the collaborative spirit often seen on the platform.