Reducing Caloric Intake Slows Nerve Cell Degeneration May 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who tested the impact of a restricted calorie diet on lab animals found that it delays the onset of nerve cell loss common in neurodegenerative diseases by activating an enzyme called Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). They further found that they could activate SIRT1 without dietary changes by administering a drug. The mice that received the drug had less cell loss and better cellular connectivity than the mice that did not receive the drug. The researchers believe that the drug – which they did not identify – could someday be used to slow the process of age-associated impairments in the brain. Li-Huei Tsai et al., "SIRT1 Activator Prevents Neurodegeneration in Mice", The Journal of Neuroscience, May 21, 2013, © Society for Neuroscience

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Sugar Is Not The Only Villain In The National Obesity Problem May 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Although the sugar consumed by Americans in soft drinks and processed foods contributes to the obesity epidemic, it is not the only culprit. In fact, the increase in the daily calorie intake over the last five decades is tied to other factors. More than half of the added calories over the years have come from fats and oils, and from flour and cereal. Other factors contributing to the obesity problem: demographic changes (i.e., fewer home-cooked meals, more dining out); increased portion sizes at restaurants; increased caloric content of bagels, muffins, premium cups of coffee, yogurt, etc.; and even evolution, “which has programmed us to store calories when food is plentiful and, when food is scarce, to reduce calories we expend.” Jane E. Brody, "Many Fronts in Fighting Obesity", The New York Times, May 20, 2013, © The New York Times Company

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Mediterranean Diet Is Best For The Aging Brain – Study May 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in Spain who studied the long term impact of different dietary patterns on older adults found that, after 6.5 years, a Mediterranean diet had the most positive impact on higher brain functions, including orientation, memory, and language. The study followed 522 men and women aged 55 to 80 without cardiovascular disease, but at high vascular risk because of underlying disease/conditions. A control group ate a low-fat diet usually recommended  to prevent heart attack and stroke. The most beneficial diet was found to include olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and pulses, almost no red meat or dairy, and some red wine. E. H. Martinez-Lapiscina et al., "Mediterranean diet improves cognition: the PREDIMED-NAVARRA randomized trial", Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, May 20, 2013, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.

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Sugary Beverages Linked To Higher Risk Of Kidney Stones May 16, 2013: 12:00 AM EST For years, doctors have advised kidney stone patients to drink more fluids to prevent a recurrence. But new research shows that not all fluids offer that benefit. Consumption of sugar-sweetened soda and punch is linked to a higher incidence of kidney stones, according to data compiled from three ongoing studies involving more than 194,000 participants over eight years. Those who consumed one or more sugar-sweetened cola servings a day had a 23 percent higher risk of developing kidney stones, compared to those who drank less than one a week. Some beverages – coffee, tea and orange juice – were associated with a lower risk of stone formation. Engredea News & Analysis , "Sugary drinks may up kidney stone risk", Newhope 360, May 16, 2013, © Penton Media Inc

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Study Links Med. Diet To Improved Memory Function Later In Life May 10, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study finds a connection between the Mediterranean diet (fish, chicken, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, etc.) and preserving memory and thinking abilities as people age. The study was conducted among 17,478 people (average age 64) who were monitored for health changes over four years. Those who adhered to the Mediterranean diet – and avoided saturated fats, meat and dairy foods – were 19 percent less likely to develop thinking and memory problems. However, the connection was not found in diabetics. Researcher Dr. Georgios Tsivgoulis said diet is only one modifiable habit that could preserve cognitive function, also citing exercise, weight management, not smoking, and taking hypertension and diabetes medicines. G. Tsivgoulis et al., "Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of incident cognitive impairment", Neurology, May 10, 2013, © American Academy of Neurology

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Educating Consumers About The Consequences Of Restaurant Meals Could Curb Obesity May 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Authors of a recent U.S. study suggest that state and local governments could help curb the nation’s obesity epidemic by requiring restaurant menus to provide not only calorie counts but also the amount of exercise necessary to burn off those calories. The researchers examined studies on calorie labeling and regulatory options available to local governments. The studies showed that when presented with calorie counts and other menu information, consumers were half as likely to order a high calorie meal. Researchers also recommended replacing menu items like French fries with alternatives like apple slices. Sara N. Bleich et al., "Improving Obesity Prevention at the Local Level — Emerging Opportunities", New England Journal of Medicine, May 09, 2013, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Sexually Harassed Men More Likely To Develop Eating Disorders May 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A new study finds that men who experience high levels of sexual harassment are significantly more likely than women to develop purging “compensatory” behaviors such as induced vomiting and taking laxatives and diuretics to control their weight. Michigan State University researchers surveyed 2,446 college-aged participants – including 731 men – on their experiences with sexual harassment, body image and eating behaviors. Women experienced higher rates of harassment, but men were more likely to resort to purging. Eating disorders are increasing in men, especially young ones, but most prevention programs are geared towards girls and women. The researchers hope to raise awareness of such issues. NiCole T. Buchanan et al., "Exploring gender differences in body image, eating pathology, and sexual harassment", Body Image, May 09, 2013, © Elsevier Ltd.

