Archive For The “Health” Category
Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly to families, has launched a webpage dedicated to its Food is Medicine initiative in partnership with UTHealth Houston.
The page highlights the nonprofit’s work over the past several years, showcasing the connection between healthy food and improved health outcomes, according to a news release.
The Food is Medicine initiative emphasizes the role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases, preventing illness and improving overall well-being. Key features of the new webpage include visuals, personal testimonials, publications and research, and highlights that detail the program’s success and impact, the release said.
“Our goal is to provide all children and their families with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables while teaching them how to use it to reduce risk of diet-related chronic disease later in life. As part of our Food Is Medicine efforts, we will integrate provisions of fresh produce and nutrition education in the health care system so healthy food can be part of preventing or managing disease and promoting well-being,” said Shreela Sharma, Brighter Bites co-founder and a professor and vice-chair of the Department of Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
The Food is Medicine page highlights how Brighter Bites’ work in providing participants with fresh food and nutrition education ultimately supports the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. By addressing both the root causes of these conditions and the social determinants of health, the initiative has led to measurable improvements in health outcomes for countless individuals in the communities served, the release said.
“We are proud to share our Food is Medicine initiative with our supporters and the broader community,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman. “This initiative is at the heart of our mission to build healthier futures for families across the country. For the past several years, we’ve seen firsthand how access to fresh, nutritious food along with nutrition education can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and lead to better health outcomes.”
The global dragon fruit market is set for substantial growth, with its value expected to rise from US$507.3 million in 2023 to US$973.6 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.7%. Dragon fruit thrives in warm and humid climates, offering a year-round supply due to its evergreen nature.
The increasing popularity of dragon fruit is attributed to its rich nutritional profile, which can help combat chronic conditions such as cancer and asthma, regulate blood sugar, and promote skin and hair health. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this fruit has gained traction among health-conscious consumers who seek nutritious ingredients for a balanced diet.
Dragon fruit plays a key role in the food and beverage industry, driving market expansion as producers develop a range of tropical products to satisfy diverse consumer tastes. The potential for sustained market growth is clear, as underscored by the findings of Persistence Market Research.
Key Market Growth Drivers
The growing awareness of dragon fruit’s health benefits, such as its rich nutrient content and antioxidant properties, is a key factor driving demand. Consumers increasingly recognize the fruit’s ability to help mitigate chronic health conditions, making it a desirable addition to their diets. Additionally, the shift toward healthier eating habits propels the rise in dragon fruit consumption as part of natural, nutritious food choices.
The food and beverage sector is expanding rapidly, with dragon fruit gaining popularity as an ingredient in various products. Its versatility has allowed producers to innovate, creating new offerings that cater to changing consumer preferences. Moreover, the globalization of markets and favorable trade policies have enhanced the reach of dragon fruit, making it more accessible in regions that previously had limited exposure.
Despite its evergreen nature, dragon fruit cultivation still faces challenges due to seasonal variations that can impact supply and pricing stability. Additionally, the plant is susceptible to pests and diseases, which can affect yields and product quality. Transportation and shelf-life issues are also significant hurdles, as the fruit’s delicate nature requires careful handling, particularly in long-distance shipments.
The geographical constraints of dragon fruit cultivation limit its production to specific regions with warm, humid climates. This can cause supply shortages and price fluctuations in areas where the fruit is not grown locally. Furthermore, the high initial investment required to establish dragon fruit orchards, including land, infrastructure, and cultivation practices, may deter some potential growers from entering the market.
Innovation in dragon fruit products has been a significant trend as producers explore new avenues for the fruit’s use. Dragon fruit-based beverages, snacks, desserts, and even skincare products have been developed to cater to diverse consumer needs. The rise of e-commerce has also expanded the market, providing consumers with easier access to dragon fruit products from different regions and encouraging online sales growth.
As health and wellness trends continue influencing consumer behavior, the demand for functional foods like dragon fruit, known for their nutritional benefits and disease-fighting properties, has surged.
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