India’s Food Safety Regulator Announces Initiatives To Promote Safe Food August 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has unveiled a set of initiatives to promote safe food in a variety of venues. The ten initiatives, launched on the anniversary of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, will target homes, schools, offices, trains and railway stations, restaurants and religious facilities. FSSAI, for example, will provide a comprehensive guide to households and create a dedicated website for safe and nutritious food at home. It will  prepare a list of high fat, sugary and salty junk foods to ensure food safety and nutrition in schools. And it will require businesses that provide mid-day meals to be licensed by the FSSAI. "FSSAI Announces Initiatives to Promote Safe Food Culture", The Economic Times, August 23, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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U.K. Unveils Details Of Plan To Deal With Childhood Obesity August 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The British government has crafted a plan to fight childhood obesity that asks food and beverage manufacturers to voluntarily trim sugar levels by 20 percent within five years, and five percent in the first year. “Other levers” will be applied if the voluntary targets are not met. The plan includes a two-level sugar tax that treats sugar content of five grams per 100 milliliters differently from sugar content of eight grams per 100 milliliters. The plan does not include a ban on advertising sugary drinks. Lastly, the plan stresses exercise in school, calling for primary school children to get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day. Becky Waller-Davies, "Sugar Tax Included In Strategy To Tackle Childhood Obesity", Retail Week, August 18, 2016, © EMAP PUBLISHING LIMITED

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Entrepreneurs To Introduce Vegan Cheese And Yogurt Made From Dairy Yeast August 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A start-up company that acknowledges the often unacceptable vegan substitutes for milk, cheese and yogurt is working on an "animal-free dairy milk" that is somehow real milk without the involvement of a cow. One of the founders says the idea is to combine the best of a real dairy product with the best of a dairy substitute. Perfect Day milk is made from a dairy yeast that can be optimized to produce real milk proteins, including casein, the main protein in cheese. Supported by $4 million in venture funding, the company still hasn’t decided what its first product will be, but is leaning toward vegan yogurt or cheese, rather than milk, because “that’s where the real lack of alternatives is.” Jessica Leber, "These Vegan Dairy Products Are Made From Milk—There Just Aren't Any Cows Involved", Fast Company, August 18, 2016, © Mansueto Ventures, LLC

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Well-Intentioned Government-Funded School Meals Programs Are Making Kids Fat August 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Low-income students in the Northeast, South, and rural U.S. who participate in federally-subsidized school breakfast and lunch programs are at the greatest risk of becoming overweight, a study has found. The researchers noted that the meal programs are well-intentioned, but are actually contributing to the obesity epidemic among schoolchildren. According to the study, nutrition standards of the subsidized meals programs need to be raised, but in a way that makes the food acceptable and appetizing to children. The study was based on data collected from 21,260 students whose dietary habits were monitored from kindergarten to eighth grade. Kristen Capogrossi et al., "The Influence of School Nutrition Programs on the Weight of Low-Income Children: A Treatment Effect Analysis", Health Economics, August 11, 2016, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Adding Nuts To Diet Reduces Inflammation That Worsens Chronic Diseases July 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Inflammation tends to worsen the impact of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. U.S. researchers report that eating nuts three to five times a week reduces the biomarkers of inflammation and, in turn, the effects of those diseases. Though the researchers aren’t sure which ingredients exactly are responsible for the improvement, peanuts and tree nuts contain magnesium, fiber, L-arginine, antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. All are known to protect against inflammation. The study analyzed data from food-frequency questionnaires and plasma biomarkers from 5,013 participants. Stephen Feller, "Regular Nut Consumption Linked To Less Inflammation", United Press International, July 29, 2016, © United Press International, Inc.

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Meat Producers Angry About Turin’s Embrace Of Veganism July 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The meat producers of Italy’s Piedmont region are upset with Chiara Appendino, the new mayor of Turin and a major figure in the anti-establishment, populist, environmentalist Five Star Movement (M5S). Appendino has pledged to make vegetarianism and vegan diets a priority in her administration, though meat dishes have formed the foundation of northern Italy’s cuisine for hundreds of years. Details of the mayor’s strategy are few and far between, but observers expect the city to create educational programs in schools to teach students about animal welfare and nutrition. Last year, Italian meat producers fumed over the World Health Organization’s labeling of cured meats such as ham, sausage and salami as carcinogenic, calling it “meat terrorism.” Stephanie Kirchgaessner, "Five Star mayor of Turin to Create Italy’s First ‘Vegetarian City’", The Guardian, July 21, 2016, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

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Younger Consumers Drive Global Snacking Trend July 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A report on global snacking trends finds that increasing numbers of consumers – especially younger folks – are taking their nutrition in “modular” fashion, rather than in the traditional three-squares-a-day scheme. Overall, a third of consumers regularly snack, but 40 percent of Millennials (18 – 34) are routine snackers, according to researcher Canadean. Less than a quarter (23 percent) of people age 65 or older say they snack frequently. The main reasons or occasions for snacking include: energy boost, de-stressing or indulging, watching a movie, attending a sporting event, or socializing. "Many Millennials Shun Practice of Eating Three Regular Meals a Day", News release, Canadean, July 13, 2016, © Canadean Ltd.