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Study Shows “Fat Talk” Makes Women Less Likeable May 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Women who make self-disparaging remarks – “fat talk” – about eating, exercise or their bodies are less liked by their peers, according to a U.S. study. For the study, researchers showed photos to participants of women with various body types engaging in either “fat talk” or positive body talk. Overweight women in the photos who made positive statements about their bodies were the most liked. It was once thought that “fat talk” behaviors by women helped create and strengthen social bonds, but the study showed that “fat talk” is actually a turn off and “far from innocuous”. Alexandra Corning, "Nobody Likes a "Fat Talker", Study Shows", News release, study presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association annual conference, May 09, 2013, © University of Notre Dame

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Scientists Confirm Heart-Healthy Benefits Of Walnuts May 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists have known for some time that eating walnuts in a heart-healthy diet reduces cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Now a new U.S. study explains what component of walnuts is responsible. For the study, 15 participants with high cholesterol levels were fed one serving of whole walnuts, defatted nutmeat, walnut skin or walnut oil. Biochemical and physiological tests were conducted before, during and after. The one-time consumption of walnut oil improved vascular health. Eating whole walnuts helped HDL (good cholesterol) and helped the body effectively transport and remove excess cholesterol from the body. The researchers suggested that the beneficial effects come from the alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-tocopherol and phytosterols in walnut oil. C. E. Berryman et al., "Acute Consumption of Walnuts and Walnut Components Differentially Affect Postprandial Lipemia, Endothelial Function, Oxidative Stress, and Cholesterol Efflux in Humans with Mild Hypercholesterolemia", Journal of Nutrition, May 08, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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New Foodservice Company Tackles A Tough Problem: Providing Healthy – And Tasty – School Meals May 4, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Nearly everyone – school administrators, Michele Obama, nutritionists, the U.S. Congress, etc. – agrees that school lunches need to be healthier. Kids themselves are apparently okay with healthy as long as it’s also tasty, and that has been a problem. Entering this $16 billion market is a new school meals company – Revolution Foods – determined to provide healthy choices using locally produced foods that kids would eat because they taste good. The company develops its meals with the help of kids, using tastings, focus groups and constant feedback. Revolution, which is not yet profitable, recently won a contract to provide meals to 114 schools in San Francisco, and the number of children choosing to eat the company’s offerings leaped 12 percent. "A new company is trying to make school meals healthier", The Economist, May 04, 2013, © The Economist Newspaper Limited

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Magnesium Found To Be Important For Children’s Bone Health May 5, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study among younger school-age children showed that calcium intake was not significantly related to bone health, but magnesium – found in salmon, almonds, and other foods – was a key predictor of how much bone children had. The study, whose goal was to find the role of magnesium intake and absorption in relation to bone mineral content, involved 63 healthy children between aged 4 to 8. Before the study began, participants filled out food diaries, and during the study they were served foods consistent with calcium and magnesium levels based on their diaries. Researchers said calcium is important, but not more important than magnesium. Steven A. Abrams et al., "Magnesium May Be as Important to Kids Bone Health as Calcium", News release, presentation at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting, May 05, 2013, © Pediatric Academic Societies

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Brain Imaging Study Shows Why Fasting Is Counter-Productive As A Weight Loss Strategy May 2, 2013: 12:00 AM EST An imaging study by scientists in Oregon among adolescents found that weight loss would be more effective and enduring if dieters ate healthy, low-fat/low-sugar foods during regular meals, rather than fast for long periods of time. Participants in two groups voluntarily restricted their caloric intake to approximate what happens with real-world dieters. Using a brain imaging paradigm, the researchers examined the responsivity of adolescent's attention and reward regions of the brain. They found that restricting food intake increases the reward value of food, especially high-calorie, appetizing food. The more successful people are at low-calorie dieting, the tougher it is to stick to the diet. Fasting for a long time also often leads to poor post-fast food choices. Eric Stice et al., "Caloric deprivation increases responsivity of attention and reward brain regions to intake, anticipated intake, and images of palatable foods", NeuroImage, May 02, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

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Mediterranean Diet Lowers Cholesterol, Improves Metabolism May 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have found that adhering to a heart-healthy diet reduces “bad cholesterol” (LDL) in men with high risk of heart disease, regardless of weight loss. Nineteen men with metabolic syndrome aged 24 to 64 were fed a standard North American diet for five weeks. For another five weeks they were fed a Mediterranean-style diet, then a 20-week weight-loss regime, then five more weeks of the Mediterranean diet. Results showed a nine percent decrease in LDL and improved metabolism. Doctors recommended the Mediterranean diet for effective management of metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high waist circumference, high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”). Caroline Richard et al., "Heart Healthy Diet Helps Men Lower Bad Cholesterol, Regardless of Weight Loss", News release, presentation at the American Heart Association's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2013 Scientific Sessions, May 01, 2013, © American Heart Association

