Canola Oils Found To Reduce Abdominal Fat, Lower Risk Of Metabolic Syndrome March 29, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The monounsaturated fats in canola oil and high-oleic canola oils appear to reduce abdominal fat, in turn reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome, U.S. researchers have found. For the randomized, controlled trial, 121 participants at risk for metabolic syndrome consumed a smoothie containing 40 grams (1.42 oz.) of one of five oils as part of a weight maintenance, heart-healthy, 2000-calorie per day diet. Results showed that those who consumed canola or high-oleic canola oils every day for four weeks lowered their belly fat by 1.6 percent compared to those who consumed a flax/safflower oil blend. Kris-Etherton et al., "Monounsaturated Fats Reduce Metabolic Syndrome Risk", News release, presentation at the American Heart Association's EPI/NPAM scientific sessions, March 29, 2013, © Kris-Etherton et al.

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Eating Foods Rich In Fiber Reduces Risk Of All Types Of Stroke March 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Greater intake of fiber-rich foods – whole grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts – has been shown to reduce blood pressure and levels of “bad” cholesterol, both of which are risk factors of stroke. A new study that analyzed previously-published research has quantified the association, finding that a seven-gram increase in total daily fiber intake was associated with a seven percent drop in first-time stroke risk. There are seven grams of fiber in a serving of whole wheat pasta, plus two servings of fruits or vegetables. The eight studies involving more than 327,000 people were published between 1990-2012, and reported on all types of stroke. D. E. Threapleton et al., "Dietary Fiber Intake and Risk of First Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis", Stroke, March 28, 2013, © American Heart Association, Inc.

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Scientists Track Changes In Gene Expression Induced By Variations In Diet March 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST In an animal study, U.S. researchers found that even the smallest changes in diet produce differences in gene expression linked to physiological changes. When transparent roundworms of the species C. elegans were fed different types of bacteria, their gene expression programs changed dramatically: one diet variation led to fewer offspring, shorter lives and faster development than a standard diet. The researchers said that use of a “very tractable system” like the roundworm may allow scientists to pinpoint precise questions about how certain foods could effect gene expression, physiological traits and disease in humans. Lesley T. MacNeil et al., "Diet-Induced Developmental Acceleration Independent of TOR and Insulin in C. elegans", Cell, March 28, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

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Americans Should Reduce Salt Intake, But There Is Confusion About Minimum Daily Levels March 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. review of studies conducted in the U.K. and Finland has found that national salt-reduction programs led to lower sodium intake, reduced blood pressure, and – in Finland – a 75 to 80 percent decline in death from stroke and heart attack. According to lead author Dr. Theodore Kotchen, Americans consume way too much salt and need to cut back to levels recommended by physicians and national guidelines. Kotchen notes, however, that because sodium is essential for life, it can be difficult to distinguish between what’s a necessary minimum intake and what is excessive. In terms of safety, the lower limit of salt consumption has not been clearly identified. Theodore A. Kotchen et al., "Salt in Health and Disease — A Delicate Balance", New England Journal of Medicine, March 27, 2013, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Protein-Rich Breakfast Reduces Evening Snacking, Study Shows March 26, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Eating a protein-rich – 35 grams of protein – breakfast significantly improves appetite control and reduces unhealthy evening snacking, U.S. researchers report. For the study, 20 overweight and obese women ages 18 to 20 followed one of three dietary regimens. One group skipped breakfast, another consumed a high-protein breakfast of eggs and lean beef, and one ate a normal-protein breakfast of ready-to-eat cereal. All portions had the same calorie content. Those who consumed the high-protein breakfast felt more full. In addition, there was a reduction in brain activity responsible for controlling food cravings. The high-protein breakfast group also snacked less in the evening on high-fat and high-sugar foods compared to those who skipped breakfast or ate a normal protein, ready-to-eat cereal breakfast. H. J. Leidy et al., "Beneficial effects of a higher-protein breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation in overweight/obese, 'breakfast-skipping,' late-adolescent girls", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 26, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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Anti-Inflammatory Foods Can Reduce The Risk Of Chronic Disease March 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A University of Alabama professor of personal health says the body’s natural response to injury – inflammation – is a good thing until it becomes chronic and out of control. That’s when it can lead to all sorts of health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Lauren Whitt says inflammation caused by obesity can be controlled through weight loss and eating the right kinds of foods. Among the anti-inflammatory foods she recommends: citrus fruits high in antioxidant vitamins C and E; dark, leafy greens high in vitamin K; tomatoes rich in the potent antioxidant lycopene; and wild-caught salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. She also advised eating more foods straight from the farm and fewer processed and fried foods. Lauren Whitt, "Foods Can Help Fight Inflammation", News release, University of Alabama at Birmingham, March 22, 2013, © University of Alabama at Birmingham

