Scientists Say Inactive Lifestyle Is Not Linked To A Poor Diet July 25, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Scientists have been accumulating evidence for some time that excessive time spent TV viewing, automobile commuting, or sitting at home or on the job – i.e., sedentary behavior – is linked to adverse health outcomes. But U.S. researchers who analyzed health survey data on 4,910 adults found that sitting and doing nothing was not linked to poorer diets. They did find a significant correlation between physical activity and better overall diet quality, and concluded that physical activity should be encouraged along with adherence to dietary guidelines. But they suggested that sedentary behavior and dietary quality should be targeted independently. Kerem Shuval et al., "Accelerometer determined sedentary behavior and dietary quality among US adults. ", Preventive Medicine, July 25, 2015, © Elsevier Inc.

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Americans Willing To Pay A Premium For U.S. Organic Broccoli July 25, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. research team that analyzed national survey data and information from the USDA  determined that Americans will buy organic broccoli from American or foreign suppliers but they’re willing to pay a significant premium for organic American broccoli. Packages of organic broccoli must label them as such, but they also must show a “country-of-origin” label. This has confused consumers because they’re not sure if the overseas broccoli meets USDA organic standards. Americans will pay as much as $1 more a pound for U.S. organic broccoli than for broccoli from China and Mexico, and 32 cents more a pound for broccoli from Canada. Jing Xie et al., "Consumers’ preferences for fresh broccolis: interactive effects between country of origin and organic labels. ", Agricultural Economics, July 25, 2015, © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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New Scoring System Links Beverage Intake To Health July 24, 2015: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers have developed a way to assess beverage intake and correlate it to health status. The Healthy Beverage Index (HBI), based on dietary data from 16,000 adults, takes into account 10 factors, such as total energy from beverages and total fluid requirements. It also recommends limits for subgroups, such as low-fat milk, fruit juice, and alcohol. Some components of the HBI are weighted more heavily because they contribute to good health. Water, for example, should constitute at least 20 percent of total fluid intake. The data were correlated with risk factors such as obesity/overweight, hypertension, high fasting insulin, etc. The sample population was assigned scores ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the better the adherence to beverage guidelines and a healthier beverage intake pattern in both men and women. The average HBI score was 63±16. Kiyah J. Duffey & Brenda M. Davy , "The Healthy Beverage Index Is Associated with Reduced Cardiometabolic Risk in US Adults: A Preliminary Analysis", Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, July 24, 2015, © Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

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Soybean Oil Diet Is The Villain In The Obesity Epidemic July 22, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A study in mice by U.S. scientists shows that a soybean oil-rich diet is much more likely to induce obesity and other pre-diabetic symptoms than coconut oil or fructose-rich foods and beverages. Four groups of animals ate different diets, each containing 40 percent fat and the same number of calories. One diet was high in coconut oil, another had equal amounts of coconut oil and soybean oil (roughly the equivalent of the amount in the American diet). Two diets included added fructose. Mice on the high soybean oil diet showed increased weight gain, larger fat deposits, diabetes and insulin resistance, compared to the coconut oil diet. Mice on the fructose diet had less severe metabolic effects, but more negative effects in the kidney and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Poonamjot Deol et al., "Soybean Oil Is More Obesogenic and Diabetogenic than Coconut Oil and Fructose in Mouse: Potential Role for the Liver. ", PLoS ONE, July 22, 2015, © Deol et al.

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Further Evidence Of The Benefits Of Drinking Beet Juice July 22, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A clinical trial involving 14 healthy males found that drinking beet juice for 15 days lowered their blood pressure and dilated their blood vessels while at rest or exercising. In addition, the nitrate-rich juice helps the heart consume less oxygen during exercise, increasing endurance. The U.S. and Korean researchers concluded that exercise can be "performed at a given workload for a longer period of time before the onset of fatigue" when regularly drinking beet juice. Jae-Seok Lee et al., "Effects of Chronic Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on the Hemodynamic Response to Dynamic Exercise. ", American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, July 22, 2015, © American Journal of Physiology

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Dietary Guidelines Need To Be Revised To Stress Protein Consumption July 22, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Protein is essential for a healthy diet, but the type of protein eaten is just as important as the amount, according to Canadian researchers who say national nutrition guidelines are outdated and should probably be revised to take that fact into account. Eating a moderate amount of high-quality protein at each meal optimizes muscle protein synthesis and protects muscle mass, and should be a key component, along with physical activity, of any weight loss strategy. Policy makers trying to control the obesity epidemic need to stress adequate high-quality protein along with moderate caloric intake to preserve muscle mass without adding fat mass. Emily Arentson-Lantz et al., "Protein: A nutrient in focus. ", Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, July 22, 2015, © Canadian Science Publishing

