Mintel: 50% of Americans Look for Vitamins and Minerals in Hybrid Drinks

Research conducted by Mintel revealed that more consumers are opting for beverages that support their fast-paced lifestyle and their health. This has led to most food manufacturers offering hybrid drinks the combine features from multiple beverage categories.

While juice is considered as the largest non-alcoholic beverage market in the US, sales have only increased by 1.2% since 2016. What’s more, carbonated soft drinks are also losing their share in the market as more and more people opt for healthier drinks. Now, hybrid drinks have become more popular and as a result, saw a 47% increase in sales last year.

What Are Hybrid Drinks?

mintel hybrid drinks beverages vitamins mineralsAccording to Senior Food & Drink Analyst at Mintel, Beth Bloom, hybrid drinks are the new generation of beverages, but they are inherently higher in health benefits, making them more appealing to consumers.  Research showed that most people are looking for vitamins and minerals in hybrid drinks. However, American consumers are also looking at other attributes that include antioxidants, energy, and electrolytes.

Many America customers prefer hybrid beverages as their “pick-me-up” drink. Also, respondents prefer to drink the beverages in the afternoon to sustain their energy during the entire day. This is one of the key reasons why hybrid drink manufacturers create products with convenience and health in mind.

In fact, manufacturers who make these types drinks have a lot of opportunities to develop products that can meet the demands of their consumers. New hybrid juices are made using different juice bases and unique packaging from their conventional counterparts.  They also position their products in specialized retail locations to attract different types of consumers.

The Hurdles of Hybrid Drinks

But more than having more nutrient content, hybrid drinks also provide more opportunities regarding a product trial. Manufacturers produce different types of hybrid drinks to cater to the needs of customers. For instance, they create drinks to meet the demands of consumers who feel bored with their current options and who want to try healthier options.

While hybrid beverages are better options than 100% fruit juices, the industry has experienced some drawbacks as there appear to be more people wary about the price point of such beverages. In fact, 80% of hybrid drink consumers believe that the beverages are more expensive than other types while 57% non-hybrid drink consumers believe that such drinks are just gimmicks to get people to spend more money on frivolous and ineffective beverages.

Although they present more health benefits to people, many consumers are put off when it comes to their price. But this is the only challenge that the industry has to face.

Inspired by www.mintel.com

Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate vs. USDA’s MyPlate

A few years after the USDA created the new MyPlate, Harvard nutrition experts decided to set up their own Healthy Eating Plate. The changes were made to address the deficiencies in the USDA’s MyPlate, most likely caused by intensive food industry lobbying. The central message of the Healthy Eating Plate is to focus on diet quality vs. broad guidelines like the MyPlate.

For example:

  • The different types of carbohydrates in your diet are more important than a number of carbohydrates. Sources of carbs like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans are healthier than others.
  • Harvard’s plate advises people to avoid all sugary beverages which is one of the leading causes of lifestyle diseases like diabetes.
  • The Healthy Eating Plate promotes healthy oils and does not place a limit of calories from fat. Harvard is promoting the consumption of healthy fats which goes against the low-fat message advocated by the USDA for decades.

 

Inspired by hsph.harvard.edu

Eat 10 Portions Of Fruits And Veggies To Protect Your Health

If you consume a lot of fruits and vegetables every day, then you are on the right track. Researchers from the Imperial College of London conducted a meta-analysis on 95 studies on the benefits of fruit and vegetable intake. Proponents of the study found that consumption of at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer.

The greatest benefit of eating vegetables can be obtained by eating at least 800 grams a day that is equivalent to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables combined. The research was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. And the researchers have estimated that around 7.8 million of premature deaths recorded all over the world could have been potentially reduced if people ate more fruits and vegetables every day.

The Research

Part of the research also noted which types of produce can provide the best protection against different kinds of diseases. According to Dr. Dagfinn Aune, lead author of the study, the researchers wanted to quantify the amount of vegetables and fruits needed to reduce the risk of being sick. The study found that intake of more fruits and vegetables is associated with 33% reduction of stroke, 24% reduction of heart diseases, 28% reduction of cardiovascular diseases, and 13% reduction of cancer. The study also compared those who ate more vegetables to those who don’t.