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Book Details The Food Industry’s Role In Burgeoning Obesity Epidemic March 22, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Food companies have long been aware of people’s ingrained hankering for salt, sugar and fat, and have long profited from their awareness. Many of their unhealthiest products are crafted to appeal to those hankerings, and they are marketed – often to the most vulnerable audiences like children and the poor – without concern for their harmful effects, according to investigative report Michael Moss. His book “Salt Sugar Fat” describes the food industry’s deliberate development and marketing of “craveable” foods loaded with fat and sugar. “If you had any doubt as to the food industry’s complicity in our obesity epidemic,” says Washington Post reviewer Hannah Wallace, “it will evaporate when you read this book.” Hannah Wallace, "‘Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us’ by Michael Moss", The Washington Post, March 22, 2013, © The Washington Post

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People Who Are Seriously Mentally Ill And Obese Can Still Lose Weight – Study March 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST People with serious mental illness often are overweight or obese. They have mortality rates two to three times higher than the general population. Many get no exercise and take several psychotropic medications that lead to weight gain. But these people can still lose weight, according to a U.S. study. Healthy behavioral changes involving simple nutrition messages, counseling and regular exercise can make a significant difference. The study involved 291 overweight or obese patients with serious mental illness who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. After 18 months of weight management education and exercise classes, the intervention group lost an average of seven more pounds than the control group. Gail L. Daumit et al., "A Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention in Persons with Serious Mental Illness", New England Journal of Medicine, March 21, 2013, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Toddlers’ Meals, Snacks Found To Be Loaded With Sodium March 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. Centers for Disease Control scientists who tested 1,115 packaged meals and snacks for babies and toddlers found that almost three fourths of toddler foods had more than 210 mg of sodium per serving. Toddler meals tended to have much more salt per serving than baby foods: some had as much as 630 mg of sodium per serving. That’s about 40 percent of the daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association. The researchers said the less salt in a baby’s or toddler’s diet, the less they are likely to want in their foods as they grow older. Studies have shown that consuming excessive amounts of sodium is associated with the development of high blood pressure. Joyce Maalouf et al., "Most Pre-Packaged Meals Snacks for Toddlers Contain Too Much Salt", News release, presentation at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 scientific sessions, March 21, 2013, © American Heart Association

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Whole Grains Can Easily Be Incorporated Into The American Diet March 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The Newton (Iowa) Daily News elaborates on suggestions from the Whole Grain Council on how Americans can easily boost whole grain content – to the recommended three to five servings daily – in their diet. Breakfast, for example, could include whole grain versions of waffles, pancakes, cereals, burritos, or even French toast. Whole grain snacks can include cereal mixes, popcorn or whole wheat tortillas with sliced fruit and peanut butter. A third of the flour in a recipe could be replaced with quick oats or old-fashioned oats; uncooked oats can replace bread crumbs in  meatballs, burgers and meatloaf. Last, and maybe easiest, try whole grain pastas and whole grain breads. "Finding whole grains in everyday foods", Newton Daily News, March 21, 2013, © Newton Daily News

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Way Too Much Salt In The Diet Of The World’s Population, Study Finds March 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The American Heart Association recommends a limit of 1,500 mg of salt per day; the World Health Organization recommends 2,000 mg. But a new U.S. study finds that 75 percent of the world population consumes an average of 4,000 mg of sodium daily through commercially prepared foods, table salt, and salt and soy sauce added during cooking. The researchers said they hope the findings will encourage national governments around the globe to “develop public health interventions to lower sodium”. Excess sodium intake raises blood pressure and can lead to cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the world. Saman Fahimi et al., "Adults Worldwide Eat Almost Double Daily Recommended Amount of Sodium", News release, research presented at the American Heart Association's Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2013 scientific sessions, March 21, 2013, © American Heart Association

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“Clean” Diet Gaining Popularity In U.S. March 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The heart-healthy “Mediterranean” diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and wine, gained a scientific endorsement and made headlines recently. A close relative of the Mediterranean diet in the U.S. is the “clean” diet with its  foundation in whole foods – unprocessed, junkless, and sugarless, with less reliance on meat and dairy. The clean diet advises shoppers to stay away from the middle of grocery stores, where all the colorful boxes, bottles, bags and cans lurk, and spend more time and money in the produce section. Ivy Larson, author of Clean Cuisine, urges people to “eat nutrient-rich, unrefined foods”: non-animal, non-invented-in-a-lab foods is the surest way to a satisfying, healthy diet. She also advises people to get back in the kitchen and cook. Douglas Brown, "Clean eating trend and Mediterranean diet popular in Colorado", The Denver Post, March 20, 2013, © The Denver Post

