It has been observed that Indian fruits and is a safe chemical. regulators of food laws make regulations and do not really see However, this is more expensive than calcium whether the regulation is effective or carbide which produces acetylene which does about the same job but the chemical itself is whether it is being followed. unsafe so it was banned. Calcium carbide for ripening of fruits was Farmers need something to artificially ripen banned long time ago but it is seen that it is the fruits as the markets need large supply of freely used all over to ripen fruits. Recently it fruits every day. So even when it is banned has asked state food safety commissioners to they keep on using it for two reasons. One is do effective surveillance and enforce the ban that there is very little awareness created about on calcium carbide for fruit ripening as it is the dangers and ban of calcium carbide to the unsafe. This is being done after many reports farmers and secondly they do not have any in the press that it is still being used in spite of cheaper alternative. the ban. The government must make an alternative E This shows that unless pressurised regulator E G available at competitive price. Ban is very G A will not try to enforce its own regulation let A M appropriate but we cannot just ban and stop. M I I A alone trying to monitor its effectiveness. A E We need to provide alternative and awareness. E L L A A / / k k c We need to see the ground reality. Farmers c o o t Prof Jagadish Pai, t S S i need to bring in their fresh fruits from far away i

© Executive Director, © places to cities where the markets are. The e e g PFNDAI g a long times and temperature conditions can a m m I easily cause a lot of spoilage. Thus farmers I prefer to bring in unripe fruits to market places and then ripen them so next day it is ready for the consumer market. This not only saves a lost of wastage due to spoilage but also they can bring in continuous and regular quantities over a period of time that works out logistically much better as well as avoiding a glut in the market which makes commercial sense.

World over farmers use ethylene for ripening this way. In fact the fruits themselves produce ethylene when they are naturally ripening which produces all the changes in colour, taste and texture. It is a natural ripening hormone. Ethrel or Ethephon is the chemical used as spray or dip which is absorbed by fruits whose acid breaks this compound down to ethylene and phosphoric acid. This evenly ripens the

PFNDAI May 2019 By & Ms. Sukhada Bhatte-Paralkar, Dr Nikhil Kelkar, Senior Manager - Joint Managing Director - Regulatory and Nutrition Hexagon Nutrition Pvt Ltd. Hexagon Nutrition Pvt Ltd. E: [email protected] E: [email protected] a a d d o o b b o o v v S S l l e e Obesity is the root cause for achieve weight loss and a a h h c c i i many metabolic ailments like maintenance of good health. The A high protein-low carbohydrate M M / / high blood pressure, initial weight loss is from glycogen diet is implicated to also reduce the m m o o c c cardiovascular disease, diabetes losses and the satiating effect of the intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) in . . k k c c o o and certain cancers and remains high protein intake further healthy humans, which may t t S S i i

a significant public health enhances weight reduction. contribute to the prevention of non- © ©

e e problem. alcoholic fatty liver. (NAFLD). g g a a Protein as an aid for weight m m I I The dual burden of malnutrition is reduction Not all proteins are created characterized by the presence of Diets high in protein promote early equal! undernutrition in overweight and satiety, higher energy expenditure Antinutritional factors in the diet obese individuals further and help in accrual of lean body affect the digestibility, aggravating the impact of non- mass.1 Lack of protein in diets and bioavailability of protein in the diet. communicable diseases. The macronutrient imbalance in the Digestibility and quality of negative physiological and urban and rural populations in traditional mixed diets consumed in psychological effect of the fad diets India is one of the major India, Brazil and Guatemala is deficient in calories and protein contributing factors to obesity. lower (54-78%) as compared to a outweighs the cosmetic benefits of typical high protein North weight loss. A balanced moderate During caloric restriction for weight American diet (88-94%). The to low calorie diet is an effective loss, it is crucial to meet the dietary common antinutritional factors and sustainable way to lose weight. requirements of protein across age include tannins in legumes and A conventional energy restriction or groups for the sustenance of growth cereals, trypsin inhibitors in negative energy balance diets, and lean body mass. This is soyabean and phytates in cereals. In requires a caloric reduction of 500 adequate to aid fat loss in an addition to consuming adequate kcal per day, ensuring a weight individual. However, to augment protein in the diet, it is important to reduction of 0.5- 1 kg per week. accrual of larger amount of lean choose the protein based on the The dietary principle of high body mass, an additional intake of quality of protein. protein- low carbohydrate diet is to protein may be necessary. protein. Whey acts a functional food with various biological components like lactoferrin, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha- lactalbumin and immunoglobulins. Different types of whey can be obtained from various processing techniques used for separating whey which have varied applications. They contain negligible amounts of fat, lactose and minerals.

Adapted from: U.S Dairy Export Council, Reference Manual for U.S. Whey Products 2nd Edition, 999 and Sarwar, 1997.

Many terms and ratios have been Whey – A Gold Standard Protein used to define the quality of Whey is the liquid that remains protein. The common ones include after coagulation of milk during the Protein Digested Amino Acid cheese processing. Whey protein is Score, Biological Value, Protein separated and purified from this Efficiency Ratio and Net Protein liquid to obtain various grades of Image © iStock.com/Chet_W Utilization all of which essentially point towards the utilization of protein and nitrogen retention after consumption of a protein rich diet.

Amongst the food proteins, animal proteins are complete proteins as they provide all essential amino acids in adequate quantities to meet the daily requirements in humans. Plant proteins on the other hand, lack one or more amino acids and/or have inadequate amounts of the essential amino acids and are called as incomplete proteins.

Whey protein is a complete protein that has the highest biological value followed by egg and then milk deeming it to be the gold standard in proteins.

post prandial amino acid pool and stimulates protein synthesis, turnover and induces a small suppression of protein breakdown.

Whey protein has a higher proportion of branched chain amino acids than casein and soy and is more soluble in the acidic environment of the stomach, leading to more rapid digestion which is a desirable trait as far as proteins are concerned.

In a recent comparison of two protein sources, the greatest postprandial insulin response was associated with whey compared to casein and was attributed to the more rapid Amino Acid Profile of Whey leucine, valine, and isoleucine - are appearance of amino acids in Whey protein is a complete protein more insulinogenic than other plasma when derived from whey3. with PDCAAS of 1.0 and amino acids. Leucine, which is biological value of 104. Whey present in high concentrations in Whey is preferred over Casein and protein concentrate has a higher whey, has been shown to stimulate Soy because of the differences in proportion of branched chain muscle protein synthesis and may the amino acid composition and amino acids with potent also increase postprandial energy absorption kinetics between the two insulinotropic properties. expenditure2. proteins. Whey protein has the highest absorption rate followed by The branched chain amino acids - High protein intake increases the casein and soy protein isolate.

Image © iStock.com/Gearstd Whey Protein and Satiety Whey protein elicits a greater thermic response than protein composed of either casein or soy, where protein accounted for 50% of the energy content of the meal. This may be because whey protein, as a “fast” protein, is rapidly digested to result in greater postprandial protein synthesis. The receptors in the duodeno- high leucine satiating effect of protein is due to intestinal and hepatoportal content of whey the combination of elevated levels regions. Whey also has proteins and the of plasma amino acids, more satiating effect than fast absorption anorexigenic gut hormone casein and soy. leading to higher concentration, protein induced post prandial thermogenesis and possibly Whey Improves Body amino acid pool gluconeogenesis. Concentrations of Composition make whey protein glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), There is a 42% increase in ideal as a protein cholecystokinin (CCK), and peptide energy expenditure following a high supplement during weight loss. YY (PYY) consistently increase in protein diet due to increase in the response to high protein intakes. gluconeogenesis. Higher rates of energy expenditure are observed in The dietary protein intake energy balanced- high protein diets. suppresses the post-prandial ghrelin As a result of greater solubility, levels thereby suppressing hunger. A more rapid digestion, and resultant larger pool of post prandial amino higher plasma concentrations of acidsis associated with higher amino acids, whey appears to be the accrual of lean body mass. Studies more favorable protein to provide have also shown that subjects nutritional and functional benefits consume less food during an ad in obesity management. libitum high protein dietary intake. According to the aminostatic A study reported a 43% reduction theory, an elevated amino acid level in body weight with 0 g/d protein in the blood, stimulates satiety and a reduction of 79% with 50 g/d signalling in the brain after the protein. During weight utilization of amino acids for maintenance following weight loss, protein synthesis. The satiety lean body mass was preserved, signalling by the branched chain while fat mass was reduced in the amino acids in whey is via the group receiving 50g/d protein4. The k k c c a a t t t t a a _ _ c c i i n n a a p p / / m m o o c c . . k k c c o o t t S S i i

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e e g g a a m m I I components and high levels of amino acids, it can act as a functional food in one’s diet.

References: 1. Drummen et al. (2018). Dietary Protein and Energy Balance in Relation to Obesity and Co-morbidities. Frontiers in Endocrinology, [online] 9(443).

2. BilsboroughM.N. A review of issues of dietary protein intake in humans. Int J Sport NutrExercMetab. 16: 129-15: 2006

3. Mignone et al. Whey protein: The “whey” forward for When dietary protein substitutes which acts as a strong antioxidant. treatment of type 2 diabetes? carbohydrate in an energy restricted World Journal of Diabetes. diet, aiming for weigh reduction, Glutathione helps in immuno- 2015;6(14):1274-1284. the levels of thyroid hormones T3 modulation as glutathione is the doi:10.4239/wjd.v6.i14.1274. and T4 are maintained and there is major endogenous antioxidant a diminished response to the meal. produced by the cells that help fight 4. Stock MJ. Gluttony and free radicals and reactive oxygen thermogenesis revisited. Int J Obes. These endocrine differences are species. It also helps maintain (1999) 23:1105–17. doi: concurrent with higher rates of exogenous antioxidants such as 10.1038/sj.ijo.0801108 lipolysis. An increased dietary vitamins C and E in their reduced protein causes reduced muscle (active) forms. 5. Donald et al. A Reduced Ratio of losses associated with very low- Dietary Carbohydrate to Protein calorie diets. Conclusion Improves Body Composition and Whey protein is a gold standard Blood Lipid Profiles during Weight High protein diets rich in branched protein with varied applications in Loss in Adult Women, The Journal chain amino acids help maintain wellness and clinical nutrition of Nutrition, Vol 133, Iss2, (2003) muscle protein synthesis during segment. With its functional Pages 411–417. these catabolic phases. The Image © iStock.com/a_namenko maintenance of lean body mass and fat loss resulting from high protein diet is due to reduction in body fat and/or sparing of the muscle protein5.

Whey and immunity Whey also improves immunity. Whey protein is a good source of cysteine which enhances glutathione levels y y l l i i m consumers are and salt consumption. m a a F F - - e now e v v i i t t a attempting to Product reformulation is not always a e e r r C eat more straightforward: Sugars and salt are C / / m Over the last nutritious food compared to a year responsible for many sensory m o o c c . . k hundred years, there has been a ago. (source: Mintel). properties of food and thus they k c c o o t cannot usually be replaced by a t S large shift in dietary habits owing S i i

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e e g number of desk-bound jobs and health and wellness, food and replacing sugar will change the g a a m m I lesser physical activity among beverage companies across the characteristics (taste, texture, I children and adults. These globe are constantly trying to bulking, appearance etc) of a food. lifestyle factors in combination implementsalt, sugar andfat To compensate, they need to change with poor dietary habits are the reduction strategies. Public health the whole recipe, resulting in a major causes of growing obesity, efforts are also being aimed at different product. At the same time, esp. in urban India. reducing the number of calories reformulation must respect people consume, including reducing consumer preferences and the A diet high in sugar, sat fat, salt and the energy density (calories per expectations they have from their low in fruits and vegetables has gram) of processed foods by favorite products. Sometimes the been identified as one of the leading decreasing total fats and replacement compound may have factors of obesity (WHO 2004; carbohydrates, including sugar. the same calories as sugar. For World Cancer Research Fund Food and beverage companies are example sugar in breakfast cereals 2007). The war on obesity and responding to public health policies may be replaced with starch, other lifestyle ills has opened a fight by reformulating food and drinks another carbohydrate, which against consumption of sugar and and reducing their energy content contains the same amount of salt. According to the World where technically possible. calories. Therefore, reducing sugar Health Organization (WHO), an However, a bigger challenge to food may not necessarily result in fewer average Indian consumes nearly 11 technologists and culinary experts is calories; consumers may expect grams of salt per day, more than to maintain the same great food foods that are “reduced or low in double the daily recommended experience consumers are used to, sugars” or have “no added sugars” amount of 5 grams. as theyare not willing to bargain on to contain fewer calories. Finally, taste even though products may be sugars play an important role in However, research has also shown healthier. The situation is complex food preservation and extending that a growing number of Indian for the industries as there are shelf-life. Consequently, care should consumers are now increasingly limitations of science& technology be taken when reducing or focusing on healthy living, with to address the taste challenges, replacing sugars to ensure the more than half of urban Indians frequent regulatory changes, reformulation product meets saying one of their top goals over changing public health advocacies, consumer expectations and the next three years is to live a consumer perceptions and maintain food safety. healthier lifestyle. What’s more, misconceptions on level of sugar on nine amount is needed. Others are low metrics, calorie or no calorie because our including bodies can’t metabolize them. They 1) high simply pass through our digestive maximal system without being absorbed. sweetness response, Approach 3 2) clean Taste Sweetness Modulators flavor SWEET TASTE for mouthfeel, profile, 3) richness and optimization of taste sugar-like i.e. SymLife Sweet, ClearTaste etc. Image © iStock.com/subodhsathe temporal Sweet modulators replicate the profile, 4) action of sucrose on taste receptors. Sugar: Sugar occurs naturally in all sugar-like sweetness adaptation These unique modulators are foods that contain carbohydrates, profile, 5) safety, 6) stability, 7) thermally stable, extremely potent such as fruits and vegetables, grains, solubility, 8) cost-effectiveness and in sweetness performance have an and dairy. Consuming whole foods 9) patentability. Importantly, the extended shelf life and are well that contain natural sugar is okay as argument is also made that a viable suited for any application where it has high amounts of fiber, new sweetness technology must good solid sweetness modulation is essential minerals, and antioxidants, deliver on all nine of these metrics required.They are used by and dairy foods contain protein and in order to realize commercial manufacturers to alter the sweet calcium. Since our body digests success taste. Sweet modulators are used in these foods slowly, the sugars in Various techniques / alternatives various food applications such as them offer a steady supply of being adopted by industry to reduce bakery products, confectionery energy to body cells. sugar consumption in various food products, and snacks & savory and Beverages. products. With the increasing All sugars are sweet because they awareness among consumers contain OH groups with a Approach 1 particular orientation that can Using plant derived sweeteners such Approach 4 interact with the taste receptor for as Stevia, Yacon syrup, monk fruit, Using natural fruits like Monk fruit sweetness in our tongues. Sucrose Thaumatin etc. – Monk fruit emerges as a unique is the standard to which all other solution for natural calories and sweeteners are compared. So, when Stevia is a sweetener and sugar sugar reduction with very clean someone says aspartame is 200 substitute extracted from the leaves flavor profile and no lingering times sweeter than table sugar what of the plant species Stevia bitterness, monk fruit juice is an they are really saying is that it is rebaudiana, native to Brazil and ideal solution for reducing or 200times more potent than table Paraguay. The active compounds replacing added sugar in food and sugar because you can use a are steviol glycosides, which have 30 beverages. Monk fruit juice extract significantly lower dose to obtain to 150 times the sweetness of sugar, is 150-200 time3 to 5 times the same perception of sweetener. are heat-stable, pH-stable and not sweetener than sugar and contains fermentable. zero calories. Today monk fruit is Interest has never been greater in found in products from some of the the development of new sweetness Approach 2 world’s largest food and beverage technologies which enable more Using artificial sweeteners such as companies. cost-effective food and beverage Aspartame, Acesulfame

product formulation, more sugar- potassium, Sucralose, a i x a like taste quality and reduction in Neotame etc.: Artificial l i g caloric levels. Guidance, targeted to & natural sweeteners / m o organizations considering are compounds that c . k c

