Archive For The “Health” Category
By Tozer Seeds America
Santa Maria, Calif. – Tozer Seeds America (Tozer), pioneer of the first F1 parsnip hybrid developed over three decades ago, gears up for the North American parsnip growing season as renewed consumer demand increases in 2015 for this sweet and succulent root vegetable.
Tozer is seeing new demand for parsnips in northern U.S. and southern Canada with Food Network claiming parsnips to be a new superfood on the rise and USA Today calling parsnips the next big thing in healthy snacking. Consumers are enjoying parsnips for their versatility – parsnips can be used in a variety of dishes or even be turned into wine – and health benefits – parsnip chips are a popular alternative to potato chips and were also featured on the hit TV series “The Biggest Loser.” Typically a winter vegetable, parsnips are now available year-round in supermarkets and farmers markets throughout the U.S.
“The introduction of F1 parsnip hybrids moved the market toward a washable, firm and narrower parsnip,” said Kraig Kuykendall, sales manager of Tozer Seeds America. “It enabled the production of a more consistently marketable and cost effective product.”
The development of new and improved parsnip varieties has been important in the history of Tozer. It continues to develop new hybrids with good vigor, canker resistance, shallow crowns, smooth skin, resistance to bruising and white roots of uniform shape and size. Growers interested in Tozer’s parsnips can learn more here.
About Tozer Seeds America
Tozer Seeds America is the U.S. branch of Tozer Seeds, the largest independent and family-owned vegetable breeding company in the U.K. Tozer Seeds specializes in breeding, production and distribution of quality vegetable seed. Tozer Seeds America opened in 2008 and is located in Santa Maria, California.
by American Pistachio Growers
FRESNO, Calif. — Pistachio nuts, singled out among other nuts, seem to have the strongest effect on reducing blood pressure in adults. This is according to a recent review and scientific analysis of 21 clinical trials, all carried out between 1958 and 2013. The review appears online in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a publication of the American Society for Nutrition.
Hypertension contributes to more than 7 million deaths annually worldwide attributed to cardiovascular disease. While numerous studies have shown eating nuts provides cardiovascular benefits to healthy as well as to high risk individuals and those with type 2 diabetes, the authors state that, to their knowledge, no systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials has been conducted to assess the effect of nut consumption on blood pressure.
The researchers concluded that nut consumption can reduce blood pressure and particularly systolic blood pressure. Of the nuts studied, pistachios seemed to have the strongest effect in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
This review and analysis included subjects with and without type 2 diabetes, recognizing the consumption of nuts could affect blood pressure in people with or without type 2 diabetes in different ways. Subgroup analyses based on the type of nut consumed suggest that pistachios significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, where mixed nuts reduce only diastolic blood pressure. When those with type 2 diabetes were removed from the analysis, only pistachios decreased systolic blood pressure as well.
Databases were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that reported the effect of consuming single or mixed nuts including walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, peanuts and soy nuts on systolic blood pressure or diastolic blood pressure. Twenty-one trials were selected which studied 1,652 adults, ages 18-86 years.
The study points out that pistachios contain monounsaturated fatty acids and high amounts of phytosterols which may have beneficial effects on blood pressure and other nutrient qualities that lead to a reduction in oxidized LDL cholesterol and an improved antioxidant status. The study conclusion says although some medications and exercise appear to be effective in reducing blood pressure, healthy diets that include tree nuts may help to enhance their effectiveness and even result in reducing the dosage of hypertension medications.
The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and was registered in an international prospective register of systematic reviews. Meta-analysis consists of applying statistical methods for combining the findings from different independent but similar studies. Reviewers followed strict criteria for including or excluding studies and then pooled and tested the data for sources of agreement or disagreement.
The authors of the study reported no funding was received for this study and none of the authors declared a conflict of interest.
About American Pistachio Growers
American Pistachio Growers (APG) is a non-profit trade association representing more than 625 grower members in California, Arizona and New Mexico. APG is governed by an 18-member board of directors who are growers and is funded entirely by growers and independent processors with the shared goal of increasing global awareness of nutritious, American-grown pistachios. The United States has been #1 in global pistachio production since 2008.
Chick-fil-A is introducing a new kale-based menu item as it rides the wave of a superfood trend.
Beginning in Southwest Florida last May, chicken sandwich fans were able to get a break from the typical fried foods Chick-fil-A is known for, and try the new 80-calorie Superfood Salad, which includes a blend of kale, broccolini, roasted-nuts, and a maple vinaigrette.
This healthy trial item will be available through July, as well as the slightly less healthy additions of the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich and a loaded baked potato side dish, with customer feedback helping to determine whether the dishes are added to menu. Chick-fil-A has over 1,900 restaurants across the U.S. Whether consumers will respond well to this latest addition may be found in the company’s competition. Other chains like sun as McDonald’s and Starbucks have joined the trendy kale craze with similar menu items of their trial items will be available at Chick-fil-A locations across Florida.
