Recent studies are underlining the beneficial effect of fiber in the diet. Found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, among other foods, increasing fiber intake has been found to improve digestive health, increase the feeling of satiety after a meal, and increase the absorption of key minerals by the intestine. The health benefits of fibre… [Continue Reading]
Fruit-Infused Chocolate Lowers Fat Content
August 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By replacing part of the fat in a chocolate bar with fruit juice, scientists have succeeding in creating a prototype of a lower-fat tasty treat. Using a special emulsion process, the droplets of fruit juice stay separated, allowing a creamy texture of the chocolate. Scientists have found a way to replace up to 50 per… [Continue Reading]
Blood Levels of Certain Vitamins Linked to Different Measures of Fitness in Teens
August 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Deficiency in certain vitamins may hinder fitness performance, a new study suggests. Researchers have found that the levels of certain nutrients in the blood correlate with performance on certain tasks, suggesting that sufficient levels of vitamins and minerals are essential to optimize fitness. Adolescence is an important time not only for growing but for acquiring… [Continue Reading]
Kids of Moms with Low Proteins Diets More Likely to Have High Blood Pressure
July 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Children born to mothers lacking protein in their diet have a higher risk of high blood pressure, or hypertension. Researchers have now discovered why this is. A low protein diet changes the way testosterone is metabolized in the mother’s body, which changes the amounts of the hormone that a fetus is exposed to. Studies have… [Continue Reading]
Raisins Boost Performance Comparably to Sports Chews
July 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Plain old raisins may boost workout performance just the same as pricier sports chews, new research suggests. Raisins contains many vitamins, minerals, as well as fiber, which increase performance comparably to commercial sports chew products, the study has found. New research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutritionsuggests that eating raisins… [Continue Reading]
New Strategies to Make Vegetables More Appealing to Kids
July 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Research is ongoing into kid’s perceptions of vegetables at meal-time, and experts are coming up with better advice for parents to improve the diets they provide for their families. Most kids do not eat enough vegetables, and nutritionists suggest that parents should increase their efforts to offer veggies at meal time again and again, and… [Continue Reading]
Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Diabetes and Heart Disease
June 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Those with insufficient intake of vitamin D may be at a higher risk of serious health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, a new study suggests. Between those with high and low levels of the vitamin in their blood, there is a major difference in risk of developing the diseases, of up to 50%. A… [Continue Reading]
High Stress at Work and Home Reduces Healthy Eating
June 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The tug-of-war between work and home is stronger than ever, and new research shows that this impacts nutrition at home. A study has found that parents with a higher level of stress provide less healthy meals for their families, and eat together less often. In a tight economy, with fewer jobs, many people end up… [Continue Reading]
Absorption of Nutrients from Salads Impaired Without a Bit of Oil
June 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment
While low-fat and low-calorie salad dressing are advertised for their healthy properties, not having a bit of fat with a bowl of greens may impair nutrient absorption, according to a new study. Research has shown that a small quantity of monounsaturated fat, such as that found in canola oil, is optimal for absorbing all of… [Continue Reading]
Diet Poor in Vitamin D Linked to Stroke Risk
May 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Vitamin D is essential for many functions of the body, including bone health. A new study has found that it is also key for cardiovascular health. A diet deficient in vitamin D-rich foods is a risk factor for stroke, according to a new study. Japanese-American men who did not eat foods rich in vitamin D… [Continue Reading]