Growth In World’s Muslim Population Ensures Halal’s Continued Prosperity

The global halal market is growing rapidly. Deloitte estimates the market leapt past $1 trillion in 2015. Food accounted for 61 percent of halal trade, pharmaceuticals 26 percent, and cosmetics 11 percent. Western multinationals have customized products for the halal market, while new companies are developing innovative items. The main driver behind the surging market is the rapid growth in the global Muslim population, and the need to comply with Sharia restrictions on diet. But Sharia is not the only force driving halal’s growth. Halal certification is also seen as a mark of safer, healthier, higher-quality products. Described as the “organic option” for the 21st century, the designation appeals to both Muslims and non-Muslims, ensuring continued growth.

"Asia's growing halal demand spurs innovation, profit", Nikkei Asian Review, June 02, 2016

Portion-Controlled, Prepackaged Meals Prove More Effective For Weight Loss

New research funded by Nestlé USA, Inc., which makes the Lean Cuisine frozen meals brand, found that a dieting program that includes behavioral counseling as well as portion-controlled meals is more effective for weight loss than a self-selected diet. The researchers assigned 183 participants equally to three groups: one that ate two low-calorie prepackaged meals a day (lunch and dinner), one that ate two low-calorie prepackaged higher-protein meals a day, and a control group that chose their own meals. After three months, participants who ate twice-daily prepackaged meals lost about eight percent of their initial weight, while the control group lost only six percent. In addition, the prepackaged meals groups also experienced a drop in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Meal satisfaction was similar among all groups.

"Randomized clinical trial of portion-controlled prepackaged foods to promote weight loss. ", Obesity, June 06, 2016

Aspartame Users May Lose Weight, But Have A Higher Risk Of Diabetes

Canadian researchers who studied U.S. health data report that use of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can lead to poor glucose management in obese individuals. Because artificial sweeteners are not digested by the body, they do help overweight people lose pounds by cutting calorie intake. However, bacteria in the gut seem to be able to break down aspartame, resulting in negative health effects, particularly an increased risk of diabetes.

"Aspartame intake is associated with greater glucose intolerance in individuals with obesity. ", Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, June 06, 2016

Growing Frequency Of Food Allergies, Plus Health Concerns, Drive “Free-From” Market

There is a growing list of foods and food ingredients that people deem unhealthy or, for some, are actually allergenic. The food industry has responded by marketing packaged food products that are “free from” these ingredients, which include grain (especially wheat), dairy, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, fish, and shellfish. These eight account for 90 percent of allergic reactions to food, which have been on the rise. The CDC says food allergies now affect approximately one in 13 children. The free-from trend has grown into a $190 million market, with sales in the year ending January 24 surging 26.5 percent in the combined conventional and natural channels. Gluten-free, meanwhile, by itself is a $25 billion market. Allergies don’t account for all these sales. Healthy people who buy free-from products account for a sizeable chunk.

"Free-from foods rise to the occasion", New Hope Network, June 06, 2016

Study Finds Strong Link Between Fiber Consumption And Healthy Aging

Australian researchers who analyzed dietary and health data from 1,600 people over 50 years of age found a surprising connection between carbohydrate nutrition and healthy aging. They looked at several key factors over ten years: total carbohydrate intake, total fiber intake, glycemic index, glycemic load, and sugar intake. They found that high fiber intake – from breads, cereals, and fruits – made the biggest difference to what they called "successful aging." People who regularly consumed fiber were likely to be disabled or depressed, or suffer from respiratory ailments or chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, cancer, coronary artery disease, and stroke. In fact, the researchers found, people in the research sample who ate the most fiber had an almost 80 percent greater likelihood of living a long and healthy life.

"Association Between Carbohydrate Nutrition and Successful Aging Over 10 Years. ", The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, June 06, 2016

Dietary Supplement Formula Reverses Brain Cell Loss, Cognitive Decline

A research team in Canada has created a dietary supplement from commonly available nutrients that reverses brain cell loss and cognitive decline. The team has been testing the concoction since 2000 in both normal and rapidly aging mice bred to experience severe declines in cognitive and motor function in only a few months. The mice lose more than half of their brain cells by one year of age, the human equivalent of severe Alzheimer's disease. The formula of 30 vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and nutraceuticals includes vitamins B, C and D, folic acid, green tea extract, and cod liver oil. It was fed to the mice daily over several months and completely eliminated the severe brain cell loss and cognitive decline.

"A multi-ingredient dietary supplement abolishes large-scale brain cell loss, improves sensory function, and prevents neuronal atrophy in aging mice.", Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, June 08, 2016

Some Commercial Diets Succeed At Improving Blood Sugar Control

Several commercial weight loss programs seem to improve control of blood sugar in diabetics, but more rigorous research is needed to actually prove the benefit, a new U.S. study has found. The researchers looked at published clinical studies that carefully evaluated the effects of various commercial weight loss programs on blood sugar in overweight and obese individuals. Eighteen studies focused on people with type 2 diabetes. Among the 764 individuals who participated in ten weight loss programs, the Jenny Craig program reduced blood sugar concentrations significantly more than weight loss counseling alone at 12 months. Nutrisystem and Optifast reduced blood sugar more than counseling alone at six months.

"A systematic review of commercial weight loss programs’ effect on glycemic outcomes among overweight and obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. ", Obesity Reviews, June 08, 2016

Walnuts May Protect Colon From Tumor Formation

"Effects of walnut consumption on colon carcinogenesis and microbial community structure. ", Cancer Prevention Research, June 08, 2016