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Pediatrician Author Argues That Sugar –- Not Fat –- Is Making The World Obese March 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The real villain in the global obesity epidemic is not fat, but sugar, in all its forms, according to pediatrician Dr. Robert Lustig, whose book “Fat Chance: The Bitter Truth About Sugar”, has caused a stir in the U.S. Lustig has spent 16 years studying the effects of sugar consumption on the central nervous system, metabolism and disease. The oceans of sugary soft drinks that children and adults consume are as complicit as the mountains of burgers – made from corn-fed beef – in the obesity problem. Lustig says cheap sugar is difficult to avoid: it’s found in all kinds of foods. Why? Years ago food manufacturers, under attack for fat content in their products, replaced fat with sugar to make products more palatable. Sarah Boseley, health editor, "Sugar, not fat, exposed as deadly villain in obesity epidemic", The Guardian, March 20, 2013, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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How Virgin Olive Oil Helps Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease – Study March 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Scientists have known for some time that virgin olive oil plays a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in Mediterranean countries. Now U.S. researchers have figured out why: a compound known as oleocanthal protects nerve cells from Alzheimer’s damage. In a mouse study, researchers tracked the effects of oleocanthal in the brains and cultured brain cells of lab mice, finding that the substance boosted production of two proteins and key enzymes believed to be critical in removing dangerous beta-amyloid plaque from the brain. The Mediterranean diet – rich in olive oil use – “has the potential to reduce the risk of AD or related neurodegenerative dementias," the researchers concluded. Alaa H. Abuznait et al., "Olive-Oil-Derived Oleocanthal Enhances β-Amyloid Clearance as a Potential Neuroprotective Mechanism against Alzheimer’s Disease: In Vitro and in Vivo Studies", ACS Chemical Neuroscience, March 20, 2013, © American Chemical Society

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Lower Income People Can Stretch Their Food Dollars By Simply Eating Healthier Foods March 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A 34-week U.S. study finds that nutritious foods that roughly follow the Mediterranean diet are not only healthier for lower income families, they are significantly more economical. Sixty-three people from emergency food pantries and low-income housing sites attended six weeks of cooking classes, where instructors prepared quick and easy plant-based recipes based on olive oil, whole grain pasta, brown rice and fruits and vegetables. Changing the focus to fruits, vegetables, and healthy starches, and eliminating expensive items –  meats, snacks, desserts and carbonated drinks – was far more cost-effective for families on limited budgets. Participants not only cut their food spending by more than half, about half lost weight. Mary M. Flynn et al., "A Six-Week Cooking Program of Plant-Based Recipes Improves Food Security, Body Weight, and Food Purchases for Food Pantry Clients", Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition, March 20, 2013, © Informa UK Limited

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Vitamin D Deficiency Leads To Muscle Problems At The Cellular Level March 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A British study has found that low levels of the "sunshine vitamin" -- vitamin D -- affect muscle efficiency at the cellular level, explaining why people with low levels often experience fatigue. Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem because it not only impacts bone health, it also creates problems in the cell “power stations” known as mitochondria. The problems center on the use and recovery of the muscle-related compound phosphocreatine, a measure of mitochondrial efficiency. In the study, phosphocreatine recovery significantly improved after the patients took a vitamin D supplement for 10-12 weeks. All patients reported an improvement in symptoms of fatigue following supplementation. "Vitamin D Replacement Improves Muscle Efficiency", Nutrition Horizon , March 18, 2013, © CNS Media BV

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Study Finds That Remembering Recent Meals Helps Reduce Eating March 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST British researchers who analyzed 24 studies on the effects of awareness and memory on food consumption found that remembering meals, being more aware of what’s being eaten, and paying attention to meals leads to eating less. The findings could improve weight loss programs, the researchers said, because simple awareness techniques can be adapted and taught easily. Writing down previous meals, using visual reminders of those meals, and even keeping food wrappers all help the remembering process. Eric Robinson et al., "Eating attentively: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of food intake memory and awareness on eating", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 18, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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Drinking Skimmed Milk At Age Two Does Not Prevent Obesity In The Preschool Years March 18, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Researchers who looked at weight gain trends among 11,000 children at age two and later at age four found no overall differences between those who drank skimmed or semi-skimmed milk and those who drank two percent or full fat milk. At both checkpoints, a third of the kids were  overweight or obese, probably due to TV watching and consuming sugary drinks. Drinking low fat milk didn’t confer any overall advantage, though the researchers said it is possible that overweight kids might have gained more weight had they not drunk it. Nevertheless, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association recommend that all children drink low fat or skimmed milk after the age of two to avoid excess weight gain. R. J. Scharf et al., "Longitudinal evaluation of milk type consumed and weight status in preschoolers", Archives of Disease in Childhood, March 18, 2013, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health

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Aromatic Compounds In Olive Oil Contribute To Sensation Of Fullness March 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A German study involving 500 participants found that natural oils and fats do a good job of regulating how full a person feels after eating. Olive oil in particular contributes to the sensation of fullness, primarily because of  aroma compounds. In one part of the study a group was given yogurt with olive oil aroma extracts, while a control group was given plain yogurt. The olive oil group’s calorie intake remained the same, but the control group had been consuming an extra 176 kilocalories per day. The control group had less of the satiety hormone serotonin in their blood, researchers said. Aroma compounds could pave the way for the development of more effective reduced-fat – and satiating – food products. "Olive oil makes you feel full", Technische Universität München, March 14, 2013, © Technische Universität München