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specific requirements for successful ‘Sweet” taste we get e g commercialization of new from sugars. Few of a m sweeteners and sweetness these sweeteners are I modulators. And the argument is low calorie as they are made that a successful new so much sweeter than sweetness technology must deliver sugar that only a tiny

Approach 5 Opportunities exist to reduce reduction up to 20-30% of Simple techniques like particle size sodium by up to 25% using existing reduction in the product due to is reduction to increase exposure on technologies, at significant cost to increased surface area due to tongue and reduced particle size the consumer. Consumer smaller particle size which gets increases appropriate distribution in acceptance of the cost impacts and covered with tongue. It also ensure the product base and therefore quality challenges must be assessed just right salt level and increase the optimize the quantity i.e. biscuit on a product by product basis. uniform particle size distribution in dough, sheeted products etc. The • Taste is no bargain– delicious is the product. degree of sweetness we taste required before the sodium levels depends on how well the receptors are considered. Approach 3 in our tongue interact with • Salt is a very inexpensive Conscious use of other sodium molecules. The stronger they ingredient. All alternatives are more containing additives There are food interact the sweeter we perceive the costly. additives which has been used as taste. The receptors are found on • Consumers are very cost functional ingredients which may the surface of cells all over tongue. conscious, especially in the current add sodium to your diet which food They send message to the brain to economic environment. They have technologist should be conscious of tell it that we are eating something not shown a willingness to pay for while using it in the foods. Sodium sweet. reduced sodium alternatives. alginates are the approved Gelling • Food safety is paramount. No agents, Sodium ascorbate for Approach 6 amount of increased food safety antioxidants, Sodium benzoate for Few other options like using Sugar risk will be tolerated or considered Preservatives, Sodium citrates as alcohols such as Xylitol, erythritol, to reduce sodium levels. control of acidity and as aid in Isomalt, Maltitol etc. are commonly Fundamental technical techniques emulsification etc. used in various industries like are built and sustained by chewing gum , tooth paste cough continuous development and Approach 4 syrup etc.i.e xylitol has fewer platforming of technologies. Salt Taste modulators or natural calories than sugar for the same flavor systems design to sweetness. enhance perception of saltiness. Most of the salt All these approaches are modulators are proprietary effectively used in soft drinks, for leading flavor

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retain the positive taste aspects m health of their citizens. Over I and desirability supplied by salt the last year, Asian while maintaining great taste. Salt substitutes countries like Philippines, Sodium plays several key roles in Approach 1 Brunei and Thailand have foods as well as taste, in considering Using Salt Substitutes - Salt introduced taxes on sugar- sodium reduction they all need to substitutes are low-sodium table salt sweetened drinks; while Indonesia, be considered.Few key roles are alternatives marketed to circumvent Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam taste, preservation, texture and the risk of high blood pressure and are looking into it. India too has yield, leavening etc cardiovascular disease associated imposed a hefty 40% tax on Sodium based ingredients have with a high intake of sodium carbonated soft drinks. and need critical functional properties in chloride while maintaining a similar focus on reduction. Along with some of our products for texture taste. They usually contain mostly consumers in India, health is also of and preservation and sourcing of potassium chloride, Potassium high priority for regulators. The alternatives is challenging. Lactate etc. Salt substitutes may Food Safety and Standards • Sodium emulsifiers for processed replace sodium in moderation. Authority of India (FSSAI) has cheese (refrigerated) proposed a traffic light labelling • Sodium as a preservative for shelf Approach 2 system on the front of packs that stable cheese liquid dinners. Particle size reduction - Salt particle will indicate the level of salt, sugar • Sodium for preservation in meat. size plays a key role in overall salt and fat in packaged food and drink. Image © iStock.com/mathisworks In simplerter is securedthroughcr through consensus T ledg computers secure andtransparentw records digitaltransactionsin Blockchain isadatabasethat log maintainedonanetw transactions inadecentralizeddata allo distributed ledg Unique? What isblockchainandWhyit everywhere. safe foodforconsumers blockchain canhelpprovide and considerhow this emergingtechnology and futurepossibilitiesof the currentapplications worldwide? W improve foodsafety how canitbeusedto exactly isblockchain,and easy tounderstand.What implications arenotalways technology andits exception. Butthis food industryisno topic todayandthe Blockchain isahot ransactions m ws allmemberstorecord er orasingledatabase , ratherthanaph ms thinkof ust beappro er technolog e canexplore , ande yptog a

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DHA supplementation during an abundance of supplements that secondary outcome was blood pregnancy may prevent high tout high fatty acid concentration. pressure that was measured However, the researchers note that longitudinally at different ages in blood pressure in early the amount needed is much higher 171 children. childhood than what is already included in 26 Feb 2019 Nutrition Insight supplements. “There are already The main finding showed that being many prenatal supplements that overweight or obese came with a Daily supplementation of 600mg of contain DHA. However, most high blood pressure in the 82 DHA omega 3 fatty acid during contain half dose used in this children whose mothers received pregnancy can help prevent the study,” Susan Carlson, co-author the placebo, but not to the 89 development of high blood and AJ Rice Professor of Nutrition children whose mothers received pressure in obese or overweight in the KU Department of Dietetics the DHA supplement. “Maternal offspring in early childhood. and Nutrition tells NutritionInsight. DHA intake during pregnancy “There are also several food appeared to mitigate the association This is according to researchfrom the products with added DHA, between childhood overweight University of Kansas (KU) and the however, it is important to pay condition or obesity and blood KU Medical Center, published in attention to the label to know how pressure,” the research says. JAMA Network. The researchers much DHA some of these Obese and overweight children of seek to further explore the way formulated products provide,” she mothers in the placebo group had a “developmental programming” – how notes. large mean increase of 3.94mm Hg prenatal environment impacts a fetus’ for systolic BP (blood pressure) and metabolism – works in preventing The new study followed 171 women 4.97mm Hg for diastolic BP disease, such as obesity, later in life. with low-risk pregnancies from the compared with overweight/obese “This research is aimed at expectant Kansas City area who signed up at children of DHA-supplemented mothers and pediatricians who the KU Medical Center's Maternal mothers. These differences were wonder what you can do prior to the and Child Nutrition and statistically significant, according to birth of your child to optimize health Development Lab between March the researchers. and behavior outcomes,” says co- 2006 and September 2009. Half of author John Colombo, KU Professor the women were randomly assigned How much DHA is needed? of Psychology, Director of KU’s Life a prenatal supplement of 600mg of While the researchers stress that the Span Institute and currently KU’s DHA to be received daily and half optimal amount of DHA needed is Interim Vice Chancellor for Research. were given a placebo. The primary still unknown, they also note that outcomes of the intervention were the DHA supplements available in The importance of fatty acids is well pregnancy outcome and child the US contain much less than known, with many foods already development through age six. The 600mg of the fatty acid. fortified with DHA, such as eggs, and against highbloodpressure Developmental programming and y nearl problems amongUSchildren with Ov maximize benefit, w in afoodsource Plus oil research thatregularconsumptionof supplement. W looked simpl not beo natural sourcesof n NutritionInsight thattheroleof spokesperson AislingPigotttells supplementation, BD Despite thepossiblebenefitsof notes with o in bloodpressurethatisassociated they areprotectedagainsttheincrease supplementation duringpregnancy] m o stud (o children ha bir higher ma targ pre as preter which ma le Se is but w is acriticalwindo lo first fourmonthsof sho Carlson sa accr results sho before 34w mater ho this fa [of “W v utrition isalsosignificantand , v ould sugg w ultitude of v ” sheadds erw v y fishhasm w th significantl els inpregnantw erw DHAsupplementation]toha erw viousl e donotkno ws thatsupplementationforthe eral studiesha er BPatag et bloodle y sho ue allthew , therewillbeadditionaln e y oneinfi . v oung peopleag e don nal DHAcanalsoreducebir v eight orobeseforanyof v er eight andobesityarelarg eight andobesity).Whatthe orable effectonbloodpressure erw v , thereise m bir y identifiedthataDHA erlooked. “Thestud ws isthatif y causecomplicationssuch y reducetheriskof ys w thatbenefitcontin ’ eight andobesity v est foodcanbeenoughto eeks g t kno e seriousw . . “Thereisonestud reasonsthat[viaDHA y atahighdose th. R v ultiple healthbenefits e six.W v e kno el of a . Atthemoment,w w theoptimalamount e school-ag y w whatthatwindo y upto600mg/da . “ManyAmerican estation; andour w inde v ” shestresses fattyacidsshould vidence that e sho esearchers liferesultedin omen canbelo 5percentor w fromother ed 6to19y theybecome A dieticianand e suspectthere eight issues wn thatDHA v elopment e children , ” she y has preter utrients a . ued to DHA e

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Further research is warranted to peas and lentils, will contribute to beneficial to heart health; they do understand which types of gut fiber intakes and can help to keep nothing to tackle weight issues bacteria are most important for health your gut healthy and decrease risk actively. and the different ways in which they of heart disease.” could influence the risk of Minerals cardiovascular disease, they note. Indeed, a recent report published by There are links between sodium and The Lancet noted that higher intake high blood pressure risks, but other In the UK, the death rate from levels of dietary fiber and whole minerals such as calcium, cardiovascular disease (CVD), which grains are linked with a lower risk of magnesium and potassium may play includes heart disease and stroke, has non-communicable diseases, body a role in preventing high blood been falling. But it is still one of the weight and cholesterol levels. pressure, says the report. They could leading causes of death. There are a also have positive effects on other number of treatments available, which Central fat risk factors for heart disease and have contributed to reducing Being overweight may increase the stroke. “Eating a varied diet will mortality, but ill health associated risk of heart disease and stroke, but help to ensure you get all the with CVD morbidity remains high where the body carries any excess fat essential minerals you need; and could even be rising in older age is also important in determining the potassium is found in foods like groups.The fermentation of fiber by risk of heart disease and stroke. The bananas, potatoes and fish, our gut bacteria may also influence magnesium in lentils and whole y our risk of heart disease. h grains and calcium in dairy foods p a r and some green leafy vegetables,” g o t

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smoking, raised cholesterol and blood g that may be linked to an increased a m pressure, lack of physical activity, I risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 obesity and diabetes. However, these diabetes, obesity and hypertension. ‘classical’ risk factors cannot fully “There is emerging evidence that explain differences in cardiovascular inadequate sleep is linked to disease risk and emerging evidence increased risk of cardiovascular suggests that other novel risk factors disease. For general health, adults may play an important role.” The Task Force report explains that should aim for between seven and Task Force report explores some of people who have excess fat around nine hours of sleep a night,” the emerging and novel risk factors the stomach are at increased risk Stanner adds. and how they can affect the risk of because the cells secrete a number of heart disease and stroke. substances that can contribute to Workplace stress risk. “Regardless of height or BMI, Many scientific studies have linked Gut health people should try to lose weight if stress with ill health, but the link Scientific research shows that eating their waist measures more than between job-related stress and whole grains and other fiber-rich 94cm (37ins) for men and 80cm increased risk of heart disease and foods are important for a healthy gut, (31.5ins) for women,” says Stanner. stroke is becoming more widely but the Task Force report highlights recognized. The report suggests that that the fermentation of fiber by our Published last year, a Mayo Clinic exposure to stress activates specific gut bacteria may also influence our study found that even for those with regions of the brain, leading to an risk of heart disease. a healthy body mass index (BMI), a increase in heart rate and blood Sara Stanner, Science Director at the “fat belly” creates a two-fold higher pressure, which can affect blood BNF and editor of the Task Force long-term risk of heart problems. vessel walls and damage the report, says: “As a nation, we’re However, a recent American Heart functioning of the blood vessel consuming well below the Association (AHA) Heart and lining. For those exposed to stress in recommended fiber intake. Eating Stroke Statistics report found that the workplace, it may be a good idea plenty of fruit and vegetables, although 48 percent of Americans to find relaxation techniques and choosing high-fiber or wholegrain suffer from some type of CVD and actively work at managing stress varieties of starchy carbohydrates, and 90 percent of Americans understand levels, the researchers advise. eating plenty of pulses, like beans, that regulating body weight is Other risk factors functional life. Researchers at the participants' cognitive abilities. Other significant risk factors identified National University of Singapore According to first study author Lei by the Task Force report include birth (NUS) near Clementi hypothesized Feng, who is an assistant professor weight (both high and low birth that eating mushrooms could help at NUS: "People with MCI are still weights are associated with increased preserve cognitive function in late able to carry out their normal daily risk of heart disease in later life), adulthood. So, they conducted a activities. So, what we had to excessive consumption of alcohol and new study to see whether they could determine in this study is whether sedentary behavior, even if find any evidence in this respect. these [people] had poorer interspersed with physical activity. Their findings — which now appear performance on standard By Laxmi Haigh in the Journal of Alzheimer's neuropsychologist tests than other Disease — suggest that the people of the same age and Does eating mushrooms mushrooms common in education background." protect brain health? Singaporean cuisine may help "Neuropsychological tests are Medical News Today 15 March 2019 By reduce the risk of MCI. specifically designed tasks that can Maria Cohut measure various aspects of a MCI: A subtle form of cognitive person's cognitive abilities. In fact, Mushrooms are a much-loved decline some of the tests we used in this ingredient in cuisines around the The study lasted 6 years, from 2011 study are adopted from commonly world. They are nutritious used IQ test battery, the Wechsler and especially rich in Image © iStock.com/ Adult Intelligence Scale," he antioxidants, which Maksym Azovtsev adds. protect cell health. Researchers are now The team also conducted targeted asking whether interviews and asked the mushrooms can also participants to undergo a series protect against cognitive of tests measuring aspects of decline.Eating mushrooms physical and psychological may help keep cognitive functioning. "The interview," decline at bay. Feng states, "takes into account demographic information, Mushrooms are fascinating. medical history, psychological Although some are edible factors, and dietary habits." and grocery stores sell them Then, he continues, "A nurse will in their "vegetable" aisles, they aren't to 2017, and it included 663 measure blood pressure, weight, actually vegetables.They are actually participants aged 60 and older at height, handgrip, and walking fungi, a kingdom all of its own, baseline. The researchers recruited speed." Participants "also do a alongside those of plants and animals them through the Diet and Healthy simple screen test on cognition, in biological classifications. Aging project. depression, anxiety." The investigators focused on the Finally, the team conducted 2-hour Edible mushrooms — both cultivated consumption of some of the most assessments of each person's and wild species — contain a high common mushrooms that people in neuropsychological health and rated amount of dietary fiber, antioxidants, Singapore eat: them on a dementia symptom scale. and protein, as well as vitamins and Ø golden mushrooms minerals. New research has found Ø oyster mushrooms 'A dramatic effect on cognitive that people who integrate mushrooms Ø shiitake mushrooms decline?' into their diets — even if they only Ø white button mushrooms The researchers' analysis revealed consume them in small portions — Ø dried mushrooms that eating more than two portions appear to have a lower risk of mild Ø canned button mushrooms of cooked mushrooms per week cognitive impairment (MCI), which The team defined mushroom could lead to a 50 percent lower risk often precedes Alzheimer's disease. In portion sizes as three-quarters of a of MCI. Feng says that "this MCI, a person may experience some cup of cooked mushrooms per correlation is surprising and symptoms characteristic of portion, weighing about 150 grams, encouraging." "It seems that a Alzheimer's disease — such as poor on average. commonly available single memory and issues with language and ingredient could have a dramatic spatial orientation — but in a much To gauge the association between effect on cognitive decline." Lei subtler way that does not prevent eating mushrooms and MCI risk, Feng. This is only a correlative them from continuing to lead a fully the researchers also measured the observation, but the team believes that there may be a causal eating foods high in antioxidants relationship involved.Study co-author may lower the risk of developing Dr. Irwin Cheah notes that the age-related cataracts (ARC). scientists are "very interested in a compound called ergothioneine (ET), Researchers from China and the [...] a unique antioxidant and anti- University of South Australia inflammatory which humans are analyzed 20 studies from around the unable to synthesize on their own." world looking at the impact of vitamins and carotenoids on However, "it can be obtained from cataract risk. Despite some dietary sources, one of the main ones inconsistencies, the findings support being mushrooms." The idea that ET the benefits of eating citrus fruits, may have a direct effect on the risk of capsicum, carrots, tomatoes, and cognitive decline, Dr. Cheah explains, dark green vegetables such as came from a previous study that spinach, broccoli, and kale to delay appeared in the journal Biochemical the onset of ARC. and Biophysical Research Communications. That research “Age-related cataracts are the found that people with MCI had leading cause of visual impairment A nutty solution for lower blood levels of the compound among the elderly throughout the improving brain health than healthy peers of the same age. world, with unoperated cataracts Also, the researchers note, contributing to 35% of all Solutions for an ageing mushrooms contain many other blindness,” said Ming Li, study population substances whose exact role in brain author and senior research fellow at health is not yet clear. These include the University of South Australia. Science Daily March 19, 2019 hericenones, erinacines, scabronines, “Although cataract extraction and dictyophorines — a series of surgery is an effective method to Long-term, high nut consumption compounds that could contribute to restore vision, it will have cost could be the key to better the growth of neurons (brain society more than $5.7 billion by cognitive health in older people cells).Substances derived from edible 2020.” according to new research from mushrooms could also inhibit the the University of South Australia. production of beta-amyloid and With the population aging phosphorylated tau, two toxic dramatically and an increasing In a study of 4822 Chinese adults proteins whose overaccumulation in number of people needing surgery, aged 55+ years, researchers found the brain coincides with the urgent action is needed, the that eating more than 10 grams of development of Alzheimer's and researchers say. “If we could delay nuts a day was positively associated other forms of dementia. the onset of ARC by 10 years, it with better mental functioning, could halve the number of people including improved thinking, In the future, the researchers would requiring surgery,” explained Li. reasoning and memory.Lead like to conduct randomized controlled Improvements would rely on global researcher, UniSA's Dr Ming Li, trial testing the effect of ET and other changes to most of the world’s diet, says the study is the first to report plant-derived compounds on brain however, with current consumption an association between cognition health — specifically verifying their of antioxidants well below the and nut intake in older Chinese protective role against cognitive recommended level to prevent ARC. adults, providing important insights decline. into increasing mental health Image © iStock.com/ issues (including dementia) faced AaronAmat by an ageing population. Antioxidants in fruits, veggies may help "Population aging is one of the prevent age-related most substantial challenges of the cataracts twenty-first century. Not only are people living longer, but as they IFT Weekly March 27, 2019 age, they require additional health support which is placing A study published in the unprecedented pressure on aged- American Journal of Clinical care and health services," Dr Li Nutrition suggests that says. "In China, this says."While there is no cure for age- quarter of a million people die from is a massive related cognition decline and it every year. In Australia, one in issue, as the neurogenerative disease, variations nine have asthma (about 2.7 i k s