Photo Courtesy of The News-Press Chick-fil-A is an American fast food restaurant chain headquartered in the Atanta suburb of College Park specializing in chicken sandwiches. Founded in 1946, it is associated with the Southern United States. Chick-fil-A has restaurants in 41 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
The company’s culture is strongly influenced by its founder’s Southern Baptist beliefs. All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed for business on Sunday. In 2012, CEO Dan Cathy’s public statements in opposition to same-sex marriage became the subject of public controversy and was praised by Christian conservatives.
Founder Truett Cathy was a devout Southern Baptist; his religious beliefs had a major impact on the company. The company’s official statement of corporate purpose says that the business exists “To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.
Carrots and other vegetables are rich in beta carotene and zeaxanthin, which may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a recent study.
The study drew on data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, an examination of chronic disease in ten European countries, according to a news release from Westlake Village, Calif.-based Dole Food Co.
Study participants who originally had the highest levels of beta-carotene or zeaxanthin in their blood had only about half the risk of developing pancreatic compared with those who had the lowest levels. The study also found that with each doubling of beta-carotene, sum of carotenoids or zeaxanthin in the blood, the risk of pancreatic cancer was reduced by 15%, 22% and 19%, respectively.
Dole recommends consumers eat carrots, sweet potatoes, squash and pumpkin to get their beta carotene. For zeaxanthin, the company recommends spinach, kale, romaine, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. In Dole’s Kale and Carrot Tart recipe, dark green and orange vegetables are combined for an entrée packed with beta-carotene and zeaxanthin.
Kern County, California in the Bakersfield area is shipping carrots and potatoes – grossing about $6700 to Baltimore.
By the California Walnut Commission
FOLSOM, Calif. — Multiple new research abstracts suggest walnuts may have the potential to positively affect several important health factors. From their impact on colon cancer and certain aspects of cognitive aging, to their positive effect on both gut health and vascular health, the research findings presented at Experimental Biology 2015 (EB) detail our latest understanding of walnuts’ inner workings. Running March 28 through April 1 in Boston, this annual meeting attracted an international audience of over 14,000 leading research scientists and exhibitors.
“These findings help advance the understanding of the many advantages of eating walnuts as part of a healthy diet, and add to the more than 159 published papers over 20 years that have shown how walnuts affect heart health, diabetes, cancer, cognition, fertility and weight management,” said Dennis A. Balint, CEO, California Walnut Commission.
There are numerous possible active ingredients in walnuts that may be contributing factors in providing these health benefits. One component that differentiates walnuts is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) with 2.5 grams per one ounce serving.
While scientific conclusions cannot yet be drawn from the abstracts presented at EB 2015, the following summaries share the latest findings:
- Colon Cancer: For the first time, researchers looked at whether components of walnuts have an effect on colon cancer cells. This cell study1 was conducted by the Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management at the Ewha Womans University in Korea, and showed that walnut extract significantly slowed the survival of the cancer stem cells as well as reduced the stemness of colon cancer stem cells. Given the results, researchers state there is reason to further explore the role of walnut consumption in colon cancer therapies targeting cancer stem cells.
- Gut Health: The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of bacteria that helps our bodies digest and use the food we eat; changes in the gut microbiome are linked to chronic diseases. A recent animal study2 conducted by the Department of Physiology School of Medicine at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center looked at the effect of walnuts on two major gut bacteria communities. A diet with walnuts (approximately 2 ounce human diet equivalent) significantly altered the ratio of the two communities, therefore suggesting “a new mechanism, changing the gut microbial environment, by which walnuts may exert their beneficial health effects.” As this study was performed on animals, however, findings cannot yet be implied for humans.
- Aging, Brain Health: This animal study3 from the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University looked at healthy rats, both young and old, and the impact of walnuts – a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and nutrients such as folate, selenium, magnesium and polyphenols – on mechanisms in critical regions of the brain. Animals were segmented into three groups – one, the control group, who ate no walnuts at all (0%); a second that had 6% of their diet comprised of walnuts; and a third that had 9% of their diet comprised of walnuts (equivalent to one ounce and 1.5 ounces respectively in a human diet). The groups were monitored for ten weeks. According to the researchers, incorporating walnuts into one’s diet may have protective effects on the aging brain. As this study was performed on animals, however, findings cannot yet be implied for humans.
- Vascular Health: Microvascular function refers to the health of our smallest blood vessels, such as capillaries. A study4 from the Departments of Nutrition and Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis of postmenopausal women with high cholesterol looked at the short-term impact of walnut consumption. The group that ate 40 grams, or 1.5 ounces, of walnuts per day saw improved vascular function. The study concludes this improvement is due to the effects from the walnut-derived fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA).
Findings like these pave the way for additional research aimed at understanding walnuts’ role in disease prevention and management.
The latest Kitchen Audit survey by The NPD Group indicates consumers are showing reinvigorated interested in fresh, more healthful options, based upon the appliances, cookware, utensils and food ingredients they have on hand in their kitchens.
by The International Nut & Dried Fruit Council
Given the forecast and coinciding with the recent World Day against Cancer, the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) wants to share some facts that can help us live a healthier life and may help prevent this disease.
