Archive For The “Health” Category
Recent studies released by Dr. John Pezzuto and his team from Western New England University show “astonishing” effects of grape consumption and “remarkable” impacts on health and on lifespans.
Published in the journal Foods, one study showed that adding grapes to a high-fat diet, typically consumed in western countries, yielded reductions in fatty liver and extended lifespans. Noting that these studies add an entirely new dimension to the old saying ‘you are what you eat,’ Dr. Pezzuto, who has authored over 600 scientific studies, said that the work with grapes showed actual changes in genetic expression. “That is truly remarkable.”
Adding grapes to a high-fat diet also increased levels of antioxidant genes and delayed natural death. Acknowledging that it is not an exact science to translate years of lifespan from a mouse to a human, Dr. Pezzuto said that his best estimate is the change observed in the study would correspond to an additional 4-5 years in the life of a human.
Another study by Dr. Pezzuto and his team, published in the journal Antioxidants, reported that grape consumption altered gene expression in the brain and had positive effects on behavior and cognition that were impaired by a high-fat diet.
A third study, published by a team led by Dr. Jeffrey Idle in the journal Food & Nutrition, showed that in addition to changes in genetic expression, grapes also change metabolism.
The California Table Grape Commission provided the grapes used in the studies as well as partial support.
According to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, people are usually wrong when ranking how well they eat, particularly when they think their diet is healthy.
USDA and University of Central Arkansas researchers looked at data from 9,757 American adults who were asked to complete a food survey and rate their diet on a scale from “poor” to “excellent.”
The researchers wanted to find out whether a single, simple question could be used as a screening tool for nutrition studies — to replace or complement the detailed dietary questionnaires commonly used in nutrition research, the American Society for Nutrition reports. Previous studies have found that self-rated health is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality, but there is scant research on whether self-rated diet quality is predictive of the actual quality of one’s diet.
Researchers then evaluated participants’ eating habits and graded them (from A to F) based on the Healthy Eating Index which assigns points for eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein. It also gives points for avoiding processed foods, refined grains and sugar and saturated fat.
Results showed that 85% of participants inaccurately rated their own diet, almost all of them by ranking it as healthier than it really was, the American Society for Nutrition reports.
Lead author of the study Jessica Thomson, a research epidemiologist with USDA, said most adults overrate the quality of their diet, sometimes to a substantial degree.
Meanwhile, 71% of participants ranked their diet as good, very good or excellent. However, only 12% of the participants’ diets ranked that highly in terms of “healthy eating.” The study showed 70% of the participants’ diets were given an F, but only 6% of people self-assessed their diet as such.
What’s Missing?
Researchers said the difference between the ideal healthy diet and what people were actually eating was typically a lack of whole grains, greens, legumes, seafood and plant-based protein, and too much sodium and saturated fat.
But what they were getting right was the importance of protein.
Further research could shed light into what factors people consider when asked to assess their diet quality, Thomson said.
“It’s difficult for us to say whether U.S. adults lack an accurate understanding of the components of a healthful versus unhealthful diet or whether adults perceive the healthfulness of their diet as they wish it to be—that is, higher in quality than it actually is,” Thomson said in a release. “Until we have a better understanding of what individuals consider when assessing the healthfulness of their diet, it will be difficult to determine what knowledge and skills are necessary to improve self-assessment or perception of one’s diet quality.”
A daily serving of freeze-dried strawberry powder, equivalent to one cup of fresh berries, lowered total cholesterol by almost 3% and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol by almost 5%, according to a new study.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study recently published by the Journal of the American Nutrition Association strengthens the body of research that has already demonstrated a cholesterol-lowering benefit for strawberry consumption, according to a news release.
The study was conducted with 40 men and women, aged 35 to 60. The participants were overweight or obese and had elevated serum cholesterol but no additional illness or chronic disease, the release said. During three periods of four weeks each — separated by a two-week washout period — participants received 40-grams of freeze-dried 100% strawberry powder (the high dose), 13-grams of freeze-dried strawberry powder (the low dose) or a control powder. Participants were instructed to consume the powder once per day and to maintain their usual diet and exercise routine.
There was a significant main treatment effect for the primary outcome of serum LDL cholesterol and for total cholesterol. In post-hoc analyses, low-dose strawberry supplementation resulted in a 4.9% reduction in LDL cholesterol compared to the high-dose but not compared to the control, and a 2.4% reduction in total cholesterol compared to the high dose and 2.8% reduction compared to the control. No additional significant effects were noted. The authors were unable to explain the lack of a dose-response effect, the release said.