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a Improved and to rise to 75 million and by 2050, drugs available to treat it. So there's m I preventative global dementia cases are estimated a growing interest in non-drug health care -- to almost triple. China has the treatment options," he said. including largest population of people with dietary dementia. Professor Lopata said the current modifications -- theory is that the dramatic change in can help "As people age, they naturally diet worldwide is behind the rise of address the experience changes to conceptual the disease. "There is an increasing challenges that reasoning, memory, and processing consumption of what is known as an aging population presents. "By speed. This is all part of the normal the n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid eating more than 10 grams (or two ageing process," Dr Li says. "But age (PUFA) found in vegetable oils and teaspoons) of nuts per day older is also the strongest known risk a decline in consumption of n-3 people could improve their cognitive factor for cognitive disease. If we PUFA, which is mainly found in function by up to 60 per cent- can find ways to help older people marine oils. Crudely, there has been compared to those not eating nuts -- retain their cognitive health and a global move from fresh fish to fast effectively warding off what would independence for longer -- even by food," he said. Professor Lopata normally be experienced as a natural modifying their diet -- then this said the fishing village was chosen two-year cognition decline." absolutely worth the effort." for the testing because it had a population with high fish China has one of the fastest growing Eating fish may help consumption and low socio- aging populations. In 2029, China's prevent asthma economic status, so it would be population is projected to peak at 1.44 Science Daily March 19, 2019 likely that marine oils from fish and billion, with the ratio of young to old other seafood would be the main dramatically imbalanced by the rising source of n-3, rather than A scientist from James Cook ranks of the elderly. By 2050, 330 supplements. University in Australia says an million Chinese will be over age 65, innovative study has revealed new and 90.4 million will be over age 80, "We found that certain types of n-3 evidence that eating fish can help representing the world's largest (from marine oils) were significantly prevent asthma. population of this most elderly age associated with a decreased risk of group. More broadly, the World having asthma or asthma-like Professor Andreas Lopata from Health Organization says that by symptoms by up to 62%, while high JCU's Australian Institute of 2020, the number of people aged 60 n-6 consumption (from vegetable Tropical Health and Medicine, years and older will outnumber oils) was associated with an (AITHM) took part in the study children younger than five years old. increased risk by up to 67%," he which tested 642 people who said. worked in a The UniSA study analysed nine waves fish of China Health Nutrition Survey Image © iStock/Radist processing data collected over 22 years, finding factory in a that 17 per cent of participants were small village regular consumers of nuts (mostly in South peanuts). Dr Li says peanuts have Africa. specific anti-inflammatory and "Around 334 antioxidant effects which can alleviate million and reduce cognitive decline. people "Nuts are known to be high in healthy worldwide fats, protein and fibre with nutritional have asthma, properties that can lower cholesterol and about a and improve cognitive health," Dr Li He said it was more evidence of the to explore whether there was an diet. In each of those groups, half suspected inflammatory role of n-6 in argument for green tea preventing ate green tea extract mixed in with the development of asthma, and more obesity, inflammation and other their food. evidence that n-3 gave significant factors connected to poor metabolic Then the researchers measured body protection. health, said Bruno, who is also a and fat tissue weight, insulin member of the Ohio Agricultural resistance and other factors that "Even if you factor in contaminants Research and Development Center. included: such as mercury found in some fish "The results of studies looking at • Gut permeability, or how 'leaky' populations, the benefits of fish and obesity management so far have the gut was seafood intake far more outweighs the been a real mixed bag. Some seem • Endotoxin translocation, or the potential risks," said Professor to support green tea for weight loss, movement of a gut bacteria-derived Lopata. He said further work needed but a lot of other research has component to the bloodstream, to be done on what effect specific shown no effect, likely due to the where it provokes inflammation and types of n-3 have and how their complexity of the diet relative to a insulin resistance beneficial role could be optimised, number of lifestyle factors. Our goal • Inflammation in the fat tissue and and on minimising the negative effects is to figure out how it prevents intestines of n-6. weight gain," he said. "This will lead • The composition of the gut to better health recommendations." microbes, which are known to Green tea cuts obesity, contribute to a variety of Image © iStock.com/ health factors health risks in mice katerinasergeevna Science Daily March 14, 2019 The mice fed a high-fat Green tea cut obesity and a diet supplemented with number of inflammatory green tea gained about 20 biomarkers linked with poor percent less weight and health in a new study. had lower insulin Mice fed a diet of 2 percent resistance than mice fed an green tea extract fared far otherwise identical diet better than those that ate a diet without tea. Those mice without it, a finding that has also had less inflammation prompted an upcoming study within fat tissue and the of green tea's potential benefits intestine. Furthermore, the in people at high risk of green tea appeared to diabetes and heart disease. The Green tea has a rich history in Asian protect against the movement of benefits seen in the new study, countries and has been increasingly endotoxin, the toxic bacterial published in the Journal of embraced in the West, in part for its component, out of their guts and Nutritional Biochemistry, appear to potential health benefits. Catechins, into the bloodstream. Plus, the stem from improved gut health, anti-inflammatory polyphenols researchers found evidence of including more beneficial microbes in found in green tea, have been linked stronger -- less "leaky" -- guts in the intestines of the mice and less to anti-cancer activity and lower risk these mice. Leaky gut is a problem permeability in the intestinal wall -- a of heart and liver disease. Bruno and in humans that contributes to condition typically called "leaky gut" his colleagues suspected that green widespread low-grade inflammation in people. "This study provides tea might prevent obesity and and has been implicated in a evidence that green tea encourages the protect against inflammation in the number of health problems. growth of good gut bacteria, and that gut based on previous studies, so leads to a series of benefits that they devised an experiment that The researchers also found that the significantly lower the risk of obesity," examined green tea's effects in male green tea appeared to contribute to a said Richard Bruno, the study's lead mice fed a normal diet and a high- healthier microbial community in author and a professor of human fat diet designed to cause obesity. the guts of the mice fed a high-fat nutrition at The Ohio State (Female mice are resistant to diet- diet. Mice fed the normal, or low- University. induced obesity and insulin fat, diet supplemented with green resistance, a precursor to diabetes, so tea also had benefits including Negative changes in the gut they weren't included.) reduced weight gain and lower microbiome have been previously endotoxin levels and markers of linked to obesity, and green tea has For eight weeks, half of the animals leaky gut, but these were relatively been shown to promote healthy ate a high-fat diet designed to lead to modest compared with the effects bacteria. The Ohio State team wanted obesity and half were fed a regular seen in mice fed the high-fat diet. Green tea consumption in the potentially deadly pathogens. pathogenesis of Pseudomonas experiment would be equivalent to aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a about 10 cups of green tea throughout Despite their simplicity, 1- potentially deadly disease in both the day for a person, Bruno said."It millimeter-long nematodes called worms and humans that infects might seem like a lot of tea, but it's Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) some 51,000 U.S. hospital patients not highly unusual in certain parts of share an important limitation with each year, according to the Centers the world," he said. humans: They cannot make B12 and for Disease Control. Bruno is currently working on a must get all they need from their human study that will explore the diet. In a study published today in Her lab, like thousands of others effects of green tea on leaky gut in PLOS Genetics, researchers from worldwide, uses C. elegans as a people with metabolic syndrome -- a the lab of Rice biochemist and model organism to study the effects condition that predisposes people to cancer researcher Natasha Kirienko of disease, drugs, toxins and other Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. describe how a B12-deficient diet processes that affect humans and harms C. elegans' health at a cellular animals. In many C. elegans For now, he said, it's too soon to level, reducing the worms' ability to research labs worms are fed extrapolate the findings in animals to metabolize branched-chain amino Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common people. He also cautioned that -- acids (BCAA). The research showed human gut bacteria that is itself a should the benefits prove true in that the reduced ability to break model organism. "We found that humans -- green tea supplements down BCAAs led to a toxic buildup switching between E. coli strain would not be an obvious substitute for of partially metabolized BCAA OP50 and strain HT115 drinking the beverage over the course byproducts that damaged dramatically altered the worm's of a day, because of how the body mitochondrial health. stress tolerance," Kirienko said. She metabolizes the catechins in the tea. said it took about two years of "Consuming a little throughout the Researchers studied the health of follow-up studies to isolate the course of a day with food -- like the two populations of worms, one with biochemical mechanism of stress mice did in this study -- might be a diet sufficient in B12 and another and pathogen resistance. Her better," Bruno said. that got too little B12 from its diet. research team included study lead He said he's hopeful that future Like the second population of co-author Alexey Revtovich and co- research will determine whether worms, at least 10 percent of U.S. author Ryan Lee. "The key drinking green tea might be a good adults get too little B12 in their diet, difference between the two diets is strategy for those looking to reduce a risk that increases with age. "We the ability of HT115 and OP50 to their chances of becoming obese. used C. elegans to study the effect of acquire B12 from the environment," "Two-thirds of American adults are diet on a host and found that one said Revtovich, a research scientist. overweight or obese, and we know kind of food was able to "We showed that HT115 is far more that just telling people to eat less and dramatically increase resistance to efficient at this, making about eight exercise more isn't working. It's multiple stressors -- like heat and times as much of the protein that it important to establish complementary free radicals -- as well as to needs to harvest B12 as compared to health-promoting approaches that can pathogens," said Kirienko, assistant OP50." prevent obesity and related problems," professor of biosciences and a Bruno said. CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research The researchers used numerous tests at Rice. The lead scientist and co- to confirm their results and rule out Danger of vitamin B12 author of the study, Kirienko said other possible mechanisms for the deficiency the B12 finding came as a surprise to effect. They also found that C. Science Daily March 13, 2019 her team, which first noticed the elegans on an HT115 diet had the effect in experiments designed to ability to resist infection by another investigate the mechanisms of deadly human pathogen, Using roundworms, Enterococcus faecalis. one of Earth's Image © iStock.com/photka Lee, a Rice simplest animals, undergraduate student, Rice University said the study highlights bioscientists have the need for C. elegans found the first direct labs worldwide to pay link between a diet attention to the possible with too little differential impacts of vitamin B12 and an diet on experimental increased risk of outcomes. infection by two "Some labs use OP50 as their that pre-sleep protein intake standard food, and others use HT115 increases muscle protein synthesis However, there are already or even another strain of E. coli," Lee during overnight sleep in young numerous indirect indicators that said. "Our results show there are adults" says lead author Dr. Tim pre-sleep protein specifically is significant metabolic differences Snijders, Assistant Professor at beneficial for healthy young lifters. between these diets, and it's likely Maastricht University. "These have Sleep is a unique opportunity for those differences could contribute to fueled the idea that over a longer muscle recovery and growth substantial uncertainty in research period, a pre-sleep protein Fundamentally, pre-sleep protein outcomes.” supplement can maximize the can be used to improve protein strength and muscle mass gains intake distribution over the day, says Kirienko joined Rice's faculty in 2015 during regular resistance exercise Snijders. Muscles can only grow and thanks to a recruitment grant from the training." Snijders' 2015 study is the repair themselves when the right Cancer Prevention and Research most compelling demonstration to building blocks -- amino acids from Institute of Texas (CPRIT), a state date for this. His team put 44 protein -- are available in the blood. ballot initiative approved in 2007 to healthy young men on a 12-week But unlike blood glucose, the body provide $3 billion to support cancer lifting program. Half were given a does not store and release amino research statewide. To date, CPRIT nightly pre-sleep protein shake with acids to maintain near-constant has awarded $2.2 billion in grants to about 30g of casein and 15 grams of circulating levels. "A survey of over Texas researchers, institutions and carbs, while the other half got an 500 athletes found they were organizations through its academic energy-free drink. The training was typically consuming at total of more research, prevention and product effective -- both groups ended with a than 1.2g protein per kilo of development research programs. "This bigger squat (one rep max) and bodyweight across three main work is related in the sense that it bigger quads -- but the protein- meals, but only a paltry 7g of focuses on mitochondrial health," before-bed group gained protein as an evening snack. As a Kirienko said. "In this case, we are significantly more muscle strength result, lower levels of amino acids working to improve mitochondrial and size. would be available for muscle health to help fight infections. For growth during overnight sleep." But CPRIT, we're trying to do the Is pre-sleep protein consumption if pre-sleep protein consumption opposite. We want to damage better? allows muscles to cram in more mitochondria in cancer cells to kill But are muscle gains boosted by pre- amino acids at night, will they them. So, actually, now that we know sleep protein per se, or just higher simply use less during the day? this is important, it gives us another total intake of protein and calories? Apparently not, claims Snijders. potential target in cancer cells.” Just one study has attempted -- unsuccessfully -- to test this "The muscle-building effects of Bedtime protein for bigger question. It showed that fat-free protein supplementation at each gains? Here's the scoop mass gains over 8 weeks of meal seem to be additive. In one Science Daily March 6, 2019 unaltered training in regular lifters study we found that the were greater (+1.2 kg vs +0.4 kg) consumption of ample amounts of Drinking a casein shake just before with a nightly casein supplement, protein (60g whey) before overnight overnight sleep increases gains in compared to the same supplement sleep did not alter the muscle muscle mass and strength in taken in the morning. The difference protein synthetic response to a high- response to resistance exercise. was not statistically significant protein breakfast the following however, perhaps because there were morning. But to date, no study has directly only 26 participants. "Based on our addressed whether this effect is due to own studies, we calculated that a Image © iStock.com/ increased total protein intake only, or MRBIG_PHOTOGRAPHY if a bedtime beverage is better. huge number of According to a review published in participants would Frontiers in Nutrition, existing be needed to prove findings nevertheless suggest that whether a overnight sleep is a unique nutritional difference might window for boosting muscle gains -- exist in response to while late-night protein calories pre-sleep protein, needn't increase body fat. versus protein intake at other Casein point: Snijders' seminal study times of the day," "Several one-night studies have shown explains Snijders. "What's more, others They ranged in age have shown that adding a from 40 to 99 years, protein supplement at with an average age bedtime does not affect of 63 years old. appetite the following morning -- so it is Detailed unlikely to compromise questionnaires were total protein or calorie used to assess intake.” participants' physical activity Bedtime protein won't levels and eating 'make you fat' or ruin habits, while two your sleep non-invasive tests While the case for pre- Image © iStock.com/FatCamera were used to assess sleep protein remains the condition of preliminary, is there any harm in Want a healthy heart? Turn participants' arteries. The first test, trying it? After all, it does involve off the TV and eat a good carotid femoral pulse wave velocity, consuming calories just before a long breakfast measured the speed of pressure period of inactivity. The evidence is Science Daily March 6, 2019 waves that move along the arteries sparse, but encouraging. to detect stiffening of the arteries, or "In the 8-week morning vs evening The small lifestyle choices we atherosclerosis. The second test casein study, the additional make each day add up when it used ultrasound imaging to measure consumption of protein calories did comes to heart health. the thickness of the inner part of not result in any increase in fat mass the arterial wall. Thickening of the despite the fact that exercise volume In a new two-pronged study being arterial walls reflects plaque buildup did not change," reports Snijders. presented at the American College and is associated with an increased "But again, these results should be of Cardiology's 68th Annual risk of stroke. interpreted with caution due to the Scientific Session, people who spent low number of volunteers included. less time watching TV and regularly Downsides of Too Much TV "Supporting this, another group found ate an energy-rich breakfast showed For the first prong of the study, in 11 young active men that a pre- significantly less plaque and stiffness researchers divided participants into sleep casein shake actually increased in their arteries, indicating a lower three groups according to the the rate of fat burning the following chance of developing heart disease number of hours spent watching day. This might be because casein or suffering a stroke. "Environmen- television or videos each week: a ingestion reduces the insulin response tal and lifestyle factors are low amount (seven hours or fewer), to subsequent meals, which pushes important but underestimated risk a moderate amount (seven to 21 your body to use more fat." factors for cardiovascular diseases," hours) or a high amount (more than said Sotirios Tsalamandris, MD, a 21 hours). After accounting for Based on the results of these studies cardiologist at the First Cardiology cardiovascular risk factors and heart at least, pre-bed protein consumption, Clinic at National and Kapodistrian disease status, researchers found especially casein, doesn't appear to University of Athens, Greece, and those watching the most TV per 'make you fat.' Indeed, it appears to the study's lead author. "These two week were almost twice as likely to actually increase fat metabolism. studies emphasize the many factors have plaque buildup in the arteries Finally, pre-sleep protein may be what that impact heart disease and the compared with those watching the keeps Snijders up at night -- but it need for holistic preventive least. "Our results emphasize the won't stop you getting your well- approaches." importance of avoiding prolonged earned rest. periods of sedentary behavior," "It has been consistently shown that Researchers assessed markers of Tsalamandris said. "These findings pre-sleep protein ingestion has no heart health along with a variety of suggest a clear message to hit the effect on sleep onset latency or sleep environmental exposures and 'off' button on your TV and quality." lifestyle factors in 2,000 people abandon your sofa. Even activities In conclusion: we don't yet have living in Corinthia, Greece. of low energy expenditure, such as conclusive evidence for adding pre- Participants represented a broad socializing with friends or sleep protein supplement to your spectrum of the general public, housekeeping activities, may have a fitness regime: but it's worth a try -- including healthy people as well as substantial benefit to your health and it's worth further research. those with cardiovascular risk compared to time spent sitting and factors and established heart disease. watching TV." The study also found that watching Similarly, more plaque was found in Inferences from the Corinthia more TV was associated with an in the carotid arteries of 28 percent Epidemiological Study," on Sunday, increased risk of other cardiovascular of people skipping breakfast, 26 March 17, at 9:45 a.m. CT in Poster risk factors, including high blood percent of those consuming a low- Hall, Hall F, and will present the pressure and diabetes. Compared to energy breakfast and 18 percent of study, "Breakfast Association With those watching less than seven hours those consuming a high-energy Arterial Stiffness And Carotid of TV per week, those watching more breakfast. "A high-energy breakfast Atherosclerotic Burden. Insights than 21 hours per week were 68 should be part of a healthy lifestyle," From The Corinthia Study," on percent more likely to have high blood Tsalamandris said. "Eating a Sunday, March 17. pressure and 50 percent more likely to breakfast constituting more than 20 have diabetes. "Since our results percent of the total daily caloric Green tea and carrots emphasize the clinical benefit of low intake may be of equal or even could treat Alzheimer energy expenditure activities, greater importance than a person's performing recreational activities, specific dietary pattern, such as symptoms, study finds weight lifting, stretching bands or whether they follow the 11 Mar 2019 Nutrition Insight treadmill exercise while watching TV Mediterranean diet, a low-fat diet or A diet containing compounds may be a healthy alternative," other dietary pattern." found in green tea and carrots Tsalamandris said. However, Tsalamandris also reversed symptoms linked to indicated that because most study Alzheimer’s in mice genetically Benefits of a High-Energy Breakfast participants followed a programmed to develop the In the second part of the study, Mediterranean diet overall, it is disease, University of Southern participants were divided into three unknown how the study findings California (USC) researchers say. groups based on how much of their translate to people following daily caloric intake came from different dietary patterns. The team emphasizes that the study, breakfast: high-energy (breakfast recently published in the Journal of contributing more than 20 percent of Since the research was Biological Chemistry, was in mice daily calories), low-energy (5-20 observational, the study does not and many mouse discoveries do not percent of daily calories) or skipped prove cause and effect, and the translate into human treatments. breakfast (less than 5 percent of daily reason for the association between a Nevertheless, the findings lend calories). In total, about 240 people high-energy breakfast and better credence to the idea that certain reported a high-energy breakfast, heart health is not known. Based on readily available, plant-based nearly 900 ate a low-energy breakfast previous studies, the researchers supplements might offer some and about 680 skipped breakfast. offered two possible explanations. protection against dementia in Breakfast foods commonly eaten by One is that people who eat breakfast humans. “You don't have to wait 10 those in the high-energy group tend to eat healthier food overall and to 12 years for a designer drug to included milk, cheese, cereals, bread have fewer unhealthy lifestyle make it to market; you can make and honey. Breakfast for those in the patterns such as smoking and these dietary changes today,” says low-energy group typically included sedentary behavior than those who senior author Terrence Town, coffee or low-fat milk along with skip breakfast. Another is that the Professor of Physiology and bread with butter, honey, olives or specific breakfast foods consumed in Neuroscience at the Keck School of fruit. The researchers found those the high-energy group, such as dairy Medicine of USC's Zilkha who ate a high-energy breakfast products, may benefit heart health. Neurogenetic Institute. “I find that tended to have significantly healthier very encouraging.” arteries than those who ate little or no The researchers plan to continue to breakfast. Even after accounting for track health outcomes in the study cardiovascular risk factors, both pulse participants for at least 10 years, / / m m y y o wave velocity and arterial thickness with a primary focus on assessing o i i c c r r . . u u k k c c B were, on average, highest in those potential impacts of environmental B