Currently, the guideline in the UK is to eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, only one in three adults can ever meet this target. This study aims to encourage people to increase their consumption.

portions of fruits and veggies at grocery

How Many Portions Should You Eat?

So how much is enough? One portion of fruits and vegetables is equivalent to 80 grams of produce.  But how do you know if you are eating one portion? In a practical sense, 80 grams of produce is equal to either of the following: a small banana, pear, apple, or orange. It can also be equivalent to three heaping tablespoons of peas, spinach, cauliflower or broccoli.

What is interesting about the research was that the proponents also examined which fruits and vegetables can reduce specific types of diseases. For instance, produce like pears, apples, salad greens, chicory, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages can mitigate the risk of early death while leafy green vegetables, carrots, and yellow vegetables can reduce the risk of developing cancer. While eating these certain fruits and vegetables look very promising in improving longevity, additional research should be conducted.

The Mechanism To Good Health

But why is eating fruits and vegetables very beneficial to the body? Dr. Aune noted that fresh fruit and vegetables have a complex network of nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins necessary for fighting against DNA damage and improving physiological functions. For instance, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbages contain glucosinolates that prevent cancer. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables can also improve the quality of the gut bacteria thereby improving your health.

There are so many reasons why you need to eat fruits and vegetables and having good health is a great way to encourage you to eat more.

Inspired by www.thegrocer.co.uk

6 Nutrition Mistakes Even Healthy People Make

Our bodies benefit from eating healthy food. That’s why making the right food choices is crucial for the overall function of the body. But did you know that many people are not aware that they are eating the wrong kinds of foods to stay healthy? Even healthy people make nutrition mistakes. So if you are trying to be healthy by eating healthy, then below are six common nutrition mistakes even healthy people make.

Mistake #1: Using Whole Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acid, fiber, and antioxidants. Most healthy people consume whole flaxseed instead of ground ones. This is a nutrition mistake because whole flaxseed cannot be adequately digested by the stomach so consuming it means that you are missing out on the incredible benefits found inside the seed. So instead of eating whole flaxseed, use ground up flax flours.

Mistake #2: Drinking “Healthy” Smoothies

Drinking smoothies are healthy for the body, but many health buffs believe that it is a low-calorie drink. What they don’t know is that smoothies are calorie bombs especially if you use superfood ingredients that are dense in calories. To decrease calories in your smoothies, use more vegetables than fruits or serve smaller portions.

Mistake #3: Taking Supplements With Coffee

Caffeine from coffee reduces the ability of the body to absorb essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin B, D, and A. But coffee is not the only drink that you need to wary of as tea and cola also contain caffeine. You need to take in your supplements an hour before you drink your morning coffee.

Mistake #4: Using Canned Beans all the Time

While canned beans are readily available, they contain a lot of sodium. In fact, canned beans contain two-thirds of the sodium that is needed daily by the body. So when you are out shopping for beans, look for cans that are labeled low-sodium and no-salt-added. You also need to rinse your beans to remove 40% of the sodium.

Mistake #5: Cutting out on Fruit to Cut Back on Sugar

Fruits are sweet, but they are not the primary source of sugar. In a standard American diet, sweetened beverages are the largest source of sugar. In fact, you can benefit from eating more fruits as they contain not only vitamins and minerals but also the fiber that can help cleanse your colon. So if you have to cut back on sugar, make sure that you look at your current diet and see the hidden source of added sugars that you are consuming.

Mistake #6: Believing That Low-Fat and Sugar-Free Labels are Good

Many people believe that foods with labels “low-fat” and “sugar-free” are good for the body. What they do not know is that they contain more preservatives and other refined ingredients to make them low-fat or sugar-free.  Instead, eat foods that are close to their natural state as possible.