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BranBytes May Help Boost America’s Intake Of Whole Grains July 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST An Intel employee and dedicated California foodie who wanted to easily get more whole grains into his diet has developed a snack product meant to be eaten alongside the refined grain foods Americans love. branBytes, an uncooked bar or wafer held together using dates, contains bran and germ, while products like bread tend to contain only the endosperm of the grain. When the consumer eats regular bread or pizza with branBytes, he is getting the fiber-filled bran, the rich germ and the starchy endosperm that experts say helps prevent heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. The idea won Ashwin Thirunahari a $3,000 food innovation award from the University of California, Davis. Cathie Anderson, "Inventor develops branBytes to improve whole-grain consumption", The Sacramento Bee, July 20, 2015, © The Sacramento Bee

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Two Antioxidants Reduce Heart Damage From Anti-Cancer Drug July 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Research has associated the powerful polyphenol antioxidant resveratrol, found in red wine, with a reduced risk of heart disease despite a high-fat diet. Now U.S. researchers have found that resveratrol, along with the polyphenol quercetin, may also prove to be a potent anti-cancer treatment. They developed a system to make the two water soluble and thus injectable into the blood stream. Levels in the body would thus be much higher than by eating the right foods or taking supplements. The two compounds appear to reduce the cardiac toxicity of the widely used cancer drug Adriamycin, which unfortunately can only be used for a limited time in humans. Administering the two polyphenols at the same time as Adriamycin might make it safer and increase its effectiveness. Brianna Cote et al., "Combinatorial resveratrol and quercetin polymeric micelles mitigate doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. ", Journal of Controlled Release, July 16, 2015, © Elsevier B.V.

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Dining Out Is Not A Healthy Choice July 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. scientist who analyzed eight years of data from a national health survey reports that Americans who eat at fast food and full service restaurants generally consume 200 more calories a day, compared to eating at home. In addition, they tend to take in more cholesterol, sodium, fat, and saturated fat. Restaurant diners tend to take in more healthy nutrients (e.g., certain vitamins, potassium and omega-3 fatty acids) than at-home or fast food diners, but they also also consume a lot more sodium and cholesterol. Fast food adds an average of 300 milligrams of sodium to the daily intake, while restaurant food adds 412 milligrams. R An, "Fast-food and full-service restaurant consumption and daily energy and nutrient intakes in US adults", European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, July 09, 2015, © Macmillan Publishers Limited

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Muscadine Grape Seeds: Good Source Of Cholesterol-Cutting Vitamin E July 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study has found that the seeds of the muscadine grape, normally discarded as waste in the production of wine and juice, are rich in a type of vitamin E that seems to help retard fat cell production. Oil from the seed supplies tocotrienol, an unsaturated form of the vitamin, as well as other mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Scientists have known for some time that red palm and rice bran oil are rich in tocotrienol, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol. The researchers said their findings suggest that muscadine grape seed oil might be an even better source of tocotrienol, “Consuming foods made with muscadine grape seed oil" -- e.g., salad dressing -- "could curtail weight gain and reduce obesity,” one of the researchers said. Lu Zhao et al., "Muscadine grape seed oil as a novel source of tocotrienols to reduce adipogenesis and adipocyte inflammation. ", Food & Function, July 06, 2015, © Royal Society of Chemistry

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Americans Love Sandwiches -- And Trying New Varieties June 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Eight of 10 Americans say they’ve eaten at least one sandwich in the last seven days, and are more likely to eat a homemade sandwich (83 percent) than a food service sandwich (62 percent). Sandwiches, whether homemade or non-homemade, are perceived as healthier than burgers and other menu items. But that doesn’t mean sandwiches have no cachet. Both the ingredients and the breads used are getting more varied and sophisticated – thanks to culinary restaurant trends – and present opportunities for marketers. Innovative ingredients include smoked pork, pork belly, sopressata, as well as new sauces. Bread options have moved beyond plain white and whole wheat to include French baguettes, Texas toast, ciabatta, and brioche. "Report: Whether at Restaurants or at Home, the Sandwich Endures as a Favorite Food", News release, Packaged Facts, June 30, 2015, © Packaged Facts

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Purported “Marriage Bonus” Of Better Health Not Entirely True June 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A European study finds that though marriage is generally good for a couple’s health – the so-called “marriage bonus” – it can lead to an obesity problem. Married couples tend to eat better than unmarried people, but they exercise less and tend to weigh more. The study looked at health data gathered from face-to-face interviews with 10,226 adults in nine countries. Couples, both men and women, tended to have a higher body mass index than singles, even though they ate more healthful foods. The key factor contributing to weight gain seems to be reduced participation by men in sports. Jutta Mata et al., "Higher body mass index, less exercise, but healthier eating in married adults: Nine representative surveys across Europe. ", Social Science & Medicine, June 29, 2015, © Elsevier B.V.