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Study Finds That Pasta Can Be A Healthy Part of A Mediterranean Diet July 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A recent study by Italian researchers has found that pasta eating fits with the healthful Mediterranean diet. Data – height, weight, activity levels, and diet – were collected from more than 14,000 participants. The participants reported their food intake over the prior 24 hours just once via telephone. The researchers found that pasta consumption was associated with better compliance to a Mediterranean style of eating. Pasta eating was negatively linked with abdominal obesity, and positively with a higher intake of tomatoes, onions, garlic and olive oil. The participants only ate about 1.5 to 3 ounces of pasta a day, which is more like a side dish than a meal. Sheah Rarback, "You Can Eat Pasta, But Load It With Veggies And Keep Serving Small", Miami Herald, July 11, 2016, © MiamiHerald.com

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Happiness Is … A Fruit And Vegetable Diet, Study Finds July 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST British and Australian researchers have determined that the more fruits and vegetables you eat, the happier you’ll become, and fairly quickly. The study, which tracked 12,000 randomly selected Australian adults who kept food diaries, also measured their psychological well-being (i.e., happiness). Psychological benefits of eating up to eight portions of fruits and vegetables a day were found within two years. On the other hand, protective benefits against cancer from a healthful diet may take decades to accumulate. The increase in life satisfaction among the participants was “equivalent to moving from unemployment to employment,” the researchers said. "Fruit And Veg Give You The Feel-Good Factor", News release, University of Warwick, July 08, 2016, © University of Warwick

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Busy Low-Carb Fans Can Now Get Atkins Meal Kits July 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST People who are into the low-carb approach to weight loss can now get a week’s supply of appropriate foods directly from Atkins Nutritionals at prices ranging from about $70 to almost $98 a box, either as one-time online buys or on a subscription basis. The Meal Kits include frozen meals, snacks, menus, and shopping lists. The frozen food kit contains a variety of Atkins frozen foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Easy Peasy kit ($97.99) includes frozen meals, meal bars and shakes. All kits include the Atkins meal kit guide, the new Atkins Made Easy book, the Atkins carb counter and the recipe booklet. The company says the kits are targeted at low-carb aficionados “with busy lifestyles.” "Atkins Launches First Line Of Meal Kits", News release, Atkins Nutritionals, July 07, 2016, © Atkins Nutritionals

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British Gym Rats Are No Longer The Only Buyers Of Sports Nutrition Products July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sales of sports nutrition products – muscle milks, protein bars, energy gels, etc. – are booming in Great Britain. At the heart of this strong performance is an expanding market: an increasing number of health-conscious consumers – beyond exercise junkies – are buying them. Mintel says 24 percent of Brits consumed a sports nutrition product in the past three months, including 42 percent of men aged 16-24. U.K. consumers spent £66 million on sports nutrition foods and drinks in 2015, an increase of 27 percent from 2013. The products are now staples on store shelves: 47 percent of sports nutrition buyers say the products are part of their everyday diet. "Sports Nutrition Bulks Up: UK Market Sales Rise By 27% In Two Years As One In Four Brits Use The Products", News release, Mintel, July 06, 2016, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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New Zealand Researchers Develop Model For Sodium Reduction July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST High-sodium diets increase blood pressure and the risk of stomach cancer and kidney disease, so many countries are developing sodium reduction plans. Researchers in New Zealand constructed a model that would tell how much sodium would need to be reduced in packaged foods, restaurant foods and home use to achieve the WHO-recommended decrease to five grams a day. Using food purchase data and food brand sodium content data, the researchers determined that a 36 percent reduction in packaged food salt, plus a 40 percent reduction in home and restaurant use, would reduce salt intake in New Zealand from 8.4 to 5.5 grams/day) and meet the WHO target. Key sodium reductions: white bread (21 percent), hard cheese (27 percent), sausages (42 percent), and breakfast cereals (54 percent). Helen Eyles et al., "Achieving the WHO sodium target: estimation of reductions required in the sodium content of packaged foods and other sources of dietary sodium", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 06, 2016, © American Society for Nutrition

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Vegetarian Diet Proven To Reduce Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes June 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who tracked more than 200,000 individuals for 20 years found that a plant-based diet is more likely to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. The individuals in the study had all filled out health and diet questionnaires beginning as early as 1984. They found that found that eating a diet rich in plant foods and low in animal foods was linked with a 20 percent reduction in diabetes risk. The researchers defined healthy plant foods as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, vegetable oils, and tea or coffee. Less healthy plant foods included fruit juices, sweetened beverages, refined grains, potatoes, and sweets/desserts. Animal foods included animal fats, dairy, eggs, fish/seafood, and poultry/red meat. Ambika Satija et al., "Plant-Based Dietary Patterns and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women: Results from Three Prospective Cohort Studies. ", PLOS Medicine, June 20, 2016, © Satija et al.

