Archive For The “Health” Category
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating blueberries and other flavonoid-rich foods may support healthy aging, including a lowered risk for poor mental health.
The study, led by researchers from Queen’s University, Belfast N. Ireland; Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; and Rush University Medical Center, highlights the associations between the intake of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods, including blueberries, and three indicators of healthy aging (frailty, impaired physical function and poor mental health).
The survey involved more than 85,000 men and women over the age of 60 and showed that blueberries, strawberries, apples, oranges, and tea promote healthier aging.
“From a public health standpoint, a modest yet achievable adjustment, involving an increase of 3 servings per day in flavonoid-rich foods, translated to a 6% to 11% lower risk across the healthy aging indicators in women, and a 15% lower risk of poor mental health in men,” said Aedín Cassidy, Ph.D., nutrition and preventive medicine chair, and director for interdisciplinary research, Queen’s University Belfast and The Institute for Global Food Security.
Researchers conducted the study using data from two U.S.-wide prospective cohort studies, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS).
The study followed 62,743 females from 1990-2014 and 23,687 males from 2006-2018 and included their data when they reached 60 years or older. Dietary flavonoid intake was calculated from food frequency questionnaires collected when participants started and every four years over 24 years for the NHS and over 12 years for the HPFS.
Every four years, participants also completed health surveys to assess conditions related to frailty, including fatigue, poor strength, reduced aerobic capacity, presence of chronic illnesses, and weight loss. Physical impairment was assessed based on questions related to physical limitations in performing various moderate and vigorous activities.
Mental health was assessed and scored using questions from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression and the Geriatric Depression Scale.
In the NHS, intakes of total flavonoids, compared to the lowest, were associated with a 15% lower risk of frailty, a 12% lower risk of developing impaired physical function, and a 12% lower risk of developing poor mental health. A lowered risk of these outcomes was also associated with a higher habitual intake of specific foods and beverages: tea, red wine, apples, blueberries, and oranges.
In the males with HPFS, high intakes of tea and blueberries and moderate intakes of red wine were associated with a lowered risk of poor mental health. Still, there were no associations between average intakes of any other flavonoid-rich foods and either frailty or impaired physical function.
The researchers also looked at changes due to decreased consumption of flavonoid-rich foods. In the NHS, the greatest decrease in intakes of tea, blueberries, and apples was associated with a 7%, 31%, and 16% higher risk of developing frailty, respectively. Increasing intakes of blueberries by 0.5 servings per day was associated with a 12% lower risk of frailty.
A limitation of the study is that it only focused on middle-aged and older, predominantly white women and men. Future studies in diverse population groups with broader intakes of flavonoid-rich foods are needed.
This research contributes to the growing evidence that consuming flavonoid-rich foods like blueberries throughout one’s life is an important part of a healthy diet.
“Our findings underscore the potential for simple dietary modifications to impact overall quality of life and contribute to healthy aging,” Cassidy explained.
A recent study has revealed that incorporating avocados into the diet can positively influence the microbiota of adults living with abdominal obesity, without requiring any caloric restrictions, and thus improving gut health.
Conducted as part of the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (HAT), the 26-week randomized controlled trial involved 1,008 participants who were split into two groups: one that consumed one avocado daily and another that maintained their usual dietary habits.
Fecal samples from a subset of 230 participants were collected at the start of the study, after four weeks, and after the 26-week period. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, utilized advanced shotgun metagenomics sequencing to assess the gut microbiota composition and diversity.
The findings indicated that participants in the avocado-consuming group experienced a notable increase in gut microbiota diversity by the four-week mark, a change that persisted throughout the study. Particularly, individuals with lower scores on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), reflecting less nutritious dietary habits at the outset, showed a more significant increase in microbiota diversity when consuming avocados compared to those in the control group.
At the end of the study, the avocado group demonstrated significant changes in beta diversity, suggesting shifts in the overall composition of gut bacteria. At the species level, notable increases were observed in beneficial gut bacteria, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacterium AF16_15. However, functional analysis indicated no significant differences in metabolic pathways between the two groups.
