Archive for category: Health & Nutrition

The Brain and Kale Connection

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Studies show that incorporating leafier green vegetables into one’s diet can help slow down cognitive decline especially among people in their advanced age. In a study conducted by the researchers from the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) and Rush University, they found out that those who consume 1 ½ servings of green leafy vegetables daily had the cognitive skills of people who are eleven years younger than those people who ate little to no leafy vegetables.

Dementia as A Global Crisis

The finding of this study is very significant considering that there is an increasing number of people in the United States who have dementia. In fact, the number of patients who have dementia is expected to rise to 15 million by 2050. However, it is not only in the United States that dementia is a big problem. Many seniors in Europe and Asia also have dementia. The rising number of patients who have dementia makes us wonder if there is a link between the disease and the type of diet we consume.

The study involved 960 adults between the ages 58 and 99. The participants took annual tests to assess different aspects of their brain function such as memory and learning. The researchers also looked into the amount of green leafy vegetables consumed by the participants.

What’s Inside Green Leafy Vegetables?

Published in the journal Neurology, the study concluded that better brain health was obtained by meeting dietary recommendations. Senior author of the study Sarah Booth noted that incorporating green leafy vegetables in one’s diet can have a lot of benefits, especially on the brain function. The reason why green leafy vegetables are so beneficial to brain function is that they contain significant amounts of vitamin K, folate, and lutein which slow down cognitive decline. Researchers suggest consuming all kinds of green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach, watercress, and other locally sourced leafy greens.

Mechanisms Yet to Be Understood About The Brain and Kale Connection

While the study has very significant results about brain health and its protection, the publication opened and raised many questions about how the leafy greens mainly protect the brain. Unfortunately, the mechanism on how the brain is protected is still not fully understood. Sarah Booth noted that additional studies are underway involving studying different brain sections of deceased participants who agreed to donate their brain and other tissues for further studies.  This may well allow the researchers to unlock the mystery behind the brain and kale connection.

While the exact mechanism on how the eating leafy greens help protect the brain is yet to be understood, the message is quite apparent and that eating leafy green vegetables is useful not only for your body but even your mind especially when you get older. To date, the dietary recommendation states that eating at least one to 2 servings (or equivalent to two cups) of vegetables can do wonders for the brain, but you can always eat more. In any case, there is no overdose when it comes to eating green leafy vegetables. Only benefits… no dangers.

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Consumers of All Generations Are Loving Plant-Based Foods

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In a report released by survey company Datassentials, it revealed that many Americans are shifting towards plant-based foods because of the benefits to the body. In fact, most people are increasing their intake of fresh fruits and vegetables more than ever.

There are many reasons why consumers are shifting towards a new diet regimen, and the reasons vary across demographics. For instance, 44% of the Generation Z consumers change to plant-based foods as they enjoy the taste of fruits and vegetables while 21% of millennial consumers opt for plant-based products to show support to the local farmers.  It is essential to take note that while consuming plant-based products come with a lot of functional benefits, many consumers are uncertain about the role of plant-based foods. In fact, fewer can identify the attributes of the specific plant-based foods that they are consuming.

Big Companies Are Jumping on The Bandwagon

Having said this, consumers who opt for the plant-based diet usually count on seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grains as part of their pantry staples. But aside from these food items, consumers also eat more fruits and vegetables.

The increasing consumption of fresh produce and plant-based products has resulted in sales growth for big companies. Around 30% of the consumers limiting their use of meat (flexitarians or pescatarians) or avoiding meat (vegan or vegetarians) have been attracted to the new plant-based meat alternatives in the market. Even big corporations have embraced this trend. Companies like Starbucks, for example, have released its line of nut milk-based beverages while TGI Fridays have stepped into the plant-based territory by using Beyond Meat’s meatless burger to create most of their plant-based dishes.

How Other Companies Can Leverage on The Trend of Plant-Based Foods

While big companies are joining the trend in releasing products made from plant-based ingredients, smaller enterprises are a bit skeptical. However, food manufacturers can leverage the trend and attract more consumers by incorporating global flavors to make their food more interesting. Using bold flavors and ethnic recipes can also attract consumers. On the other hand, avoiding alienating descriptions such as putting on the label “vegan” or “vegetarian” will also help promote the product.