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Compulsive Snacking, Without Hunger, Is A Risk Factor For Weight Gain June 25, 2015: 12:00 AM EST People who snack compulsively when they’re not hungry can gain as much weight as when they consume large meals or calorie-rich foods, according to Australian researchers. Study participants were found to be susceptible to compulsive snacking, even after finishing a similar snack. In fact, 75 percent of participants ate a second chocolate snack after eating as much as they wanted of a first. The findings suggest that those people – who had a higher BMI – were more impulsive, and more responsive to food reward, even though they weren’t really hungry. The researchers concluded that repeated snacking in the absence of hunger is a risk factor for weight gain. Stephanie H. Fay et al., "Psychological predictors of opportunistic snacking in the absence of hunger ", Eating Behaviors, June 25, 2015, © Elsevier Ltd.

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Periods Of Fasting, Not Just Overall Calorie Reduction, Are Beneficial To Health June 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers experimenting with middle-aged mice have determined that cycling through periods of low-calorie diets and regular diets leads to a broad array of health benefits. Control groups were fed the same number of calories monthly as those experiencing the “fast mimicking diet” (FMD), but did not get the same health benefits. The FMD cut caloric intake to 34 to 54 percent of normal for four days at a time, with specific amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and micronutrients. The researchers concluded that the fasting cycles were the key, extending life span, reducing cancer, boosting the immune system, reducing inflammatory diseases, slowing bone mineral density loss and improving the cognitive abilities of older mice. Sebastian Brandhorst et al., "A Periodic Diet that Mimics Fasting Promotes Multi-System Regeneration, Enhanced Cognitive Performance, and Healthspan ", Cell Metabolism, June 18, 2015, © Elsevier Inc.

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Europeans Seem To Know That Not All Carbs Are Created Equal June 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST An increasing number of consumers in Europe know that a low-glycemic diet is beneficial to health, according to a study sponsored by functional ingredients maker Beneo. The research, conducted in the U.K., Germany, and Spain, explored attitudes about carbohydrates, sugars and low-glycemic foods and their role in managing blood sugar. Consumers know that carbs are an essential fuel for the body. They know the difference between “good” and “bad” carbs, and that different types of carbs have different effects on the body. They are aware, for example, that whole grain, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and slowly digestible and slow-release carbs are “good.” "Consumer research reveals improved understanding of the benefits of low glycemic nutrition", NewHope360.com, June 17, 2015, © Penton

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Company Unveils Line Of “Free-From” Baking Mixes June 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A “free-from” food company will launch to retailers in August a line of ready-to-use bake mixes that are gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of the top eight food allergens. The mixes from Enjoy Life Foods (Schiller Park, Ill.) are also kosher and halal certified, made with ancient grains (including Ethiopian teff), plant proteins and a probiotic “enhancement.” The baking mixes are available at $8.49 each now at the Enjoy Life online store. Varieties include pancake/waffle, pizza crust, brownie, muffin, and all-purpose flour. "Enjoy Life Foods debuts new line of functional allergy-friendly baking products", NewHope360.com, June 17, 2015, © Penton

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Higher Trans-Fat Consumption Results In Poorer Memory In Men June 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A clinical study involving 1,018 men and women found that men 45 years old and younger who consumed more trans-fat in their diets had worse memories than those who consumed less. The participants completed a dietary survey and a memory test that included word recall. Men aged 45 and younger recalled an average of 86 words. However, each added gram of trans-fats consumed reduced memory by 0.76 words. The U.S. researchers said the results focused mainly on men because of the small number of female participants. But factoring in data from women did not change the overall results. Beatrice Alexandra Golomb, Alexis K. Bui, "A Fat to Forget: Trans Fat Consumption and Memory", PLoS ONE, June 17, 2015, © Golomb, Bui

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Effective Weight Loss Tools Include A Scale And A Spreadsheet June 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A two-year U.S. clinical study finds that regular self-weighing and weight recording – known as the “Caloric Titration Method” or CTM – can be effective in losing weight and keeping it off, especially for men. For the study, 162 participants were told to use whatever dieting method they preferred to lose 10 percent of their body weight, in one percent increments, by one year. Half of the group were required to weigh themselves daily and track their weight. The researchers found that CTM produced “a small but sustainable weight loss in overweight males.” CTM seems to reinforce some behaviors, such as eating less, and strengthens others, such as going for a walk, to maintain body weight. Carly R. Pacanowski, David A. Levitsky, "Frequent Self-Weighing and Visual Feedback for Weight Loss in Overweight Adults. ", Journal of Obesity, June 17, 2015, © Pacanowski and Levitsky

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FDA To Food Companies: Three Years To Get Rid Of Trans Fats June 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST After taking a close look at all of the available evidence from scientific studies, the FDA has told food companies to rid their products of all partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), the main source of harmful trans fats in the American diet, within three years. The agency in 2013 made a preliminary ruling that PHOs were not “generally recognized as safe,” then considered all public comments on the proposal. The three-year compliance period will give companies time to reformulate products without PHOs or petition the FDA for special exemptions from the ban. After three years, “no PHOs can be added to human food unless they are otherwise approved by the FDA,” the agency said. "FDA takes step to remove artificial trans fats in processed foods", News release, USFDA, June 16, 2015, © USFDA