The study, which highlights the potential prebiotic benefits of avocados, suggests that incorporating this nutrient-rich fruit could be particularly advantageous for individuals with lower diet quality scores. These findings open new avenues for dietary interventions aimed at improving gut health in people with abdominal obesity.
Total U.S. fruit intake declined 7 percent to 0.93 cup equivalent per person per day in 2017–18 from 1 cup equivalent in 2003–04.
A 50-percent drop in fruit juice intake, from 0.46 cup equivalent per person per day in 2003–04 to 0.23 cup equivalent in 2017-18, drove the overall decrease in fruit consumption.
For a nutritionally adequate diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 advises individuals to consume about one cup equivalent of fruit for every 1,000 calories, with some variations for children and adolescents based on sex and physical activity.
Fruit is a rich source of nutrients, including dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. Given the importance of this food group to diet quality, the USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS) recently examined U.S. fruit consumption patterns and trends.
These data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which nutritionists use to study diet quality.
Plátanos de Canarias just joined forces with Ausolan, a Spanish business group, to create an initiative to teach kids about the importance of physical activity and balanced, nutritious meals by collaborating with school kitchens.
The collaboration’s focus is to battle childhood obesity, which the organization says is a front-and-center issue in Spain.
According to a press release from the company, 36.1% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 are overweight, and 15.9% suffer from obesity.
The organization is also launching a special challenge for kids to win 50-spot kits with everything you need to stay active: a soccer ball, water bottle, gym towel, and pool shoes.
- Plantains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Plantains promote bowel regularity due to their fiber content.
- They are good for heart health.
- Plantains are versatile and can be used in various dishes.
To participate, kids should post a photo on their favorite social media platform practicing a sport with their favorite fruit, tag the organization’s Instagram: @platano_decanarias and use the hashtag #LaFrutaDelDeporte.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that daily mango consumption may lower insulin levels and enhance insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese adults experiencing chronic low-grade inflammation.
Conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology with 48 adults aged 20 to 60, the study compared the effects of fresh mangos to a calorie-matched control food, on inflammation and insulin sensitivity. Participants consuming mangos exhibited significant reductions in insulin resistance, as measured by the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Additionally, improvements in beta-cell function (insulin production and release) were noted using the disposition index (DI).
After a four-week intervention, the mango group showed significantly lower insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test compared to baseline, while no changes were observed in the control group.
“Our study indicates that incorporating fresh mangos into the diet may provide an accessible way for those who are overweight or obese to enhance insulin function and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes,” Professor of Food Science and Nutrition Indika Edirisinghe, PhD, noted.
Importantly, while maintaining comparable caloric intake, participants in the mango group did not experience changes in body composition, whereas the control group showed a slight increase in weight.
Other markers of inflammation and glucose levels did not differ significantly between the two groups, suggesting that fresh mangos could be a healthier alternative to similar sweet treats.
Edirisinghe emphasized that the observed improvement in insulin sensitivity without corresponding weight gain challenges the perception that the natural sugar in mangos negatively impacts obesity and diabetes. While the specific mechanisms remain unclear, improved antioxidant status from mango consumption may play a role in regulating blood glucose levels.
These findings highlight the importance of incorporating fresh fruits, particularly mangos, into dietary habits that support heart health, blood sugar control, and overall wellness.
The mangos consumed were a combination of Kent and Keitt varieties, and aside from the intervention or control food, participants maintained their usual diet and lifestyle. The study utilized a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded design over four weeks in real-life conditions, enabling thorough evaluations of fasting and postprandial glycemic responses.
*This study was supported through an unrestricted grant from the National
Avocados from Mexico says it promotes the heart-healthy benefits and good fats of avocados, and to mark National Nutrition Month. This includes supporting the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Initiative, Eat Smart Program, which encourages people to make informed choices about nutrition.