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People At Risk For Heart Disease Can Improve Their Health By Eliminating Lectin From Diet May 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST An imaging study by scientists in Oregon among adolescents found that weight loss would be more effective and enduring if dieters ate healthy, low-fat/low-sugar foods during regular meals, rather than fast for long periods of time. Participants in two groups voluntarily restricted their caloric intake to approximate what happens with real-world dieters. Using a brain imaging paradigm, the researchers examined the responsivity of adolescent's attention and reward regions of the brain. They found that restricting food intake increases the reward value of food, especially high-calorie, appetizing food. The more successful people are at low-calorie dieting, the tougher it is to stick to the diet. Fasting for a long time also often leads to poor post-fast food choices. Steven R. Gundry et al., "Diet, Anti-Aging Supplements May Help Reverse Blood Vessel Abnormality", News release, study presented at the AHA's Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 2013 scientific sessions, May 01, 2013, © AHA

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Green Tea Plus Polyethylene Glycol Has Positive Impact On Weight, Insulin Resistance April 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A study conducted in mice by Korean researchers found that green tea in combination with polyethylene glycol significantly lowered body weight and insulin resistance. By itself green tea had no effect on body weight or glucose intolerance. For the study, both diabetic and normal mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with green tea. One group was also given polyethylene glycol to prevent absorption of gallated catechins into the bloodstream, which would increase insulin resistance. Researchers concluded that combining green tea extract and polyethylene glycol might be a preventative and therapeutic tool for treating obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes without unwanted side effects. Park, Jae-Hyung et al. , "Green tea extract with polyethylene glycol-3350 reduces body weight and improves glucose tolerance in db/db and high-fat diet mice", Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, April 29, 2013, © Springer

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Researchers Discover Simple Test For Determining Hardening Of The Arteries In Children April 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers have discovered a simple formula and blood test that can accurately determine arterial health. In a study at a U.S. hospital, the ratio of triglycerides – a component of cholesterol – to HDL (good cholesterol) was calculated in 900 children and young adults. Researchers found that the higher the ratio, the more likely a person would have stiff and damaged arteries. When hardening of the arteries is detected in children, it can be a sign of "accelerated aging," which increases the risk of “dangerous outcomes” -- stroke, heart attack, etc. -- much earlier in adult life than normally expected. The researchers said the problem can be reversed in children with changes in diet, including reduced intake of sugary beverages and carbohydrate-rich foods. Ron Winslow, "Children on Track for a Heart Attack", The Wall Street Journal, April 29, 2013, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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Clinical Study Finds Indian Plant Effective As Appetite Suppressant April 26, 2013: 12:00 AM EST An Australian study has found evidence that an extract of an edible succulent plant native to India aids in reducing waist size in overweight and obese people by suppressing appetite. Researchers tested the effect of 500 mg of Caralluma fimbriata extract on 33 overweight men and women. After 12 weeks, those who had taken the supplement has lost an average of 2.6 inches from their waist, compared to one inch among the control group. The active ingredients in Caralluma fimbriata – pregnane glycosides – have been shown in other human trials to inhibit appetite. Caralluma fimbriata is available through the ingredient Slimaluma, developed by Gencor, which provided the extract for the Australian study. Engredea News & Analysis , "Indian herb may whittle waistlines", Newhope 360, April 26, 2013, © Penton Media, Inc

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Protein Consumption Is Important To Weight Loss, Survey Of Women Finds April 26, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A survey of 1,824 middle-aged women found that 43 percent believe eating more protein prevents weight gain, and eating protein helped in their own efforts to lose weight. Most of the women surveyed correctly identified good protein sources, and a majority knew the daily percent of dietary energy recommended from protein. According to the researchers, because the majority of Americans are overweight, education regarding dietary protein requirements may enhance the use of protein in the diet as a weight loss strategy. Women may need more information regarding protein energy content and choosing protein sources to enhance protein intake as a weight management strategy, they said. Noel D. Aldrich et al., "Perceived Importance of Dietary Protein to Prevent Weight Gain: A National Survey among Midlife Women", Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, April 26, 2013, © Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior

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Type 2 Diabetes Risk Up By 22 Percent From Drinking One Sugary Drink A Day April 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British researchers who analyzed data from nearly 29,000 European participants in a cancer and nutrition study – about 12,000 of whom had type 2 diabetes – found that drinking one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage a day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22 percent. The risk dropped to 18 percent when total energy intake and body mass index were taken into account. The increased risk of diabetes from sugary drinks in Europe is similar to that found in a meta-analysis of studies conducted mostly in North America that found a 25 percent increased risk. Little or no association with diabetes risk was found among drinkers of artificially sweetened drinks or pure fruit juice and nectar (diluted fruit juice) drinks. Dora Romaguera et al., "Consumption of sweet beverages and type 2 diabetes incidence in European adults: results from EPIC-InterAct", Diabetologia, April 24, 2013, © Springer-Verlag

