Functional Food News and Research

Latest Functional Food News and Research

Creating, promoting foods containing angiogenesis is the new frontier in dietary health

Creating and promoting foods that contain natural inhibitors of unhealthy angiogenesis - the formation of blood vessels that feed and promote disease, obesity and inflammation - is the "new frontier in dietary health," according to a presentation at the 2013 Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting & Food Expo- in Chicago.

18 Jul 2013

Whole eggs can be part of heart-healthy diet, say researchers

This week at Experimental Biology 2013, scientists from around the world are gathering to share research on a variety of topics, including nutrition and health. Given the growing global burden of chronic disease, there is particular interest in the important role of diet and nutrition in overall health.

24 Apr 2013

Cocoa polyphenols triggers neuroprotection by activating BDNF survival pathway

Epidemiological studies have indicated that dietary habits and antioxidants from diet can influence the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

15 Apr 2013

Non-invasive gut health testing breakthrough

Health and functional claims made for foods such as probiotics still need to prove their effectiveness ― an important part of the answer rests in our small intestines and their role in digestion, and immunity.

5 Apr 2013

Researchers investigate effects of Mediterranean diet on older people

We are what we eat. However, little is known on how a specific dietary regime can impact the life of the elderly. Now, researchers from an EU funded project called NU-AGE are investigating the effects of the Mediterranean diet on older people. Their aim is to get clues on how to counteract physical and cognitive decline through diet changes.

27 Feb 2013

IFR, PBL to further develop Dynamic Gastric Model

The Dynamic Gastric Model, developed from years of research at the Institute of Food Research, has taken significant steps towards improving its commercial use by food and drug companies worldwide.

26 Feb 2013

Study identifies metabolic factors related to bread's beneficial effects on cardiovascular health

According to a study, daily bread consumption, especially wholemeal bread, can prevent cardiovascular disease. The study has been led by the professor Rafael Llorach, Ramon y Cajal researcher from the Department of Nutrition and Bromatology at the Faculty of Pharmacy and from the Food and Nutrition Torribera campus of the University of Barcelona.

29 Nov 2012

Maternal bariatric surgery affects cardiovascular risk profile of offsprings

Kids born to moms who have lost a substantial amount of weight after undergoing bariatric surgery have fewer cardiovascular risk factors than their siblings who were born before the weight loss surgery.

29 Oct 2012

Teagasc researchers look to seaweed for proteins with health benefits

Teagasc researchers are looking to seaweed for proteins with health benefits for use as functional foods. Historically, edible seaweeds were consumed by coastal communities across the world and today seaweed is a habitual diet in many countries, particularly in Asia.

15 Oct 2012

Eating apples might help keep the cardiologist away

Eating an apple a day might in fact help keep the cardiologist away, new research suggests.

3 Oct 2012

Low-lactose functional milk with ginseng may help improve cognitive function

American ginseng is reported to have neurocognitive effects, and research has shown benefits in aging, central nervous system disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.

23 Jul 2012

Study explores role of L. reuteri against foodborne infection

While many bacteria exist as aggressive pathogens, causing diseases ranging from tuberculosis and cholera, to plague, diphtheria and toxic shock syndrome, others play a less malevolent role and some are critical for human health.

21 Jul 2012

Wiley-Blackwell introduces Food Science & Nutrition journal

Wiley-Blackwell, the scientific, technical, medical and scholarly publishing business of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., today announced the launch of Food Science & Nutrition as part of the Wiley Open Access publishing program.

18 May 2012

Flavan-3-ols, SoyLife can improve biomarkers of CVD risk in postmenopausal type 2 diabetic patients

A new, one-year, double-blind controlled clinical study shows that cacao-flavonoids and soy isoflavones can significantly improve biomarkers of CVD risk in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

5 May 2012

Australian nutrition researcher to receive Alexander Leaf Distinguished Scientist Award

After decades of research, scientists continue to uncover the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids - and there are many more discoveries yet to come, according to a nutrition researcher being honored for his lifetime of achievement in this field.

17 Apr 2012

EU-funded 'afresh'-project looks at food and physical activity

Food and physical activity are looked at together in the EU-funded "afresh"-project. Eight regional clusters - strong in food and/or health - currently are setting up their joint future agenda aiming at the prevention of diet-and activity related deseases like obesity, diabetes, cardiovasculaire deseases, osteoporose, etc.

19 Mar 2012

Research into disease fighting foods at UL receives funding boost

Food and health related research led by Professor Dick FitzGerald at the University of Limerick (UL) recently received a funding boost at the Science Foundation Ireland Technology Innovation Development Award (TIDA) programme announced by Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock.

1 Mar 2012

New model to evaluate probiotic survival in the gut

Functional foods containing bacteria with beneficial health effects, or probiotics, have long been consumed in Northern Europe and are becoming increasingly popular elsewhere. To be of benefit, however, the bacteria have to survive in the very hostile environment of the digestive tract.

23 Feb 2012

IFT's fifth Wellness conference to be held March 28-29, 2012

IFT will be hosting the fifth Wellness conference March 28th and 29th. The conference will offer attendees a unique blend of unbiased perspectives, news about emerging trends, and information on how organizations within the food industry are penetrating the health and wellness sector.

31 Jan 2012

Newtricious secures backing of a consortium of investors

Life Sciences company Newtricious has secured the backing of a consortium of investors who will help it to continue to develop its first products focusing on the maintenance of health in people at risk for chronic diseases such as macular degeneration and cardiovascular illnesses.

17 Jan 2012