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Regular Consumption Of Green Tea, Coffee, Reduces Risk Of Stroke March 14, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A 13-year study that followed more than 83,000 Japanese adults finds that those who drank at least one cup of coffee a day were 20 percent less likely to suffer a stroke. Those who drank two to three cups of green tea had a 14 percent lower risk, and those who drank four cups or more had a 20 percent lower risk. Those who drank at least one cup of coffee and two cups of green tea had a 32 percent lower risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (burst blood vessel in the brain) compared to those who rarely drank either beverage. The researchers surmised that regular tea and coffee drinking benefits cardiovascular health because partly because it keeps blood clots from forming. Yoshihiro Kokubo et al., "The Impact of Green Tea and Coffee Consumption on the Reduced Risk of Stroke Incidence in Japanese Population", Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, March 14, 2013, © American Heart Association

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Healthier School Lunches Required By State Law Make A Positive Difference March 12, 2013: 12:00 AM EST New USDA National School Lunch Program rules require schools to provide healthier lunch options. U.S. researchers wondered if such state mandates make a difference to student eating patterns. In a study using data from the two states (at the time) that mandated a minimum number of servings of fruits and vegetables for high school students, researchers found that kids do eat at least a little healthier. The requirements had the most impact on students who had little or no access to fruits and vegetables at home. At the time the data were collected, the only states in the study that required minimum servings of fruits and vegetables were California and Mississippi. Daniel R. Taber et al., "State Laws Governing School Meals and Disparities in Fruit/Vegetable Intake ", American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 12, 2013, © American Journal of Preventive Medicine

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High-Calorie Sugary Beverages Are Linked To Increased Consumption Of Unhealthy Foods March 12, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who gathered data from a seven-year study of 11,000 children ages two to 18 showed that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were associated with higher caloric intake generally, and higher caloric intake from unhealthy foods. Both food and SSBs contributed to higher caloric intakes of adolescents who consumed more than 500 kcal of SSBs a day. The findings are troubling because many foods associated with higher SSB consumption (e.g., pizza, cakes/cookies/pies, fried potatoes, and sweets) are also among the main sources of solid fats and added sugars. Kevin C. Mathias et al., "Foods and Beverages Associated with Higher Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages", American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 12, 2013, © American Journal of Preventive Medicine

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Study Associates Lack Of Sleep With Over-Eating And Weight Gain March 11, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Earlier studies have drawn the connection between lack of sleep and weight gain. But in a new U.S. study, researchers show while that staying awake longer burns a lot of calories, the amount of food participants ate while they’re awake more than compensates for the energy expended. Those who slept less also tended to eat smaller breakfasts and then binge on after-dinner snacks. Participants who slept only five hours a night over five nights – with unlimited access to food – gained on average nearly two pounds. The findings add further credibility to the theory that overeating at night may contribute significantly to weight gain. Rachel R. Markwald et al., "Impact of insufficient sleep on total daily energy expenditure, food intake, and weight gain", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 11, 2013, © National Academy of Sciences

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Research Shows Statistical Link Between Caffeine Consumption And Low Birth Weight March 11, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Swedish analysis of health data on more than 59,000 pregnant Norwegian women found a statistical correlation – but no cause and effect relationship – between consuming two cups of coffee a day and low birth weight babies. All of the participants in the study were healthy and had uncomplicated pregnancies. The researchers stressed that the study did not look at whether caffeine itself was responsible for the fetus being at greater risk. Nor did it examine whether the babies had any special health problems shortly after birth. They said more research is needed before drawing any conclusions about what the findings mean for pregnant women and their babies. The study found no relationship between caffeine consumption and premature birth. Verena Sengpiel et al., "Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with birth weight but not with gestational length: results from a large prospective observational cohort study", BMC Medicine, March 11, 2013, © Sengpiel et al.