Clinical trials have previously linked strawberries — a source of many bioactive compounds, including fiber, phytosterols and polyphenols — to several markers for cardiovascular disease, the release said. In another study of obese and overweight adults, daily consumption of strawberries significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, small LDL particle concentrations, and decreased lipid peroxidation.
Strawberries have also been linked to decreases in markers for oxidative stress, inflammation and diastolic blood pressure, the release said.
The Pennsylvania State University led the study in cooperation with the University of Arizona, Tucson; Lafayette College; and Texas Tech University. The study was supported by the California Strawberry Commission, which also provided the strawberry powder.
The “Eat Healthy and Live Green” campaign launched recently by
The Peruvian Avocado Commission, aims to inspire consumers to embrace a healthier lifestyle that’s good for them and the planet.
The commission is promoting the myriad health benefits of avocados, believing it is important to driving demand.
McDaniel Fruit Company of Fallbrook, CA strongly supports the work of the Peruvian Avocado Commission’s marketing strategy focusing on the health benefits of avocados. It notes these efforts, in tandem with the Hass Avocado Board’s Avocado Nutrition Center research, help elevate the category for all avocado growers, packers and shippers and pave the path for continued growth in the category.
In addition to the trend in healthier eating, the Vancouver, B.C.-based Oppy of Vancouver, B.C. sees the versatility of avocados fueling demand.
The company sees awareness growing about the different ways to consume avocados, and this boost in demand will require supply from its current regions and beyond.
One big question is with rising food inflation, will consumers continue to purchase as many avocados?
Oppy admits it is hard to tell, admitting there’s absolutely a correlation between price and demand.
Since avocados are recommended as an item in the produce aisle with some of the most nutritional benefits, many view it as an important ingredient in their daily diet. This is why Oppy doesn’t see avocados being affected by inflation that much. So, while they may not be recession-proof, they are likely to be less price sensitive.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Despite overwhelming public acceptance of fruits and vegetables as essential to the health of their families, kids and the future of the planet, close to half of all Americans largely ignore the benefits of eating produce.
These are among the highlights of a March 2022 survey conducted by Dole Food Company, Inc., to examine public opinions about the preparation, consumption, motivations and nutrition and environmental benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Released today on National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day, an annual holiday created in 2015 to raise awareness and encourage more Americans to adopt a produce-rich diet, the survey results offer a glimpse into the public’s often-contradictory views on healthier eating.
According to the Dole Fresh Produce Survey, which polled 1,038 adults, almost three-fourths of respondents (73%) agree that fruits and vegetables are a healthy choice for their family, while 68% think they taste great, 63% say they are necessary for kids’ lunches and 60% believe they add flavor to any meal. Just over half of respondents (51%) also associate eating more fruits and vegetables with positively impacting the environment.
Almost the same percentage of survey-takers (45%) consider health and nutrition to be the most important factor determining their eating habits, and more than a third (37%) say they consume produce as part of a larger strategy of adopting a plant-based diet or lifestyle.
Finally, on the subject of fruit and vegetable recipes and preparation, close to half believe they can prepare produce in little or no time (48%) and insist they have a meal or recipe in mind when buying from the produce department (46%).
Despite these mostly positive associations with fruits and vegetables, the survey found that almost half (48%) of participants think the general public is still ignorant about the health and environmental impacts of fresh produce, which ultimately limits consumption.
“This survey is more proof of the disconnect between Americans’ desire to eat healthier, including a produce-rich diet, and their ability to make that lifestyle a reality, given all of life’s demands,” said William Goldfield, Dole director of corporate communications. “At Dole, we realize that healthy living can be a challenge – which is why we’re committed to continually providing the highest quality fresh produce, fantastic plant-forward recipes, serving suggestions, education and wellness advice that can transform the desire for increased nutritional health into a daily routine for anyone, regardless of where they are on their personal health journey.”
Goldfield said that past Dole research has helped shape healthy-living campaigns such as this year’s “Healthier by Dole” monthly recipe series that provides healthier, easier and tastier menu alternatives for big and small holidays and eating occasions and new Dole products, including the industry-leading DOLE® Chopped Salad Kit, DOLE® Fresh Takes Ready-to-Eat and DOLE® Sheet Pan lines.
Health and Wellness by Jena Stephens
Cucumbers… I didn’t know this… and to think all these years I’ve only been making salads with the cucumbers…
1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.