Inspired by www.washingtonpost.com

National Nutrition Month 2017 Infographic

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we wanted to share an infographic with you about nutrition guidance for healthy children. The infographic was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Enjoy!

National Nutrition Month Nutrition for Healthy Children Kids

Boost Your Mental Health With Fruits And Vegetables

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), mental illness remains a significant public health disease, such that 25% of American adults suffer from it. What makes mental illness the serious problem is that it is also associated with other diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.

The extent of mental illness in the country is very alarming. With the advancements in medical science, you would think that mental illnesses would have decreased with the many interventions available for patients. But, no. The number of patients suffering from mental illnesses is still increasing.

Diet for Better Mental Health

Conventional treatments for mental illnesses include medications, psychotherapy, and group therapy. While these are compelling enough, most experts believe that aside from these conventional treatments, diet can play a crucial role in treating mental disorders.

Eating healthy foods does not only prevent metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, but it can also bring benefits for mental health. A research study conducted by the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago in New Zealand noted that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables can improve the psychological health of individuals within two weeks.

Lead researcher of the study, Dr. Tamlin Conner, noted that young adults who were given more fruits and vegetables to consume for 14 days experienced a boost in their vitality and motivation. The study involved 171 students between 18 and 25 years old. The subjects were divided into three groups wherein one continued their normal eating pattern while the other group was given additional servings of fruits and vegetables. The last group received vouchers and were reminded through text messages to eat more fruits and vegetables.

The participants were also asked to undergo psychological assessments to assess their vitality, mood, and symptoms of mental illness. Participants who belong to the second group–those who consume more fruits and vegetables–experienced more improvements in their mental well-being. The effects were seen after just two weeks of consuming vegetables and fruits.

Types of Foods For Good Mental Health

Researchers noted that consuming at least three servings of fruits and vegetables daily can be beneficial to your mental health. But what happens to the body if you consume more fruits and vegetables? When you eat the right kinds of food, your body produces more serotonin, which is a hormone that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin is made in the digestive system thus feeding the good bacteria in your gut can help increase the serotonin.

People who eat foods with prebiotics (good bacteria) like leafy green vegetables can contribute to reducing levels of anxiety and improve the mental outlook. Aside from fruits and vegetables, it is also crucial for people to avoid certain types of foods such as white sugar, processed food, and refined ingredients. Vegetables and fruits are good, but you can increase your mental health if you also eat unadulterated and fermented foods.

A healthy diet can go a long way as it does not only help the body heal physically, but it also helps improve your mental health.

Inspired by food.ndtv.com

Adding Vitamin D in Food Can Reduce Respiratory Infections

Millions of people suffer from respiratory infections every year. Respiratory infections including coughs, flu, pneumonia and bronchitis are typically caused by virus or bacteria. In the United Kingdom alone, about 3.25 million people suffer from at least one type of respiratory infection per year. Most of these infections occur during the winter months when the weather is cold, wet and dreary.

Researchers believe there is a plausible explanation why people get such infection during the winter months. Studies have shown that the occurrence of respiratory infection may also be attributed to the lack of exposure to sunlight – the leading source of Vitamin D. For the body to function properly, you need to take in at most 10,000 IU per day. Unfortunately, sun exposure can be quite difficult during the winter months.


Epidemic of Respiratory Diseases During Winter Time

Experts believe that respiratory infections can be lessened if people add more vitamin D to their diets during the winter. In fact, this will not only prevent people from incurring diseases, but it will also help NHS cut down its costs.

However, in the UK alone, there is a huge deficiency of the sunshine vitamin. Researchers from the Queen Mary University advise against fortification as it can significantly change the cost of food. Fortification may be a good idea for people who show significantly low levels of serum vitamin D.

But instead of fortification, one of the best solutions to this problem is to encourage people to bolster their Vitamin D intake through food. The problem is that food sources that are rich in vitamin D are only limited to oily fishes and shitake mushrooms. While getting vitamin D from food is important, one of the best ways to get this nutrient is to spend some time under the heat of the sun. Other options for food companies is to add natural vitamin D to food from sources like shiitake mushrooms. NutriFusion developed a stand-alone Vitamin D2 and D3 for food manufacturers to add to a variety of food without impacting flavor or texture.