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Natural Appetite Suppressors Are Less Risky Than Pills, Nutrition Experts Says March 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST There are “countless” products on the market these days catering to the desire of overweight or obese people to suppress their appetites as a technique for losing pounds. Unfortunately, says nutrition scientist Timothy Garvey, M.D., there is almost no reliable scientific data on the safety or efficacy of these products. “People buying these products are likely to be wasting money,” he warns. There are better, natural ways to decrease appetite, beginning with a protein-rich breakfast. Egg whites or low-fat yogurt will keep you feeling fuller longer because it takes the body more time to digest and absorb them. Later in the day, unsaturated fats will do the trick. The oleic acid in peanut butter or nuts helps quell hunger. Timothy Garvey, M.D., "Appetite Suppression Pills: Good or Bad?", News release, , March 08, 2013, © University of Alabama at Birmingham

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Sports Nutrition Emerges As Major Growth Category In Retail Food March 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Sports nutrition has emerged from the shadows of bodybuilding, steroids, banned substances, etc., into mainstream retail, according to researcher Euromonitor. The impact of this transformation on the category has been significant – growth is expected to approach 40 percent by 2017. Producers are developing products that appeal to non-traditional users with worry-free formulations, third-party certifications of safety and purity, convenient formats, emphasis on general fitness, and greater accessibility in supermarkets and other retail channels. Retailers have embraced sports nutrition by creating their own brands. Key example: Walgreen, whose larger stores now feature separate sports nutrition sections in the supplement aisles, offering for example two separate lines of protein powders, one of which is a store brand. Chris Schmidt, "Retailers Look to Capitalize on Protein Supplements and Sports Nutrition", Euromonitor International, March 08, 2013, © Euromonitor International

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Weight Loss Can Prevent – And Treat – Inflammation-Related Conditions Like Arthritis March 8, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A review of scientific literature on the impact of shedding pounds on patients with arthritis has found that weight loss can lessen pain and restore function and quality of lifes, according to U.S. scientists. In addition, weight loss among obese patients could possibly avert about 111,000 total knee replacements every year. The researchers stressed that weight loss, through reduction of white adipose tissue, reduces an underlying cause of inflammation in the body. It therefore can help treat inflammation-related conditions like hypertension, insulin resistance and arthritis, and can help prevent their onset. Weight loss also reduces the stress on joints that leads to wear and tear and pain. R. C. Koonce et al., "Obesity and Osteoarthritis: More Than Just Wear and Tear", Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 08, 2013, © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Nearly A Third Of American Adults Adhere To Gluten-Free Diet March 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Despite advisories from scientists that only people with severe allergic reactions to the protein gluten need buy gluten-free products, increasing numbers of American adults are cutting gluten from their diets, according to the NPD Group. Nearly 30 percent of U.S. adults are avoiding gluten, making it “the health issue of the day”. The trend has affected the restaurant industry: the number of consumers ordering gluten- or wheat-free products has doubled in the past four years. That adds up to more than 200 million restaurant visits in 2012. NPD Group advises restaurants to respond to this opportunity by training staff to accurately answer customer questions and use symbols on menus and menu boards to highlight gluten-free items. "No Gluten for Me!", NACS Online , March 07, 2013, © NACS

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Could Financial Incentives Be The Key To Solving The Obesity Problem? March 7, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A study by U.S. researchers found that rewarding weight loss with dollars not only led to significant weight loss, it kept participants motivated to stick with the program longer. One hundred overweight or obese participants of all ages took part in the year-long study. All were given the goal of losing four pounds a month, then separated into four groups, two with financial incentives, two without. Participants were weighed monthly, and either given $20 for meeting the goal or fined $20 for failing. Sixty-two percent of the incentive groups completed the study, compared to 26 percent of the non-incentive groups. Mean weight loss among the incentive groups was 9.08 pounds, compared with 2.34 pounds for the non-incentive groups. Steven Driver et al., "Money Talks When It Comes to Losing Weight", News release, presentation at the American College of Cardiology's scientific session, March 07, 2013

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Researchers Show Hormonal And Health Benefits Of Weight Loss On Overweight Women March 6, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have found strong evidence that changes in hormonal signaling are among the main culprits in the links between body weight, lifestyle and the risks of developing cancer and other chronic illnesses. Adipose (fat) tissue produces hormones that affect metabolism, the researchers say. Two important ones are the anti-inflammatory hormone adiponectin, which increases the effect of insulin, and leptin, which can promote tumor cell growth. For the study, 439 overweight postmenopausal women were divided into groups that tried dieting, exercising or dieting plus exercising for a year. No matter which program the women followed, the more weight each participant lost, the more adiponectin levels increased and the more leptin levels decreased. Clare Abbenhardt et al., "Effects of individual and combined dietary weight loss and exercise interventions in postmenopausal women on adiponectin and leptin levels", Journal of Internal Medicine, March 06, 2013, © The Association for the Publication of the Journal of Internal Medicine