In fact, 85% of consumers agree that plant-based foods are fulfilling and as delicious as animal protein-based products. But more than mimicking animal protein, consumers are also drawn to colorful produce thanks to the promotion of smoothies and fruit bowls on social media. The thing is that social media plays a critical role in promoting plant-based foods, especially among millennials.

With the increasing number of consumers opting for plant-based foods, it is no wonder why many companies are embracing this niche thus the sale is likely to increase in the years to follow. The only challenge here is to give further knowledge to consumers so that they will be encouraged to eat more plant-based foods not only for their health but also for the environment.

Inspired by www.smartbrief.com

Impossible Foods’ Plant Burger Not Impressing FDA So Far

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The company, Impossible Foods, has been working on a plant-based burger that is touted to taste like real beef. According to Impossible Foods Inc. founder, Patrick O. Brown, the plant burger was invented to solve one of the most significant environmental problems on the planet– the production of beef. Made from soybean root and genetically engineered yeast, this burger was created to look, feel, and taste like a real burger without having to raise and kill a cow. The magic ingredient of the plant-based beef is heme–a source of iron that gives the red color to blood. But the company discovered a plant-based heme that offers the Impossible burger its beef taste and mouthfeel.

FDA Not Impressed by Impossible Plant Burger

While the Impossible burger is the most exciting discovery for vegans, vegetarians, and plant-based dieters, the US Food and Drug Administration was hardly impressed by it. The FDA even indicated in their report that the company has not yet met the mark. The discovery of the plant-based heme and using it in food production is something that needs more research on.

But according to Tom Neltner, chemicals policy director for the Environmental Defense Fund, the plant-based heme has many great potential uses. However, it is shrouded in a lot of controversies. Studies have shown that people who consume too much red meat are at risk of colon cancer. As heme makes the meat red, some researchers believe that heme may be the culprit. But with regards to plant-based heme, researchers still need further evidence to find the missing link. But Patrick Brown thinks otherwise. Reports on the possible connection of heme to cancer are rubbish, according to him.

Solution to Beef Addiction

Didn’t you know that 30% of the earth’s land is utilized in the production of beef? Cattle raising requires massive amounts of inputs like water. Brown developed the Impossible burger to tackle the environmental problems related to growing beef. Upon the introduction of the Impossible burger, investors have responded with a lot of enthusiasm. In fact, the company has raised more than $400 million. People who have invested in this product include Bill Gates and Vinod Khosla. Even big enterprises are also pitching in such as Singapore-based Temasek Holdings and Google Ventures.

Having said this, plant meat that tastes almost like real meat is one of the hottest food trends in the market today. It is not only famous among vegans and vegetarians but also flexitarians. In fact, the sales of plant-based meat are expected to grow by 17% annually according to CoBank.

Impossible Foods is Not Giving Up

While the FDA is hardly impressed by the plant burger, Impossible Foods is not giving up. In its recent attempt to satisfy the FDA, the company submitted a report that includes lab studies on rats being fed with large amounts of heme to prove that the plant-based heme is indeed safe for consumption. To date, the FDA is still currently reviewing the safety of the plant burger with heme.  But until proven otherwise, spokeswoman of Impossible Foods Inc., Rachel Conrad, noted that heme is safe to eat.

Inspired by www.bloomberg.com

Plants Have More Protective Properties Against Alzheimer’s Than Pills

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Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most dreaded diseases that inflict the elderly. Conventional medicines are used to slow down the progression of the disease, but they do not prevent or reduce your likelihood of stopping this condition. While there is no cure for this particular disease yet, your likelihood of developing it can be reduced.

Dr. Neal Barnard, founding president of the Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), noted that while popping pills can slow down the disease, they don’t prevent the onset of its occurrence. In his book “Power Foods for The Brain,” he discusses that certain foods can help protect your brain against Alzheimer’s disease.

Eat Plants to Protect Your Brain

There are many foods that you can eat for your brain but there are only a few that provides your brain with a shield. These plants with concentrations of certain vitamins including Vitamin E and B Vitamins (B6, B12, and folic acid). These vitamins help protect the brain from cognitive impairment when ingested especially together with a plant-based diet.

