Folate Deficiency is a Serious Problem

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Folate is one of the B Vitamins found in green leafy vegetables such as peas, broccoli, and spinach. It is also sourced from bananas, mushroom, melons, and shellfish. It has been widely known that folate is an essential nutrient among pregnant women. And while it is recommended that pregnant women should bank on folate, it is also necessary for adults to take in folate. The Danish Health Authority noted that pregnant women and those who are trying to conceive should bank on this vitamin for the healthy development of babies. One of the most significant issues is folate deficiency is irreversible.

Folate Deficiency Is Irreversible

Associate Professor Ying Liu from the Center for Chromosome Stability in the University of Copenhagen noted that deficiency of folate could lead to devastating and irreversible consequences. Lack of this vitamin can affect the way the chromosomes maintain health. Once there is something wrong with the cell division, it can no longer be fixed thus irreversible. Many studies have noted that folate deficiency can lead to age-related dementia, mental illness, and deformation of the brain during fetal development. These brain development anomalies are called neural tube defects, and they include spina bifida and anencephaly to name a few.

Public Knowledge On Folate Deficiency Is Key

Professor Liu also noted that the general public needs to know the adequate level of folate that we need to consume. He said that once the public has such knowledge,  it is easier to see if one has sufficient levels of folate in their blood for successful DNA replication. To tell whether an individual has adequate amounts of folate in his or her blood, blood samples may be taken.

Mapping The Genome

To detect folate deficiency, researchers are looking at the potential of using lymphocytes–a type of white blood cell–to determine the levels of folate. Researchers analyzed part of the genome called FRAXA that contains a genetic sequence CGG. This genetic sequence is associated with mitosis, cell division, and abnormalities in the chromosomes. The study noted that the entire X chromosome becomes unstable after depriving folate.

The study demonstrates that deficiency in folate can lead to abnormalities in the chromosomes. Once there are abnormalities in the chromosome, the daughter cells can inherit the mutation following cell division. This is the reason why the lack of folate in the body can lead to many diseases such as infertility, cancer, and mental health disorders.

Future Direction

This study is remarkable because the researchers are closer to determining the pathway that associates folate deficiency to chromosomal damage. While the research is still in its initial stage, the proponents of the study noted that other parts of the genome contain CGG sequences that can be further studied. Thus, the next step of the researchers is to map the area of the human genome where folate deficiency can influence the most. By doing so, it will be easier for the researchers and even the general public to understand folate deficiency. It can also be used to develop a tool on possibly reversing or halting the damaging effects of folate deficiency.

Inspired by www.futurity.org

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Mom Finds Metal in Toddler Gummy Vitamins

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Parents intend to give their children foods and supplements that they know will make their children grow stronger and healthier. However, there are absolute horror stories that we encounter now and then that will make us rethink about giving supplements to our children. Samantha Anderson has a story to tell…

Good Intentions Gone Bad

What seemingly was a good intention to provide vitamins to her child became a harrowing nightmare. The Kansas mom found out that there were metal shavings in her daughter’s intestine from consuming gummy vitamins from a well-known brand. She had been feeding her three-year-old daughter, Milani, with Zarbee’s Natural Vitamins gummies she bought at Target until she noticed that some metal pieces were sticking out at the bottom of the bottle.

Writing her story on Facebook, Samantha noted that there were metal flakes found at the bottom of the bottle of the chewable vitamins. Some of the flakes had also embedded in the surface of the gummies. To her horror, she does not know how many metal flakes were in the bottle and how many were unknowingly ingested by her daughter.

Sharp Metal Flakes Led To Hospitalization

To confirm her fears that they were indeed metal shavings, she and her husband used a magnet to test the multivitamins – and indeed they were. She also took her daughter to the emergency room for an X-ray. The X-ray result noted that there were metals found in her intestines. The sharp metal flakes were found in Milani ’s stomach which led to the girl’s emergency hospital admission so that doctors could carefully remove the metal shavings.

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As a mom, Samantha Anderson could not help but feel terrible. For her, she felt like she failed as a mom because she was the one who fed the gummies to her. However, she couldn’t be blamed for what happened to her daughter. The responsibility falls into the hands of Zarbee. Anderson already reported the incident to the Food and Drug Administration following the recommendation of her pediatrician. Currently, the FDA is investigating the complaint. The company has yet to make an official public statement to address the incident, but they have already released a comment on social media apologizing and wishing for her daughter to get well.