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Britain’s “Eatwell Guide” Is Skewed Toward A Debunked, Industry-Driven Diet Scheme June 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The U.K.’s “Eatwell Guide” was introduced by the Department of Health in 1994 as a graphic showing a segmented plate indicating the daily proportions of food groups needed for a healthy diet. A revision of the Guide – with mainly “cosmetic” changes – has now been lambasted by a British scientist for being out of step with scientific evidence that has discredited the Guide’s commercially-driven high-carb, low-fat diet scheme. That scheme was formulated with the input of too many people with food industry ties and too few independent nutrition experts. As a sign of the Guide’s failure, rates of obesity and diabetes in Great Britain have soared since the 1970s. Zoe Harcombe, "Designed by the food industry for wealth, not health: the ‘Eatwell Guide’. ", British Journal of Sports Medicine, June 20, 2016, © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. & British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine

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Study Finds That Most Infants Fed Peanut Products Escape Peanut Allergies June 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Introducing peanuts into the diet of infants at risk for peanut allergy not only significantly reduces the risk of developing the allergy later, it also does not compromise breastfeeding or affect growth or nutrition intake, according to a U.S.-funded study conducted in the U.K. Researchers found that feeding peanut products to high-risk British infants (aged four to eleven months) led to an 81 percent drop in development of the allergy through age five. They also noted that peanut consumption did not shorten the duration of breastfeeding or adversely affect height, weight or body mass index. Mary Feeney et al. , "Impact of peanut consumption in the LEAP study: feasibility, growth and nutrition. ", Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, June 20, 2016, © American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

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Sugar Replacements Help Control Glycemic Response In Baked Goods June 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST New Zealand scientists have determined that the plant-based sweeteners stevianna and inulin can help cut sugar content – and lower glycemic response – when used in baking. The researchers replaced half of the sugar in a recipe for muffins with low-calorie stevianna without damaging the texture or flavor of the muffins. Individuals who ate the muffins experienced a lower glycemic response. The discovery of the benefits of sugar replacers could lead to better ways of controlling glucose metabolism, weight gain, and diabetes. Jingrong Gao et al., "Effect of sugar replacement with stevianna and inulin on the texture and predictive glycaemic response of muffins. ", International Journal of Food Science & Technology, June 19, 2016, © Gao et al.

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Lack Of Dietary Zinc Disrupts Digestion, Metabolism June 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A German study finds that the trace element zinc is essential for metabolic health and digestion. There is a direct correlation between the level of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and zinc levels, and even short-term zinc deficiency in the diet should be avoided. Zinc deficiency can lead to the accumulation of undigested food inside the gastrointestinal tract and results in feeling less hungry. This in turn reduces the intake of essential nutrients, leading to any number of harmful conditions. Daniel Brugger & Wilhelm M. Windisch, "Subclinical zinc deficiency impairs pancreatic digestive enzyme activity and digestive capacity of weaned piglets. ", British Journal of Nutrition, June 19, 2016, © Cambridge University Press

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Dietary Supplement Formula Reverses Brain Cell Loss, Cognitive Decline June 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A research team in Canada has created a dietary supplement from commonly available nutrients that reverses brain cell loss and cognitive decline. The team has been testing the concoction since 2000 in both normal and rapidly aging mice bred to experience severe declines in cognitive and motor function in only a few months. The mice lose more than half of their brain cells by one year of age, the human equivalent of severe Alzheimer's disease. The formula of 30 vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and nutraceuticals includes vitamins B, C and D, folic acid, green tea extract, and cod liver oil. It was fed to the mice daily over several months and completely eliminated the severe brain cell loss and cognitive decline. J.A. Lemon et al., "A multi-ingredient dietary supplement abolishes large-scale brain cell loss, improves sensory function, and prevents neuronal atrophy in aging mice.", Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis, June 08, 2016, © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Some Commercial Diets Succeed At Improving Blood Sugar Control June 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Several commercial weight loss programs seem to improve control of blood sugar in diabetics, but more rigorous research is needed to actually prove the benefit, a new U.S. study has found. The researchers looked at published clinical studies that carefully evaluated the effects of various commercial weight loss programs on blood sugar in overweight and obese individuals. Eighteen studies focused on people with type 2 diabetes. Among the 764 individuals who participated in ten weight loss programs, the Jenny Craig program reduced blood sugar concentrations significantly more than weight loss counseling alone at 12 months. Nutrisystem and Optifast reduced blood sugar more than counseling alone at six months. Z. W. Chaudhry et al., "A systematic review of commercial weight loss programs’ effect on glycemic outcomes among overweight and obese adults with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. ", Obesity Reviews, June 08, 2016, © World Obesity