Benefits of Vitamin D Against Respiratory Infections

About 70% of the population in the United Kingdom suffer from respiratory infection every year. Regularly taking vitamin D can reduce the risk of respiratory infection by 10% and reduces the need to take prescription antibiotics.

The study conducted by the researchers from the Queen Mary University places profound importance on fortification, but some authors believe that fortification should only be given to people who are at risk of developing osteomalacia that is the weakening of the bones due to low levels of vitamin D.

How does vitamin D fight against respiratory infections? Vitamin D plays a significant role in boosting the immune system. If you look at the cells of the immune system closely, they have receptors for vitamin D. Once the vitamin D adheres to the receptors thus reducing the levels of cytokines–a type of inflammatory proteins and increasing the amount of anti-microbial proteins.

Whether people take vitamin D-fortified foods or just bask in the sun as much as they can, the truth is that vitamin D can make significant improvements to the immune system resulting in a lowered risk for respiratory diseases.

Inspired by www.theguardian.com/science

Synthetic Vitamins: Necessary Or Waste Of Time?

Vitamins are taken by millions of people to treat different types of deficiencies. The Australian Medical Association found in a study that seven out of ten Australians take vitamins to fight against nutrient deficiencies. In fact, there are two reasons why people take supplemental multivitamins include overall wellness and to fill in any nutritional gaps. While there is a universal belief that vitamins and supplements are necessary, some experts disagree.

Synthetic Vitamins Found Not Necessary

One of the believers that intake of vitamins is a waste of time and money is the Adjunct Associate Professor Ken Harvey from Monash University. He noted that there is too little evidence that multivitamins are effective in treating deficiencies. He also added that if there is one thing that benefits from vitamins and supplements, it is the companies that manufacture them. The vitamin and supplement industry is a billion-dollar industry, and people seem to patronize them because they market health and wellness.

The thing is that the vitamin and supplement industry make huge profits from people, but there are no scientific studies that can prove the benefits of taking in vitamins and supplements. Sadly, you are pissing your money down the drain.

No Better Than Placebo Pills

There have been multiple studies that showcased vitamins are no better than placebo pills. But while many experts now agree that vitamins are not effective, intake of high doses can also cause harm.

There is such a thing as vitamin overdose. If you take too much of one supplement, it can offset how others work or interact with your body.  Several studies have noted that vitamins do not mix well. Perhaps what makes synthetic vitamins dangerous is that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration unlike other types of medications. This makes them subject to abuse and overuse.

Food Against Nutrient Deficiency

GrandFusion+Fiber 12 vitamins from 12 fruits and vegetablesSo, if multivitamins are not useful, how can we prevent a nutrient deficiency? The answer lies in eating the right kinds of food. But if healthy food is accessible, then why are there so many people who suffer from nutrient deficiency? Unfortunately, many people have unhealthy diets even though they can easily get healthy foods. As a result, they turn to supplemental multivitamins.

Vitamin supplementation plays a vital role among Australian adults. In fact, 52% of adults rely on supplements. This 52% of the population are the ones who do not meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. NutriFusion developed the GrandFusion vitamin blends to help food companies add back the food based nutrition to a variety of products that we already eat. NutriFusion is launching a new product to market for end consumers that utilize the GrandFusion 12 fruit and vegetable blend to deliver 50% daily value of 12 vitamins. Visit the website to learn more: https://grandfusion.co/

If you follow a varied diet and are eating fruits and vegetables, then you should get all the vitamins from your food. The benefit of taking food to combat nutrient gap is that there is no overdosing from eating foods. Moreover, the food that you eat is processed by the body using natural pathways. Thus, every bit of the nutrients are accounted for and does not react with other nutrients in the body.

Inspired by www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle