62% of Americans Drink At least One Cup of Coffee Per Day

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The consumption of coffee in the US for 2015 was 132.3 million pounds. That amount placed the US as one of the top eight countries regarding coffee-drinking. The coffee industry in the United States is stable albeit some weak sales in the past.

One Cup a Day

In a recent survey conducted by the National Coffee Association (NCA) the USA, there is an increasing number of Americans who reach for at least one cup of coffee each day. Chief Executive of CNA, Bill Murray, noted that there is a steady growth for gourmet coffee varieties and this trend has pushed more coffee places to open to cater to the needs of people.

More than 3,000 people participated in the survey. The study revealed that 62% of the respondents noted that they drunk coffee the day before they took the questionnaire. This was interpreted as their daily consumption. The study also pointed out that 37% of the respondents between the age of 13 and 18 years old drank at least one cup a day while 64% of respondents between the age 40 and 59 did.

Gourmet Coffee Varieties Leading Growth

There is also an increasing trend of drinking gourmet coffee varieties. In fact, 24% of the participants noted that they prefer to drink espresso-based coffee more than ever. While the survey pointed out that there is an increasing number of Americans who drink coffee every day, the frequency of coffee drinking has reduced as more and more prefer only to consume a single cup daily and nothing more.

The trend of drinking a single cup of coffee has alarmed those in the coffee industry as this can affect their total sales. In fact, an average American coffee drinker now drinks 1 cup daily compared to three cups of coffee a few years back. One of the biggest culprits of this trend is the popularity of single-cup brewers like Keurig. In fact, there is a rising number of respondents (about 33%) who own their very own single-cup brewers.

The shift towards single-serve coffee means that people are brewing only what they want to drink for the day. Before, people would brew a pot of coffee using their traditional coffee maker. With the popularity of single-cup brewers, they brew only one cup. This trend has affected the coffee industry. For instance, Reuters reported that in February of this year (2017), many American consumers are purchasing less coffee. But the same report also noted that there was an increase in the sales of single-serve brewers.

Coffee Sales Still Healthy

Although the consumption of coffee has reduced regarding volume, the sales of coffee have remained high. Americans spent $11.9 billion on coffee in 2014, and this increased to $13.6 billion last year. The main reason for this is that roasters often charge a lot of money for single-serve coffee makers.

There is an irony when it comes to drinking coffee as the number of drinkers has increased while the frequency has declined. Although this may be the case, the sales of coffee beans are a good indication that the coffee industry is still strong in the United States.

Inspired by www.reuters.com

Frozen Fruits And Vegetables More Nutritious Than Fresh Ones

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There is this old belief that eating fresh fruits and vegetables is better for the body than eating them frozen or cooked. However, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Georgia revealed that frozen fruits and vegetables are as healthy as fresh ones.

The Hurdles Of The Frozen Produce Industry

This is good news as more and more people are buying foods that are frozen due to convenience. Food companies, to increase the shelf-life of their products, opt for different types of preservation techniques including flash freezing. This technique quickly freezes food so that they retain their flavor and freshness longer.

Although flash freezing allows food manufacturers to provide different types of frozen foods to customers, the idea of consuming frozen foods has a bad rap. Many consumers believe that eating frozen foods are less healthy because they are more “processed.” In fact, a report released by the survey company, Packaged Facts, revealed that while 75% of American household consume frozen fruits and vegetables, the sales have remained identical to the 2012 sales.

While the industry of frozen produce has not shown much growth over the last few years, there has been a surge in sales of fresh fruits and vegetables. The report shows that this industry has earned over $62 billion within the last four years indicating that it has a yearly growth of 3.8%.

Frozen vs. Fresh: Fruits and Vegetables

To dispel the belief that fresh fruits and vegetables are way better than frozen foods, the researchers from the University of Georgia worked with the Frozen Food Foundation. The study analyzed the nutritional value of frozen foods and compared it with those of fresh produce.  They inspected food like frozen blueberries, corn, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, and green peas.

So what did the study find out? Researchers revealed that frozen foods contain the same, if not greater, amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate than most fresh fruits and vegetables. Researchers found the results staggering and believe that frozen fruits and vegetables are better at nutrient retention than their fresh counterparts.

One of the reasons why frozen fruits and vegetables are healthier is that they are matured properly before freezing. When fruits and vegetables are harvested, they start to lose nutrients. But since frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen shortly after being harvested, they are allowed to fully ripen and retain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that are locked within their frozen cells.

Contrary to popular belief, freezing fruits and vegetables does not destroy the natural nutrients found in food. So the next time you go shopping for fruits and vegetables, make sure that you think about frozen ones too.

Inspired by www.fooddive.com

100% Fruit Juices May Cause Weight Gain in Kids

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Juvenile obesity is a significant concern in the United States.  There are many reasons why American kids are likely to suffer from obesity, and one of the biggest reasons lies in their diet. It turns out that sugar can sneak up into the food that your children eat.

But while many people blame greasy fast-food meals as the cause of obesity, many health advocates have expressed their concerns about the sugar from fruit juices. Yes, even 100% fruit juices are linked to childhood obesity according to the study published in the journal Pediatrics.

Research Results on 100% Fruit Juices

The study noted that consumption of 100% fruit juice is linked to weight gain among children from the age 6 and below. However, no association has been found for children older than seven years.  According to Dr. Brandon Auerbach from the University of Washington, parents should be cautious when it comes to giving fruit juices to children. Instead of giving them 100% fruit juices, they should give them whole fruit, water, or low-fat unsweetened milk.

So, what makes drinking fruit juices unhealthy? Although they may be derived from organic fruits, 100% fruit juices contain high amounts of natural sugar. Fruits contain fructose, which is a naturally-occurring sugar that can also be stored as fat in the liver. Fruit juice is devoid of fiber that slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Aside from weight gain, consumption of fruit juices can also lead to other diseases like cavities and metabolic disease like diabetes.

How Much is Too Much?

How much fruit juice, is too much? Researchers found out that consumption of even one daily serving of fruit can cause weight gain of up to 0.3 pounds. So, if a 5-year old girl consumes 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice for a year, this will translate to a weight gain of ½ of a pound. The research also noted that the effects are also amplified the longer children drank fruit juice, the more weight they gain through time. Overall, the study indicated that serving 8 ounces of 100% fruit juice is associated with an increased body mass index within a year among young children.

But if you must give fruit juice to your kids, make sure that you don’t give more than 6 ounces of juice every day. Try to avoid giving fruit juices to infants. It is a better option to give whole unadulterated fruits to children so that they can maximize their health benefits as they contain more fiber than juice.

The study indicates that children should not be drinking fruit juice particularly in the first six years of their lives. With the result of the survey, the US Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Food Care Program is working to eliminate fruit juices in the diet of younger children to avoid the risk of obesity.

Inspired by www.cnn.com

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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