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y y l l e eating a high-energy breakfast. This study was supported e a a g g t t a a a a m by a grant from the m I N I N Specifically, arterial stiffness was Hellenic Cardiology abnormal in 15 percent of those Society. Tsalamandris will skipping breakfast, 9.5 percent of present the study, "The those consuming a low-energy Impact of Sedentary breakfast and 8.7 percent of those Behavior Patterns on consuming a high-energy breakfast. Carotid Atherosclerotic Burden: The study also supports the idea that amyloid precursor proteins from the company notes. combination therapy, rather than a breaking up into the smaller proteins These results confirm Tri-Low’s single “silver bullet,” may offer the called amyloid beta that gum up functionality as a superior, clean- best approach to treating the 5.7 Alzheimer patients’ brains, Town label cardiac health supplement. million Americans living with explains. In addition, the The study, led by Dr. Haridas Alzheimer’s. Combination treatment compounds appeared to reduce Upadya, was published in the BMC is already the standard of care for neuroinflammation and oxidative Journal of Complementary and diseases such as cancer, HIV infection stress in the brain, which are key Alternative Medicine. and rheumatoid arthritis. aspects of Alzheimer’s pathology in The researchers took a look at two humans. In this double-blind, placebo- compounds: epigallocatechin-3-gallate Town concludes that he and his controlled, multicenter clinical trial, (EGCG), a key ingredient in green laboratory will continue exploring 500 mg amla extract or a matching tea, and ferulic acid (FA), which is combination treatment, with a focus placebo capsule was administered to found in carrots, tomatoes, rice, wheat on plant-derived substances that 98 dyslipidemia patients twice daily and oats. The researchers randomly inhibit production of the sticky for 12 weeks. assigned 32 mice with Alzheimer’s- amyloid beta plaques. Following the 12-week trial, major like symptoms to one of four groups lipids including total cholesterol, with an equal number of males and In related news, a 2018 study triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and females. For comparison, each group published in Aging found that VLDL were significantly lower in also contained an equal number of Matcha green tea holds potential as the amla group compared to the healthy mice. For three months, the a natural treatment for cancer, placebo group. At the same time mice consumed a combination of finding that the ingredient can kill anti-atherogenic lipoproteins, such EGCG and FA, or EGCG or FA only, breast cancer cells by preventing as HDL-cholesterol, were or a placebo. The dosage was 30 mg them from “refueling.” In a further maintained at optimum levels. A 39 per kilogram of body weight – a study, mannose sugar, a widely percent reduction in the atherogenic dosage well-tolerated by humans and available nutritional supplement, index of the plasma (AIP) – a key easily consumed as part of a healthy, was found to both slow tumor indicator of cardiac health – was plant-based diet or in the form of growth and enhance the effects of also noted in the amla group. Lipid supplements. chemotherapy in mice with multiple balance was achieved with no types of cancer. concomitant reduction of plasma Before and after the three-month CoQ10 levels, a phenomenon special diet, scientists ran the mice Arjuna touts Indian typically associated with a number through a range of neuropsycho- gooseberry potential for of lipid-lowering drugs. Other logical tests that are roughly related parameters, such as fasting analogous to the thinking and improved heart health blood glucose, homocysteine levels, memory tests that assess dementia in 14 Mar 2019 Nutrition Insight and apo-B/apolipoprotein levels, humans, according to the researchers. also tended to lower. This Of particular note was a maze in the Arjuna Natural Ltd.’s new potentially widens Tri-Low’s scope shape of a “Y”, which tests a mouse’s ingredient Tri-Low, a full extract for targeting diabetic dyslipidemia, spatial working memory – a skill that of amla (Phyllanthus emblica), the says Arjuna. Tri-Low delivers the humans use to find their way out of a Indian gooseberry, is touted as full spectrum of bioactive building. The findings showed that alleviating dyslipidemia, a leading ingredients extracted from wild, healthy mice instinctively explored contributing risk factor to the fresh, ripe Indian gooseberry. It is each arm of the Y maze, looking for development of atherosclerosis. the first of its kind standardized food or a route to escape and entering This is according to an Arjuna with diacylglycerides of ALA –α- the three arms in sequence more often endorsed study. Linolenic acid (an omega 3 fatty than by chance alone. Impaired mice acid) and polyphenols. could not do this as well as their The amla extract “has shown mentally healthy counterparts. “After significant potential in three months, combination treatment reducing total completely restored working memory cholesterol and and the Alzheimer's mice performed triglyceride levels and in just as well as the healthy comparison stimulating mice,” says Town. a more favorable One mechanism at play here appeared balance of to be the substances’ ability to prevent lipid ratios,” The patented product is prevent diet-induced weight gain available in powder form and and improve how the body uses can be used straight or in blood sugar and cholesterol. combination with other Previous studies have also shown cardiovascular health that naringenin increases brown fat supplements. “Tri-Low is levels in rodents. available in powder form for use in nutraceuticals either as Flavonoids are classified as capsules or tablets. It is also polyphenols, which are a large available as water dispersible group of chemical compounds powder for use in beverages, in synthesized by fruits, vegetables, Image © iStock.com/bymuratdeniz sachets or stick packs,” Dr. Benny teas, cocoa and other plants that Anthony, Joint Managing Director Citrus fruit flavonoids hold possess certain health benefits. for Arjuna tells untapped weight Innovation in this space has been FoodIngredientsFirst. management potential, ubiquitous over the past year. French producer of natural Tri-Low is good at reducing visceral study finds ingredients Fytexia has previously fat and obesity, according to Dr. 25 Mar 2019 Nutrition Insight highlighted the potential for weight Anthony. “The toxic combination management ingredients as part of of high cholesterol, the stress of Naringenin, a flavonoid found in an active lifestyle, combining citrus modern life and the wide oranges and other citrus fruits, polyphenols, guarana and L- availability of junk food are factors could hold potential for weight carnitine to support weight loss and that are known to aggravate management. healthier body composition. One of cardiovascular diseases (CVD),” he its key ingredients is Sinetrol, which explains. “The sacred Indian The chemical can control blood is derived from citrus fruits. gooseberry, or amla, has been used glucose levels and increase the for centuries in many Ayurvedic amount of calories burned, Last year, Diana Foods set out to formulations as a Rasayanic, according to a recent study by explore the positive impact of something known for its all-around researchers from Louisiana State polyphenols on the modulation of health benefits and outstanding University’s Pennington Biomedical gut microbiota by creating a safety. Today we increasingly realize Research Center. Since people with research chair to study the prebiotic its place as an all-powerful cardiac obesity have notably more white fat role of polyphenols. protector – even in stubborn cases than brown fat, converting white fat “The health benefits of polyphenols of unhealthy lipid profiles. Arjuna to beige fat can be beneficial are well understood. These can go offers the same nutraceutical in an strategy, note the researchers. More from very general health benefits improved, more bioactive, and beige fat means that more calories around antioxidants to some things highly concentrated form.” Indian from fat and glucose can be burned, that are far more specific, such as gooseberry is available in some benefitting people with obesity or the role of proanthocyanidins other tropical countries also, says diabetes. “We found that naringenin (PACs),” Stephanie Pretesacque, Dr. Anthony. “But we select only activates the genes that are Global Category Director the wild berries of Phyllanthus responsible for improving blood Consumer Health at Diana Food, emblica from India only.” glucose control and increasing the told NutritionInsight at Vitafoods amount of calories we burn,” says Europe 2018. The company is The project started in 2005 and Dr. Rebello, Ph.D., Postdoctoral working in close cooperation with according to Dr. Anthony, it took Researcher in Pennington Université Laval and its Institute of Arjuna “several years to understand Biomedical’s Pharmacology-Based Nutrition and Functional Foods the active fraction in amla and we Clinical Trials Unit. “Our studies (INAF - Quebec), as well as are the first to standardize the on human fat tissue suggest that Canada’s Natural Sciences and presence of omega 3 fatty acids in naringenin could be used to convert Engineering Research Council amla extract.” Arjuna’s unique and white fat to beige fat in human (CRSNG). The program was set up proprietary, gentle extraction subjects.” to explore the effects of fruit and process preserves ingredient Brown adipose tissue (fat) is a type vegetable polyphenols on the functionality and ensures potency. of fat that burns more calories than modulation of gut microbiota and Amla extracts typically are white fat. White fat in rodents find out more about the underlying manufactured from dried amla and exposed to cold converts to a type mechanisms of action of these can differ fundamentally from Tri- of brown fat called beige fat and bioactive compounds, alone or Low in quality and activity. having more beige fat can help combined with probiotic bacteria. Lancet study provided a new Within the plant-based collection s s Avoiding “dietary e e dietary global pattern that would are some familiar ingredients, such g g a a m m monotony” require a drastic reduction of about as lentils, wild rice and kale, as well i i s s s s 25 Feb 2019 Nutrition Insight e e 50 percent in the worldwide as less well-known foods like fonio, n n i i s s u u consumption of foods such as red pumpkin flowers and cactus. b b y y Food security, optimal nutrition e e meat and sugar, while the Notably, many of the ingredients k k n n and biodiversity are threatened o o consumption of nuts, fruits, that have made the cut have higher m m / / by the lack of diversity in our vegetables and legumes would have yields that common crops and m m o o c c diets, notes a recent report . . to double. This environmental diet several are tolerant of challenging k k c c released by Knorr and The World o o t t is, according to the report, weather and environmental S S i i