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Abdominal Fat Linked To Increased Risk Of Colon Cancer March 6, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in mice shows that the risk of cancer is directly proportional to the amount of fat in the abdominal cavity. Scientists have known for some time that obesity boosts the risk of cancer. But in this study, researchers tested three groups of obese mice genetically engineered to be prone to colon cancer. They found that mice who were the most obese due to an unrestricted diet had the most visceral fat and the greatest number of intestinal tumors. When the visceral fat in some obese mice was removed surgically, the mice were still obese, but had significantly fewer tumors. D. M. Huffman et al., "Abdominal Obesity, Independent from Caloric Intake, Accounts for the Development of Intestinal Tumors in Apc1638N/ Female Mice", Cancer Prevention Research, March 06, 2013, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Natural Fish Oils Work Better Than Supplements To Reduce Blood Pressure In Lab Mice March 5, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish like salmon – but not DHA found in fish oil supplements – helped lower blood pressure via vasodilation at ion channels in a mouse study. U.S. researchers showed that fish oil fatty acids regulate how ions such as sodium, potassium and calcium pass in and out of cells, affecting blood pressure. DHA in the dish oils rapidly activated the ion channels and lowered blood pressure in lab mice. In comparison, a dietary supplement, DHA ethyl ester, found in most fish oil pills, did not activate the same channels, and even antagonized the positive effect of DHA from natural sources. The findings emphasize the importance of obtaining omega-3 fatty acids from natural food sources such as oily fish. T. Hoshi et al., "Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure by directly activating large-conductance Ca2 -dependent K channels", Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 05, 2013, © National Academy of Sciences

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USDA Studies Probe Connections Between Stress Hormone, Decision Making And Dieting March 1, 2013: 12:00 AM EST USDA researchers are conducting studies to find out why some dieters succeed at losing – and keeping off – weight, while others fail miserably, time after time. One study is looking at patterns of decision making,another is evaluating the levels of a stress-associated hormone known as cortisol during dieting. They found that volunteers who lost the most weight had the highest scores in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), which tests decision making, differentiating good from bad, awareness of future consequences of current actions, and resisting short-term rewards in favor of longer term benefits. They also found that cortisol levels were the highest among those with the lowest IGT scores, indicating that dieting was probably a stressful activity. "Weight Loss, Cortisol, and Your Brain", News release, USDA, March 01, 2013, © USDA.gov

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Popularity Of Almonds Is One Of Several Trends In The World Of Snacks February 28, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Global demand for almonds is increasing ten percent annually, in large part because of a growing awareness that almonds (and other nuts) in a variety of forms are a healthy snack. The Almond Board of California says the positive perception of almonds – that they are the "healthiest" nuts – is backed by scientific findings about the nut’s nutritional benefits. Consumers also give them high marks for "crunch appeal" and taste. Stuart Cantor, Ph.D., discusses almonds in an overview of current snack trends, including the fact that indulgent snacks – containing cheese, bacon, spices, and chocolate – seem to be holding their own. He also offers observations on advances in salt and hydrocolloid processing, and the emergence of the terms "air-popped" and "baked" in the snack world. Stuart Cantor, Ph.D., "Snack Trends 2013: Health and Indulgence Square Off", Food Processing, February 28, 2013, © Putman Media

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Higher Levels Of Sugar In The Food Supply Linked To Higher Diabetes Rates February 27, 2013: 12:00 AM EST An analysis of data on sugar availability and diabetes rates compiled from 175 countries has found an association between increased sugar in a population’s food supply and higher diabetes rates and obesity rates. U.S. researchers said the data suggest that at the population level additional factors contribute to diabetes risk besides obesity and total calories intake. For every additional 150 calories of sugar available per person per day, the prevalence of diabetes in the population rose one  percent. “Sugar appears to play a prominent role” in the onset of diabetes, researchers said. Sanjay Basu et al., "The Relationship of Sugar to Population-Level Diabetes Prevalence: An Econometric Analysis of Repeated Cross-Sectional Data", PLoS ONE, February 27, 2013, © Basu et al.

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Mediterranean Diet Supplemented With Nuts, Olive Oil, Reduces Risk Of Cardiovascular Death February 25, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The Mediterranean diet supplemented with olive oil or nuts reduces the risk of a heart, attack, stroke or heart-related death, according to a long-term U.S. clinical study involving 7,447 people in Spain. After five years, scientists proved that participants who followed either of two types of Mediterranean diet – supplemented with either nuts or with olive oil – showed a substantial reduction in risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. The findings prove that a high-vegetable fat diet is healthier at a cardiovascular level than a low-fat diet. The diet is characterized by a high intake of olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, and cereals; a moderate intake of fish and poultry; a low intake of dairy products, red meat, processed meats, and sweets; and wine in moderation, consumed with meals. Ramón Estruch et al., "Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease with a Mediterranean Diet", New England Journal of Medicine, February 25, 2013, © Massachusetts Medical Society