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Walnuts May Protect Colon From Tumor Formation June 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in mice found that eating walnuts has a dampening effect on colorectal tumors. The result was especially noticeable in males, who had 2.3 fewer tumors than mice who did not eat walnuts, researchers reported. Walnuts accounted for seven to 10.5 percent of their daily calories, the equivalent of about an ounce in humans. Walnuts contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, a high ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, and high levels of a form of vitamin E that has anticancer properties. The study shows that walnuts may also act as a probiotic that protects the colon from tumor formation. M. Nakanishi et al., "Effects of walnut consumption on colon carcinogenesis and microbial community structure. ", Cancer Prevention Research, June 08, 2016, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Study Finds Strong Link Between Fiber Consumption And Healthy Aging June 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Australian researchers who analyzed dietary and health data from 1,600 people over 50 years of age found a surprising connection between carbohydrate nutrition and healthy aging. They looked at several key factors over ten years: total carbohydrate intake, total fiber intake, glycemic index, glycemic load, and sugar intake. They found that high fiber intake – from breads, cereals, and fruits – made the biggest difference to what they called "successful aging." People who regularly consumed fiber were likely to be disabled or depressed, or suffer from respiratory ailments or chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, cancer, coronary artery disease, and stroke. In fact, the researchers found, people in the research sample who ate the most fiber had an almost 80 percent greater likelihood of living a long and healthy life. Bamini Gopinath et al. , "Association Between Carbohydrate Nutrition and Successful Aging Over 10 Years. ", The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, June 06, 2016, © Gopinath et al.

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Aspartame Users May Lose Weight, But Have A Higher Risk Of Diabetes June 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Canadian researchers who studied U.S. health data report that use of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can lead to poor glucose management in obese individuals. Because artificial sweeteners are not digested by the body, they do help overweight people lose pounds by cutting calorie intake. However, bacteria in the gut seem to be able to break down aspartame, resulting in negative health effects, particularly an increased risk of diabetes. Jennifer L. Kuk et al., "Aspartame intake is associated with greater glucose intolerance in individuals with obesity. ", Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, June 06, 2016, © Kuk et al.

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Growing Frequency Of Food Allergies, Plus Health Concerns, Drive “Free-From” Market June 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST There is a growing list of foods and food ingredients that people deem unhealthy or, for some, are actually allergenic. The food industry has responded by marketing packaged food products that are “free from” these ingredients, which include grain (especially wheat), dairy, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, fish, and shellfish. These eight account for 90 percent of allergic reactions to food, which have been on the rise. The CDC says food allergies now affect approximately one in 13 children. The free-from trend has grown into a $190 million market, with sales in the year ending January 24 surging 26.5 percent in the combined conventional and natural channels. Gluten-free, meanwhile, by itself is a $25 billion market. Allergies don’t account for all these sales. Healthy people who buy free-from products account for a sizeable chunk. Jenna Blumenfeld, "Free-from foods rise to the occasion", New Hope Network, June 06, 2016, © Penton

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Portion-Controlled, Prepackaged Meals Prove More Effective For Weight Loss June 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST New research funded by Nestlé USA, Inc., which makes the Lean Cuisine frozen meals brand, found that a dieting program that includes behavioral counseling as well as portion-controlled meals is more effective for weight loss than a self-selected diet. The researchers assigned 183 participants equally to three groups: one that ate two low-calorie prepackaged meals a day (lunch and dinner), one that ate two low-calorie prepackaged higher-protein meals a day, and a control group that chose their own meals. After three months, participants who ate twice-daily prepackaged meals lost about eight percent of their initial weight, while the control group lost only six percent. In addition, the prepackaged meals groups also experienced a drop in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Meal satisfaction was similar among all groups. Cheryl L. Rock et al., "Randomized clinical trial of portion-controlled prepackaged foods to promote weight loss. ", Obesity, June 06, 2016, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Growth In World’s Muslim Population Ensures Halal’s Continued Prosperity June 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The global halal market is growing rapidly. Deloitte estimates the market leapt past $1 trillion in 2015. Food accounted for 61 percent of halal trade, pharmaceuticals 26 percent, and cosmetics 11 percent. Western multinationals have customized products for the halal market, while new companies are developing innovative items. The main driver behind the surging market is the rapid growth in the global Muslim population, and the need to comply with Sharia restrictions on diet. But Sharia is not the only force driving halal’s growth. Halal certification is also seen as a mark of safer, healthier, higher-quality products. Described as the “organic option” for the 21st century, the designation appeals to both Muslims and non-Muslims, ensuring continued growth. Jun Suzuki, "Asia's growing halal demand spurs innovation, profit", Nikkei Asian Review, June 02, 2016, © Nikkei Inc

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Chick Pea Flour Grows In Popularity In Era Of Restricted Diets, Allergies May 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Garbanzo bean (chick pea) flour has been used in European and Asian cooking for centuries, but is now getting heightened attention because of its unique advantages in an era of dietary restrictions and food allergies. Foods made from the flour are gluten-free, rich in fiber, protein, and micronutrients like iron, folate and manganese. Dishes made with garbanzo flour include the crepe-like rounds called farinata (Italy) or socca (France) whose rich aroma suggests olive oil, black pepper and rosemary. In western India the flour is mixed with yogurt and water, then spiced with ginger, chili, turmeric and herbs and spices. The paste is simmered, cooled and spread into thin sheets, then cut and rolled into tight bundles. Paul Stephen, "Dietary restrictions help bring new attention to chickpea flour", Star News Online, May 31, 2016, © Gatehouse Media, Inc.