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e e population of 10 billion people by not only reduce the land required g g a a Coined the Future 50 Foods report, m m 2050. for crops but also prove valuable in I I the companies have teamed up with the face of growing climate scientists, nutritionists and While the Food and Agricultural uncertainty. “The future 50 Foods agricultural experts to offer a Organization of the United Nations have been selected based on their “tangible solution” to monotonous (FAO) recently released a first of its high nutritional value, relative diets: 50 foods that the global kind report that highlights how environmental impact, flavor, population should eat more of to biodiversity that is vital for the accessibility, acceptability and promote a sustainable global food sustainability of agricultural and affordability. This set of criteria is system. As well as highlighting the world’s food systems is in rapid modeled after the FAO definition of ingredients with potential, the decline and presents a growing sustainable diets,” says the report. report offers recipe tips and ideas threat to food security and supply. for consumers to incorporate them This report similar notes the lack of Ingredients in focus into their diets. “Diversified diets plant diversity in farmers’ fields and not only improve human health but also mentions that among the Algae benefit the environment through leading causes of biodiversity loss is Within the algae section are laver diversified production systems that overexploitation and overharvesting seaweed, also known as nori, and encourage wildlife and more as well as population growth and wakame seaweed, which is sustainable use of resources,” Peter urbanization. increasingly eaten across the globe Gregory, Research Advisor, Crops in seaweed salads. “Algae are For the Future, says in the report. The focus on plant-based nutrient-rich and critical to our nourishment continues in the existence on the planet. They are A rapidly increasing global Future Foods report, with all 50 responsible for half of all oxygen population and growing knowledge ingredients mentioned falling into production on Earth and all aquatic on the impact of the food system on the vegan category: 13 cereals, ecosystems depend on them. They the environment has spurred a grains and tubers, 12 beans, contain essential fatty acids and are number of investigations into how legumes and sprouts, 18 vegetables, an excellent source of antioxidants. we can eat more sustainably. three mushrooms and four nuts and Algae can be rich in protein and Published last month, an EAT seeds. have a meat-like umami flavor, recipes.” the global population and as knowledge of some of the benefits Nopales, also known as the prickly of meat-free diets rise, they are pear or cactus pear are widely increasingly coming into focus. cultivated in Central and South However, despite their rising America and the Middle East and reputation, many people are still are beginning to increase in falling short when it comes to Image © iStock.com/ popularity in Australia and Europe. consumption. New and “exotic” JMWScout The plant has nutritional potential cereals and grains have been met as well as for use in animal feed and with widespread enthusiasm in the making them a potential to produce biogas, which is a US and Europe, such as some replacement for meat,” the report renewable energy source. Some included in the report’s list: describes. clinical studies suggest that nopales Buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, can even help with weight loss, due spelt, teff and wild rice. Beans and pulses to their low calorie and high fiber Pulses are nutritious and sustainable content, but the benefits are yet to The report highlights Khorasan sources of plant-based protein – a be proven, the report adds. Cacti wheat which is grown in 40 staple food for a healthier diet and extract has featured in some weight countries globally and is known for planet – and have long been enjoyed management ingredients, such as its ability to tolerate different in global diets. Included in this NeOpuntia and Cacti-Nea from climates without the use of artificial category are a range of more well- Nexira which are derived from the pesticides or fertilizers. Khorasan known beans and pulses, such as desert plant. wheat is high in fiber, a good source soybeans, mung beans and lentils, of the minerals magnesium and as well as some “newcomers.” For Sprouts selenium and contains antioxidants. example, the report highlights According to the report, the Also highlighted is Fonio, which the Bambara groundnuts (Vigna sprouting process doubles, and in report describes as “Africa’s oldest subterranea) which are the third some cases, triples the nutritional cultivated cereal.” Fonio is drought most important legume in Africa value of a plant. The nutritious resistant and can grow in sandy or but have recently garnered attention bundles included in this group are acidic oil, is gluten-free and highly as it can grow in challenging alfalfa sprouts, sprouted kidney nutritious, containing zinc, environments, including highly beans and sprouted chickpeas. magnesium and phytonutrients. acidic soils. The beans also have Alfalfa sprouts are believed to have nitrogen-fixing nodules, which originated in Iran, have a long Leafy greens means the roots fix nitrogen from growing season and enrich the soil Leafy greens are typically grown as the air which the plant can use as a it inhabits. “Gaining recent part of other vegetables, such as fertilizer to produce the bean. Some attention from health food beets, but they contain a large of the nitrogen is then returned to enthusiasts, the immature and amount of dietary fiber and the soil which improves fertility and nutrient-dense alfalfa sprouts are vitamins and minerals, the report boosts yields when the plant is used as an ingredient in a wide notes. Leafy greens that made it intercropped with other plants. variety of dishes, ranging from raw into the 50 future foods list included salads to cooked stir-fries and pad moringa and kale, as well as beet Cacti thai,” says the report. Sprouted greens and broccoli rabe. Beets have While often used as decorative chickpeas (garbanzo beans) have become increasingly popular as a plants in homes around the world, become very popular in recent times vegetable in its own right in recent many species of cacti are cultivated in Western countries, often being times, but it's greens are also for consumption, the report added to salads and featuring in associated with a variety of health explains. “Also known as spreads such as hummus. The benefits. “With a flavor and succulents, cacti store water, which report notes that chickpeas are one nutrition profile similar to that of allows them to grow in arid of the easier beans to sprouts and Swiss chard, beet greens are rich in climates and tolerate drought. They that, “doing so neutralizes the vitamins K and A. However, the also contain substantial amounts of phytic acid and allows the body to leafy green part of the beetroot is vitamins C and E, carotenoids, fiber better absorb the nutrients, such as the most nutritious part of the plant and amino acids. Edible cacti have calcium, magnesium and zinc.” and is often overlooked and left long been a part of Mexican cuisine unused.” A further example in this and the delicious young stem Cereals and grains category is broccoli rabe which is segments, usually called nopales, Cereals and grains have long been a related to turnips and mustard are the part most commonly used in significant source of nutrition for greens – not broccoli, however. “Broccoli rabe is higher in folate says the report. The small seeds achieved as the global population than both mustard greens and offer omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as grows. turnips and, like kale, is a source of well as containing fiber, protein and By Laxmi Haigh vitamins A, C and K42. Common various vitamins and in Italy, Portugal, Poland and minerals. Image © iStock.com/Dishant_S Ukraine, broccoli rabe – or Italian broccoli as it’s also known – is easy Root vegetables to grow and can be harvested Within the root within seven to eight weeks of vegetable category, the planting,” says the report. report points to black salsify, parsley root and Mushrooms white icicle radish According to the report, there are (winter radish) as more than 2,000 edible varieties of ingredients with mushrooms, often cultivated for potential. Black salsify their nutritional value. Mushrooms is not widely known, are rich in vitamin D and B according to the report, vitamins. The report highlights but it’s part of the enoki, maitake and saffron milk cap sunflower family and is mushrooms. high in fiber, vitamin E and iron. The root grows well in Fruit vegetables countries such as France, the Influence of social media Fruit vegetables are often eaten as Netherlands and Germany. Winter vegetables and are commonly radish resembles carrots in on children's food intake mistaken for them despite their appearance, containing vitamin C IFT Weekly March 13, 2019 sweeter taste and higher water and aids digestion. content. Included in this group are A study published in the journal pumpkin flowers, okra and orange Tubers Pediatrics suggests that social tomatoes. Within the last group of future media may have a negative ingredients are lotus root, Ube influence on children’s food Nuts and seeds (purple yam), yam bean root and intake. Nuts and seeds have long been sweet potatoes. Tubers are foods touted as healthy dietary additions that grow downward, anchoring the Current research shows celebrity for their protein, vitamin E and plant into the ground where they endorsement and television healthy fat content. The report are said to absorb and store advertising of unhealthy foods notes that walnuts, sesame seeds valuable nutrients. increases children’s intake of these and flax seeds are strong foods. However, children are ingredients in this category. It also Concluding note increasingly exposed to marketing highlights hemp seeds from the Seventy-five percent of the global through digital avenues, such as on cannabis sativa. “While not food supply comes from only 12 social media, and the impact of currently one of the most plant and five animal species. Just marketing by YouTube video commonly consumed seeds, they three (rice, maize, wheat) make up bloggers (vloggers) on these have been a part of the diets of nearly 60 percent of calories from outcomes has, until now, not been people in China and India for many plants in the entire human diet, known. centuries. notes the report citing UN Food Image © iStock.com/ The researchers conducted a study Arundhati Sathe They are the and Agriculture Organization same species (FAO) data. Such dietary to examine the effect of social as cannabis, monotony is linked to a decline in media marketing of snack foods but hemp the biodiversity of plants and (healthy and unhealthy), via seeds don’t animals and thereby threatens the vloggers’ Instagram pages, on contain THC, resilience of the food system. It is children’s snack intake. During the the hoped that by increasing the study 176 children, aged 9–11, were compound consumption and cultivation of the randomly split into three equal that causes 50 listed foods, as well as providing groups and were shown artificially the drug-like recipes that consumers can created, but realistic, Instagram effects of incorporate into their diet, healthy pages of popular vloggers (each has marijuana,” and sustainable diets can be millions of followers). One group was shown images of planning and access to stores selling an income of less than or equal to the vlogger with unhealthy snacks, items in bulk, the average daily cost $35,000 a year. The menus were the second group was shown images for serving healthy meals to a created to feed a household with a of the vlogger with healthy snacks, family of four was $25 in 2010 father, mother, and children ages 7 and the third group was shown dollars. This cost was consistent and 10 with foods the MIT images of the vlogger with non-food with the US Department of community liked to eat; met USDA products. The participants’ Agriculture (USDA) low-income guidelines for healthy eating; and subsequent intake of snacks cost of food meal plan, but higher had realistic portions. Menus did (healthy and unhealthy options) than the cost of the USDA Thrifty not rely on processed foods to were measured. Food Plan. The Thrifty Food Plan reduce the amount of fat and salt in is the meal plan used by the USDA the family diet; were varied so the The researchers found that the to determine food assistance family would not become bored children in the group that viewed benefits. eating the same foods; did not the unhealthy snack images always require hot meal consumed 32% more kcals from "This study determined the preparation; and were affordable. unhealthy snacks specifically and likelihood that families living in 26% more kcals in total (from low-income households could By working closely with the MIT healthy and unhealthy snacks) create meals that meet the USDA community researchers, two-weeks compared with children who saw dietary guidelines presented in of daily menus were developed the non-food images. There was no MyPlate nutrition education using meal plans provided by the significant difference in total kcal materials," said lead author Karen MIT community. Although these intake, or healthy snack kcal intake, M. Jetter, PhD, Agricultural Issues plans did not meet the nutritional between children who saw the Center, University of California guidelines every day, all categories Instagram profile with healthy Division of Agriculture and Natural achieved the recommended levels images and those who saw the non- Resources, Davis, CA, USA. "In on average at the end of a two-week food images. addition to food cost, the other period. "These menus showed that a factors considered were access to healthy diet on a budget was “These findings suggest that the stores, time for meal preparation, achieved by balancing daily targets marketing of unhealthy foods, via and whether the menus included over two weeks, not every day. This vloggers’ Instagram pages, increases culturally appropriate foods." focuses healthy eating on balance children’s immediate energy rather than being deprived," said intake,” said Anna Coates, PhD This research was part of a larger Dr. Jetter. student from Liverpool University. study to train community members “The results are supported by in research methods using Once the menus were determined, celebrity endorsement data, which community-based participatory the MIT community researchers show unhealthy food endorsements research principles. This project was visited 13 grocery stores in Chico, increase children’s unhealthy food conducted in collaboration with CA to ascertain menu costs. The intake, but healthy food Northern Valley Indian Health, stores visited were within a 10- endorsements have little or no effect Inc., and the Mechoopda Indian minute car ride of 76 percent of the on healthy food intake.” Tribe (MIT) of Chico Rancheria MIT community members and were where 88 percent of the population classified as bulk supermarket, Eating healthy on a limited surveyed lived in households with general supermarket, discount market, or specialty market t / budget is possible, r such as a local co-op. Both o m o p c n bulk and general supermarkets . e researchers find k c b o e had the highest availability of Science Daily March 6, 2019 t D S

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a specialty and discount healthy food is often m I cited as a barrier to low- markets lacked as many as 52 income families eating of the items needed. Bulk and nutritious meals. discount market baskets had the lowest average daily cost A new study published in of $25, while the specialty the Journal of Nutrition market had the highest Education and Behavior average cost of $39 per day. found that with menu One limitation of the study was the novel oat innovation focus on the actual cost of food through research and without considering transactional business development.” costs such as the time needed to plan menus, develop shopping lists, Project coordinators VTT research store advertisements, and Technical Research Centre travel to the bulk supermarket that of Finland Ltd. (VTT), offered the lowest cost. All of these want to get a better Image © iStock.com/Creativeye99 factors influence a family's ability to understanding of the impact sustain a healthy eating plan. "This of oat cultivars and oat crop methods that measure the material research demonstrates that menus batches on oat processability and quality to predict the composition that meet USDA guidelines can be quality which may challenge the of the crop batches are well- purchased by a family of four when increase in oat consumption and established. shopping at a bulk supermarket, but export. The growing global interest any reduction in SNAP benefits or in oat products gives oat-producing The launch of the OatHow project increase in food costs would make countries like Finland, an comes amid growing oat innovation it difficult for these economically opportunity to enter the global oats with a number of key companies vulnerable families to maintain a trade and oat products market with within the food ingredients and healthy lifestyle," stressed Dr. Jetter. significant volumes, according to nutraceutical industries unveiling VTT. NPD recently. Naturex showcased Growing oat potential: its selection of cutting-edge plant- However, NPD is held back by based health and wellness solutions Finnish project highlights insufficient understanding of how during SupplySide West Expo in advanced technologies to the quality and composition of oat Las Vegas in November 2018. crop batches affect the oat These included SWEOATBran, a develop novel innovation processability and end product high-quality oat fiber bran Nutrition Insight 04 Mar 2019 quality. The lack of practical ingredient rich in beta-glucan which indicators of oat quality and clinical studies claim can reduce A new initiative aimed at applicability to various food cholesterol and can contribute to promoting oat consumption and processes is a challenge, notes VTT. the reduction of blood glucose rise boosting the export potential for “Consumers are on the lookout for after a meal. There was also a focus high-quality oat products made new and health beneficial products on the clinically-validated heart by the Finnish food industry is that are produced in a sustainable health benefits delivered by Aronox currently underway. way, so there really is great export aronia extract and SWEOAT oat potential for high-quality oat beta-glucan. As a nutritional, sustainable products made by the Finnish food ingredient, oats and oat-based industry,” says Emilia Nordlund, Swedish company Oatly has been products hold significant global Coordinator of the OatHow project innovating in the oats space for potential – and now thanks to the at VTT. several years, using its patented OatHow project, headway could be enzyme technology to turn fiber made to bring oats further to the In addition to the oat cultivar, the rich oats into nutritional liquid fore. Finland is one of the world’s quality characteristics of oats are food. It was the first company to largest oats producers with oats affected by the growth conditions commercialize oat milk and its consumption per capita around 7.3 during the crop year. The varying portfolio of oat-based products kg. Moreover, the consumption of quality of oat crop batches causes includes other oat-based beverages, oats is increasing by approximately difficulties for the industry when yogurt and creme fraiche 10 percent a year. The health- there is no knowledge on how the alternatives, flavored spreads and promoting properties of this production processes should be ice cream. Earlier this year, Califia ingredient are well-known in the adjusted in accordance with the Farms further diversified its plant- country and oats are applied to a ingredient quality. For example, the based offerings with the launch of a diverse range of uses, particularly as dough sticks to mixing bowls, new oatmilk line made with North a raw material for innovative food unnecessary waste is generated and American whole grain, gluten-free products. The OatHow project, the end product may not meet oats. This range includes an Oat funded by Business Finland, a consumer expectations. The food Barista Blend (launched in Finnish consortium will “produce industry can deal with these types February) and an Unsweetened new information on oat-based raw of variations in relation to wheat Oatmilk to be unveiled in April materials for the development of and malt barley because analysis 2019. Analysis methods for oats IFE 2019: The free- The purpose of the OatHow project, based on collaboration from market k k u u z between research institutes and z c expands and c m m a universities studying oats and a h h c diversifies, while c k industries using oats in their food k A A / products, is to find similarly global / m fiber could overtake m o o c c . relevant analysis methods for oats. . k k c protein in NPD c o o t The idea is to make it easy for the t S S i 21 Mar 2019 Nutrition Insight i producers to select the oat © ©