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Tart Cherries May Someday Help People At Risk For Diabetes, Heart Disease April 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST New research from the University of Michigan finds that eating tart cherries provides cardiovascular benefits similar to those of prescription fat and glucose regulation drugs, and may also reduce the risk of stroke, even when eaten with the drugs. According to the researchers, Montmorency tart cherries activate certain receptors in many body tissues. Researchers believe that anthocyanins – the pigments that give the fruit its red color – could be responsible for this activation. The research shows that rats who ate only tart cherries had the best results, but those who ingested a combination of tart cherries and the drug  Actos also did better than those who only took the drug. E. Mitchell Seymour et al., "Tart Cherries Linked to Reduced Risk of Stroke", News release, study presented at the Experimental Biology 2013 meeting in Boston, April 23, 2013, © University of Michigan Health System

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Breakfast Cereal Companies Need To Grapple With Some Key Factors Dampening Their Sales April 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Market researcher Rabobank says five key factors are contributing to the nationwide slide in breakfast cereal consumption. At the top of the list is the trend toward eating breakfast out, followed closely by the trend toward snacking – “snackfast – as Americans seek convenience and portability. Other factors contributing to the problem: the growing popularity of protein-packed yogurt; the perception among nutrition-conscious consumers that cereals contain added sugars and are heavily marketed to children; and the realization that a declining birth rate is eroding a key market demographic: kids. Cereal companies need to pursue new strategies to keep up, Rabobank says: focus on innovation and spend more money on healthy ingredients. "Rabobank Report: Cereal Killers – Five Trends Revolutionizing American Breakfast", News release, Rabobank, April 23, 2013, © Rabobank

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Three Studies Provide Evidence That Tree Nuts Are A Very Healthy Addition To The Diet April 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers recently presented three studies associating tree nuts with a better nutrient profile, better diet quality, lower body weight, lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome, and a decrease in cardiovascular risk factors. Nuts included in the studies were almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts. One study involving 803 adults found that eating one ounce (one serving) of tree nuts weekly was associated with a seven percent lower risk of metabolic syndrome. Another study showed that nut consumption was associated with a decrease in total cholesterol, LDL or "bad" cholesterol, blood pressure, and coronary heart disease risk. "New Findings on Tree Nuts and Health Presented", Nutrition Horizon, April 23, 2013, © CNS Media BV

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Vitamin E Relieves Symptoms Of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease April 23, 2013: 12:00 AM EST An accidental discovery in mice by researchers at Case Western Reserve University finds that the essential nutrient vitamin E can alleviate symptoms of liver disease brought on by obesity. The researchers were originally studying the effect of vitamin E deficiency on the central nervous system, using liver tissue to practice surgical techniques. They were surprised to find that the mice were in the advanced stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and were deficient in vitamin E. Supplementation with vitamin E averted most of the disease symptoms, confirming the relationship between vitamin E deficiency and liver disease. Danny Manor et al., "Vitamin E Identified as Potential Weapon Against Obesity", News release, presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, April 23, 2013, © Manor et al.

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Polyphenol-Rich Grapes Reduce Symptoms Of Metabolic Syndrome In Obese Rats April 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Three months of a grape-enriched diet significantly reduced the inflammatory markers in the liver and abdomens of obese rats and helped reduced damage to the liver and kidneys associated with metabolic syndrome, U.S. researchers report. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in cardiovascular disease progression and organ dysfunction in type 2 diabetes, researchers said. “Grape intake impacted both of these components in several tissues which is a very promising finding," they concluded. Natural components known as polyphenols found in grapes polyphenols  probably responsible for these beneficial effects. E. Mitchell Seymour et al., "Grape Intake May Protect Against Metabolic Syndrome-Related Organ Damage", News release, University of Michigan research presented at the Experimental Biology conference, April 22, 2013, © Seymour et al.

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Mushrooms Exposed To Sunlight Are A Good Source Of Vitamin D April 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study that compared vitamin D levels in 30 adults after ingesting supplements and mushroom powder found no statistical difference among the sources. Vitamin D is necessary  for bone health and muscle strength, reducing the risk of fracture, osteomalacia, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Participants took capsules containing 2,000 IU of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3, or mushroom powder containing vitamin D2. The researchers noted, however, that the powders were made from mushrooms that had been exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light. The researchers also found that mushrooms make vitamin D2 through a process similar to what occurs in human skin after sun exposure. Mushrooms not only produce vitamin D2, but can produce vitamin D3 and vitamin D4. Holick et al., "Mushrooms Can Provide as Much Vitamin D as Supplements", News release, presentation at the American Society for Biochemistry and Microbiology annual meeting, April 22, 2013, © Holick et al.