While these vitamins are good for the brain, they can cause harm if taken in huge amounts. For instance, large doses of Vitamin E can increase the risk of heart disease while high amounts of folate increase the risk for cancer. The thing is, the body has evolved to procure micronutrients through the food that we eat. Consumption of high doses of vitamins is not natural for the body and can possibly cause more harm than good.

How to Get Vitamins Trough the Food You Eat

The best way to get micronutrients that are good for the brain is by eating the right kinds of food. But how do you get micronutrients from the food that you eat? It is important that you know that plants are one of the best ways to get the micronutrients that you need. For instance, you can get traces of Vitamin E from green leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach. You can also get Vitamin E from mangoes, sweet potatoes, and avocados. Other sources include pine nuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, and pistachios. Although you only get 5mg of Vitamin E from these foods, you can reduce your risk by as much as 26%.

When it comes to Vitamin B6, you can consume whole greens, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, beans, nuts, and bananas. Folate can be sourced from leafy greens, peas, citrus fruits, and cantaloupes. Now the challenge here is Vitamin B12 as it is made by bacteria found in dirt. It is also found in meat. To compensate, you can consume a 1000mg B12 supplement daily especially if you are not a meat eater.

Many people believe that Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disease, but recent studies noted that it is a vascular disease as patients who suffer from this disease have clogged up arteries in the brain, which is a tell-tale sign of a vascular disease. Having said this, what is good for the heart should also be good for the brain and consumption of more plant-based foods is definitely good not only good for the hear but also for the brain.

Inspired by www.postindependent.com

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Study: Consumers Favor the Term “Plant-Based” Over “Vegan”

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The vegan movement is becoming popular as more people are trying to live healthy lives. Vegan food products do not contain any animal products (or by-products). In fact, around 800 companies worldwide have made vegan products and have partnered with organizations such as Vegan Action to market vegan food products.

But while veganism is considered a solid movement, another movement is coming to the forefront – the plant-based diet. While the two terms are often interchanged with one another, the latter has a broader definition ranging from excluding animal-based product to just adding more fresh produce to your diet.

Increasing Number of People Opting for the Plant-Based Diet

In a survey conducted by HealthFocus International, about 17% of consumers in the United States consume predominantly a plant-based diet while 60% say they are cutting back on meat-based products.  And those who are cutting back on meat reveal that they don’t plan to go back to their massive meat-eating habits and would want to make this flexitarian lifestyle permanent.

According to Steven Walton, General Manager of Research at HealthFocus International, the change in consumer preference with regards to consuming more produce is prevalent through a wide variety of demographics. This means that this diet is not only popular among millennials but even the baby boomers and generation Z. Industry leaders can benefit from this information, but they might be too distracted by the many words that have sprung up such as vegetarian, flexitarian, and vegan.

Vegan vs. Plant-Based in Consumer Minds

With this confusion, many consumers prefer a singular term when describing the diet. According to a California-based food consultant, Mattson, more than 80% of people surveyed indicated that they prefer the terms “plant-based” over “vegan” when describing a diet that avoids all types of animal products.

While the term “vegan” is often used, “plant-based” is more flexible and gives consumers the impression that the food tastes better and it more likened to whole foods. Mattson president, Barb Stuckey, noted that that the term “plant-based” is more positive and does not include deprivation or allegiance to a self-defining cause such as environmentalism or animal rights, which veganism is known for. By using the term “plant-based,” any conversation about plant-based food becomes neutral and does not incite any negative reactions from other people including ethical vegans.

Why are People Opting for a Plant-Based Diet?

There are many reasons why many people shift to the plant-based diet. Based on the survey, 3 out of 4 individuals noted that they would like to consume more plant-based foods for health reasons while others opt for this diet to lose weight or contribute something to the environment.

As more consumers are more welcoming to the term “plant-based,” food manufacturers have also caught up. Companies like Good Karma Food launched its non-dairy yogurt and sales have continued to increase 50% yearly. Other companies such as Beyond Meat introduced its plant-based chicken strips and burgers that vegan consumers have embraced with much gusto. Having said this, the popularity of the “plant-based” term has resulted in a new and ever-growing niche.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

Infographic: What is Clean Eating?