e ingredient that best suits the e g g a Innovation in the realms a m product. New analysis methods can m I I also be used for ensuring the quality of plant-based foods, the of oat crop batches in the grain “free-from” movement trade. The project, which is running and beverages was on full display that 2019 is set to bring a broader throughout this year and 2020, at the International Food & Drink focus on the food journey and focuses particularly on finding links Event (IFE) show in London, greater attention to food safety and between the processability of oats March 17-20. allergens, among other drivers. and the properties measured from oat materials. The project studies “Good for the gut” offerings were Creative Nature Superfoods stand what kind of parameters (e.g. also prominent, with fermented at the show. Free-from surge? chemical composition and physical foods such as kombucha and kefir Recent headline-grabbing incidents characteristics) need to and can be standing out among the stands. have drawn attention to the risk measured from oat crop batches to NutritionInsight spoke to some many people with allergies face make it possible for the processors notable companies and start-ups when eating out or purchasing to make decisions on the processing present at the show about snacks. Research from the UK Food methods and oats applicability to navigating these interesting spaces, Standards Agency (FSA), in different food processes. albeit amid Brexit uncertainties. partnership with Allergy UK The processing quality is examined Plant-based offerings were (AUK) and the Anaphylaxis by testing the effect of distinct oats extremely widespread, ranging from Campaign (AC), last year also on quality parameters of various snack applications to frozen meals, noted that over half of young foods from solid to moist product desserts and beverages. However, people with a food allergy or types. amid a bustling vegan marketplace, intolerance have avoided eating out some companies were going “one in the last six months due to their The research is based on large step further” and pushing the “free- condition. This highlights the shift volumes of data measured from from allergens” status of their food needed in the industry to cater to grains. Machine learning (an as a real differentiator. These such consumers. Speaking to application of artificial intelligence products were free of all, or some, NutritionInsight, Julianne Ponan, that gives systems the ability to of the official 14 allergens. This Founder of Creative Nature automatically learn and improve includes cereals containing gluten, Superfoods and speaker on issues from experience without being crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, facing people with allergies, notes explicitly programed) can be used to soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, the growing business potential in help determine whether the specific mustard, sesame seeds, sulfur the free-from market. This oat batch is suited for bakery dioxide and sulfites, lupin and increasingly lively space is set to be products or dairy alternatives, for molluscs. Free-from foods have worth 899 million by 2021, she example. gone far beyond the niche in recent notes at the show. The project seeks to identify the years and this dynamic has not strengths of Finnish oats in really slowed. Innova Market The demand for transparent and comparison Insights reports a 16 percent CAGR trustworthy free-from products is 5 5 7 7 in food & beverage launches with a a a to oats grown also increasing. Ponan describes the k k h h free-from claim in recent years c c elsewhere, as 10.2 million school children who e e l l i i (Global, 2013-2017). These L L well as are not allowed to bring nuts into / / m m products accounted for 24 percent o o bringing new schools as an example. c c . . k k of food & beverage launches c c feasible tools Creative Nature Superfoods’ ranges o o t t reported in 2017. An International S S i i for oat users include super foods, bars and

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globally. premade baking mixes which are e e g g Foundation survey also highlighted a a free of the 14 official allergens. m m I I Speaking on how the free-from free NPD. The Indian seeds are injection,” he says. Moran notes market can improve as it continues touted as being gluten-free and that gut and digestive health are hot to grow, Ponan notes that both the suitable for people with nut topics, yet most consumers do not taste element and consumer trust allergies, as well as boasting wide get enough daily fiber. “We now need to improve. “There is still micronutrient profile. At IFE, a need to tackle getting fiber into our room for innovation. The taste is number of companies were guts healthily and easily,” he says. still not there for some free-from exhibiting lotus seed based In the snacking space, Jorge products, for example. But we are products, such as Guruji who Longman, Sales Manager Natural constantly innovating. We are launched their range of popped Balance Foods – supplier of Nakd finding the ingredients that have the lotus seed snacks. For founder and Trek bars – also notes there has best tastes from around the world Akhil Kumar, lotus seeds were a been a shift away from protein in and trying to bring those Essential reliable alternative to nut-based the snack bar space. This shift is to the launch of Qwrkee's pea M'lk snacks for him as a child, due to his evident when looking around IFE is the product's allergen-free nut allergy. at the trending products, he status.global tastes into the UK is a explains. “The protein market has

big focus for us. One to watch is r boomed, but we have seen less a mangosteen and also lotus seeds,” m this year than last year. There are u k -

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products can meticulously be tested e g for allergens, she explains. a Fiber has been predicted to be a m I mammoth trend for the year, and Under current rules, food prepared this prediction appears to be on premises in which it is sold is accurate. Innova Market Insights not required to display allergen Move over protein; fiber is here has tipped “A Fresh Look at Fiber” information on the package – but Many of the launches and within its top 2019 trends. rules proposed by the UK significant products at the show fell According to a consumer survey government in January could go as within plant-based, free-from and (2018) conducted by Innova Market far as seeing full ingredients functional beverage categories. Insights, 44 percent of US labeling required by law. This move An interesting variation within consumer are increasing their is fully supported by Ponan. Also in these categories was a gradual shift consumption of fiber, with 33 this space, UK start-up Qwrkee from protein towards fiber. Within percent of UK consumers doing so. launched its pea-based M’lk at the the beverages space, brand new At the same time, 21 percent show. Essential to this launch is the start-up Eaulabs were launching its average annual growth has been product's allergen-free status, Vishal waters with added benefits. One reported in new product launches Madhu, Founder of Qwrkee Foods launch that Founder Sean Moran carrying a fiber claim. The suppliers Ltd, tells NutritionInsight. “One of wished to particularly highlight was at IFE exhibited the innovation the most important parts of this its fiber water. “The idea came from present in the UK food and product is that it is allergen free. the fact that the bottled water sector beverage scene and how thriving the There is no allergen in this product has been pitching hydration for start-up space is. However, these are and it has no nuts, no lactose no about 40 years, and for the last ten uncertain times for the UK and the dairy and no soy. It clearly says it years the latest innovations have EU as the state of Brexit fluctuates on the pack. This is also the point been lemon and lime flavored water daily and the industry is left of difference – we also wanted to in plastic bottles. We looked and uncertain of its future. According to deliver high on protein, but without thought that we can do better,” he Ian Wright, CEO of the Food and using soy because its an allergen,” told NutritionInsight at the show. Drink Federation (FDF), who Madhu explains. “In the beverage sector at large you spoke to NutritionInsight at the see function everywhere and people show, UK business has failed to Among the healthy snack launches, are expecting function from their make its case in the Brexit process, one particular ingredient popped up beverages. So, we bring natural, which could have a detrimental numerous times – lotus seeds. Lotus plant-based functionalities to our impact on the thriving start-up seeds were also pegged by Ponan as water. From boosting immunity, to atmosphere in the UK. an ingredient to watch in allergen- a clean energy boost to a fiber By Laxmi Haigh 821 million people . employment and stem migration is The role of nutrition- likely to be a priority; and in China, globally now innovation improving the rural environment facing chronic The global food and living conditions to attract system has recently young people back to the food deprivation, come under countryside will be critical. warns Global increased scrutiny. Significantly, transforming agrifood Food Policy According to the systems to benefit rural areas will be / InterAcademy paramount to reducing m o

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27 Mar 2019 Nutrition o for example, global Investments in agricultural research u t t S r i

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A revitalization of r need to be turned nutrition-sensitive innovations have m I rural areas is urgently g around to avoid the potential to transform key needed to stop rising catastrophic climate components of the agrifood system, malnutrition rates, according to change. The current approach to improve diets, strengthen rural the Global Food Policy Report, food, nutrition, agriculture and the economies and improve rural published by the International environment is “unsustainable and livelihoods. Food Policy Research Institute must change” – and there is “no (IFPRI). time to waste.” This is according to Investment in health services can the 130 national academies of also serve as a “linchpin” to Such revitalization could address science and medicine, across Africa, improving nutrition, the report says. the multiple crises facing rural Asia, the Americas and Europe, Direct nutrition interventions, such areas, including malnutrition rates. that make up the IAP. as the promotion of breastfeeding The report notes that in 2018, or food fortification and indirect malnutrition jumped for the third Meanwhile, it was highlighted that interventions such as providing year in a row, with 821 million more than 14 million adults and 4.7 clean water can drive advances in people globally now facing chronic million children in Europe and increasing dietary diversity, food deprivation. The report also Central Asia (ECA) suffer from eliminating childhood stunting and underscores the continuing need for “severe food insecurity” in a report reducing poverty. The report’s improved nutritional development released in December by the United conclusions will raise discussion and innovation to tackle the myriad Nations Food and Agriculture (UN around the role for nutrition of issues laid out in the IFPRI FAO) agency. The region has made innovations within this report. good progress on eradicating environment. These could include hunger but continues to be thwarted the use of biofortification Many of the world’s poorest and by the persistence of the triple techniques, which can make the most malnourished people live in burden of malnutrition – processing of food easier in rural areas, so, addressing overweight and obesity in countries where commercial food development here is vital to combination with processing is less developed and achieving the Sustainable undernourishment and where people are suffering from Development Goals (SDG’s), which micronutrient deficiencies. heightened malnutrition. are a collection of 17 goals covering Nutrition-sensitive innovations to key social and economic improve diets have the potential to Fortification is a further method development issues, such as poverty, improve rural livelihoods. that has spurred positive results in hunger and gender equality. Rural nutrition interventions. The World populations account for 45.3 According to the Global Food Health Organization (WHO) has percent of the world’s population, Policy Report, in order to meet the described food fortification as the but 70 percent of “the extremely needs of the poorest and most most cost-effective strategy for poor.” Rural communities have vulnerable by 2030, rural preventing and addressing continued to find themselves in a revitalization must begin now. micronutrient deficiencies in both “state of crisis,” marked by a Different regions, however, have developed and developing countries deepening cycle of hunger and different needs, it notes. In Africa, around the world.A method for malnutrition, persistent poverty, the focus needs to examine improve rural areas outlined in the limited economic opportunities and agricultural and rural development; report includes ensuring the health environmental degradation, the in South Asia, diversifying the rural of the ecosystem. report notes economy to expand rural Rural revitalization: The wider picture Rural areas struggle with the environmental crisis in China;

severe agrarian crisis in India, and s k o l acute shortage of jobs for the i r t growing youth populations in / m o c

Africa, for example. To overcome . k c these challenges, the report calls for o t S i rural revitalization, highlighting ©

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investments that can transform m rural areas into vibrant and healthy I places to live, work and raise families. Some methods outlined in the report include increasing employment opportunities, Can India double dairy agri-export bill that not only sought ensuring the health of the todouble farmers’ incomes, but also ecosystem, working toward gender farmers’ incomes in three overall Indian exports to the tune of equality and giving a voice to rural years? $60bn. The bill had been set in populations on the world stage. By Richard Whitehead motionin 2017 by a policy paper by 13-Feb-2019 – Dairy Reporter National Institution for The report notes that 2018 was Transforming India (NITI Aayog), “framed by deteriorating world The phrase “doubling farmers’ a government think tank,entitled conditions.” These were related to incomes by 2022” is in danger of “Doubling Farmers’ Incomes: increased interest rates in the US, a toppling “Jai Hind” as India’s Rationale, Strategy, Prospects and softening world economy, most popular rallycall. From bag Action Plan ”. One can clearly see a escalating trade disputes and carriers to the prime minister pattern. geopolitical uncertainties. Such himself, anyone who matters has negative trends are likely to deepen been seen uttering the line often Farmers need a break in 2019, stresses the report, and with great meaning. When farmers account for 40% of necessitating action from the private the population—and therefore the and public sectors. “With It began in 2016 when Narendra electorate—it isn’t difficult to divine perseverance, 2019 can become the Modi was in his second year as whythe statement is so popular. In year when the will to eliminate prime minister.“By the time the fairness, Indian farmers could do hunger and malnutrition finally country celebrates its 75th with a break.In 2016, the average gathers momentum, forging a bright independence anniversary in 2022, monthly income of farming future for poor people around the farmers’ incomes will have household was about INR9,000 world,” says Shenggen Fan, doubled.That is my dream,” he ($126), according to asurvey Director General of the, IFPRI. boomed at a rally in Uttar Pradesh, conducted by the National Bank for The report predicts that rural areas heralding his government’s new Agriculture and Rural could become premiere hubs of approach toagricultural enrichment. Development. More recent data innovations in just under a decade. isunavailable but experts believe it Revitalization of rural areas could Most recently, agriculture minister hasn’t changed much. A crumbling increase life quality, health and Radha Mohan Singh adapted the supply chain riddled with nutrition outcomes and economic quote to the dairy sector this week, corruption andat the mercy of futures. “I hope this report spurs when he trumpeted how “the middle-men also hasn’t been action by policymakers as well as government is committed to helping their lot. academics and members of the doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022 business community, civil society, by providing greater access to rural Like Jai Hind, the doubling and the media, all of whom have a milk producers and strengthening incomes message appears to have stake in food policies that benefit dairy infrastructure in order to help inspired politicians and civil the world’s poorest and most generate year-round income servants as theyscurry the length vulnerable people,” Fan concludes. andgainful employment. ” and breadth of the country to By Laxmi Haigh proclaim it to others with the zeal Before that, in December, the of converts. cabinet gave its approval for a new This week Minister Singh told a fodder on five acres, the annual meeting of the agriculture Realistic? savings from anaverage sale of 250 ministry’s consultative committee With all the rhetoric, the policies litres daily would come to that thegovernment had been and the initials it looks like INR460,000. These savings would “making efforts to strengthen the everyone who counts is on-board be nothing but additional infrastructure for the production of with Indian’s newagriculture income,”he mooted. quality milk,procurement, development policies. But how processing and marketing of milk likely are they to make farmers Dairy farmers’ incomes can and milk products.” twice as wealthy in just three similarly improve after cutting out years?NITI Aayog said in its 2017 the middleman—the scourge of It has been doing this, he said, report that for farmers' income to Indian farming—a fact evidenced through a number of acronym-led double by 2022, the overall by Hatsun’s past experience.“We “dairy development schemes, ” agricultural sectorneeds to grow at were the first dairy to go beyond including theNational Programme an annual rate of 10.4%. Experts direct procurement of milk to for Dairy Development (NPDD), believe farming hasn’t been making payments directly into National Dairy Plan Phase-I performing anywhere near thiswell, farmers’ bankaccounts—even before (NDPPI) and however, with some suggesting the demonetisation happened,” he DairyEntrepreneurship target should actually be more than said.“When farmers have money in Development Scheme (DEDS).In 13% due to the officialcalculation their accounts, bankers start addition, a Dairy Processing & relying on outdated figures. viewing them as creditworthy Infrastructure Development Fund customers. They can nowborrow at (DPIDF) has been set up with an Moreover, many of India's farmers, 10-12%, as against 48-72% charged initialinvestment of INR80bn dairy or otherwise, work on small by loan sharks.” ($1.1bn) to equip dairy farmers with or marginal holdings.This While doubling farmers’ incomes is cooling technology and milk testing makesachieving efficiencies through a “laudable objective ”, “the reality equipment, aswell as expanding economies of scale more difficult, today is that farmers are suffering dairy product manufacturing particularly when they rely on old stress, ifnot shrinkage, in their facilities at village level.Singh also techniques. incomes ,” Chandramogan announced that 22 dairy sub- added.“The demand for loan projects have gained approval in the New methods waivers, and political pressures to states of Punjab, Haryana,Gujarat, Alternative means are needed to implement these, is only a reflection Karnataka and Maharashtra to the boost dairy farmers’ fortunes, says of this underlyingreality vis- à -vis tune of INR31bn ($442m). RG Chandramogan, managing well-intentioned goals .” director ofHatsun, India’s biggest High growth rate needed private dairy company.“To double On this evidence, it will take a lot With a target to increase milk farmers’ incomes, what we need is a more than a catchphrase and some production to more than 250m new market intelligence-based frenzied committee meetings for tonnes in the next three years, framework for handling thegovernment to really double requiring anannual growth rate of surpluses,besides a focus on farmers’ income. It must also 8.56%, the ministry has its work cut reducing production costs ,” he consider new ways to promote out for it. This is especially so as the wrote in a newspaper op-ed this efficiency and raisethe standard of segmentcurrently produces 176m week. Chandramogan helpfully dairy farming practices in India. tonnes of milk and has been went on to illustrate strategies registering growth of just 6.62% last Hatsun has been undertaking to year.If the targets are somehow boost productivityand increase achieved, India would see an m efficiency in farms in South India. a g n i