2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.
3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.
4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.
5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!
6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!
7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.
8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.
9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!
10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.
11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemicals will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.
12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your taps, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back theshine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.
13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!!
Per-capita availability of U.S. fresh blueberries and raspberries at the retail level has more than doubled in the past decade, according to USDA data.
From 2010 to 2019, per-capita availability of blueberries at retail has grown from 1 pound to 2.1 pounds, a twofold-plus gain. During the same period, per-capita retail availability of raspberries has also more than doubled, from 0.3 pounds in 2010 to 0.80 pounds in 2019.
Strawberries still represent the most widely consumed fresh berry, with the USDA reporting 5.3 pounds retail per capita in 2019.
However, that number is down about 19% from 6.6 pounds in 2010, the USDA said.
Per-capita consumption of blueberries from 2010 to 2019, in pounds, was:
- 2010: 1.0;
- 2011: 1.2;
- 2012: 1.2;
- 2013: 1.3;
- 2014: 1.4;
- 2015: 1.5;
- 2016: 1.6;
- 2017: 1.6;
- 2018: 1.8; and
- 2019: 2.1.
Per-capita consumption of fresh raspberries from 2010 to 2019, in pounds, was:
- 2010: 0.2;
- 2011: 0.3;
- 2012: 0.3;
- 2013: 0.3;
- 2014: 0.7;
- 2015: 0.8;
- 2016: 0.7;
- 2017: 0.8;
- 2018: 0.7; and
- 2019: 0.8.
Per-capita consumption of strawberries from 2010 to 2019, in pounds, was:
- 2010: 6.6;
- 2011: 6.8;
- 2012: 7.4;
- 2013: 7.4;
- 2014: 7.3;
- 2015: 7.1;
- 2016: 6.8;
- 2017: 6.3;
- 2018: 5.9; and
- 2019: 5.3.
FOLSOM, Calif. – A new research study published in Nutrients finds that blueberries have cognitive benefits. More specifically, the equivalent of a half cup of fresh blueberries per day, consumed as freeze-dried blueberry powder, was found to help middle-aged individuals against cognitive decline when implemented early in at-risk individuals.1
This is an important finding given that in the United States, nearly six million older adults live with dementia. Since limited treatments for cognitive decline exist, preventative approaches and mitigation of risk through proper nutrition are of increasing importance. Given that neurodegenerative changes associated with cognitive decline start in midlife, this research indicates that blueberries may present an opportunity for early intervention, by targeting modifiable risks like poor nutrition and related metabolic disturbance.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, “Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk Reduction,” looked at the impact of blueberry supplementation to produce measurable cognitive benefits in the context of aging and insulin resistance. Participants were overweight men and women 50 to 65 years old with subjective cognitive decline and moderate insulin resistance. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to consume either freeze-dried blueberry powder or placebo powder daily. Participants were asked to consume the powder with either their morning or evening meal, mixing it with water. Pre-and post-intervention assessments of cognition and metabolism and exploratory measures of peripheral mitochondrial function were conducted.
The blueberry group experienced improved performances on measures of lexical access, such as letter fluency as measured by the Controlled Word Association task, improved performances on measures of memory interference, such as fewer recall intrusion errors as measured by the California Verbal Learning Test and reduced memory eroding difficulty in daily life activities, such as reduction of forgetfulness, as measured by the Everyday Memory Questionnaire. The blueberry group also experienced correction of peripheral hyperinsulinemia, which is associated with neurodegeneration in the brain, as well as a significant decline in fasting insulin levels.2
Based on these findings, the study authors suggest that the potential mechanisms for these findings may be associated with anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, the bioactive flavonoid compounds found in blueberries responsible for their vibrant blue color. Importantly, these results provide support that blueberries may induce metabolic and other benefits that could serve as an early intervention for preventing the cognitive decline associated with aging.
“This is the first study of its kind to look at blueberry supplementation in middle-aged individuals at risk for future health problems and late-life dementia,” said Robert Krikorian, PhD, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center and the study’s lead investigator. “Importantly, this research provides evidence that blueberry supplementation can improve cognitive function and correct high insulin levels in these participants with prediabetes.”
The study, which was supported by funding from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, builds on previous research in this area, which has demonstrated improvement in long-term memory performance with blueberry supplementation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.3 It also supports previous research that found an association between blueberry consumption and improved metabolic function in at risk individuals, such as an improvement in insulin sensitivity.4
Further research is needed to look at blueberry supplementation over a longer time period, with a more robust sample size. Additionally, longitudinal cognitive assessments would be of value to assess the influence of blueberries on the progression of cognitive decline and to more thoroughly investigate the mechanisms of neurocognitive benefit.