Lesson That Can Be Learned About Gummy Vitamins

While this might be an isolated case, it is essential to take note that it can happen to anyone. There is a lesson that can be learned from this story. As parents, it is crucial always to check the quality of the supplements that you are giving to your children. Scrutinizing each bottle may be time-consuming, but it is worth it. But aside from the parents, it is also crucial for the supplement manufacturers to continually check the quality of their finished products. Since this incident has already been reported, it is critical for the company to recall the bottles of gummies from Target. This may be an isolated case, but one can never be too sure.

Inspired by www.usatoday.com

Millennials Leading the Way for More Vegetable Consumption

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Millennials are making their impact on society. When it comes to vegetable consumption, they are setting the trend to eat healthily. In the recent study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, they have found out that millennials prefer to eat more fruits and vegetables over meats and grains. The study analyzed food buying data per generation. Millennials, who are born between 1981 and mid-2000s, are the largest and most diverse generation. They have the highest purchasing behavior, which is why they influence the consumer and retail landscape. Many companies are designing their products with millennials in mind.

More Millennials Are Eating More Fresh Produce

According to the report, the consumption of fresh produce in the country grew at 1.3% between the years 2011 and 2016. It is also expected that the annual gains will continue to rise through 2021 and probably the years beyond. What influenced this trend is that the eating habits of different generations have evolved. The changes are altering the recommendations on what makes up a healthy diet. The current nutritional guideline dictates that people should dedicate half of their plate to fruits and vegetables. They should also include whole grains, dairy, and protein for each meal.

The Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Consuming more fruits and vegetables can help protect the body against different diseases – particularly the chronic ones. These include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and some types of cancer. Moreover, fruits and vegetables are also jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes that can help improve the physiological functions and capacity of people when it comes to fighting off different kinds of diseases.

How to Encourage More People to Eat Their Veggies?

The results of the study indicate that people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables. But aside from increasing awareness, the trend can be further improved if more people have access to fresh produce. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to convince people to consume more fruits and vegetables is to make them available in places where adults and children live, work, and learn.

The Role of the Agricultural Industry

Another solution is to develop products that are more exciting and fun to eat. For instance, the company Syngenta is currently developing ultra-firm watermelons called CrispFresh watermelons. This innovative variety does not only taste great, but it also makes the processing and shelf-life longer.  And since the watermelon is crisp, it is now possible to make watermelon fries with it. The agricultural sector plays a vital role in innovating crops not only to produce higher yields but also to ensure that the product will last longer so that people who live in food deserts can access them at a lower price.

Future Direction

With the influential role of millennials, coupled with the dedication of the agricultural sector to increase their yield, it is likely that the trend will increase in the years to follow. This can eventually create a paradigm shift wherein people will consume more fruits and vegetables. By doing so, it also helps the economy as it reduces the cost of the government to fund for the provision of healthcare services on lifestyle diseases.

Packaged food brands are also taking another approach to help consumers get the natural benefits of fruits and vegetables in everyday products. They are using GrandFusion fruit and vegetable powders to enrich their bars, protein powders, and more with the natural vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. Download the R&D kit below to learn more!

Inspired by www.news-journal.net

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Plant-Based Eating Makes Consumers Feel Healthier

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A new wave of health consciousness has become ingrained within American culture. Over half of U.S. consumers have started plant-based eating as they are under the impression that it makes them healthier. A majority of consumers have also said that this change was indefinite and some were hindered from making this change because of taste preference.

This new trend has promoted a healthier America, which will have a ripple effect on the rest of the world. Plant-based eating also supports new opportunities for growth in the market for food. Research has shown that these changes are more than simple experimentation and has instead resulted in a new way of life for many consumers.

New Products Follow the Health Trend

These results are not outlandish as there is increasing support for plant-based eating. Companies are beginning to follow consumer health trends and have started to release more plant-based products. About 1/5 of Americans eat a diet consisting of predominantly plant-based foods, while 6/10 have stated that they reduced the amount of meat that they eat.

Plant-Based Eating is for Flexitarians

While in the United States more than half of all consumers are beginning to eat and drink more foods that are plant-based, that number increases to over 65% globally. In addition to this, many people are also decreasing the amount of meat they are eating. Over half say that this change is a permanent one.

