Vitamin K-Rich Leafy Veggies Shown To Protect Against Dementia

A U.S. study that linked vitamin K consumption to slower cognitive decline found that eating foods rich in vitamin K, lutein and beta-carotene could be a simple, affordable way to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Scientists monitored the diets and cognitive abilities of 954 older adults – average 81 years -- for two to ten years. They noted a significant decrease in the rate of cognitive decline among study participants who consumed greater amounts of green leafy vegetables. Those who ate one to two servings a day had the cognitive ability of a person 11 years younger than those who consumed none.

"Eating green leafy vegetables keeps mental abilities sharp", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) annual meeting, April 10, 2015

Peanuts Protect Blood Vessels When Eating High-Fat Meals

Including peanuts in a high-fat meal protects blood vessels, a small clinical trial has found. Researchers monitored the lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels of 15 overweight men who ate meals with or without peanuts. Vascular function was assessed using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). The researchers found that the peanut meal maintained normal vascular function while the high fat-matched control meal impaired vascular function acutely. Vascular dysfunction plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis, and the formation of coronary plaques and lesions that lead to coronary artery disease.

"Adding peanuts to a meal benefits vascular health", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's scientific sessions & annual meeting , April 10, 2015

Omega-3s Lacking In Diet Of Canadian Mothers-To-Be

Most of the first 600 (of 2,000) expectant mothers surveyed in a Canadian pregnancy and nutrition study did not include  enough omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. It is recommended that healthy adults, including pregnant and lactating women, consume at least 500 mg of omega-3s daily. The European Commission recommends a minimum of 200 mg of DHA daily for pregnant and lactating women. Only 27 percent of women during pregnancy, and 25 percent at three months post-delivery, met the recommendation for DHA. Seafood, fish and seaweed products contributed to 79 percent of overall omega-3 fatty acids intake, with the most coming from salmon.

"Women who take n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements during pregnancy and lactation meet the recommended intake. ", Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, April 03, 2015

Louis Pasteur Had It Right: Drinking Raw Milk Is Hazardous To Your Health

Promoters of raw milk claim it contains more natural antibodies, proteins and bacteria, and is healthier, cleaner, tastes better and reduces lactose intolerance and allergies. But drinking raw (unpasteurized) cow’s milk is a dangerous practice, according to U.S. researchers who issued a report to the Maryland House of Delegates. The researchers screened 1,000 articles and reviewed 81 journal articles, finding that people are nearly 100 times more likely to get sick from foodborne pathogens -- infectious Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and E. coli -- when drinking raw milk.

"A Literature Review of the Risks and Benefits of Consuming Raw and Pasteurized Cow's Milk", Special report to Maryland House of Delegates, April 03, 2015

Eggs + Raw Veggie Salad = Significant Nutrition Enhancement

A U.S. study that looked at how eggs affect absorption of nutritious carotenoids found that absorption increased significantly when cooked eggs were added to a vegetable salad. The small clinical study involved 16 men who ate one of three salads of uncooked vegetables: one without eggs, one with 1.5 scrambled eggs, and one with three scrambled eggs. Those who ate the most eggs with tomatoes, shredded carrots, baby spinach, romaine lettuce, and Chinese wolfberry (goji berry) increased absorption of carotenoids 3-9 fold. Lutein and zeaxanthin were boosted by adding eggs, and nutrients from the vegetables were enhanced.

"Consuming eggs with raw vegetables increases nutritive value", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's annual meeting, March 29, 2015

U.K.’s “Shopping Basket” Undergoes Some Major Changes

British government statisticians have determined that shoppers in the U.K. are increasingly buying more healthful foods and specialty items that might be more expensive. In the so-called “national shopping basket,” chilled pizzas have replaced frozen, for example, and melons and protein shakes have replaced probiotic yogurts. Also added to the official list of what shoppers buy are sweet potatoes, craft ales, and offal (liver and kidney). Nonfood items added to the list included electronic cigarettes, and colorful wall paints. (White emulsion paint was removed from the basket.) A Kantar Worldpanel analyst said the changes reflect a growing economy and more optimistic national mood. "Families are more happy to use their money to eat well and try different tastes."

"Why sweet potato, protein shakes and craft ales are on 'national shopping list'", The Telegraph, March 18, 2015