Functional Food News and Research

Latest Functional Food News and Research

Hemp seeds: The surprisingly complete protein hiding in plain sight

Researchers reviewed the nutritional and functional potential of industrial hemp seeds, highlighting their complete protein, healthy fat, and fiber content. The review outlines how processing innovations and market forces could make hemp a leading ingredient in plant-based and functional foods.

24 Jul 2025

Liupao tea improves metabolic syndrome risks in clinical trial

Liupao tea shows promise in improving metabolic syndrome markers, enhancing heart health and gut balance in just three months, according to recent research.

23 Jul 2025

Acorn-based coffee boosts antioxidants with minimal health risk

Oak acorns processed into coffee-like beverages are rich in antioxidants and safe, positioning them as a sustainable superfood for health-conscious individuals.

18 Jul 2025

How does olive oil affect gut health?

Could olive oil’s hidden compounds be the key to a healthier gut? New research uncovers how olive-derived bioactives transform our microbiome and may unlock future therapies for digestive and metabolic health.

9 Jul 2025

Stress-activated gene damages insulin-producing cells in type 2 diabetes

Stress does no one - not even your insulin-producing cells - any good.

24 Jun 2025

Probiotics remain potent in simple plant-based drinks

Non-encapsulated probiotics thrive in fruit and vegetable juices, maintaining viability and sensory appeal, paving the way for innovative functional beverages.

24 Jun 2025

NTU and WHO launch global initiative to advance food safety innovation

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are collaborating on a new project to bolster global capabilities in food safety risk assessment, in support of the WHO Global Strategy for Food Safety 2022-2030.

18 Jun 2025

Chromium-rich fiber supplement keeps you fuller and reduces insulin spikes

A single dose of a chromium-enriched glucomannan-fructo-oligosaccharide fiber complex significantly reduced postprandial insulin and increased fullness in healthy adults, without affecting blood glucose. These findings highlight the potential of this functional fiber blend to support appetite control and metabolic health.

10 Jun 2025

Scientists boost black cabbage’s health benefits with targeted fermentation

Controlled fermentation of black cabbage using specific bacterial and yeast starters enhanced its antioxidant, polyphenol, and amino acid content, while ensuring food safety and improving sensory qualities. Yeast-fermented pressed cabbage achieved the highest nutritional gains, with both starter cultures and pressing technique playing key roles in maximizing health-promoting benefits.

28 May 2025

Acetate and gut bacteria work together to reduce obesity in mice

Researchers led by Hiroshi Ohno at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Japan have discovered a new way to reduce obesity.

19 May 2025

Can your diet slow skin aging? New review reveals what helps and what harms

Scientists reviewed recent studies and found that antioxidant-rich diets help slow skin aging, while high intake of refined sugars and trans fats accelerates it. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet may be a practical way to protect skin health and delay visible signs of aging.

6 May 2025

Egg white proteins show promise in naturally lowering blood pressure

Hypertension is a major public health concern, affecting millions worldwide and increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

1 May 2025

Food-as-medicine could save billions in healthcare costs—here’s what’s standing in its way

Researchers review how Food-as-Medicine (FAM) interventions can improve health, reduce healthcare costs, and reshape food production systems. They emphasize the urgent need for clinical validation before scaling individualized nutrition solutions.

8 Apr 2025

Rare sugars curb appetite and mimic diabetes drugs in mice

Rare sugars like D-allulose, D-tagatose, and D-sorbose significantly boosted GLP-1 secretion and suppressed food intake in mice. D-allose also reduced food intake through a unique, GLP-1-independent pathway.

1 Apr 2025

Cordycepin helps tired mice run longer and think better, study finds

Researchers show that cordycepin, a compound from Cordyceps militaris, can boost endurance and protect brain function in mice exhausted by excessive exercise.

10 Mar 2025

The Future of CBD research, marketing, and regulation

In this interview, Professor Ted Dinan, Medical Director at Atlantia Clinical Trials, and Asa Waldstein, Principal at Supplement Advisory Group, discuss Atlantia’s expertise in clinical trials for CBD.

From Atlantia Clinical Trials 28 Feb 2025

Integrating video capsule endoscopy technology in probiotic research

To be decided by the editor

From Atlantia Clinical Trials 28 Feb 2025

The brain-gut microbiota axis: Impact on mental health & potential treatment avenues

To be decided by the editor

From Atlantia Clinical Trials 28 Feb 2025

Randomized clinical food trials: Best clinical practice, quality management & data processing

The evolution of food clinical trials highlights the importance of quality management and ICH-GCP adherence in validating health claims and interventions.

From Atlantia Clinical Trials 28 Feb 2025