People have many reasons for their reduction or outright stopping of the consumption of animal products. Some include wanting to affect the environment positively. Others believe that a meat-free diet is much healthier, some people want to limit the amount of cholesterol they intake, and even still some people prefer the taste of meat-free products.

With each passing year, the number of vegans and vegetarians are increasing in America. A study in 2017 found that about 6% of Americans reported being vegan, while in 2014, that number was only 1%. Again, many people have their reasoning, but it is undeniable that there has been a shift in the way Americans eat. Many people no longer consume animal products at all, something that would be considered odd only a few years ago. However, the growth in flexitarianism and plant-based eating is growing quicker than veganism or vegetarianism because of the stigmas that come with those words.

In 2017, sales of non-meat-based foods were up to over $3 billion, while only a year ago, it was less than $1 billion.

Taste is NOT an Issue

One major concern of many consumers is the difference in taste. However, in recent years there have been many advancements to make plant-based foods much more appealing to the taste preferences of meat lovers. Shoppers are in awe at the taste of plant-based burgers and other meats which they believe to have an even better flavor than their meaty counterparts.

Even large-scale meat companies are beginning to buy into vegan-friendly companies. Tyson Foods, as well as Dean Foods, have both since invested in small stakes in different plant-based companies. It is very probable that this trend will continue, and large-scale companies will adapt to the needs and wants of the modern consumer.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

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New Study: French Fries Are #1 Vegetable Consumed by Toddlers

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Around 27% of young children do not eat a single serving of vegetables in a day. In the report released, Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study, food choices of children change, and if they don’t start eating healthy at an early age, this will result in nutrition gap. Once they reach two years old, they will already have developed their taste preferences. At this point, feeding toddlers vegetables and other healthy food become more challenging. The nutrition gap is the most concerning problem among children today.

Alarming Results Showed French Fries as the #1 Vegetable

The study involved 10,000 parents as well as caregivers of children below the age of four. The survey noted the eating habits of children. Unfortunately, most children consume french fries as the most common vegetable that they know. The study also indicated that many children consume more sweets and sodium and less iron, Vitamin D, and fiber. All of these are sourced from colorful fruits and vegetables – and not from french fries.  The data confirms that there is more work to be done to improve the diet of children

How to Make Children Eat More Vegetables and Fruits

Having children eat vegetables can be difficult, but it is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to help their children develop good eating habits. Making your children eat healthily might take several tries but don’t lose your patience and still keep offering them healthy foods. There are also other strategies that you can try depending on the age of your children. For infants, you can puree or mash vegetables and fruits so that they can easily digest it. Toddlers and preschoolers, on the other hand, can be fed with mashed or chopped vegetables. You can also serve them finger foods or a platter of vegetables and fruits. Since they love fries, you can cut up carrots and sweet potatoes into thick julienne to resemble fries and cook them just like fries. You can also opt for fruits and healthy smoothies instead of candies.

Enhancing Food Policies

It is essential to take note that the responsibility of our children’s health does not only fall on the parents but also the government. To help the parents encourage children to eat healthy, corresponding food policies should also be implemented. Policies such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 include a comprehensive discussion and guideline for small children. But this may not be enough especially since food products high in sugar and preservatives are still commonplace in the market. Childhood obesity is still a rampant epidemic in the country that needs to be addressed through healthier food policies.

According to Dr. Wendy Johnson, Vice President of Nutrition from Nestle USA, proper nutrition is crucial during children’s early years and exposing them to a plethora of fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to jumpstart a healthy diet. But more than encouraging them to eat healthily, it is important that parents get the right support from the food industry and government.

Inspired by www.nestleusa.com

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The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

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Cranberry juice has both anecdotal and scientific pieces of evidence to show that it can prevent infections and also reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cranberries have essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is why it is considered a superfood. The juice is not only a delicious thirst quencher, but it comes with a lot of health benefits. Check out the rest of this article to learn more about the many benefits of cranberry juice.

Anti-Aging

Free radicals are present everywhere, and once they get inside the body, they cause cellular degradation through oxidative stress resulting in aging. Studies show that oxidative stress is also linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Since cranberry juice contains a high oxidative value, it can fight off the harmful effects of free radicals.  Studies show that the berries are more potent regarding antioxidative properties,  but the juice works too.

Improved Heart Health

The many compounds in cranberry juice can improve heart health. Cranberries contain high amounts of polyphenols that can support healthy heart health. Studies show that cranberry juice can increase the antioxidants found in blood plasma. It also can lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). Other studies suggest that the mean carotid-femoral artery pulse wave velocity can also be reduced among people who regularly consume cranberry juice.