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Low-Carb Veggie-Based Breads Can Help With Weight Loss April 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A former U.K. stock trader has turned from making commissions to making and selling sandwiches – 300 a day – that are not only tasty they are extremely low-calorie and nutritious. The key ingredient? Broccoli. His secret formula for broccoli bread contains mostly broccoli, some oregano and other spices, some dairy products and egg white, and “a few mystery ingredients”.  A food blogger, meanwhile, extols the virtues and versatility of cauliflower when prepared properly with the right flavorings. A trendy example: “cauliflower pizza”. A major benefit of these vegetable-based breads, snacks  and entrees: they are so low in carbs and calories that they can form the nutritious core of a weight-loss diet. Victoria Stewart , "War on carbs: broccoli and cauliflower are on the offensive", London Evening Standard , April 22, 2013, © Evening Standard Limited

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Sodium Intake On The Rise, Despite Warnings Of Adverse Health Effects April 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Health authorities and nutritionists worldwide have been getting the word out about the health benefits of lowering salt intake, but is anyone listening? Apparently not, according to a new U.S. study supported by food ingredients supplier Tate & Lyle. Actual intake of sodium is on the rise, increasing by 63 mg/day every two years from 1001 to 2012. The study analyzed data from  national health surveys. The largest contributors of sodium to the diet were grains and grain products, followed by meat, poultry, fish and mixtures, vegetables, and milk and milk products. Tate & Lyle has a partial solution to the problem, it says: a salt product that reduces by sodium content from 25-50 percent in food applications. "Continued Rise in Sodium Intake in the U.S. Diet over the Last Decade despite Health Officials Call for Reduction", News release, Tate & Lyle, April 22, 2013, © Tate & Lyle

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Phytonutrients in Berries Protect The Brain From Detrimental Effects Of Aging April 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers studying the effect of berry consumption on brain function in rats found that a berry diet rich in phytonutrients protected the animals’ brains from irradiation, a lab technique for simulating aging. They determined that berries promoted neurochemical changes in the brain, particularly autophagy, which regulates the synthesis, degradation and recycling of cell components. Accumulation of toxins in the brain was thereby significantly reduced. The researchers are now conducting clinical studies in older adults, aged 60 to 75, to see if their findings in rats apply in humans. Shibu Poulose et al., "More Evidence Berries Have Health-Promoting Properties", News release, unpublished study conducted at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, April 21, 2013, © Poulose et al.

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Changing Diet And Exercise Patterns Together Is Best Path To Weight Loss April 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Losing weight is best accomplished by changing one’s diet and physical activity patterns. But U.S. researchers suggest that for best results the changes should be implemented at the same time. Focusing on changing diet first, they cautioned, could actually hinder the establishment of a consistent exercise routine. If people need to start with one or the other, they suggested starting with exercise first. The researchers worked with 200 mostly sedentary people age 45 and older whose eating habits were not particularly healthy. Some started exercising first, some changed their diet first, etc. The participants who changed their diet first did a good job meeting the dietary goals, but failed to meet their exercise goals. King A.C. et al. , "Behavioral Impacts of Sequentially versus Simultaneously Delivered Dietary Plus Physical Activity Interventions: the CALM Trial", Annals of Behavioral Medicine, April 21, 2013, © Springer

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Sprouted Whole Grains May Be The Next Big Food Trend April 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Though there aren’t a lot of sprouted grain products on the market yet, there is growing interest, according to the Whole Grains Council, and food manufacturers are responding. In what some predict will be one of the next big trends in the food industry, store shelves are gradually being filled with hot and cold sprouted whole-grain cereals, flours, pastas, pizzas, bread sticks and tortilla chips. Also available are nuts, legumes and seeds – technically not grains – that can be sprouted. Why sprouted whole grains? According to one devotee in the Rochester, N.Y., area, “they are sprouted like a vegetable” so “your body digests them like a vegetable” and they are kinder to the digestive system. Karen Miltner, "Going with the (sprouted) grains", Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (New York), April 19, 2013, © Gannett/www.democratandchronicle.com

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Bacon Is Less Popular At Breakfast, NPD Group Says April 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST For the first time in 28 years of reporting, breakfast sandwiches have knocked bacon off the list of top ten items Americans eat for breakfast at home and at restaurants, according to The NPD Group. Breakfast sandwiches, mostly grabbed on the go, climbed into the No. 10 spot. At the top of the list were coffee, cold cereal, fruit juice, milk and bread. An NPD analyst said the ”beauty” of the breakfast sandwich is “you can get that 1950s breakfast of eggs, toast, cheese and meat” in one convenient package. Forty-six percent of all restaurant breakfasts (for the year ended November 2012) included a sandwich (i.e., breakfast sandwiches, breakfast wraps, burgers and “other” sandwiches). "Breakfast Sandwiches Make Top 10 List for Americans in the Morning", The NPD Group, April 18, 2013, © The NPD Group, Inc.

