Food companies cut back on calories
In a five year study sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to reduce childhood obesity in the United States, an estimated 6.4 trillion calories were reduced in food and beverages by some of the nation’s largest food companies including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Campbell’s. This resulted in an average of 78 calories cut out of an American’s daily diet. What are your thoughts about this research? How great of an impact do you think this will have on the struggle to eliminate childhood obesity?
For additional information, please see NY Times.
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Effect of green tea on reward learning in healthy individuals; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Picture from freedigitalphotos.com.
The Nutrition Journal published a study regarding the effect of green tea has on reward learning in healthy individuals. Reward learning is related to situation when the brain releases dopamine after making a right choice. This is the reason why the learner feels good and repeats the action in the future. The study in 64 healthy individuals suggests that chronic use of green tea can improve reward learning, thus decrease depression symptoms. Please share your thought about this study, learning in general or use of green tea for patients with depression.
To access the full article, click here.
What’s in your green tea?
A report published by ConsumerLab.com finds that the purity and amount of antioxidants amounts of green tea varies from different consumer products. Green tea brewed from loose tea leaves is the best choice,since bottled teas may contain mostly sugar water. Some loose leaves may contain lead although the lead is not found in the liquid portion of the tea after brewing. How selective are you in the green tea you consume and recommend to your patients?
For the full article, please click here.
National Tea Month – The Benefits of Tea
In honor of national tea month, U.S News reveals the naked truth about tea. A nutrition consultant, Bonnie Taub-Dix talks about health benefits and a variety of flavor found in teas – from lowering the risk of certain cancers, boosting immunity, improving blood flow, increase energy to improve bone strength. She also provides the reader with FDA warnings related to some herb teas. How often do you recommend your patients teas instead of capsules or other liquid preparations? How do you typically encourage patients to drink more teas? For additional information, please visit U.S News. “Image courtesy of [Dusky]/Freedigitalphotos.net”
100% orange juice consumption is associated with better diet quality, improved nutrient adequacy and decreased risk for obesity in adults.
A study published in the Nutrition Journal has shown that consuming 100% orange juice is associated with better diet quality, improved nutrient adequacy and decreased risk for obesity in adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 was used in this study which involved more than 8,800 adults aged 19 and older. Adults who drank orange juice consumed around 210 ml daily and had higher levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and potassium compared to non-consumers. Those who drank orange juice also had a 21% decreased risk of obesity. What are your thoughts on this study?
For more information, please read the abstract in the Nutrition Journal.
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FDA investigates the safety of energy drinks
Yesterday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began investigating reports of five deaths that may be associated with “Monster” energy drinks. A 12 oz can of the energy drink contains 105 mg of caffeine, while a 12 oz can of Coca-Cola contains 35 mg. Monster Beverage Corporation is being sued by the family of a 14 year old Maryland girl, who died after drinking two cans of the energy drink in a 24 hour period. How often do you consume energy drinks? What are some safer alternatives to energy drinks?
For more information, please read the article in NY Times.
Sports drinks are not necessary to hydrate an average person during exercise.
The BMJ recently published an article questioning the needs for the consumption of sports drinks in individuals who are exercising less than 45 minute. Sports drinks aid hydration and fuel active muscles in athletes and the general public in extreme conditions. Otherwise, drinking water and consuming electrolytes found in our diet would be enough. What are you current recommendations regarding physical activity, electrolytes and hydration?
For additional information, please click here.
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