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Research Links Nut Consumption With Lower Mortality Rates June 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Men and women who snack on nuts or peanuts are significantly less likely to from respiratory disease, neurodegenerative disease and diabetes, according to a Dutch study begun in 1986 involving 120,000 adults aged 55-69. The minimum daily intake of nuts or peanuts should be about 10 grams, or about 0.35 ounces. A standard serving of nuts is about one ounce. Peanuts and tree nuts are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that, the researchers said, reduced death rates. The protective effect of peanuts did not apply, however, to peanut butter. Piet A. van den Brandt, Leo J. Schouten, "Relationship of tree nut, peanut, and peanut butter intake with total and cause-specific mortality: a cohort study and meta-analysis. ", International Journal of Epidemiology, June 10, 2015, © Van Den Brandt & Schouten

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Vitamin E Is Critical For Repair Of Damaged Muscle June 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Research in animals conducted in Georgia (U.S.) confirms that vitamin E is crucial to repair of injured muscle, a fact that should cheer body builders as well as sufferers from muscular dystrophy, diabetes-related muscle weakness, and brain trauma from athletics, and military or road injuries. Without vitamin E, the plasma membrane of cells will not heal properly. The plasma membrane keeps a cell from spilling its contents and controls the entry and exit of nutrients, waste, etc. That’s especially important for muscle cells, which are constantly subject to tear. Finding the physiological significance of vitamin E is important, but the researchers cautioned that "the major medical significance here is yet to be uncovered." Mohamed Labazi et al., "The antioxidant requirement for plasma membrane repair in skeletal muscle. ", Free Radical Biology and Medicine, June 05, 2015, © Elsevier Inc.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked To Better Cognitive Ability In At-Risk Adults June 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who tested the cognitive flexibility of 40 healthy – but Alzheimer’s at-risk – older adults found that those who ate more omega-3 fatty acids had healthier brains. The area of the brain region that contributes to cognitive flexibility (anterior cingulate cortex) was larger in the omega-3 eating adults and they performed better on cognitive flexibility tests. All participants carried the gene variant APOE e4, a biomarker for a higher risk of developing late onset Alzheimer’s. The researchers cautioned that the findings suggest, but do not prove, that eating fish oils enlarges the anterior cingulate cortex and improves cognitive flexibility in older people. Aron Barbey et al., "Anterior cingulate cortex mediates the relationship between O3PUFAs and executive functions in APOE e4 carriers. ", Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, June 05, 2015, © Frontiers Media S.A.

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Fasting, Rather Than Frequent Snacking, Can Lead To Weight Gain June 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study in mice finds that limiting eating to one large meal a day, compared to eating several small meals, is more likely to lead to insulin resistance in the liver, prediabetes, and weight gain. The liver doesn’t respond to insulin signals telling it to stop producing glucose; the excess blood glucose tends to be stored in the abdomen as fat. That stored visceral fat increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The findings suggest that human dieters should not skip meals to save calories because that causes large fluctuations in insulin and glucose. That in turn results in weight gain, rather than weight loss. Kara L. Kliewer et al., "Short-term food restriction followed by controlled refeeding promotes gorging behavior, enhances fat deposition, and diminishes insulin sensitivity in mice. ", The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, June 05, 2015, © Elsevier Inc.

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Traces Of Monsanto Herbicide Discovered In South Africa’s Bread, Maize Meal May 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Governments around the world are moving to restrict, or outright ban, the use of a herbicide known as glyphosate because research has shown it to be carcinogenic in animals, and there is evidence it is harmful to humans. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden have all banned or limited glyphosate, the main ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer. But glyphosate use in South Africa has been growing: the country has been slow to act on health warnings, there is almost no regular monitoring, and the herbicide continues to show up in bread and maize meal. Half of South Africa's maize crop and all of its soy crop are genetically modified, which means glyphosate has to be used in cultivation. Shaun Smillie, "Toxins in your bread", Times Live (New Zealand), May 19, 2015, © Times Media Group

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How To Prevent Muscle Loss Among Elderly Is Still A Mystery May 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST It is fairly common for older people to eat poorly and lead sedentary lives, both of which can speed muscle loss. But what combination of diet, supplements and exercise works best? A review of more than 100 scientific articles about diet and exercise training trials in adults over 65 years old found that results failed to conclusively show what effectively prevents muscle loss (sarcopenia). Some studies did show that a proper diet enhanced the effects of exercise, but much of the research was incomplete or inconsistent. The researchers said “maintaining sufficient levels of physical activity and diet quality to prevent sarcopenia is therefore a priority.” Bottom line: much more research is needed. Denison HJ et al., "Prevention and optimal management of sarcopenia: A review of combined exercise and nutrition interventions to improve muscle outcomes in older people. ", Clinical Interventions in Aging, May 17, 2015, © Dove Press Ltd