Avocaods From Mexico says avocados are good sources of fiber, with 3 grams per one-third of a medium avocado, as well as healthy fats.
The Healthy for Good Initiative, Eat Smart Program promotes an overall balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and sources of healthy fats. Avocados From Mexico is a national supporter of this initiative, and its “Good Fats Meet Great Taste” campaign reinforces the importance of making informed food choices, according to a news release.
“Avocados From Mexico taste good and are good for you, making them a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to eat healthy without compromising on taste,” Alvaro Luque, CEO of Avocados From Mexico, said in the release. “This program spotlights all the benefits that make avocados a nutritional powerhouse, including good fats and key nutrients that support heart health. Avocados are a versatile, delicious add to nearly any recipe, proving that eating healthy can — and should — be fun.”
ELGIN, MN – Honeybear Brands, a leading grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, is urging retailers to remind shoppers to eat more fiber rich apples this March, in an effort to help them reduce their risk of certain cancers.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and the risk is growing in younger adults. In fact, the number of people under 55 who’ve been newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer has nearly doubled since 1995. As a result, the American Cancer Society has issued new recommendations for people to start regular screening at age 45 rather than 50.
What’s increasing the risk? Experts point to the American diet — processed food, low-fiber, high-fat meals. But a high-fiber diet is a significant preventative measure against colon cancer. Apples are a powerhouse of fiber, thanks to their skin, and are packed with phytochemicals — such as flavonoids and polyphenols — that may help fight certain cancers.
“As younger adults see their risk for this disease increase, we want to encourage them to add more fiber to their daily diets. Apples are an easy way to do this. A portable snack, or an easy ingredient in a meal, apples are within reach and very affordable,” said Kristi Harris, Marketing Director, Honeybear Brands, in a recent press release.
Honeybear Brands is supporting this Colorectal Cancer education effort at retail, offering point of sale promotional materials featuring the recognized blue ribbon this March.
“We want to trigger that connection for shoppers looking to make informed choices at store level and the blue ribbon symbolizes the importance of gut health,” said Harris.
The company is also working with My Food Gal, a food blogger on a social media campaign to inspire consumers to follow her easy, high fiber recipe that features the delicious combination of apples, oats and peanut butter.
There is much research demonstrating that fruits are a rich source of these nutrients. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2020-2025, the underconsumption of some of the nutrients provided by fruits is considered a public health concern.
Dietary guidelines by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicate the amount of fruit recommended for a nutritionally adequate diet has remained the same since 2005.
According to these entities, about 80% of the U.S. population consumes less fruit than the recommended amount.
A recent examination by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) indicated that, on average, U.S. consumers have been eating and drinking less fruit since the turn of the 21st century.
Estimates from the ERS Loss Adjusted Food Availability Data show per capita U.S. total fruit availability declined from 0.95 cup equivalents per person per day in 2003 to 0.82 cup equivalents per person per day in 2021, a 14% drop, the report shows.
Additionally, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), collected at the individual level, similarly show total fruit intake in the United States declined 7% from 1 cup equivalent per person per day in 2003–04 to 0.93 cup equivalents per person per day in 2017–18.
Fruit consumption is measured in fresh, canned, frozen, and dried products, as well as 100% juice.
The ERS Loss-Adjusted Food Availability data product and NHANES both show U.S. consumers drank less fruit juice over time, on average.
Children are eating more fruit at school; Senior adults are eating less fruit overall
The fruit density of children’s diets increased from an average of 0.55 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories in 2003–04 to 0.74 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories in 2017–18.
In-school meals have contributed to increased consumption by children. The fruit density of children’s diets when eating at school increased from 1 cup equivalent per 1,000 calories in 2003–04 to 1.36 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories in 2017–18.
However, seniors and working-age adults do not fare as well as children in meeting dietary fruit guidelines. In 2017–18, seniors consumed 0.59 cups of fruit per 1,000 calories, which is 0.16 cup equivalents less fruit per 1,000 calories than in 2003–04.