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Maternal Supplementation With Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduces Risk Of Low Birth Weight Babies February 25, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The first phase of a 10-year U.S. clinical trial found that the infants of women who received 600 mg of DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) daily during their pregnancies were less at risk of low birth weight and premature birth. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) occurs naturally in cell membranes with the highest levels in brain cells, but levels can be increased by diet or supplements. In the next five-year phase, the children will receive twice-yearly assessments until they are six years of age. Other developmental milestones will then be measured. The researchers hope that DHA supplementation will increase birth weight and gestational length to match those of Norway and Australia. S. E. Carlson et al., "DHA supplementation and pregnancy outcomes", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 25, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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Asian Shirataki Noodles Catching On In West As Zero-Calorie Tummy Filler For Dieters February 24, 2013: 12:00 AM EST The world of dieting and weight control is catching on to the benefits of an old Asian food staple – shirataki noodles – as a way to fill one’s stomach without fear of overloading on calories. Marketed in the U.K. as ZeroNoodles and in the U.S. as Miracle Noodles, shirataki has no fat, no sugar and no taste, though before rinsing it has a slight fishy aroma. To make shirataki, tubers from the konjac plant are processed into a product called glucomannan flour. Marketers say a single 200 gram portion can replace rice, pasta or regular egg noodles on your plate, delivering only eight calories. Retailers in the U.K. are having a tough time keeping the store shelves stocked, according to news reports. David Derbyshire, "Are 'no calorie' noodles the Holy Grail of dieting? Filling, healthy food with fewer calories than you burn to eat it sounds too good to be true...", Daily Mail Online, February 24, 2013, © Associated Newspapers Ltd

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Diet Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids Significantly Reduces Risk Of Breast Cancer February 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A Canadian study in mice shows that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis over a lifetime significantly reduces the occurrence and size of breast cancer tumors. Mice fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids developed only two-thirds as many tumors compared to the control mice. And the tumors were 30-percent smaller. "The fact that a food nutrient can have a significant effect on tumor development and growth is remarkable and has considerable implications in breast cancer prevention,” the researchers concluded. Mira B. MacLennan et al., "Mammary tumor development is directly inhibited by lifelong n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids", The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, February 21, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

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Report Finds Widespread Mislabeling Of Fish In Markets, Restaurants, Sushi Bars February 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Nonprofit ocean protection group Oceana reports that about a third of 1,215 fish samples purchased in the U.S. between 2012 and 2012 were mislabeled, in apparent violation of federal guidelines. Samples in the study were bought at restaurants, markets and sushi bars in 12 areas of the country. Of 120 samples labeled red snapper, 28 different species were found, including 17 that were not in the snapper family. The study has implications for public health, as well. In New York, tilefish, which are known for their mercury content, was sold as red snapper, which the report called “one of the most egregious swaps”. Kirk Johnson, "Survey Finds That Fish Are Often Not What Label Says", The New York Times, February 21, 2013, © The New York Times Company

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Study Determines Why Aspirin, Omega-3s Do A Body Good February 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have figured out how low-dose aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids confer so many anti-inflammatory health benefits. Aspirin, they found, triggers the production of molecules called resolvins that are manufactured naturally by the body from omega-3 fatty acids. The resolvins – especially resolvin D3 – shut off the inflammation that is linked to destructive conditions like inflammatory lung disease, heart disease and arthritis. The researchers hope that investigators will now be able to study the pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory actions of resolvin D3 in other systems and eventually be able to tell which inflammation-associated diseases might be treated with D3. Jesmond Dalli et al., "Resolvin D3 and Aspirin-Triggered Resolvin D3 Are Potent Immunoresolvents", Chemistry & Biology, February 21, 2013, © Elsevier Inc.

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Children Consuming Fewer Calories, According to National Study February 21, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Research on childhood food consumption patterns conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that calorie intake for both boys and girls has dropped significantly from 1999 to 2010. Though the declines in daily calorie consumption were small – seven percent to 2,100 calories for boys and four percent to 1,755 calories for girls – researchers said the trend is definitely moving in the right direction. The declines were driven by a drop in carbohydrate consumption, researchers said. Calories from fat were stable, while calories from protein increased. The report is based on data collected through interviews. Sabrina Tavernise, "Children in U.S. Are Eating Fewer Calories, Study Finds", The New York Times, February 21, 2013, © The New York Times Company

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Carb-Rich Foods And Dairy Products Seem To Influence, Aggravate Acne February 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Diet plays a significant role in the aggravation of acne, according to new U.S. research. Scientists found that high glycemic load foods (containing higher levels of carbohydrates) and dairy products contribute especially to the problem, which afflicts more than 17 million Americans. Researchers reviewed scientific studies conducted between 1960 and 2012 that investigated diet and acne. The results do not demonstrate that diet causes acne, but seems to influence or aggravate it, the researchers said. They also noted that medical nutrition therapy (MNT) – including dietary intervention – could play an important role in acne treatment. Jennifer Burris et al., "Acne: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy", Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, February 20, 2013, © Elsevier B.V.