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Gluten-Free Diet Is No Panacea May 15, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Many misconceptions have been spread in recent years by gluten-free guru authors, and their celebrity devotees, whose anti-gluten rhetoric borders on religious fanaticism. The bombast and nonsense has spawned a billion-dollar gluten-free foods industry almost overnight. A gluten-free diet is certainly important for people diagnosed with celiac disease and serious gluten intolerance. But to claim that avoiding gluten will prevent bloating, Alzheimer’s disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism is, as one author calls it, “fear-mongering.” A major misconception is that gluten-free foods are healthier. One nutrition counseling service says sometimes gluten-free foods have more sugar, fat and calories than gluten-containing foods -- to make up for lost taste. Melinda Carstensen, "Against the grain: When not to go on a gluten-free diet", FoxNews.com, May 15, 2015, © FOX News Network, LLC

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Successful Dieting Involves Planning How To Handle Inevitable Negative Feelings May 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Planning to diet and actually dieting are two very different phases of the weight loss process, and each is guided by unique factors, according to a U.S. study. Planning to diet is a thought process, whereas dieting itself involves feelings. That leads to a disconnect that often dooms the diet to failure. The reaction to deprivation is a feeling, and it’s usually negative. Ignoring food preferences leads to other negative feelings. A key to successful dieting, then, is to plan – not only how to cut calories – but also how to overcome the negative reactions inspired by the diet. M. T. Kiviniemi et al., "Planning versus action: Different decision-making processes predict plans to change one's diet versus actual dietary behavior. ", Journal of Health Psychology, May 12, 2015, © SAGE Publications

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Electronic Salt Spoon Eases Transition To Low-Sodium Diet May 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A three-month U.S. pilot study has found that individuals and families were able to significantly reduce the amount of salt they ate daily by using an innovation known as the electronic salt spoon that measures the exact amount of salt in foods. It can be used in everyday cooking to detect salt levels and to help adjust food portions to keep sodium intake to recommended amounts. The researchers said that consumers who consume too much salt are often surprised to find that vegetables, processed foods and restaurant meals – not table salt – are the leading sources of sodium in the American diet. "Transitions to a low sodium diet with electronic salt spoon", News release, University of Kentucky, May 12, 2015, © University of Kentucky

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Variety (In Pizzas) Is The Bane Of A Healthy Diet May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST To avoid overeating, stick to your favorite brands of food, a British clinical study recommends. The researchers looked at the eating behaviors of 200 people who either tried many different brands and types of pepperoni pizza or who tended to stick to a favorite brand. More than 70 types of pepperoni pizzas, available in supermarkets or from famous name pizza shops, were found. Calorie content among the various brands differed by more than 300 percent, from 501 calories per pie to as much as 1909 calories per pie. The researchers found that people who tried a variety of brands and types of pepperoni pizza tended to eat more, believing the pizza to be less filling. Charlotte A. Hardman et al., "So Many Brands and Varieties to Choose from: Does This Compromise the Control of Food Intake in Humans? ", PLoS One, May 11, 2015, © Hardman et al.

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Senior Cognition Improves With Mediterranean Diet Fortified With Olive Oil, Nuts May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Adding extra virgin olive oil or mixed nuts to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish -- and low in animal fats – improves cognitive performance in older adults, according to a study. But the researchers in Spain cautioned that the findings are preliminary and more research is necessary. The randomized clinical trial included 447 cognitively healthy volunteers who followed a low-fat diet (the control group), a Mediterranean-type diet supplemented with olive oil, or a Mediterranean diet supplemented with walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts. After four years, the cognitive functions of the low-fat diet group had declined. But memory improved in the Mediterranean diet plus nuts group, and frontal (memory) and global cognition improved in the Mediterranean diet plus olive oil group. Cinta Valls-Pedret et al., "Mediterranean Diet and Age-Related Cognitive Decline. ", JAMA Internal Medicine, May 11, 2015, © American Medical Association

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Substituting Unsweetened Drinks For Sugary Ones Cuts Risk Of Diabetes May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A British study has found a link between sugary drinks and the onset of type 2 diabetes. According to the researchers, who gathered data on 25,000 adults up to age 79, found that for every five percent increase in sugary drink calories as a proportion of total calories consumed, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes rose 18 percent. They analyzed various types of sugary beverages: soft drinks, sweetened tea or coffee, sweetened milk drinks, artificially sweetened beverages (ASB), and fruit juice. When they examined what would happened if water, unsweetened tea or coffee, or ASB were substituted for sugary drinks, they found that the risk of type 2 diabetes dropped by 14 to 25 percent. Nita G. Forouhi et al. , "Prospective associations and population impact of sweet beverage intake and type 2 diabetes, and effects of substitutions with alternative beverages. ", Diabetologia, May 11, 2015, © European Association for the Study of Diabetes