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cooperative share to 20%. exclusively growing bajra-napier m I Five health & wellness Euromonitor reveals. However, International in February 2019, although Western Europe’s growth John George, ProjectManager Food trends transforming has slowed since 2017, it has seen & Nutrition at Euromonitor packaged food strategies YOY growth rise from 1.2% in International stated how the By Natasha Spencer 28-Feb-2019 – 2015-2016 to 1.9% in 2016-2017 “consumption of free from foods Food Navigator and 2.00% in 2017-2018.In Eastern hasmoved beyond intolerances and Europe, however, the YOY growth allergies, being already valued at As health and wellness and of packaged food has dropped from $56 billion (€49 billion) globally in snacking trends emerge asleading 5.6% in 2015-2016 to 5.4% in 2016- 2018” . influences in the packaged food 2017 and 5.0% in 2017-2018. industry, weexplore how food “Health-conscious consumers, manufacturers and brands can Health and Wellness Spurs Growth those concerned about appealto consumer needs in this In February 2019, the market sustainability issues as well as the competitive landscape. research provider revealed its latest ones that enjoy the taste are driving findings on competitor strategies in growth of dairy alternatives, meat Market research provider, the packaged food environment. substitutes and gluten-free baked Euromonitor International reveals Identifying health and wellness, goods,” George went on to say. thatrecent data demonstrates how snacking and sustainability as core global and European sales trends driving the packaged #2: Organic Opportunities ofpackaged food have steadily foodmarket, and in light of sales in Demand for safe and natural foods risen.In 2015, the global packaged recent years, we explore how food are impacting consumers’ food market stood at a retail value packaging brands are increasingly purchasing decisions. While the US of $2,078,889.5 (€1,829,498.68). In turning their attention to health and is thelargest organic market by a 2018,this reached $2,349,504.7 wellness. significant amount, in Europe, (€2,067,649.94) and represented a increased growth opportunities are 4.5% year- on-year (YOY) growth According to market research expected tocome from France and (2017-2018).If we look at Europe in provider, Euromonitor Italy.The new data indicates calls specific detail, the story is International, the international for “greater transparency in their somewhat different.Both Western health and wellness packaged food food and drinks” , and so and Eastern Europe have witnessed industry hit $446 billion (€392.5 consumers “are willingto pay a increases in the retail value of billion) in 2018, growing at 2.1% premium in order to support ethical packaged food between2015 and CAGR since 2012. The segment responsibilities and human rights”. 2018, Euromonitor reveals. grew faster than overall packaged food, which increased at a rate of As a result, “organic ranges fit into However, although Western 1.7%. Western Europesits behind these trends and therefore are Europe’s growth has slowed since both North America — the largest increasingly desired, estimated to 2017, it has seen YOY growth rise market — and now Asia Pacific, grow by $24billion (€21 billion) from 1.2%in 2015-2016 to 1.9% in which surpassed WesternEurope in absolute growth by 2023 – these 2016-2017 and 2.00% in 2017- 2015. Here are the top five health trends are more apparent in 2018.In Eastern Europe, however, and wellness packaged food trends: developed countries butemerging the YOY growth of packaged food countries are following on the has dropped from 5.6% in 2015- #1: Free From Foods footsteps”, highlighted George. 2016 to5.4% in 2016-2017 and 5.0% As consumers opt for free-from in 2017-2018.In February 2019, the products, the category has market research provider revealed overtaken intolerance in terms of #3: Fortified Foods its latest findings on competitor dynamicgrowth in the health and Emerging markets in the food strategies in thepackaged food wellness arena.Commenting on packaging landscape are also environment. new data released from developing strategies directed Euromonitor towardsfortified/functional foods. Packaged Food Sales in Europe Image © iStock.com/Deagreez While the Western world If we look at Europe in specific has seen a loss of traction, detail, the story is somewhat emerging markets different. canexpect to see Both Western and Eastern Europe micronutrient fortification have witnessed increases in the tackle malnutrition, retail value of packaged food resulting in increased between2015 and 2018, growth looking ahead. #4: Energy-Boosting Foods that offer health benefits exceeding Himalayan biodiversity. Consumers are choosing packaged basic nutrition, researchers in the Customising commodities foods rich in energy to contribute to university's Department of Food Speaking to NutraIngredients-Asia , a holistic diet. In Europe, Slovakiais Science & Technology (part of its Dr Anju Kumar, head of the set to see the popularity of energy College of Horticulture) will assess College of Horticulture's bars skyrocket. In addition, and experiment on fruits, Department of Food Science & developed markets such as the UK vegetables, spices, aromatic and Technology, acknowledged that it willspearhead innovative products medicinal plants, spices, pulses, was important to remember to and continue to hold a competitive cereals and oilseeds in order to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. edge. develop functional food products. Women and children in India have long been disproportionately #5: Subscription Meal Kits The technology used to develop affected by malnutrition, but Targeting specific audiences with these products will then be provided nutritional needs still differ among health and wellness subscription to agrarian women residing in the different areas. Kumari said: "We meal boxes is also on the up. In remote Indian districts of Chamba, will concentrate on women in thecoming years, the marketplace Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla. remote areas, so they can our can expect to see innovation and To ensure they are able to effectively technologies and products to brand differentiation to harness this technology to create a enhance the nutritional status of the createopportunities for packaged sustainable avenue of sustenance, areas they live in. At the same time, food companies. the researchers will conduct 60 we are looking into what three-day training sessions, each for components and ingredients can be Government tapping into a group of 20 to 25 women in each used to produce different functional district. Principal project foods. Depending on the nutritional tech, R&D and farming to investigator Dr KD Sharma, a status of a particular rural area, up functional food professor in the Department of which ingredients and foods are Food Science and Technology, said suitable will differ. distribution in India that if successfully implemented, By Cheryl Tay 19-Mar-2019 – the project would result in the "We will take that into account, and NutraIngredients Asia production of a wide range of accordingly, we will prepare the functional food products. It would necessary recipes and products, The Indian government is also pave the way for the then transfer it to the people in stepping up efforts to improve establishment of more processing these rural areas. These products the nutritional status of residents units across the private, co-operative must be feasible for them — they in rural areas of the country, with and self-help group sectors in the must suit their lifestyle patterns and a new three-year project to drive remote areas of Himachal and the dietary habits and be convenient for R&D in functional foods. adjoining Uttarakhand, as well as them to take, so compliance will be improve dietary standards. higher."She added that her team The project will cost US$212,760 would concentrate on R&D for the (?14,900,000) and comprise of two In addition, it would increase first two years of the project, and main components: R&D, and a farmers' salaries, create more jobs make the functional foods they have public nutrition programme. So far, for rural youth, and aid in the developed available to the public in the Ministry of Environment, prevention of post-harvest spoilage the aforementioned districts in Forest and Climate Change has of 15% to 40% India in the last year. sanctioned the establishment of a (depending on the s

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otherwise © processing of functional foods, as underdeveloped e g well as to promote the development areas would, a m of infrastructure for R&D in this according to the I area. university's vice- chancellor Dr HC Beyond the basics Sharma, lead to the Focusing on goods and ingredients preservation of Investing in the Future of The Kitchen has invested in several Food: Unique technology companies in this can offer start-ups space: Aleph Farms “a leading company protection from in cell-based meat competitors developing the first By Elizabeth Crawford 27-Feb-2019 – 3D structuredmeat Food Navigator USA chunks,” Rilbite , which is a plant- As recently as a few years ago, based replica of the words food and tech were minced-meat and is incongruous together, buttoday completely clean they signal a booming industry label, and Flying that is ripe for innovation, and Spark , which is according to the VPof business developing protein development at the Israel-based powder and oil from incubator The Kitchen, the fruit fly larva. Image © iStock.com/Martin Barraud combination ofthe two can provide entrepreneurs with an “We are also very interested in the What The Kitchen offers startups added layer of competitive area of reduction of sugar,” and Unlike other incubators or protection. have invested in two companies in accelerators that accept classes of that space, Zaidman said. Amai entrepreneurs in different waves, “The companies that we invest in Proteins creates “designer proteins” The Kitchen is more akin to a are all tech-based. It can be different that replace sugar. The proteins venture capital group in that it types of technology from material come from the equatorial belt and screens potential partners on a science to biotech from software with the help of Agile Integrative rolling basis. Once it finds a match, and algorithms to digital Computational Protein Design and it invests roughly $600,000 in seed technologies and applications. But fermentation, the company is funding and provides support in all it has to have a strong technological making the proteins fit for mass areas of launching a startup in backbone,” said Amir Zaidman, VP consumption. exchange for equity. In addition to business development at The the funds, some of which comes Kitchen – a food-tech Hub by Better Juice has developed a from the Israel Innovation Strauss. technology that converts and Authority, The Kitchen offers reduces the natural sugars in fruit startups access to knowledge from He explained that the technological juice so that consumers can enjoy the Strauss Group, which is one of component is important because it the nutritious benefits of the Israel’s largest food companies. creates a barrier for entry for the beverage with less sugar. Food competition and makes it more safety and traceability are two other Through this approach, Zaidman difficult for copycats and me-too “big issues” on which The Kitchen said The Kitchen hopes to align products to come to market and is focusing, Zaidman said, pointing with companies that not only have steal share. He also noted there is to two companies in its portfolio strong business potential but that significant white space within food- that work on this area: Bactusense also will ‘do good’ for the world tech and that startups, which tend and BioFence. The Kitchen is also more broadly. “Our mission to be more agile than larger interested in advanced packaging, statement is better industry, better established companies, are well such as biodegradable or food, better world. If you look at suited to bring much-needed biocompostable packages, and the our portfolio you will see all of our innovation. area of food waste reduction, but investments are impact-related Zaidman says it has yet to make investments – so double bottom line A diverse portfolio that represents investments in that space. Finally, doing well by doing good,” he said. the broad potential of food-tech Zaidman said, The Kitchen is “I know those are all high words, With that in mind, he said, The “working to get more into retail but this is what gets us out of bed in Kitchen is zeroing in on a few technologies for groceries, mainly the morning – trying to help the promising areas of development optimization of last mile delivery companies that are helping the food within the food tech segment. The and making the grocery store industry and through the food first area is alternative proteins and smarter,” such as with cashierless industry the entire planet.” plant-based foods, he said, noting stores. li products deri and labelingof FSIS willo har o A transitionfromFD and cellg o regulator ag Under thefor poultry from thecellsoflivestockand human foodproductsderived jointly overseetheproductionof announced aformalagreementto The U.S.Dept.of IFT Administration (FDA)have Services’ U.S. Dept.ofHealthandHuman Inspection Service(FSIS)andthe (USDA) FoodSafetyand r USD egulat v v v encies ag ersight willoccurduringthecell ersees cellcollection,banks estock andpoultr W v est stag A, FD eekly March13,2019 . e cell-cultur y frame (HHS)FoodandDrug ro v A agr ree uponajoint wth anddifferentiation. e ersee theproduction . v mal ag ed fromthecellsof humanfood w ee t ork whereinFD Agriculture’ y reement, the . Thisshared A toFSIS o jointl ed meat y s

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Image © iStock.com/Alex011973 and provide an appropriate level of University of Surrey, who led the made when given different options. consumer protection. This research, said: Colors such as red, amber and regulation differentiates between "Labelling food products with green were used to indicate how nutrition claims (i.e. a claim that health claims could help people environmentally-friendly and how states that a food contains a make better food choices but what healthy the meal options actually particular element) and health we have found is that they don't were. The idea behind the study was claims (i.e. claims implying a health always interpret claims in the way that when people would notice the benefit of consuming a food). we assume they do. It is important traffic lights associated with the that consumer perspectives are food options they would opt for the The level of evidence needed to taken into consideration when more sustainable and healthy ones, support a health claim is more developing policy." say the researchers. extensive as it needs to substantiate that the health benefit exists. Signaling better Image © iStock.com/clubfoto However, there is doubt as to whether consumers make a options? Traffic distinction between these two types light labeling in of claims. canteens Results show that consumers may encourages not consciously differentiate between a nutrition claim and a healthier choices, health claim in the way that study suggests regulatory experts do. Researchers 21 Mar 2019 Nutrition found that consumers' pre- Insight determined beliefs about nutrients and their relationship with health The chances of outcomes are key drivers in the way consumers opting for they interpret and understand healthier and more claims. sustainable canteen meals rise significantly When nutrients in the claim are when those meals are familiar and personally relevant to labeled with a traffic the consumer there is the potential light system. This is for them to 'upgrade' the nutrition according to a Queen Mary Previous studies have shown that claims to health claims simply University of London study, traffic light systems influence based on their previous knowledge. published in the journal Appetite. consumer choices when it comes to individual products, but this new Researchers believe that regulators The study also found that people study examined how they may need to consider making tend to choose “greener” meals over impact nutritional choices in a information available to ensure “healthier” ones. The researchers simulated lunchtime environment, consumers' knowledge and beliefs note that the traffic light system where people have to make entire are correct and well-informed so “works intuitively for most people,” meal choices. they can understand and respond underlining the idea that such a appropriately to claims in the labeling system could spark a shift This kind of behavioral intervention marketplace. towards more positive nutritional designed to improve day-to-day and environmental habits. decisions in real time is commonly Professor Monique Raats, Director known as a “nudge.” of the Food, Consumer Behaviour The traffic light system labels food and Health Research Centre at the according to the content of fat, Another novel aspect of the study is sugar and salt it contains, with red that it compared the relative impact meaning a high or of traffic lights, as nudges, to o o u u unhealthy level of these N N support positive changes in behavior a a i i X X ingredients. when the traffic lights indicated g g n n a a healthy eating or when they F F / / The research simulated a indicated environmental m m o o c c . . lunchtime canteen set up consciousness. k k c c o o to examine choices t t S S i i

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e e g g a a m m I I The findings highlighted that different colors of traffic lights product, instead of the product’s positive changes towards better actually refer to, according to overall quality, which could lead to overall choices were boosted by the Osman. consumers purchasing products that addition of more information on may be perceived as healthy, when what the traffic light labeling meant. The study involved seeing pictures actually they are not. KIND has For example, the levels of carbon of meals available during lunch that also requested that the agency allow emissions required for the participants could choose from nutrient content claims on items production of each meal or their where the range of meals were more that contain a “meaningful amount caloric content in relation to the or less healthy, and more or less of healthy ingredients,” such as daily recommended intake. environmentally-friendly. vegetables and whole grains.