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Study Finds No Link Between Antioxidant Consumption And Stroke Or Dementia February 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A 14-year U.S./Dutch study of more than 5,000 people over age 55 who had no signs of dementia at the beginning found that total antioxidant levels in the diet were not associated with the risk of developing dementia or stroke. Data – which contradict earlier studies about the link between antioxidant consumption and the risk of stroke or dementia – were gathered from annual questionnaires about how often 170 foods were eaten in the past year. About 600 people developed dementia and about 600 people had a stroke. But researchers found that people with high levels of antioxidants were no more or less likely to develop brain disease than people with low levels. Elizabeth E. Devore et al., "Total antioxidant capacity of the diet and major neurologic outcomes in older adults", Neurology, February 20, 2013, © American Academy of Neurology

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Food Authorities In The U.K. Begin Testing For Meat Products Contaminated With Horsemeat February 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST As the horsemeat scandal continues to rock Europe, Nestlé announced that tests on nine processed beef products available in the U.K. – including products from the Jenny Craig weight-loss brand – had found no equine contamination. The company had earlier withdrawn beef and pasta products in Italy, Spain and France because it found traces of horsemeat. Meanwhile, the U.K.’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it will launch DNA testing next week of beef-based foods sold pre-packed or loose, including sandwiches, beef dripping, stock cubes, steak, stewing steak and ready meals that contain beef that is not minced. Officials in Parliament said various meat-based dishes had been withdrawn from eateries used by members, peers and staff. James Meikle, Kate Connolly and Peter Newlands, "Nestlé UK products test negative for horsemeat", The Guardian, February 19, 2013, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Organic Tomatoes Have Increased Concentrations Of Sugars, Vitamin C, Lycopene February 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Though some studies have concluded that there is no evidence that organic farming produces more nutritious fruits and vegetables, a new study finds that tomatoes grown on organic farms  amassed more nutrients linked to stress resistance. According to the Brazilian authors, organic farming exposes plants to greater stress than conventional farming. The tomatoes they grew were about 40 percent smaller than conventionally grown tomatoes, but accumulated higher concentrations of sugars, vitamin C and pigment molecules like lycopene, an anti-oxidant compound. Aurelice B. Oliveira et al., "The Impact of Organic Farming on Quality of Tomatoes Is Associated to Increased Oxidative Stress during Fruit Development", PLoS ONE, February 20, 2013, © Oliveira et al.

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Resveratrol Protects Against Hearing Loss Due To Long-Term Exposure To Noise February 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in rats shows that resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant compound found in red grapes and wine – eases or protects against the long-term effects of exposure to loud noises over an extended period of time. The researchers were studying resveratrol’s effect on bioinflammation, which is suspected of contributing to health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, aging and hearing loss. The researchers concluded that resveratrol seems to protect against both noise-induced hearing loss and cognitive decline. Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing medical issue among American troops: more than 12 percent return from Iraq and Afghanistan with significant hearing loss. M. D. Seidman et al., "Resveratrol Decreases Noise-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in the Rat Cochlea", Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, February 20, 2013, © American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation

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Counseling On Diet, Nutrition In The Workplace Pays Significant Dividends February 20, 2013: 12:00 AM EST A pilot study conducted by Tufts University researchers found significant benefits to workplace intervention focused on dietary information and weight loss. Overweight and obese employees who participated in the intervention arm of the trial lost an average of 18 pounds over six months compared to members of the control group who gained an average of two pounds. The researchers said their approach is unique because it involves a “strong behavioral component": counselors trained in nutrition and behavior modification met every two weeks with participants to discuss menu planning, portion control, managing hunger, and dealing with stress-related and emotional eating. Salinardi T.C. et al., "Lifestyle intervention reduces body weight and improves cardiometabolic risk factors in worksites", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, February 20, 2013, © American Society for Nutrition

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Resistant Starches May Play A Role In Preventing Bowel Cancer February 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Indigestible starches – known as resistant starches – found in peas, beans and other legumes that are eaten at room temperature seem to help the body resist colorectal cancer by killing precancerous cells and reducing inflammation, a U.S. study has found. Resistant starches also lower bowel pH and transit time, and boost production of short-chain fatty acids, all of which promote good bacteria and fends off bad bacteria. The study in rats also found evidence that resistant starches may have implications for the prevention of breast cancer. Janine A. Higgins & Ian L. Brown, "Resistant Starch", Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, February 19, 2013, © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

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“Diet” Is The New Four-Letter Word In Food Industry Marketing February 19, 2013: 12:00 AM EST Market researcher Datamonitor’s database of new product launches in the food industry is showing a steady decline in the use of the term “diet” in product names. In 2009, new product labels featured the word diet 10.8 percent of the time. By 2012 that proportion had dropped to 6.6 percent. Food manufacturers are indeed acknowledging the obesity epidemic in the U.S. by “stealthily” introducing products lower in sugar, fat and salt. But in their labeling and advertising they are shunning the dirty word diet – “like the plague” – in favor of ”more positive messages” about food quality, protein, health and wellness, the researcher says. Elaine Watson, "Datamonitor: ‘Marketers are avoiding the word ‘diet’ like the plague’ ", Food Navigator USA, February 19, 2013, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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