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Dark Chocolate Linked To Reduced Risk Of Insulin Resistance, Diabetes May 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A multinational study of health data from 1,153 adult participants in Luxembourg found that eating about 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of dark chocolate a day was associated with reduced risk of diabetes and insulin resistance. Eighty percent of participants claimed to eat an average of 24.8 g of chocolate a day. Those who claimed to eat chocolate daily tended to be younger, more physically active and had higher levels of education than those who did not. The researchers said they adjusted their data to take into account those factors. Ala’a Alkerwi et al., "Daily chocolate consumption is inversely associated with insulin resistance and liver enzymes in the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg study. ", British Journal of Nutrition, May 25, 2016, © Alkerwi et al.

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New Food Nutrition Facts Labels Finalized May 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The FDA finalized changes to food nutrition facts  labels on May 20, but gave food companies until July 2018 – smaller companies until 2019 – to begin using them. The agency kept the basic look (old and new labels shown at left), but increased the type size for “calories” (bold), “servings per container,” and the “serving size” declaration (bold). The actual amount, in addition to percent daily value, of vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium is required. The label will include “added sugars” in grams, vitamin D (but not vitamin A or C), potassium, calcium, iron, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat (but not calories from fat), and daily values for sodium and dietary fiber. Serving sizes must be based on amounts of foods and beverages that people actually eat, not on what they should be eating. Mary Clare Jalonick et al., "Makeover coming for food nutrition labels", Associated Press, May 20, 2016, © Associated Press

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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Reverses Fructose-Caused Genetic Damage May 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study finds that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) reverses the harmful changes to hundreds of genes, especially in the brain, caused by consumption of the common sugar fructose. Diseases linked to fructose-induced genetic changes include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). DHA, however, changes the entire gene pattern back to normal, researchers said, and strengthens synapses in the brain associated with learning and memory. DHA occurs naturally in brain cells, but there is not enough of it to ward off diseases. So it has to come through diet. It is abundant in wild (not farmed) salmon and some other fish and fish oil, as well as walnuts, flaxseed, fruits, and vegetables. Qingying Meng et al., "Systems Nutrigenomics Reveals Brain Gene Networks Linking Metabolic and Brain Disorders. ", EBioMedicine, May 18, 2016, © Meng et al.

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Flavonoid Found In Hops Could Someday Treat Metabolic Syndrome May 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study has identified specific intake levels of a natural flavonoid found in hops and beer that significantly improved the underlying markers of metabolic syndrome in laboratory animals and also reduced weight gain. The findings on xanthohumol suggest a possible new approach to issues such as human obesity, high cholesterol and elevated glucose. These problems are linked to some of the major health issues and causes of death, especially cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted in obesee mice who were fed different levels of xanthohumol in a high-fat diet. Further research is needed to determine safety and effectiveness in humans. Cristobal L. Miranda et al., "Xanthohumol improves dysfunctional glucose and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. ", Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, May 18, 2016, © Elsevier B.V.

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Purveyors Of Nutrition Information Are Changing America’s Mind About Food May 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A survey of a thousand American adults discovered that many have changed their minds or behaviors about food and nutrition in the past year, to a great extent because of information obtained from news or other media. Sponsored by the Food Information Council, the survey found an average of 31 percent had changed their minds about at least one dietary component, “for better or worse.” Media information turned many people against enriched refined grains, saturated fat, added sugars, and low-calorie sweeteners. At the same time, the media helped persuade consumers of the healthfulness of whole grains, protein from plant sources, and natural sugars. Forty-four percent indicated that reading a book or article, or watching a movie or documentary, had altered their beliefs about diet. "2016 Food and Health Survey", International Food Information Council Foundation, May 11, 2016, © International Food Information Council Foundation

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Dietitian Recommends P&G Probiotic Product For Gut Health May 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Procter & Gamble’s Align probiotic supplement brand announced it is partnering with a registered dietitian to teach people with occasional digestive imbalance how to avoid “triggers.” Ashley Koff said summer activities tend to prompt changes that can disrupt the natural balance of good gut bacteria. To mitigate the problem, she recommends Align, which contains the probiotic strain Bifantis, to add good bacteria to the digestive system for intestinal balance. She also recommended staying hydrated, avoiding excess salt, eating potassium-rich foods, and shunning junk food. "Align Probiotic Teams Up with Registered Dietitian Ashley Koff to Offer Helpful Tips to Bolster Your Digestive Wellness This Summer", News release, Procter & Gamble, May 11, 2016, © Procter & Gamble