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Do you know what clean eating is? The clean eating trend has taken over the food and beverage industry over the past few years. Consumers believe it is a way to eat whole foods and packaged products with simpler ingredients. Two of the essential whole foods to clean eating are fruits and vegetables. Check out this infographic below created by the American Heart Association to learn more about the clean eating.

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Why is the Keto Diet Taking Over the Country?

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There always seems to be a trendy diet that seems to be defying the logic of so many other diet and healthy eating plans. Ketogenics or the keto diet may be the craziest of them all, but it is taking over like wildfire. The new diet wants fewer carbohydrates and focuses on healthy fats like avocado and cheese. Who doesn’t love cheese and avocado? The diet is built on the idea that without the carbs, the body burns fat through a process called ketosis.

Ketosis and the Keto Diet

There are fortunately a few studies to back up this theory of ketosis and the reason for the keto diet. One study looked at 83 overweight subjects throughout a 24 week period, and they found significant weight loss as well as lower cholesterol while on the keto diet. The experts are recommended to consult a physician before going on the keto diet as it is very different and may not work for some people.

Keto Requires Commitment

The keto diet is not for everyone. It requires strong dedication and commitment to see results. While the diet does not ban carbs, you can eat very few. You have to eat mainly avocados, cheese, walnuts, almonds, and grass-fed beef. Now that’s an expensive diet!

 

Avocados prices have surged as demand is increased, but supply cannot keep up. Almonds are in the same boat, and grass-fed beef has always been priced at a premium. However, this is not slowing people down from trying the diet. Some companies are even trying to cater to this diet. Ancient Nutrition, for example, invested $103 million in growing its product line to meet the market’s needs.

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Scott Gottlieb’s FDA Will Continue to Push Food Transparency Measures

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With the focus on deregulation by the Trump administration, many food industry experts worried that the newly appointed commissioner of the FDA, Scott Gottlieb, would roll back pending changes to nutrition labels and consumer information. However, at a recent conference, Gottlieb made it clear that the FDA is going to continue to push for food transparency with Nutrition Facts, labeling, and definitions playing a significant role in the agency’s new nutrition innovation strategy.

Improving the Health of Americans Through Food Transparency

At the National Food Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., Gottlieb let everyone know that the nutrition innovation strategy is meant to improve the health of all American regardless of socioeconomic status.

“Our challenge is to help create more healthful choices and foster inovation and competition, and also make these choices more afordable.” – Scott Gottlieb, FDA Commissioner

A study found that 20% of American deaths in 2015 could be attributed to poor dietary factors. Gottlieb made sure to emphasize the importance of research and facts on everything his agency does. He said that clear science-based information is the central pillar of the work we do at the FDA and is essential to helping drive better consumer choices.

Nutrition Facts Labeling Updates

 

Gottlieb indicated that the new Nutrition Facts labeling initiative is of the utmost importance, but he wants to make sure it is right. He wants to roll out the new label with a consumer educational campaign to help the average American better understand how many calories they should be consuming each day.

On top of the new label, he promised to handle the definition of “healthy” and “natural” for labeling. A core definition of “healthy” is critical to help consumers better understand what they are buying. The new definition will consider nutrient content. Consumers also want more clarity on “natural” which has never been defined by the NDA. While Gottlieb did not offer up much on this definition, he did indicate that it will need to be science-based.

Streamlining the Labeling Process for Food Manufacturers

Gottlieb believes the regulatory labeling process is currently too lengthy and time consuming for food manufacturers. He has added to his docked to streamline the labeling process to modern times. He wants it to be easy for consumers to understand the health benefits of a product.

He wants to make it easier for the food companies to clean up their labels. Interestingly, he used vitamins as an example since they typically appear by their chemical name on the ingredient statement. We believe it should stay this way as most of these vitamins do not come from whole food sources and are chemically derived. Our GrandFusion products concentrate these natural vitamins from fruits and vegetables and as a result, allow products to use a much cleaner ingredient statement.

Conclusion on Gottlieb’s Remarks

The FDA is overall in good hands with this Trump appointee. He is committed to pushing forward all of the Obama-era regulations and making decisions on scientific fact. He believes some of the processes in the FDA are archaic and need updating to work faster in today’s environment. It will be interesting to see all the changes that move forward under Scott Gottlieb’s leadership.

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