The experiment compared meal Additionally, according to the choices when no traffic lights findings of 4-year EU-funded were present, and then when research project, CLYMBOL – Role they were present, and it looked of Health-related Claims and at the changes in meal choices Symbols in Consumer Behavior – o o t t o o based on the presence of those health and nutrition messaging on h h p p a a traffic lights. packaging should be as simple as l l u u a a possible, as well as scientifically p p / / m m Although presenting two traffic substantiated. The project studied o o c c . . k k lights, one indicating “greener” consumer understanding of health c c o o t t meals and the other indicating claims and symbols on packaging. S S i i

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e e g g time might overload the The researchers hope that the a a m m I I consumer, the researchers found findings will inform future policy that presenting both compared development to align “consumer to just one actually boosted the protection issues as well as public positive effect on consumer health and food marketing meal choices. communication interests.”

“Given the current social policy These standards could either be part interests in persuading people to of food supplements and make choices that mean we eat nutraceutical regulations or we “We show that using traffic light more sustainably, which means could look at havinga separate set labels on menus influences the eating less red meat, less of depleted of regulations for ayurvedic ahaar.” meals people choose, and so this fish stocks, less dairy, and move simple technique could easily be towards eating more vegetables, At the time, Agarwal was vague implemented on menus in bars, then studies like this help to show about when the ministry and the cafes, restaurants as well as what methods could be used to regulatory body would make a canteens, to indicate to people the inform people about sustainable decision on whether or not greenness as well as the healthiness meal options in a clear and intuitive ayurvedic foods would be of food items,” says lead author Dr. manner,” Osman concludes. categorised separately. Magda Osman of the study from Queen Mary University of London. Food labeling is increasingly "The decision of making it a coming to the fore as it makes for separate category or keeping it in “In addition, and more importantly, an impactful method to influence the existing food supplement the findings show that the consumers towards making better regulations will be taken up at persuasive effects are boosted by choices. In this space, KIND appropriate time," he said. general information about daily Healthy Snacks (KIND), backed by calorie intakes and acceptable levels several health and nutrition experts, However, he also stated that a of carbon emissions associated with recently filed a citizen petition to separate category for ayurvedic meals,” she notes. prompt the US Food & Drug foods would aid in further Administration (FDA) to amend its developing the sector not just This means, that while traffic light nutrient content claims regulation. domestically but also globally, nudges are intuitive to understand, thereby raising overseas acceptance people need additional information The existing regulation notes the of ayurvedic products. to interpret more precisely what the quantity of a nutrient added to a Ministry initiative light labelling rules will be According to insider sources, the soon be released for public proposal was reportedly initiated by comment, according to an the Ministry of Ayush, possibly as a agency official. compliment to the FSSAI's existing regulatory standards recommended The current draft of the Food in 2018 for food, nutraceuticals, Safety and Standards (Labelling health supplements, foods for and Display) Regulations, 2018 special dietary uses, foods for is still at the stakeholder-debate special medical purposes (FSMPs), phase. An expert panel was set functional foods, and novel foods. up last August to review these Currently, a group is drafting proposed new food labelling guidelines on standards for rules, including plans for red botanical ingredients in food labels to be added to products supplements and nutraceutical high in fat, sugar and salt Image © iStock.com/zoranm products, to be published under the (HFSS). In a panel discussion FSSAI Nutraceuticals Regulation at the National Conclave on Food Coloured labelling regulations January 2018. earlier this year in Delhi, FSSAI covered under the draft Considering India's historical advisor Kumar Anil said that: The main part of the draft that ayurvedic tradition, the FSSAI has “[The food labelling regulations discussed the red labelling of HFSS also said that if ayurvedic foods in draft] is done from FSSAI’s side were in section 5: Principal display India were to be categorised and we expect the draft to come out panel. It was stated that nutrient separately, it should oversee the soon. There may be problems, but block(s) for HFSS foods shall be category to ensure the at least it is a beginning. We are coloured in red if energy values manufacturers of such foods do not addressing the word HFSS,” he from sugar were over 10% of the make therapeutic health claims. added. total energy from 100g/100ml of NutraIngredients-Asia contacted the product, energy from trans fats the FSSAI for further comment, but The review of the regulations took is over 1% of the total, and total fat did not receive a response. place last year after FSSAI CEO or sodium content goes over Pawan Agarwal said that ‘industry specified threshold values. FSSAI traffic light labelling stakeholders had expressed regulations set for public concerns’ , even though the first For implementation, permissible draft had previously already been HFSS allowances would be limited consultation ‘soon’ sent to the Healthy Ministry for to 30% above threshold values upon By Pearly Neo 26-Mar-2019 – Food finalisation. “We have decided to the date of regulation compliance, Navigator Asia set up a panel of experts with then reduced to no more than 15% The Food Safety and Standards health and nutrition background to above threshold values after one Authority of India’s (FSSAI) draft look into the draft regulations [as year, and then strictly enforced at threshold values after two on food labelling regulations industry stakeholders are concerned years.“The Food Authority may including controversial traffic with the draft,” he said. introduce colour coding system in addition to marking of foods as ‘Red’ within the specified thresholds from time to time,” added FSSAI. s s u u c c s s i i b b i i The red labelling would be applied H H t t o o in the actual nutritional information H H / / m m blocks of the food product.These o o c c . . would be placed on the front-of- k k c c o o t t pack and comprise caloric, fat, trans S S i i

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e e g g aswell as the per serve percentage a a m m I I (%) contributions to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Marijuana cultivation in India permitted for research and medicine, but nutraceuticals remain left out By Cheryl Tay 13-Mar-2019 – NutraIngredients Asia

In November last year, the Council of Scientific and IndustrialResearch's Indian Image © iStock.com/Visivasnc Institute of Integrative Medicine regulatory restrictions surrounding Sandeep Gupta, director of India's (CSIR-IIIM, a government research medical marijuana in India still Expert Nutraceutical Advocacy body) announced it present a major obstacle to Council(ENAC), said he saw little wasdeveloping three 'natural' nutraceutical firms keen on tapping need for the regulatory changes in cannabis-based drugs to treat into a growing area of research and the supplement space: "I do not see patients suffering from cancer, consumer interest. Though cannabis the need for such a substance to be epilepsy and sickle cell anaemia. has a long history in India — with permitted for use in nutraceuticals, ayurveda recommending small because these are direct-to- The first clinical trials will be doses for a range of illnesses consumer products. conducted on 25 terminally ill (including anaemia and meningitis) cancer patients at Mumbai's Tata — strict laws around marijuana "If cannabidiol were permitted for Memorial Hospital after the have restricted its use purely to use in nutraceuticals, it is likely authorities granted regulatory medical research in the country. there would be cases of misuse, and approval for human testing of the consumers could either be taken for drugs, according to the hospital’s At the same time, cultivation of the a ride (by unethical manufacturers director, Rajendra Badwe. plant itself is technically illegal in and brands), or get into the habit of India. In April 2017, however, the taking such supplements for CSIR-IIIM director Ram ministry of health and family purposes besides those for which Vishwakarma also revealed that welfare granted CSIR-IIIM a they are intended, such as pain researchers had already started licence to grow it on a single acre of management." testing on small animals using a land in Jammu and Kashmir, for the Himalayan marijuana plant variety sole purpose of medical research. In He added that he did not expect low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) July 2018, Indian PM Narendra Indian authorities to allow CBD to but high in cannabidiol (CBD). Modi's party, BJP, issued a licence be used in nutraceutical products Researchers have also reported for the commercial cultivation of "anytime in the near future" .Gupta positive results from a clinical study hemp in the northern state of further said, "As an industry on the restorative effects of Uttarakhand. This will be followed spokesperson, I have seen the cannabis on cancer patients. The by a research licence for cultivation authorities deal with steroids, study, conducted by the Central of marijuana in Uttar Pradesh, hormones, narcotics and other Council for Research in Ayurvedic another northern state under the substances that have been found in Sciences (part of India's AYUSH BJP’s jurisdiction. health supplements, nutraceuticals ministry of traditional medicine), Supplement stance and even FSMPs (food for special was the first of its kind in India. However, nutraceutical and medical purposes), and I think the supplement brands in the country regulations are very clear on this. Director-general Vaidya KS that want to capitalise on the trend Dhiman told Indian press that the that has been gaining traction in "When you look at the big picture, pilot study had shown that drugs many parts of the world, including what is even more important is based on cannabis leaves could Japan, Hong Kong are unlikely to public interest. Safety should be the effectively relieve pain and other be able use the ingredient. An prime concern of not just regulators symptoms in cancer patients after FSSAI document lists natural but also food business operators. It chemotherapy and radiotherapy. cannabinoids such as cannabis, is their responsibility not to try to hashish and marijuana as banned. initiate any regulatory change that Legislation on cultivation However, it excludes cannabidiol, could permit the use of any The CSIR-IIIM's research may lead though it does not directly mention substance in their products that to the drugs being available within the permitted use of cannabidiol. could be harmful to the consumer.” the next year or so, but the Speaking to NutraIngredients- Asia, Authority of India (FSSAI) will be this term of office and so we're not coming up with directives on the working on that’, referring to a labelling of gluten-free products , sugar tax’. amid concerns current practices ‘No more limit’: Philippines from some manufacturers risk import cap removal could see misleading consumers.“FSSAI is 1.2m MT of rice entering the also considering removing of low country gluten foods category where foods Image © iStock/Milan_Jovic are specially processed to reduce The Philippines’ lifting of a 20-year gluten content to a level 20- old rice import cap is likely to result Policy Picks: Liability and 100mg/kg and its labelling in some 1.2 million metric tons of provisions, as low gluten foods also rice being imported into the country gluten-free rules in India, poses a risk to people with celiac in the wake of ongoing shortages sugar tax in New Zealand disease. These will be notified and price hikes, the National Food soon,” an FSSAI official said in Agency (NFA) has said. According and Singapore and more response to queries from Food to numbers on the NFA site, so far feature in this policy Navigator-Asia. some 1.186 million MT worth of round-up rice import applications submitted As for the people who will be By Pearly Neo 28-Feb-2019 – Food by 180 applicants are being Navigator Asia involved in the drafting of the processed. The agency has also directives, the official said there are approved 18 applications, which Liability and gluten-free rules in members who are experts in specific have received the relevant import India, sugar tax in New Zealand domains in FSSAI’s Scientific permits. These rice traders will be and Singapore and more feature Committee and Scientific Panels. obtaining imports of either 5% or in this edition of Policy Picks. 25% broken white rice from Ensuring accountability: New Is sugar tax on or off the table? Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. India rules ensure food brand New Zealand Health Ministry Rice imported from other South ambassadors are liable for continues deliberation despite East Asian countries will be subject ‘misleading advertisements’ government ruling it out to a 35% tariff, but rice form other countries will have to pay a 50% The Food Safety and Standards New documentation has tariff. Authority of India’s (FSSAI) new highlighted that the New Zealand advertising regulations means that Ministry of Health is still actively ‘Too draconian’: Singapore food brands – and any ambassadors deliberating a sugar tax, even companies demand broader who endorse them – are subject to though the government as a whole options as sugar tax public prosecution if their claims are has already ruled it out. According consultation draws to a close found to be false. According to to new information brought to the As Singapore winds up its public FSSAI: “Any person, including a fore by political party ACT, Health consultation on sugar tax, the third party, who advertises or is a Minister David Clark is still looking majority of participants have party to the publication of any at a document prepared by the demanded sugar-reduction methods misleading advertisement not ministry that shows they are ‘ that extend more broadly across the complying with these regulations actively investigating it’. “A sugar industry beyond just targeting sugar would be penalised with a fine tax would punish the majority of sweetened beverages (SSBs). At a extending up to INR1mn responsible New Zealanders for the recent such session held by the (US$14,100).” In a separate sins of an irresponsible minority,” Ministry of Health (MOH) on statement issued by the Ministry of said ACT Leader David Seymour January 19, beverage companies Health and Family Welfare in a formal statement. appear particularly concerned (MoHFW) India in Sunday Image © iStock/piotr_malczyk Guardian Live , these ‘third parties’ He described this as will include celebrities and other ‘disingenuous’, endorsers. especially because ‘[Health Minister] Misleading free-from labels: David Clark said in Indian regulator FSSAI to set September last year standards for gluten-free claims that: ‘This The Food Safety and Standards Government has ruled out any new taxes in with the sustainability of sugar tax Public Health Dr Piyasakol not been using trans fat to fry its and its specific targeting of SSBs. Sakolsatayadorn told Bangkok Post foods since before theban Such a focusedmeasure is not that the ban had received praise announcement, and KFC Thailand expected to have lasting results. from the World Health also guaranteed all its food to be Organisation (WHO). 100% trans fat free.Retail outlets “It will simply shift the consumer to such as Tesco Lotus also announced unregulated products like bubble "The WHO praised the no trans fats initiatives in response, tea, or those that are served fresh in government's political will, as well particularly inregard to their in- coffee chains,” said Deputy CEO of as the inclusive process that it house bakery sections. Pokka International Daniel Teo via applied to prepare for the ban," said a Channel NewsAsia video, citing Dr Sakolsatayadorn. "Instead of Assuring acceptance tobaccotaxes and their failure to telling stakeholders what to do, the Dr Sakolsatayadorn added that the significantly reduce smoking as an ministry listened to to all Thai ministry had also been example. If you look at the research stakeholders and gave them the credited by the WHO for launching carefully, 50% of the cause of opportunity to prepare for the ‘ an effective public campaign’ to diabetes is attributed to sugars in transition." convince the private sector about food and processedfood, so that's a the importance of the trans fats huge other part that needs to be In response to the ban ban.To further facilitate the addressed.” implementation, PepsiCo Thailand transition process, the Food and (manufacturer of Lay’s potato Drug Administration (FDA) also Thailand’s artificial trans chips, one of thetop potato chip worked with the F&B industry and brands in the country) told organisations over the past three fats ban implementation FoodNavigator-Asia that it is months. Dr Tharet well-received by food practising no trans fats Karatnaiyarawiwong, FDA inproduction, hence the new secretary-general told Bangkok Post industry regulation will not impact it that F&B manufacturers had By Pearly Neo 22-Jan-2019 –Food negatively.“ Pepsi-Cola (Thai) already been recalling trans fat- Navigator Asia Trading Company Limited, the containing products since before the producer and distributor of ban came into force. He added a Thailand has become the first PepsiCo’s snack products in reminder that all food importers are ASEAN country toimplement a Thailand, confirms that all of its now also required to acquire a ban on artificial trans fats after snack products produced in certificate to prove their products the bancame into force last Thailand […] are not fried or baked are trans fat free. week. So far, it has been well using PartiallyHydrogenated Oils received by potato chips (which contain trans fats),” said a What’s the big deal about trans fats manufacturing giant PepsiCo PepsiCo spokeswoman.“[This Many scientific studies have linked (under brands such as Lay’s and includes our] Lay’s potato chips, artificial trans fats consumption to a Cheetos) and others inthe food and all extruded snacks namely number of health issues, especially industry. Tawan, Sunbites, Twisties and cardiovascular diseases. This is Cheetos.” because trans fats can lead to a rise The ban encompasses not only the in low-density lipoproteins manufacturing, importing and The removal of trans fats is an (LDL),commonly known as ‘bad’ distribution of trans fats, but also all endeavour that PepsiCo in general cholesterol, when consumed in food products that contain these. has been undertaking since the large amounts. The WHO estimates First announced by the Thai Public 2000s.Food service outlets were also that some 500,000 deaths yearly Health Ministry on July 13 last quick to respond to the initial come as a result of cardiovascular year, the ban was slotted to come announcement of the ban. disease caused by trans fats. into effect after 180 days, which was According to TheBangkok Insight , on January 10 this year. Minister of McDonald’s Thailand that it had

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