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Vegan Creativity Leads To An Alternative To Egg Whites May 9, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Vegans have found it fairly easy to create substitutes for meat and other animal products. Their tinkering has led to almond milk, soy-based cheese, etc. Egg whites, however – an essential ingredient in so many baking delicacies, including meringues, macarons, angel food cake, etc. – were trickier to mimic, until last year’s discovery by a vegan software engineer of the wondrous abilities of chickpea water. Dubbed “aquafaba,” chickpea water and sugar can be whipped into a convincing substitute for egg whites. An instant Internet sensation ensued, spawning recipe books and websites. Now chefs all over the globe – and not just vegans, either – are using aquafaba in everything from pancakes to purées. Jane Black, "Vegans Whip Up a Secret Weapon: Aquafaba", The New York Times, May 09, 2016, © The New York Times Company

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Higher Levels Of Vitamin D Correlate With Lower Cancer Risk May 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Studies have shown that people with higher levels of “sunshine” vitamin D tend to be less at risk for a variety of cancers. A new U.S. study reports that reduced cancer risk becomes measurable at 40 ng/ml (1,200 IU daily) of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, with additional benefit at higher levels. The researchers combined data from two earlier studies: a randomized clinical trial of 1,169 women and a prospective cohort study of 1,135 women, providing a larger sample size and a greater range of blood serum levels of vitamin D. It didn’t matter whether the vitamin came from sun exposure, diet or supplements. Sharon L. McDonnell et al., "Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations ≥40 ng/ml Are Associated with >65% Lower Cancer Risk: Pooled Analysis of Randomized Trial and Prospective Cohort Study. ", PLOS ONE, May 04, 2016, © McDonnell et al.

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Fast Food Fans Are Highly Exposed To Dangerous Chemicals May 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A study that looked into whether eating fast food exposes people to harmful chemicals found fast foodies had 40 percent more harmful phthalates in their bloodstream. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used in making food packaging, tubing for dairy products, and other items used in the production of fast food. Grain and meat items were the biggest contributors to phthalate exposure. Studies have suggested that phthalates – also found in personal care products, toys, and perfume – can damage the reproductive system and may lead to infertility. The findings were based on U.S. data from 8,877 people who completed questionnaires about their diet in the previous 24 hours. Susanna D. Mitro et al., "Recent Fast Food Consumption and Bisphenol A and Phthalates Exposures among the U.S. Population in NHANES, 2003–2010. ", Environmental Health Perspectives, May 04, 2016, © Mitro et al.

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Study Finds A Ray Of Hope For Brain Cancer Patients May 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The low-carb/high-fat “ketogenic” diet has been used for 90 years to control seizures in epileptic patients. But a new U.S. study in mice shows that the diet also slows the growth of an extremely aggressive type of brain tumor. There is no effective treatment for glioblastoma, and patients live only 12 to 15 months after diagnosis. A glioblastoma tumor needs huge amounts of energy to grow. The diet works by drastically reducing the amount of glucose available for tumor growth. The researchers are encouraged enough to continue testing in humans, though they caution it has not been shown to be a cure. R. T. Martuscello et al., "A Supplemented High-Fat Low-Carbohydrate Diet for the Treatment of Glioblastoma. ", Clinical Cancer Research, May 03, 2016, © American Association for Cancer Research

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Compound In Dark Chocolate Boosts Athletic Endurance May 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST British researchers found that cyclists who substituted dark chocolate for their regular energy snack used less oxygen when cycling at a moderate pace and also covered more distance in a two-minute flat-out time trial. Dark chocolate contains a compound known as epicatechin, which acts on the circulatory system by converting nitrates to nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and reduces oxygen consumption. The effect is similar to that provided by beet juice, which is rich in nitrates. Nine amateur cyclists participated in the experiments, which compared the benefits of dark chocolate to white chocolate on athletic endurance. Rishikesh Kankesh et al., "Dark chocolate supplementation reduces the oxygen cost of moderate intensity cycling. ", Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, May 03, 2016, © Kankesh et al.