“While further studies are warranted, our results provide novel and exciting data regarding the potential of blueberry supplementation as a preventive intervention,” said Krikorian.
With Brain Health Month on the horizon in June, tailored resources from USHBC are available now in the Brain Health toolkit, including ready-made social media content and digital ads, tip sheets, a research deep-dive (including this study), mouthwatering recipes, eye-popping blueberry images and more.
The USHBC had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the study. For more information on blueberry nutrition research visit blueberrycouncil.org/health-professionals/health-research/.
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberry.org.
As new research confirms that COVID-19 has made people more health-conscious, the potato is trending again with shoppers, scientists and the media. Recent stories in major media outlets such as Today and Parade remind consumers that potatoes are “loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and B6 and fiber” are “uber-healthy.”
Part of the renewed popularity of potatoes may be an increasing focus on health and fresh food. According to World Economic Forum, recent studies showed that 62% of Americans believe their health is more important than before the pandemic. Additionally, shoppers surveyed in a Post COVID trend study by Deloitte showed shoppers are planning to buy more fresh food and cook more than they did before the pandemic.
While potatoes (white potatoes in particular) are known for their high levels of Potassium and Vitamin C, fiber may be the most compelling reason to stock up on spuds. In addition to the traditional gastrointestinal benefits, fiber can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, reflux, and diverticulitis. Potatoes also contain prebiotic fiber, which is crucial for feeding and sustaining beneficial gut bacteria. All of this is good news for the potato, and the potato is good news for consumers.
While the ‘healthy gut’ discussion is not new, scientists have found that the gut microbiome has a critical role in overall health and wellbeing. Studies by the Unilever Future Health and Wellness team focused on the effects of plant-based diets on the gut microbiome, suggest it can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, sleep, healthy aging, growth and development, immunity.”
Considered mood-boosting comfort foods, ‘healthy carbohydrates’ such as potatoes can help restore serotonin levels and prevent blood sugar and insulin surges.
“It’s good to see potatoes getting the recognition they deserve,” said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Whether consumers are embracing a plant-based or whole food diet, or just looking for a healthier way of eating, the potato is a powerful, economical, nutrient-dense, and delicious food.”
YUMA, AZ – The collaborative efforts between Natural Delights and registered dietitians are consistent and ongoing to bring Medjool dates to the forefront of shoppers’ minds.
In the last year, Natural Delights has added 500,000 new consumers to the brand thanks to its extensive marketing efforts1. As part of these efforts, the brand has significantly expanded its registered dietitian program to reach people where they most actively seek information regarding their health.
“Growing the category has been a priority for the brand and our growers since day one, so partnering with experts and influencers in the health and wellness space is a strategic part of our ongoing marketing efforts,” said David Baxter, director of marketing for Natural Delights. “Whether they are sampling our products in-store or at their local hospitals, or sharing online and via television segments, we are extremely grateful that they use their trusted voices to help us grow the brand, and ultimately household penetration.”
This year, Natural Delights created several new downloadable resources on the most requested topics of gut health, pregnancy health, diabetic health, and more. Registered dietitians with expertise in each area authored these resources and produced corresponding video content to be shared on social media and the brand’s growing YouTube page.
Additionally, Natural Delights works closely with media and influencer dietitians to reach the masses with relevant content to help people make healthier choices throughout the year. Most recently, the brand partnered with Carissa Galloway and Amy Goodson to talk about National Nutrition Month and why Natural Delights products are the perfect healthy (and tasty) addition to snacks and meals.
“Natural Delights is a dream brand to work with as a registered dietitian because their product is so widely available and I trust the quality since I’ve been eating them for years,” said Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD. “Most people don’t realize that Medjool dates are a whole fresh fruit and that they boast of so many nutritional benefits. I love that Natural Delights partners with registered dietitians to help set the record straight about this naturally sweet, wholesome (and, might I add, delicious) fruit.”
For more information about Natural Delights, including to download the newest health & wellness resources, visit naturaldelights.com.
About Bard Valley Natural Delights®
Natural Delights® Medjool Dates, the leading Medjool date brand in the country, is a naturally sweet, whole fresh fruit grown in Bard Valley at the intersection of Arizona, California and Mexico where its very specific set of growing conditions are met.