Butter may be healthier than you think, and scientists made other surprising nutrition discoveries in 2022.

• Many nutrition studies were published in 2022, with some yielding unexpected results.
• Insider has selected seven of the year's most intriguing discoveries.
• Butter may not be as bad for you as you think, and red wine drinkers were found to have less fat in a study.

In 2022, numerous diet and nutrition studies were published by scientists, revealing unexpected links between our diet and overall health.

Some of the surprising findings included the possibility that butter may not be as harmful as previously believed, the observation that red wine drinkers tend to have less abdominal fat than those who consume spirits, and additional reasons to include bread in one's diet.

These are just a few of the things that were discovered about diet and health in 2022.

1.Eating a variety of proteins may lower the risk of high blood pressure.

According to a study published in the journal Hypertension in March, consuming a diverse range of high-protein foods like beans, seafood, whole grains, and lean meats may help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.

A study of 12,117 Chinese adults found that those who ate four or more different sources of protein over a median of six years had a 66% lower risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who only ate one or two protein sources, according to Insider's Gabby Landsverk.

The researchers monitored the participants' eating habits and blood pressure during the study.

2. Butter and full-fat dairy may be healthier than previously thought

According to research by Stephanie Venn-Watson, a public health researcher and veterinary epidemiologist, moderate amounts of C15:0, a saturated fat found in butter and full-fat dairy, may actually have health benefits and reduce the risk of disease.

This contradicts previous beliefs that saturated fats, such as those found in butter, are unhealthy due to their high saturated fat content and potential negative impact on heart health. The research was published in Scientific Reports in August.

According to Landsverk, years of research on Navy dolphins revealed that these animals face a risk of age-related illness similar to that of humans. This research led to the discovery of C15:0.

3. Fiber from whole grain bread may be better for reducing heart disease risk than fruits and veggies

A March study suggests that the fiber in whole grains may be more beneficial for heart health compared to the fiber found in fruits and vegetables.

This is according to research on 4,125 adults published in JAMA Network Open, which found that fiber sources such as whole grain breads, bran, and cereals like oats may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

It is important to include a variety of fiber sources in a balanced diet.

4. A Mediterranean-style diet may reduce preeclampsia risk in pregnancy, particularly for Black people

Preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to the organs. It can have lasting effects on heart health.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, following a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasizes fresh produce, grains, fish, nuts, beans, and olive oil, may lower the risk of preeclampsia, particularly for Black individuals.

5. Eating 2 servings of fish per week is linked to an increased skin cancer risk

Fish has many well-known health benefits, such as helping to lower cholesterol levels and balance blood sugar. However, a recent study published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control found that consuming two servings of fish per week may increase the risk of skin cancer.

Fish like tuna may contain harmful substances such as mercury, arsenic, and other chemicals that are associated with cancer, according to Landsverk's findings.

However, including fish in your diet can still be beneficial and further research is necessary to fully understand the effects, the researchers stated.

6. Red wine drinkers have less stomach fat than liquor or beer drinkers

A study published in the journal Obesity Science and Practice in February indicates that individuals who consume red wine tend to have less abdominal fat than those who consume beer, white wine, or spirits.

The study found that red wine drinkers had lower levels of visceral fat, a type of fat that surrounds the abdominal organs and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

However, registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert told Insider that the health risks of drinking alcohol outweigh any potential benefits.