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More Than Half Of Class 1 Drug Recalls By The FDA Were Dietary Supplements – Study April 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Of the 465 drugs subject to a Class 1 recall by the FDA between 2004 and 2012, 51 percent were dietary supplements for bodybuilding, weight loss and sexual enhancement, a Canadian study has found. They were recalled because they contained unapproved medicinal ingredients – including steroids – that could cause serious health problems or even death. The most commonly recalled dietary supplement to be recalled were sexual enhancement products (40 percent). According to the researchers, about 65,000 dietary supplements are offered in the U.S. and consumed by more than 150 million Americans. Researchers said better regulation of the supplements should be a priority. Ziv Harel et al., "The Frequency and Characteristics of Dietary Supplement Recalls in the United States", JAMA Internal Medicine, April 18, 2013, © American Medical Association

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Drugs, Herbal Supplements, Omega-3 Fatty Acids Do Not Prevent Dementia April 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST With as many as 25 percent of people over age 70 experiencing mild cognitive impairment, it is helpful to know whether drugs, herbal products or vitamin supplements prevent the onset of the condition. Turns out they don’t, according to a Canadian review of relevant scientific studies. There just wasn’t any evidence that pharmacologic treatments such as cholinesterase inhibitors, herbal supplements like gingko, vitamins such as vitamin B6 or omega-3 fatty acids, are effective.  The strongest evidence was for the value of mental exercises such as computerized training programs or intensive one-on-one personal cognitive training in memory, reasoning, or speed of processing. Raza Naqvi et al., "Preventing cognitive decline in healthy older adults", CMAJ, April 15, 2013, © Canadian Medical Association

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Study Finds That Drinking Beet Juice Once A Day Lowers Blood Pressure April 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers in the U.K. have found evidence that increasing one’s intake of nitrates from leafy vegetables and beets can lead to improvements in cardiovascular health. The study examined the impact of drinking 8 oz. of beet juice daily on blood pressure. The beet juice contained about 0.2g of dietary nitrate, levels found in a large bowl of lettuce or two beets. Participants with high blood pressure who drank about 8 ounces of beet juice experienced a decrease in blood pressure of about 10 mm Hg over a 24-hour period. The researchers cautioned that the findings are preliminary and don't yet suggest that supplementing the diet with beet juice conveys long-term health benefits. Amrita Ahluwalia et al., "Enhanced vasodilator activity of nitrite in hypertension: critical role for erythrocytic xanthine oxidoreductase and translational potential", Hypertension, April 15, 2013, © American Heart Association, Inc.

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Vitamin E Takers Needn’t Worry About Overdosing April 15, 2013: 12:00 AM EST There has been some concern over the years that taking too much vitamin E poses significant health risks, but a new U.S. study finds that people cannot overdose on vitamin E because excess amounts are not harmful and at any rate are excreted. The antioxidant vitamin, found in oils, fats and some other foods, is important for proper functioning of organs, nerves and muscles. It is also an anticoagulant that can reduce blood clotting. Some people, especially those on a low-fat diet, consume inadequate dietary levels, take vitamin E supplements. M. G. Traber , "Mechanisms for the Prevention of Vitamin E Excess", The Journal of Lipid Research, April 15, 2013, © The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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Mother’s Solution To Child’s Allergy Problem Spawns A Growing Whole-Grain Tortilla Business April 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST An Arizona mother of a child with allergies to processed foods decided to put the whole family on a strict preservative-free whole grain diet. She also decided that if she wanted whole-grain tortillas she’d have to make them herself. Reworking an old family recipe, she came up with a whole-grain tortilla. Her son’s migraines and seizures ended. And when her husband lost his job in 2009, she decided to turn her creation into a business. The family now makes their tortillas – 2,000 dozen a week – in a small commercial-grade kitchen in Tucson and sells them a local food co-op and farmers markets. Shoppers will soon be able to find them at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and at Tucson Medical Center. Ernesto Portillo Jr. , "Neto's Tucson: Neto's Tucson: Family tortilla makers go whole grain", Arizona Daily Star, April 14, 2013, via Associated Press, © The Associated Press

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Studies Provide Evidence Of L-carnitine’s Effectiveness After Heart Attack April 11, 2013: 12:00 AM EST L-carnitine, a trimethylamine compound found in red meat and other foods, and sold over-the-counter as a dietary supplement, significantly improves cardiac health in patients after a heart attack, according to a review of 13 clinical studies conducted between 1989 and 2007. The findings associate L-carnitine with significant reduction in death from all causes and a highly significant reduction in ventricular arrhythmias and anginal attacks following a heart attack. L-carnitine was associated with a 27 percent reduction in all-cause mortality, a 65 percent reduction in ventricular arrhythmias, and a 40 percent reduction in the development of angina. James J. DiNicolantonio et al., "L-Carnitine in the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis", Mayo Clinic Proceedings, April 11, 2013, © Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

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Researchers Search For Mechanism In Brain That Encourages Snacking To Excess April 11, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Can’t stop eating those potato chips once you get started? Blame it on “hedonic hyperphagia,” a scientific term for recreational eating that goes well beyond the need to satisfy hunger. Turns out, hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from it, though it keeps the snack food and confectionery industries in the black. German scientists who have been studying the phenomenon in rats using magnetic resonance imaging report that the reward and addiction centers in the brain record the most activity when the animals eat chips or chow. But the food intake, sleep, activity and motion areas are stimulated significantly differently when the rats eat potato chips. The next step is to find the ingredient in snacks that stimulates the brain. "Revealing the scientific secrets of why people can’t stop after eating one potato chip", News release, National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, April 11, 2013, © American Chemical Society