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Why Some Overweight People Have a Tougher Time Shedding Pounds May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST With the proviso that “biology is not destiny,” NIH researchers nevertheless confirmed that some obese people have a harder time losing weight because their metabolisms slow down considerably during a calorie-reduction diet. Tests on 12 obese men and women using a whole-room indirect calorimeter showed that people with “thrifty” metabolisms had a much harder timer dropping the pounds, while people with a “spendthrift” metabolisms easily lost weight. But the researchers said in effect that it’s not a hopeless situation: a balanced diet and regular physical activity over a long period “can be very effective for weight loss." Martin Reinhardt et al., "A Human Thrifty Phenotype Associated With Less Weight Loss During Caloric Restriction. ", Diabetes, May 11, 2015, © American Diabetes Association

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Risk Of Toxic Overdoses Of Vitamin D Is Virtually Zero May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and for preventing a variety of chronic illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes. Research has shown that many Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diet, so physicians and nutritionists have recommended supplements. But fears have been raised that overdoing vitamin D can be toxic. A new U.S. study, however, shows that the danger of toxic overdoses of vitamin D is rare. Analyzing 10 years of data from 20,000 vitamin D measurements, the researchers found that eight percent had levels greater than the recommended maximum of 50 ng/mL. Less than one percent had levels over 100 ng/mL. But even among those with high levels of vitamin D, the risk of hypercalcemia, or elevated serum calcium, was nonexistent. Michael F. Holick, "Vitamin D Is Not as Toxic as Was Once Thought: A Historical and an Up-to-Date Perspective", Mayo Clinic Proceedings, May 11, 2015, © Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

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Calif. Company Launches New Trend In “Detox”: Breakfast Cereals May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The “detox” phenomenon began with teas and juices, and has mostly stayed there. But Solana Beach, Calif.-based Earnest Eats has taken detox into the realm of solid foods with breakfast cereals that support digestion, healthy liver function and the body’s own natural detoxification system. Ingredients, besides lots of fiber (six grams per serving), include globe artichoke, green tea, ginger, and dandelion root. The detox, or “reboot,” process requires three steps, and four cereal versions: lemon, maple, and cayenne Spark (step 1); dragonfruit and maqui berry Beam (step 2); turmeric beans and greens Thrive (step 3), and coconut, chocolate, and date Bliss (step 4). "PLA Innovation of the Week: detox beyond juice - a new cereal takes the detox concept into foods", Datamonitor, May 11, 2015, © Datamonitor

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Nielsen Honors 12 “Breakthrough Innovation” Consumer Products May 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Nielsen has been analyzing a lot of consumer product launches – 20,000 since 2008 – but has honored as “breakthrough innovators” only a tiny few, in fact only 0.5 percent of them. Honorees need to deliver a new value proposition, generate $50 million in sales the first year and at least 90 percent of first year sales in the second year. Many of this year’s winners were in the food category: Atkins Frozen Meals, Lunchables Uploaded, Müller Yogurt, Special K Flatbread Breakfast Sandwiches, and Tostitos Cantina Tortilla Chips and Salsa. Four of the winners were beverages, one was a household product (batteries), one was a family of hair care products, and one was a lightweight cat litter. "Nielsen Announces 2015 U.S. Breakthrough Innovation Award Winners", News release, Nielsen.com, May 05, 2015, © The Nielsen Company

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For Weight Loss, The Type Of Exercise Really Doesn’t Matter May 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The debate continues on what type of exercise – cardio or strength training – is best for losing weight, but Spanish research suggests that the debate is irrelevant. The researchers wanted to find out if endurance training, strength training, or a combination of both, made a difference in body weight or body composition. Researchers monitored 96 obese men and women aged 18 to 50 for 22 weeks. All followed a diet that had 30 percent fewer calories than normal. All were randomly assigned to different exercise regimens that were performed three times a week. The researchers were surprised to find significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, total fat mass -- and an increase in muscle mass – no matter the exercise regimen. Pedro J. Benito et al., "Change in weight and body composition in obese subjects following a hypocaloric diet plus different training programs or physical activity recommendations. Journal of Applied Physiology", Journal of Applied Physiology, May 03, 2015, © The American Physiological Society

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How To Get People To Eat More Healthful – Or More Profitable – Foods May 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S review of 112 studies that looked into healthy eating behavior finds that fruits and vegetables that are presented well, are easy to reach and look like a normal eating choice tend to get eaten. The three principles hold true whether at home, in a cafeteria, grocery store or restaurant: fruits, vegetables and other beneficial foods should be convenient, attractive and an obvious choice. A restaurant, for example, could steer patrons away from the deep-fried onion rings by giving the high-profit shrimp salad appetizer an enticing name, highlighting it on the menu, and having the waitress point it out as a special. Brian Wansink, "Change Their Choice! Changing Behavior Using theCANApproach and Activism Research. ", Psychology & Marketing, May 03, 2015, © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Drop In Average Grain Consumption Worries Nutritionists In Australia May 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Consumption data collected in 2014 from 3,031 Australians (aged 2 to 70 years) indicate a serious decline in eating bread, white pasta and noodles, since 2011, apparently due to the increasing popularity of paleo and gluten-free diets. The study found that six percent of Australians now eat no grains at all, and intake of grains on average has dropped from six to four servings a day. Dietitians are concerned because a decline in grain consumption means Australians could be missing out on vital fiber and nutrients (iron, B vitamins). Sue Dunlevy, "Paleo diet and gluten-free fad behind 30 percent fall in grain consumption in three years", News Corp Australia Network, May 03, 2015, © News Limited

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Research Shows Balanced Protein Intake Is Key To Weight Loss May 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST One of the keys to losing weight, or to maintaining weight loss, is to eat a sufficient amount of protein each day. But U.S. researchers who reviewed earlier studies find that it is especially important to disperse the protein intake throughout the day to achieve weight loss goals. The researchers recommend that people start with at least thirty grams of protein at breakfast. A day’s diet should contain 1.2 – 1.6 grams of high-quality protein (from eggs, beef, pork or dairy) per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 150-pound (68-kilogram) woman should eat approximately 90-100 grams of protein a day to lose weight or prevent gaining weight. H. J. Leidy et al., "The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. ", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 03, 2015, © American Society for Nutrition

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Food Industry Pushes Unhealthy Foods, Blames Obesity On Inactivity May 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Scientists writing in a journal editorial excoriate the food industry – comparing its marketing tactics to those of “Big Tobacco” – for pushing sugary and fatty foods on people, while blaming obesity on a lack of physical activity. "Sugar calories promote fat storage and hunger. Fat calories induce fullness or satiation," they write. Though regular exercise is important for warding off serious illnesses, no one can “outrun” a diet loaded with sugar, carbs, and fat. In fact, calorie-packed diets now generate more bad health than a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and smoking combined, the scientists write. A. Malhotra et al., "It is time to bust the myth of physical inactivity and obesity: you cannot outrun a bad diet. ", British Journal of Sports Medicine, May 03, 2015, © British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine

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Eight Nutrients That Can Keep The Aging Brain In Tip-Top Shape April 24, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A cognitive specialist has compiled a list of eight nutrients that, according to published studies, protect the brain from the damaging effects of aging. At the top of the list are cocoa flavanols. Research has shown that they not only improve circulation and heart health, they also seem to benefit the dentate gyrus, a part of the brain associated with age-related memory. A mouse study showed that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements result in better object recognition memory, and spatial and localizatory memory that recalls facts and knowledge. Other brain-boosting nutrients and foods included phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid, walnuts, citicoline, choline, magnesium and blueberries. Linda Milo Ohr, "Protecting the Aging Brain", Food Technology, April 24, 2015, © Institute of Food Technologists

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Sugar Relieves Stress, But Amplifies Health Problems April 24, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A small U.S. clinical study that tested the impact of beverage sweeteners on the brain found that sugar – but not aspartame – relieves emotional stress. The study involved 19 young adult women whose brain responses were monitored during math tests. Before the tests, women drank beverages sweetened with sugar or aspartame. The response of the hormone cortisol was inhibited in the brains of study participants who drank sugar-sweetened beverages. The sugar actually relieved stress. The problem, researchers said, is that this can lead to increased reliance on sugary drinks and foods at emotionally stressful times, amplifying serious health problems such as obesity. Matthew S. Tryon et al., "Excessive Sugar Consumption May Be a Difficult Habit to Break: A View From the Brain and Body. ", The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, April 24, 2015, © The Endocrine Society

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Most Studies On Weight-Loss Programs Are Useless – Just Like The Programs April 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Most commercial weight-loss programs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, and neither are the studies purportedly proving their effectiveness, according to a U.S. review. The researchers culled just 39 valid clinical trials covering 11 programs – of 32 commercial programs on the market – from 4,200 studies. The worthwhile studies tested Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, HMR, Medifast, OPTIFAST, Atkins, SlimFast, the Internet-based Biggest Loser Club, eDiets and Lose It!. “Gold-standard” data on Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig showed that participants, on average, lost more weight after one year than people on self-directed diets, or people who simply read health information or received other forms of education and counseling. Kimberly A. Gudzune et al., "Efficacy of Commercial Weight-Loss Programs. ", Annals of Internal Medicine, April 23, 2015, © American College of Physicians

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Clues Everywhere Prove The Heightened Popularity Of Veganism April 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A sure sign that the vegan diet is making serious inroads into America’s consciousness is the fact that more and more sports nutrition products are vegan. The Vega line of meal replacement bars and shakes has grabbed shelf space in the sports nutrition aisles, along with pea protein products like Garden of Life, PlantFusion and Pisane. Other definite signs of the infestation of vegan: researchers and food companies developing better plant-based substitutes for ingredients; celebrities investing in vegan meal delivery services; the expanding number of vegan restaurants; the increasing number of vegan food festivals; and Ikea serving vegan meatballs. Rachel Cernansky, "6 signs the vegan diet has gained mainstream traction", NewHope360.com, April 23, 2015, © Penton

