Risk Of ALS Can Be Reduced Significantly By Making Your Diet More Colorful

The risk of incurring the devastating degenerative disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be reduced significantly by adding brightly colored fruits and vegetables to the diet, a U.S. study has found. Researchers examined data collected from five studies involving more than a million people. Individuals who consumed more carotenoids – compounds like beta-carotene that give fruits and vegetables their orange, red and yellow colors – and luteins (found in dark green vegetables) had a lower risk ALS. They were also more likely to exercise, have an advanced degree, have higher vitamin C consumption, and take vitamin C and E supplements. However, long-term vitamin C supplementation was not associated with lower ALS risk.

"Intakes of vitamin C and carotenoids and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Pooled results from 5 cohort studies", Annals of Neurology, January 29, 2013

Early Eaters Are More Likely To Lose Weight Than Late Eaters

Timing is everything when it comes to eating and weight loss, according to a study by U.S. and Spanish researchers. The study followed 420 overweight people in Spain who ate their main meals either early or late each day over 20 weeks. One group comprised early eaters (before 3 p.m.) and the other were late eaters (after 3 p.m.). The researchers found that late-eaters lost significantly less weight than early-eaters, and displayed a much slower rate of weight-loss. Late-eaters also had a lower estimated insulin sensitivity, a risk factor for diabetes. The researchers suggested that therapeutic strategies for weight loss should monitor not only caloric intake but also the timing of meals.

"Timing of food intake predicts weight loss effectiveness", International Journal of Obesity, January 29, 2013

Weight Management Ingredient Green Coffee Extract Available To Functional Food Makers

Riding a wave of new interest in the health benefits of green coffee, NP Nutra has introduced a GMO-free green coffee extract for dietary supplements and functional foods that contains 50 percent chlorogenic acid, a phenolic antioxidant compound that is highly bioavailable in humans. Scientific studies have shown that green coffee extract induces reductions in body weight, body mass index and body fat percentage, probably because of the chlorogenic acid content. The extract comes as a light yellow brown powder, 100 percent water soluble and ready for use in supplements and functional products. It is available in large quantities at a very low price point, according to the company.

"NP Nutra launches potent green coffee extract", Engredea News & Analysis / Newhope 360, January 21, 2013

Researchers Find Nutritional Keys To Musculoskeletal Health In Seniors

A multinational panel of the International Osteoporosis Foundation that reviewed findings from worldwide studies on the role of nutrition in sarcopenia – gradual muscle loss among older people – has identified the key nutritional factors that either contribute to muscle loss or help prevent it. They found that protein intake is critical to muscle health. An intake of 1.0-1.2 g/kg of body weight per day is optimal for skeletal muscle and bone health in elderly people. Vitamin D is also important in the preservation of muscle. The panel also found that excess intake of acid-producing nutrients (meat and cereal grains) in combination with low intake of alkalizing fruits and vegetables may be harmful to musculoskeletal health.

"Impact of nutrition on muscle mass, strength, and performance in older adults", Osteoporosis International, January 18, 2013

A Weight Loss Program Should Consist Of Lots Of Smaller Goals, Not One Big One

A U.S. health and wellness expert advises that a weight loss program should consist of a series of small steps that may take longer but will lead to long-term results. Lauren Whitt of the University of Alabama said that a goal of losing 30 or more pounds should be broken down into smaller goals that are short-term and manageable, like losing one to two pounds a week. Another tactic for gradual weight loss is to stop focusing on losing weight, but instead focusing on not gaining a pound more. "Look at the number you are now, and tell yourself you will stay right there," Whitt said. And lastly, ignore temporary failures, like weight plateaus, and persist in your efforts.

"Sticking With Smaller Goals Keeps Weight Loss On Track", News release, University of Alabama, January 17, 2013

Anthocyanins Found In Blueberries, Strawberries Reduce Risk Of Heart Attack In Women

Y oung women could cut their risk of heart attacks one third by simply increasing their intake of anthocyanins, the dietary flavonoids found in blueberries and strawberries, grapes, wine, blackberries and eggplant, a U.S. study has found. Researchers analyzed quadrennial questionnaires completed by 93,600 women (ages 25 to 42) for 18 years. Women who ate the most blueberries and strawberries had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack compared to women who ate the berries once a month or less, and even women who ate a diet otherwise rich in fruits and vegetables.

"High Anthocyanin Intake Is Associated With a Reduced Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Young and Middle-Aged Women", Circulation, January 15, 2013

Recent Surveys Provide Some Guidance On Effectiveness Of Weight Loss Programs

Nutraceuticals World took a look at recent media coverage of diet and weight loss plans, noting that a U.S. News & World Report panel of diet experts gave Weight Watchers its highest rankings in the best diet, best commercial diet and easiest-to-follow categories. A Consumer Reports survey of readership also gave Weight Watchers the highest score in the best commercial weight loss plan category. One interesting finding from the Consumer Reports survey: the “scoring satisfaction” of even the top ranked diet was surpassed by a free smart phone app called MyFitnessPal. The app garnered an overall satisfaction score of 83 and top marks for maintenance, calorie awareness and food variety. Lastly, experts suggest that social media may be an effective way to attract adolescents and teens into weight management programs.

"Weight Loss Round Up", Nutraceuticals World, January 14, 2013

American Attitudes Toward Dieting, Being Overweight, Are Changing

Fewer Americans are dieting now than at any time in the last three decades, according to market researcher NPD Group. The number of women on a diet has dropped by 10 percent – from 34 percent in 1992 to 23 percent in 2012. One of the key problems is that people give up on diets faster than in the past. In 2004, two thirds of dieters stuck to their diet for at least six months. That number is down to 62 percent now. Another trend: being overweight is not necessarily considered unattractive. In 2012, 23 percent of Americans agreed that slim and trim people look a lot more attractive. But in 1985, 55 percent of Americans felt that way.

"The NPD Group Reports Dieting is at an All Time Low-Dieting Season Has Begun, but it’s Not What it Used to Be!", Press release, NPD, January 07, 2013

Diets Fail For Four Main Reasons

Losing weight is perhaps the top New Year’s resolution year after year, and year after year dieters fail to keep it. According to a physician who specializes in nutrition and weight management, there are four key reasons why diet resolutions jump the tracks, often before the month of January is over. At the top of the list is a tendency to underestimate calories consumed. Jessica Bartfield, M.D., recommends keeping track of everything consumed, paying attention to serving sizes and checking nutrition (and calorie) information at favorite fast-food restaurants. Other key reasons for diet failure: overestimating activity and calories burned, poor timing of meals, and not getting enough sleep.

"Top Four Reasons Why Diets Fail", News release, Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery & Bariatric Care, January 03, 2013

As With Cardiovascular Disease, A Poor Diet Seems To Be Associated With Depression

Spanish researchers have looked at the evidence linking diet and depression, finding that fast food increases the risk of depression, while the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk. They note that depression is similar in many ways to heart disease. Both are associated with low-grade inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and poor lipid (fat) profiles. The researchers caution, however, that the evidence doesn’t prove causality, only an association. Long-term clinical trials are needed to probe deeper into the problem.

"Diet, a new target to prevent depression?", BMC Medicine, January 03, 2013