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Egg Marketers Need To Get The Health Message Across To American Consumers April 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sales of eggs in the year ended in February declined by 3.6 percent, the fourth year of declines in a row, according to Nielsen. This despite solid scientific evidence that eggs are an extremely healthful, and economical, addition to the diet. Nielsen suggests that to reduce sagging sales trends, egg farmers and retailers need to make obesity-conscious Americans aware of the benefits of eggs: high-quality proteins, vitamins, minerals, healthful fats and beneficial trace nutrients. If they can do that, “they may just see their sales spike in the future.” "Cracked up – the latest on U.S. Egg sales", News release, Nielsen, April 27, 2016, © The Nielsen Company

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Is It Ethical For Vegan Restaurateurs To Kill Cockroaches? April 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Some vegan restaurant owners committed to humane animal treatment stretch their principles to include the obnoxious pests that plague their facilities. But it’s quite a dilemma. How, after all, do you keep your eatery compliant with public health rules without killing rats, cockroaches, and spiders? Die-hard animal rights restaurateurs can follow the guidance of PETA, which suggests using orange peels to ward off flies, bay leaves to discourage roaches, and peppermint oil-soaked rags to discourage rodents. Faced with the impracticality of those solutions, however, some end up compromising their principles – i.e., calling the exterminator – for the higher good: staying in business “as a way to put a dent in the dominance of the factory farm system.” Kelli Kennedy, "Trapped! Vegan restaurants struggle with humane pest control", Associated Press, April 25, 2016, © Associated Press

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For Overweight People, Breakfast Offers A Double Benefit April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Eating breakfast is associated with increased health, if not necessasrily weight loss, but in obese people it has other benefits. A British study finds that when obese people eat breakfast they are more active during the day and they tend to eat less. For the study, two groups of individuals aged 21 – 60 either fasted or ate a 700-calories breakfast for six weeks. The researchers did not control how the breakfast group obtained their 700 calories, so there is no data on whether a high-carb or high-protein diet works better. What is ultimately healthier – eating breakfast or fasting – depends on the individual and their own personal goals. If being more active or controlling blood sugar are important, then people should eat breakfast. E. A. Chowdhury et al., "The causal role of breakfast in energy balance and health: a randomized controlled trial in obese adults.", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 05, 2016, © American Society for Nutrition

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Why Leafy Green Veggies Keep The Gut Healthy April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST British and Australian researchers have discovered a previously unknown enzyme that gut bacteria, fungi and other organisms use to feed on an unusual but abundant sugar sulfoquinovose (SQ) found in green vegetables. The researchers said gut bacteria, including crucial protective strains of E. coli, use SQ as a source of energy. E. coli creates a protective barrier that keeps bad bacteria from growing and colonizing in the gut. “The good bugs are taking up all the habitable real estate," said one scientist, who added that the findings may someday be used to develop “an entirely new class of antibiotics.” Gaetano Speciale et al., "YihQ is a sulfoquinovosidase that cleaves sulfoquinovosyl diacylglyceride sulfolipids. ", Nature Chemical Biology, April 05, 2016, © Macmillan Publishers Limited

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No Link Between Cholesterol Consumption And Heart Disease April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A Finnish study confirms earlier research that found no correlation between higher intake of dietary cholesterol – eating eggs every day, for example – and a greater risk of coronary heart disease. The finding held for Finns in the general population and for those with the APOE4 phenotype, which affects cholesterol metabolism. The study examined the dietary habits of 1,032 men aged between 42 and 60 without cardiovascular disease. The men, about a third of whom were carriers of APOE4, were followed for 21 years. Eating eggs, a significant source of dietary cholesterol, did not increase the risk of coronary heart disease, and did not cause a harmful thickening of the common carotid artery walls. J. K. Virtanen et al., "Associations of egg and cholesterol intakes with carotid intima-media thickness and risk of incident coronary artery disease according to apolipoprotein E phenotype in men: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study. ", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 05, 2016, © American Society for Nutrition

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Paleo Diet May Do More Harm Than Good April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST People intent on controlling or losing weight – especially those who are already overweight or sedentary – should avoid all forms of the Paleo diet, new Australian research warns. The Paleo diet generally emphasizes low-carb, high-fat eating. For the study, the researchers experimented with two groups of overweight mice, one of which ate a low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet. After eight weeks, the LCHF mice gained more weight, their glucose intolerance worsened, insulin levels rose, they gained 15 percent of their body weight, and fat mass doubled from two percent to almost four percent. "To put that in perspective, for a 100 kilogram person, that's the equivalent of 15 kilograms in two months,” one researcher said. “That's extreme weight gain.” B. J. Lamont et al., "A low-carbohydrate high-fat diet increases weight gain and does not improve glucose tolerance, insulin secretion or β-cell mass in NZO mice. ", Nutrition & Diabetes, April 05, 2016, © Macmillan Publishers Limited

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Organic Beef, Milk Shown To Be More Nutritious Than Conventional April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST British researchers and colleagues from around the world reviewed scientific studies on milk and meat, finding that organically grown products contained more beneficial nutrients, especially omega-3 fatty acids. The data showed that organic milk and meat have more desirable fat profiles, and could raise omega-3 fat intake by 50 percent without increasing calories and undesirable saturated fat. They also showed lower levels of myristic and palmitic acid in organic meat and a lower omega-3/omega-6 ratio in organic milk. There were also higher levels of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin E and carotenoids, and 40 percent more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in organic milk. Organic cattle raising involves more outdoor grazing and low concentrate feeding than conventional raising. Carlo Leifert et al. , "Higher PUFA and omega-3 PUFA, CLA, a-tocopherol and iron, but lower iodine and selenium concentrations in organic bovine milk: A systematic literature review and meta- and redundancy analysis. ", British Journal of Nutrition, April 05, 2016, © Cambridge University Press