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Overdoing Supplement Dosages Increases Cancer Risk April 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST An American researcher who has spent 20 years studying the impact of diet and dietary supplements on cancer has concluded that taking larger than recommended dosages of supplements to prevent cancer actually  increases the risk of cancer. In one study, data showed that taking high levels of beta-carotene increased the risk of lung cancer and heart disease by 20 percent. Another study found that taking too much folic acid increases the number of colorectal polyps rather than reduces them. The bottom line, researchers say, is that people should get their vitamins and other nutrients from fresh foods, though proper dosages of supplements are generally safe. Tim Byers, "Dietary supplements shown to increase cancer risk", Blog entry, research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, April 20, 2015, © University of Colorado Cancer Center

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Analysis Of Food Buying In G8 Countries Finds Some Major Differences April 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Euromonitor has developed a nutritional data gathering system that compares consumer eating patterns – including calories and micronutrients -- in the G8 countries, finding some “striking” differences. Italians, for example, buy eight times more pasta per capita than Americans, with eight times more calories (199 a day) coming from pasta than the average U.S. consumer (12 times the average Japanese). Yet only 11 percent of Italians are considered obese. When it comes to buying packaged foods, Germany ranks No. 1 at 1733 calories per person per day, followed by France, the U.K., Italy and the U.S. Only three percent of the total population of Japan are considered obese, compared to 42 percent in the U.S. With these findings in mind, Euromonitor says it might be time to take a closer look at the benefits of the “Washoku” diet, based on traditional Japanese cuisine.  Filippo Battaini, "Washoku vs Mediterranean diet: Italians do it well, but Japanese do it even better", Euromonitor International, April 11, 2015, © Euromonitor International

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Peanuts Protect Blood Vessels When Eating High-Fat Meals April 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Including peanuts in a high-fat meal protects blood vessels, a small clinical trial has found. Researchers monitored the lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels of 15 overweight men who ate meals with or without peanuts. Vascular function was assessed using flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). The researchers found that the peanut meal maintained normal vascular function while the high fat-matched control meal impaired vascular function acutely. Vascular dysfunction plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis, and the formation of coronary plaques and lesions that lead to coronary artery disease. Xiaoran Liu, "Adding peanuts to a meal benefits vascular health", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition's scientific sessions & annual meeting , April 10, 2015, © American Society for Nutrition

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Vitamin K-Rich Leafy Veggies Shown To Protect Against Dementia April 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A U.S. study that linked vitamin K consumption to slower cognitive decline found that eating foods rich in vitamin K, lutein and beta-carotene could be a simple, affordable way to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Scientists monitored the diets and cognitive abilities of 954 older adults – average 81 years -- for two to ten years. They noted a significant decrease in the rate of cognitive decline among study participants who consumed greater amounts of green leafy vegetables. Those who ate one to two servings a day had the cognitive ability of a person 11 years younger than those who consumed none. Martha Clare Morris et al., "Eating green leafy vegetables keeps mental abilities sharp", News release, study presented at the American Society for Nutrition (ASN) annual meeting, April 10, 2015, © Morris et al.

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Study Finds Evidence Of Anti-Cancer Potential Of Omega-3s April 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST U.S. researchers who analyzed data from 1,125 colorectal cancer cases found that high intake of marine omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of a certain kind of tumor known as a microsatellite instable tumor. Omega-3s were not linked, however, to a lower risk of another kind of colorectal tumor known as a microsatellite stable tumor, nor were they associated with colorectal cancer overall. Nevertheless, the authors said the findings suggest that omega-3s have “potential anticancer activity” and might someday be used to prevent colorectal cancer. M. Song et al., "Marine -3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Risk of Colorectal Cancer According to Microsatellite Instability. ", Journal of the National Cancer Institute, April 10, 2015, © Song et al.

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Effect Of Cheese On Gut Microbes May Account For “French Paradox” April 8, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Danish researchers say cheese metabolism – not red wine -- is the real reason for the "paradox” of low heart disease rates in France despite a high-fat diet. The researchers looked at urine and fecal samples from 15 healthy men who ate either cheese or milk, or ate butter but no other dairy products. Those who ate cheese had more gut microbiota-related metabolites like butyrate, hippurate, and malonate in their feces. Elevated butyrate levels are linked to reduced cholesterol levels. The researchers concluded that microbial and lipid metabolism “could be involved in the dairy-induced effects on blood cholesterol level” that lead to the “French paradox.” Hong Zheng et al., "Metabolomics Investigation To Shed Light on Cheese as a Possible Piece in the French Paradox Puzzle", Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, April 08, 2015, © American Chemical Society

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