According to a recent study run by Harvard University, which analyzed over 100,000 people over 30 years, nut consumption was inversely associated with total mortality by over 20%, disregarding the cause, and had an inverse relationship with some of the most common causes of death, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
This study, the largest ever conducted investigating the effect of nut intake on mortality, concluded that participants who ate a daily handful of nuts reduced the chance of mortality due to cancer by 11%, compared to those who didn’t consume any nuts. Dr. Ying Bao concluded that “nut consumption was inversely associated with mortality, independently of other risk factors”.
In another study also run by Dr. Bao called “Nut consumption and risk of pancreatic cancer in women”, it was revealed that frequent nut consumption is inversely associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer in women, independent of other potential risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
Besides nuts, dried fruits are also suggested for cancer prevention, as they are as healthy as their fresh equivalent and high in polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants that may protect DNA against damage, decrease inflammation and prevent cancer.
Properties and Benefits
A number of scientific studies have demonstrated the health benefits of nuts and dried fruits. All these benefits are attributed to the multiple components that these products have, such as vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, arginine, plant sterols and phytochemical compounds. Furthermore, they have a low content of saturated fatty acids, among others.
About the INC
The International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) groups nearly 700 companies of the nut and dried fruit sector from over 70 countries. INC is the international organization of reference as regards nuts and dried fruits, health, nutrition, food safety, statistics, international standards and regulations.
by Justin Worland, Time.com
There’s a way to get school kids to eat more vegetables at lunch, and it has nothing to do with what’s on the menu. Just mess with their schedule, finds a new study published in the journal Preventive Medicine: Kids who have recess before lunch are more likely to eat their fruits and vegetables than those who play after they eat.
The study looked at 2,500 kids in seven Utah elementary schools who participated in the National School Lunch Program, which serves balanced lunches that must include a serving of vegetables with each meal. Three schools switched their schedules to hold recess before lunch, while the other four schools kept recess after lunch. Researchers stood by the garbage cans and measured how many children threw away fruits and vegetables and found that the schedule swap boosted produce consumption by an impressive 54% for elementary school children.
That’s because young students tend to rush through their meals and skip the most nutritious parts when lunch is held before recess, the authors say. “Recess is a pretty big deal for most kids. If you have kids [choose] between playing and eating their veggies, the time spent playing is going to win most of the time,” said study author Joe Price, an economics professor at Brigham Young University, in a press release.
By Sakata Seed Co., Inc.
Broccoli is known for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, which benefit more than just the heart; in fact, studies show that broccoli consumption can lead to better vision, healthier skin, reduced cholesterol, stronger immune system and improved digestion. Better yet, broccoli delivers a powerhouse of nutrients, while remaining low in sodium and calories.
‘Need-to-Know’ Broccoli Nutrition Facts
- Good source of fiber
- Good source of Potassium
- High in Vitamins: A, B6, C
- Nutrients: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iron
Sakata urges you to eat healthy, exercise and educate yourself on how to prevent heart disease. A heart healthy America starts with you. Here are some important steps for decreasing risk for yourself and others.
6 Steps Toward Building a Heart-Healthy America
- Increase knowledge
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy
- Manage stress
- Regulate weight
- Spread awareness
The American Heart Association has deemed February American Heart Month. As a continued supporter of the American Heart Association, Sakata is doing their part to promote a heart-healthy America. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of American adults today. Proper diet and exercise are the building blocks of heart disease prevention, which is why finding foods that naturally prevent heart problems is crucial.
Among the healthy foods that were considered to be trendy in 214 was kale, according to some nutrition experts. So what is expected to take center stage in 2015?
Nutritionist see increasing attention towards antioxidizing vegetables and protein-rich grains.
Surprisingly, one of the new foods in the limelight is cauliflower. Registered dietitian Alison Sacks sees cauliflower will stealing some of the spotlight from kale. Her focus is helping clients prevent and heal chronic conditions. She notes cauliflower is nutritious and very versatile.
In 2015, expect to see cauliflower grated to make a flour substitute in pizza crust, mashed (instead of mashed potatoes) and roasted.
“It’s the new, healthy ‘white food,’ ” says Sacks, referring to the trend of avoiding white foods — meaning refined carbs such as white-flour pasta and bread — because of their high sugar and gluten levels and low fiber content.
Another dietitian Sarah Waybright says Brussels sprouts — with high levels of fiber, iron and vitamins K and C — are also a looking good for 2015. Instead of steaming broccoli, she suggests roasting it instead.
Waybright also suggests using some olive oil or other fat – maybe a flavorful, anchovy-based sauce – to give them a crispier surface. Fat doesn’t just create better texture and flavor, she says, it also helps the body better absorb plant-based vitamins and other nutrients. Furthermore, it helps create a feeling of fullness that is hard to come by with veggies only.