Cranberry Juice Prevents Urinary Tract Infection

One of the most popular health benefits of cranberry juice is that it can treat urinary tract infection.  In a study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, cranberry juice was shown to reduce the number of colonizing E. coli in the bladder. This bacterium is the common cause of most urinary tract infections. In another study in 2016, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine noted that cranberry juice could reduce harmful bacteria in urine cultures from boys who regularly consumed it compared to those who drank the placebo.

Supports Better Digestion

There is increasing evidence that cranberry juice can help promote better digestion. Cranberry juice contains high amounts of phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation within the gut. Moreover, cranberry juice is also known to inhibit the production of H. pylori that is the common cause of bacterial ulcers in the stomach.

Prevents Infections

Compounds found in cranberries can fight off viral and bacterial infection. Several studies noted that cranberry juice could inhibit the proliferation of seven harmful microbes including norovirus that causes food-borne diseases. However, further studies need to be conducted to confirm this claim.

Support Female Health

Women’s health can be complicated due to hormonal changes. Cranberry juice can be beneficial among women who are in their menopause stage. Menopause makes women at risk to heart problems and other diseases. A study in 2013 noted that consumption of cranberry juice on laboratory rats that have their ovaries and uterus removed reduced their total cholesterol level.

Cranberry juice presents a lot of benefits to the body, but it is essential to take note that it can interact with certain medications particularly warfarin. Having said this, it is crucial that you don’t take cranberry juice while taking warfarin as the effect will be too much thinning of the blood. Nothing in this article is intended to be medical advice, and you should consult your doctor about using cranberry juice with any of the things above.

Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com

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FDA Bans 7 Artificial Flavoring Substances

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Many consumers are unaware that they are ingesting substances that are not good for them. These substances are usually written as “artificial flavors” on product labels.  Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration released a list of seven artificial flavoring substances that are harmful to health. These flavorings include ethyl acrylate, benzophenone, eugenyl methyl ether (methyl eugenol), ethyl acrylate, mycrene, pyridine, and pulegone.

The Substances Were First Approved by the FDA

These synthetic substances might be foreign to ordinary consumers, but they were first approved by the FDA during the early 60s. These substances are used for a wide variety of purposes such as mimicking or enhancing natural flavors. They are used to impart the flavor of mint, cinnamon, and floral in ice cream, baked products, beer, candy, and chewing gum.

The flavoring industry and FDA mentions that there is no risk to the public when consuming these products as long as the quantity is small. But even if this is the case, there are a growing number of people who prefer not to eat or drink anything synthetic.

Natural Alternatives Needed for Artificial Flavoring

Many people are opting not to buy products that contain artificial flavoring or substances. As a result, food companies are looking for natural alternatives to flavor for food. Petitioning to ban these substances pose a significant risk to many food manufacturers. The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association noted that the delisting of these substances confirms that there is a need for FDA to assess the actual risk instead of still following the 60-year old provision of the Delaney Clause.

The Delaney Clause was the statutory provision created by the FDA. In a nutshell, the provision strictly discourages the FDA from approving any food additives that can induce cancer to humans at any dose. And since the substances mentioned above did not reveal to cause cancer in the past, their use was continued until today.

Approving the Petition May be Difficult

While these substances may not be linked to inducing cancer, they can cause other health problems that are as concerning as cancer. However, FDA noted that approving the petition to ban these substances may not be that easy as the agency receives more than 200 petitions annually and it takes several weeks or more to evaluate and validate each.  But because of the public outcry including those from the institutions such as the Center for Food Safety, Center for Science and Public Interest, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, the FDA was forced to act.

The Implications

The implication of banning these substances is to push the manufacturers will likely be looking for natural substitutes and determining how they can change recipes using natural flavoring. But this might take a while, and many food manufacturers are asking for at least two years to be able to have a smoother transition in getting the job done. But on the bright side, switching to natural flavoring can draw in more consumers leading to a competitive boost for a variety of products.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

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Infographic: The Eight B-Vitamins Your Body Needs

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In the infographic below, Dr. Weil explains these eight B-vitamins that your body needs and the best whole food sources to find them. The eight B-vitamins are essential to so many body functions including your metabolism, immune system, energy production, and so much more. Enjoy!

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