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A U.S. study has found that the seeds of the muscadine grape, normally discarded as waste in the production of wine and juice, are rich in a type of vitamin E that seems to help retard fat cell production. Oil from the seed supplies tocotrienol, an unsaturated form of the vitamin, as well as other mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Scientists have known for some time that red palm and rice bran oil are rich in tocotrienol, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol. The researchers said their findings suggest that muscadine grape seed oil might be an even better source of tocotrienol, “Consuming foods made with muscadine grape seed oil" -- e.g., salad dressing -- "could curtail weight gain and reduce obesity,” one of the researchers said.
"Muscadine grape seed oil as a novel source of tocotrienols to reduce adipogenesis and adipocyte inflammation. ", Food & Function, July 06, 2015
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Eight of 10 Americans say they’ve eaten at least one sandwich in the last seven days, and are more likely to eat a homemade sandwich (83 percent) than a food service sandwich (62 percent). Sandwiches, whether homemade or non-homemade, are perceived as healthier than burgers and other menu items. But that doesn’t mean sandwiches have no cachet. Both the ingredients and the breads used are getting more varied and sophisticated – thanks to culinary restaurant trends – and present opportunities for marketers. Innovative ingredients include smoked pork, pork belly, sopressata, as well as new sauces. Bread options have moved beyond plain white and whole wheat to include French baguettes, Texas toast, ciabatta, and brioche.
"Report: Whether at Restaurants or at Home, the Sandwich Endures as a Favorite Food", News release, Packaged Facts, June 30, 2015
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A European study finds that though marriage is generally good for a couple’s health – the so-called “marriage bonus” – it can lead to an obesity problem. Married couples tend to eat better than unmarried people, but they exercise less and tend to weigh more. The study looked at health data gathered from face-to-face interviews with 10,226 adults in nine countries. Couples, both men and women, tended to have a higher body mass index than singles, even though they ate more healthful foods. The key factor contributing to weight gain seems to be reduced participation by men in sports.
"Higher body mass index, less exercise, but healthier eating in married adults: Nine representative surveys across Europe. ", Social Science & Medicine, June 29, 2015
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People who snack compulsively when they’re not hungry can gain as much weight as when they consume large meals or calorie-rich foods, according to Australian researchers. Study participants were found to be susceptible to compulsive snacking, even after finishing a similar snack. In fact, 75 percent of participants ate a second chocolate snack after eating as much as they wanted of a first. The findings suggest that those people – who had a higher BMI – were more impulsive, and more responsive to food reward, even though they weren’t really hungry. The researchers concluded that repeated snacking in the absence of hunger is a risk factor for weight gain.
"Psychological predictors of opportunistic snacking in the absence of hunger
", Eating Behaviors, June 25, 2015
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