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Meat Substitute Made From Wheat Gluten Is A Vegan Hit In New York City April 10, 2013: 12:00 AM EST It sounds oxymoronic, but a “vegetarian butcher shop” in Brooklyn, N.Y., is having great success supplying a flour-based meat substitute known as seitan – an alternative to tofu, tempei, etc. – to local home cooks, restaurants and retail stores. Seitan is made from gluten, the main protein of wheat, by washing wheat flour dough with water until all the starch dissolves. The gluten is then mixed with flavor and texture ingredients, shaped into dough, and cooked for use in vegetarian stir-fry, sandwiches, salads, soups, omelettes etc. The owners of Monk’s Meats – who started their business when they realized that fresh seitan was not available in grocery stores – produce 100 to 150 pounds of seitan daily. It is then hand-delivered to customers. Liza de Guia, "Monk's Meats: A Vegetarian Butcher Makes a Case for Wheat Meat", The Huffington Post, April 10, 2013, © TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc.

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Substance In Green Coffee Beans Helps Control Blood Sugar, Could Treat Type 2 Diabetes April 9, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Natural substances known as chlorogenic acids obtained from green coffee beans – and widely available as dietary supplements –  help control high blood sugar levels associated with type 2 diabetes, a U.S. researcher says. A small clinical study involving 56 men and women showed that 100, 200, 300 or 400 milligrams (mg) doses of green coffee extract significantly reduced blood sugar. According to Joe Vinson of the University of Scranton, "a simple natural pill or capsule” containing extract of green coffee would both help control blood sugar and foster weight loss, and be “a major advance in the treatment of type 2 diabetes”. Coffee is rich in chlorogenic acids, but most of them are broken down during roasting. Green coffee beans do not have that liability. Joe Vinson, Ph.D., "New Evidence That Natural Substances in Green Coffee Beans Help Control Blood Sugar Levels", News release, presentation at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, April 09, 2013, © American Chemical Society

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Carnitine Found In Red Meat, Energy Drinks, Promotes Hardening Of The Arteries April 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A compound added to energy drinks and dietary supplements – and abundant in red meat – has been shown to promote hardening of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Beneficial bacteria in the gut convert carnitine into a metabolite (trimethylamine-N-oxide, or TMAO ) that has been linked in a previous study to atherosclerosis. A diet rich in red meat actually promotes the growth of the bacteria that metabolize carnitine, compounding the problem. The study further found that vegans and vegetarians have much less ability to synthesize TMAO from carnitine, “which may explain the cardiovascular health benefits of these diets”. Robert A Koeth et al., "Intestinal microbiota metabolism of l-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis", Nature Medicine, April 07, 2013, © Nature Publishing Group

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Food-Grade Sorghum Makes A Good Substitute For Wheat In Gluten-Free Breads - Study April 4, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A recently published Italian study found no chemical reason why the cereal grain sorghum should not be eaten by people with celiac disease. The researchers said the absence of gliadin-like peptides in sorghum makes it a viable alternative to wheat, rye and barley for people with celiac disease, a severe allergic reaction to gluten. The researchers cautioned, however, that the sorghum used for human consumption should be the food-grade cultivars that they tested. Food-grade sorghum does not contain condensed tannins like regular sorghum used as animal feed that can reduce the digestibility of dietary proteins. Food-grade sorghum is inexpensive and highly nutritional, making it suitable for gluten-free breads. Kacey Culliney, "Sorghum is celiac-safe: Study", Bakery and Snacks, April 04, 2013, © William Reed Business Media

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Studies Advise: Reduce Salt Intake, Increase Potassium Intake, For Better Health April 4, 2013: 12:00 AM EST More new studies link improved health globally – and reduced health care costs – to lowering sodium intake. One study says the most benefit would come from decreasing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake. Researchers analyzed data on potassium intake and health from 33 trials involving over 128,000 healthy participants. Increased potassium intake reduced blood pressure with no adverse effects on blood lipids, hormone levels or kidney function. Another study analyzing 34 clinical trials involving 3,000 adults found that reducing salt moderately for at least four weeks led to declines in blood pressure in hypertensive patients, regardless of race or sex. F. J. He et al., " Effect of longer term modest salt reduction on blood pressure: Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials", BMJ, April 04, 2013, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd

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Canada Approves Stress Reduction/Weight Management Supplement For Sale April 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Next Pharmaceuticals, a maker of natural raw materials for dietary supplements, announced that its weight management supplement Relora has been licensed by Health Canada for sale in the country. Sold in the U.S. since 2000, Relora purportedly alleviates stress, curbs stress-related eating and promotes weight management by “quieting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis without causing drowsiness”. The product’s ingredients include Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense bark extracts used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Relora is a powder available for use in capsule form for oral administration. "Health Canada Approves Sales of Relora® in Canada", Marketwire , April 01, 2013, © Marketwire, Incorporated