Regardless, children and adults, including seniors, consistently have fallen short of Federal guidelines. From 2017 to March 2020, only 23.2% of children and 14.7% of adults met the DGA’s fruit recommendations for their age and sex group.
Fruit consumption levels tied to health behaviors and awareness
ERS researchers also sought to understand how individual and societal factors relate to being in low—or high-consuming groups. They found the most significant factors in predicting high consumption are health behaviors, including engaging in physical activity and not smoking, and health knowledge captured by awareness of USDA’s MyPlate, a tool used to visualize recommendations for a healthy diet.
On the other hand, those who have these healthy behaviors and knowledge were less likely to be low-fruit consumers. Researchers also found income and fruit prices were not strongly associated with low or high consumption.
Source: Amber Waves, USDA
A study from Western New England University (WNE) suggests that regularly eating grapes can positively impact muscle gene expression, with particularly strong effects in females.
The research, recently published in the journal Foods, found that daily grape consumption alters muscle gene expression in ways that promote lean muscle mass and reduce markers of muscle degeneration.
“This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level,” said Dr. John Pezzuto, senior investigator of the study and professor and dean of the WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Alterations in muscle gene expression resulted in male and female muscle characteristics becoming more similar on a metabolic level.
The Role of Nutrigenomics
Nutrigenomics, the study of how diet influences gene expression, played a central role in this research. Grapes, rich in natural compounds called phytochemicals, have been shown to impact various aspects of health, from heart and kidney function to skin and eye health.
In this study, researchers examined the effects of consuming two servings of grapes per day on muscle gene expression patterns. The results demonstrated that grape consumption altered over 20,000 genes, significantly influencing muscle metabolism.
The study also revealed that genes associated with good muscle health—such as those linked to lean muscle mass—were elevated, while genes tied to muscle deterioration were suppressed. These findings suggest that dietary interventions, like adding grapes to one’s diet, could serve as a complementary approach to traditional muscle maintenance strategies, such as exercise and protein-rich nutrition.
Future Research Directions
The WNE research team aims to further investigate the mechanisms behind these genetic changes and determine how quickly they occur in human subjects. As the field of nutrigenomics continues to evolve, this study opens the door for new dietary approaches to muscle health across different age groups.
A recently published report shows that increasing consumer demand for healthy snacks, rising awareness of nutritional benefits, and the growing popularity of plant-based diets drive the market expansion of dry fruits in the U.S.
The market is forecast to reach an estimated US$4.89 billion by 2033, compared to US$3.14 billion in 2024. This growth signifies a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.08% from 2025 to 2033.
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, raisins, apricots, and dates are among the most popular dry fruits. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Dry fruits are increasingly popular in the USA as convenient and healthy snacks because of their numerous health benefits. These include boosting heart health by lowering cholesterol, improving digestion due to their high fiber content, and supporting weight management by promoting satiety.
Due to their easy-to-eat format and packaging, dry fruits are becoming increasingly popular among American consumers. They are drawn to their convenience, portability, and ability to provide sustained energy.
Dry fruits are widely embraced in fitness circles for boosting energy and aiding post-workout recovery, making them a staple in health-conscious households.
According to the report, the shift toward plant-based eating is another key growth driver in the dry fruits market. Many consumers opt for vegetarian or vegan diets, increasing the demand for plant-derived nutrient sources. They are often used as meat substitutes in recipes or as an energy-dense snack.
The report also notes that the rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized the U.S.’s dry fruit market. Consumers now have easy access to a diverse range of dry fruit products, including organic, flavored, and exotic varieties, with the convenience of doorstep delivery.
Online platforms often provide detailed product information, reviews, and competitive pricing, encouraging informed purchasing decisions. Subscription services and bulk-buying options have also made it easier for consumers to integrate dry fruits into their daily diets.
As e-commerce grows, it is expected further to increase the sales and visibility of dry fruits nationwide.