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FDA Will Release Voluntary Salt-Content Goals This Summer April 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Politico reports that voluntary goals for sodium levels in processed foods will be released this summer by the FDA, thanks to a lawsuit by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Having to reduce salt content makes some food companies nervous, because the ingredient gives breads, crackers and sauces “their trademark taste.” It’s likely, however, that the reductions would be phased in over ten years. The CSPI lawsuit should push the FDA to release the salt targets completed two years ago but kept under wraps. Excessive salt content in processed foods has been a bête noire of the Obama administration for years. Helena Bottemiller Evich, "Obama's latest food crackdown: Salt", Politico, April 03, 2016, © Politico LLC

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Coffee Drinking Drastically Cuts Risk Of Colorectal Cancer April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A study involving nearly 10,000 men and women living in Israel, some recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer, found that even moderate coffee consumption, whether regular or decaffeinated, was associated with a reduced likelihood of developing colon cancer. Drinking only one or two cups a day was linked to a 26 percent reduction in the risk, and drinking more than that – more than 2.5 cups a day – decreased the risk up to 50 percent. The researchers speculated that caffeine and polyphenols in coffee may act as antioxidants, limiting the growth of potential colon cancer cells; melanoidins generated during coffee roasting may encourage colon mobility; and diterpenes may prevent cancer by enhancing the body's defense against oxidative damage. Stephanie L. Schmit et al., "Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer", Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, April 01, 2016, © American Association of Cancer Research

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Young Kids Seem Indifferent To Portion Sizes, Calorie Densities, When Eating March 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST It is widely believed that children self-regulate food intake, but a new study takes issue with that belief: kids will eat a lot of calorie-rich foods if that’s what they’re served. The researchers tested 120 children (ages three to five) who ate lunch in three separate daycare centers for six weeks. They ate meals of different size and calorie densities, including chicken, macaroni and cheese, vegetables, applesauce, ketchup, and milk. They liked the lower-calorie and higher-calorie meals similarly. They also ate smaller portions of food as easily as larger portions. The good news from the study is that parents and caregivers can serve more healthful lower-calorie foods, and smaller portions, “and kids seem to be just as satisfied.” Marjorie Miller, "If You Give Kids Too Much Food, They’ll Overeat", Futurity, March 17, 2016, © Futurity

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BMI Alone Does Not Accurately Determine A Person’s Health February 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A study by researchers at UCLA finds that body mass index (BMI) by itself is a highly inaccurate way to determine whether people are healthy or unhealthy. In fact, BMI incorrectly categorizes millions of so-called “obese” people as unhealthy. BMI, a ratio of a person’s height and weight, is often used by employers to determine health care costs, and could soon be used to mandate higher health insurance premiums. For the study based on national data, scientists linked BMI with other health indicators, including blood pressure and glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Nearly half of Americans considered "overweight" because of their BMIs (47.4 percent, or 34.4 million people) were actually healthy, as were 19.8 million who are considered "obese." Lastly, nearly a third of those with “normal” BMIs – about 20.7 million people – were unhealthy based on other health data. A. J. Tomiyama et al., "Misclassification of cardiometabolic health when using body mass index categories in NHANES 2005–2012. ", International Journal of Obesity, February 24, 2016, © Macmillan Publishers Limited

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Advice To Women: To Lose Weight And Improve Cholesterol, Eat Walnuts February 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study analyzing the impact of different diets on women found that eating higher amounts of walnuts, which are rich in polyunsaturated fats, leads to weight loss, but also significantly lowers blood fat levels, especially in women who are insulin-resistant. For the year-long study, overweight and obese adult women were randomly assigned to one of three diets: low-fat and high-carbohydrate; low-carbohydrate and high-fat; or a walnut-rich, high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet. Women lost about the same amount of weight on all three plans. The walnut-rich diet, however, had the most effect on cholesterol levels by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol), and increasing beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Tran Le et al., "Effects of Diet Composition and Insulin Resistance Status on Plasma Lipid Levels in a Weight Loss Intervention in Women. ", Journal of the American Heart Association, February 24, 2016, © Le et al.

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Lima Bean Compound Extends Lifespan In Lab Experiments February 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST German researchers experimenting with fruit flies found that an isoflavone found in lima beans extended lifespan, increased fitness levels, and improved glucose balance – but only in males. Though a lot more research needs to be done in animals and humans to prove any connection between longer life and the isoflavone prunetin, the results suggest that the plant bioactive could someday help slow the aging process, in men at least.  S. Piegholdt et al., "The phytoestrogen prunetin affects body composition and improves fitness and lifespan in male Drosophila melanogaster. ", The FASEB Journal, February 24, 2016, © Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology

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