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids From Fish Oils Shown To Bolster Immune System April 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists have known for some time that the omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in fish oils can reduce harmful inflammation, but a new U.S. study shows they actually boost the immune system. The study in mice found that DHA-enriched fish oil enhanced white blood cell activation and antibody production. This bolsters immune responses associated with pathogens, and possibly dampens the entire inflammatory response. The immune-enhancing properties of fish oils could benefit people whose immune systems have been compromised, such as those with AIDS or with cancer undergoing radiation treatment. E. A. Gurzell et al., "DHA-enriched fish oil targets B cell lipid microdomains and enhances ex vivo and in vivo B cell function", Journal of Leukocyte Biology, April 01, 2013, © Society for Leukocyte Biology

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“Reality Check” Urges Researchers To Avoid Hyping “Miracle Foods” For Preventing Cancer April 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Nutritional scientists and media professionals should be careful about publicizing single-study findings on the effects of so-called “miracle foods” on cancer risk, a “Reality Check” commentary by U.S. health scientists warns. The commentary mentions a show by TV’s Dr. Oz in which he said studies had shown that endive, red onion, and sea bass can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 75 percent. “However, the scientific evidence supporting these recommendations is limited,” the authors wrote. Researchers should be explaining to the public that miracle foods do not exist, but achieving and maintaining an ideal weight and regular physical activity are critical to lowering cancer risk, even though these are “not as ‘sexy’ as Dr. Oz would like.” Maki Inoue-Choi et al., "Reality Check: There is No Such Thing as a Miracle Food", Nutrition and Cancer, April 01, 2013, © Informa UK Limited

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids From Fish Add Years To Lifespan Of Elderly – Study April 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Add older adults to the list of people who can benefit from eating omega-3-rich fish and seafood, a U.S. study says. In fact, people aged 65 and older can cut their mortality risk by as much as 27 percent, and their risk of death by heart attack by as much as 35 percent. Older adults with the highest blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA,DPA, or EPA) survived 2.2 years longer on average than those with lower levels. Researchers looked at 16 years of data from about 2,700 U.S. adults aged 65 or older who participated in a long-term heart study. DHA was most strongly related to lower risk of coronary heart disease; DPA with lower risk of stroke death; and EPA with lower risk of nonfatal heart attack. Dariush Mozaffarian et al., " Plasma Phospholipid Long-Chain ω-3 Fatty Acids and Total and Cause-Specific Mortality in Older Adults: A Cohort Study", Annals of Internal Medicine, April 01, 2013, © The American College of Physicians

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Large Food, Beverage Makers Need To Boost Availability Of Nutritious Products Globally April 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A report from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition urgesmultinational food and beverage makers to do more to increase access to nutritious products and use their influence to improve consumer food and beverage choices and behaviors. The Global Access to Nutrition Index ranks the nutrition-related commitments, performance and disclosure practices of 25 big food and beverage makes according to international guidelines, norms and accepted best practices. Danone, Unilever and Nestlé were ranked the highest in the report, receiving the highest scores on both the obesity and under-nutrition criteria. "The Access to Nutrition Index – Global Index 2013", Report, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition , April 01, 2013, © GAIN - Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

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American Consumers Are Worried About Sodium Intake, But Confused About How To Cut Back March 31, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Mintel reports that 58 percent of Americans say they monitor their salt intake at home, but are not necessarily buying less processed food or eating out less often – where the real salt threats lie. Seventy-two percent of consumers limiting their sodium intake say they cook with less salt and 64 percent say they add less salt to their meals. The researcher says these patterns show that Americans are confused about how to reduce sodium intake. Most of the sodium people consume comes from packaged foods and restaurant fare, “not what they are preparing at home”. Mintel advises restaurants and packaged food makers to enhance the flavor of low-sodium foods by using herbs and spices. "Don’t put down the salt shaker yet; American consumers confused on how to best reduce sodium intake", Mintel Oxygen Reports, March 31, 2013, © Mintel Group Ltd

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Americans See Nutrients As Important To Their Food Choices March 31, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Statistics from a variety of market researchers show that Americans are paying closer attention to the nutrient ingredients of the foods they purchase. The Food Marketing Institute says 33 percent more shoppers are buying foods and beverages because of their healthy components. A Gallup nutrition study finds that 86 percent of adults in 2012 “made a strong effort” to eat more nutrients, including vitamins, specialty ingredients, herbs and botanicals, and minerals. HealthFocus reports that 90 percent of adults say it is important to get nutrients naturally from foods. Nutrients now important to Americans: calcium, vitamin D, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, prebiotics, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols/cocoa flavanols, and protein. A. Elizabeth Sloan , "Hot Nutritional Ingredients for 2013", Institute of Food Technologists, March 31, 2013, © Institute of Food Technologists

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