Calif. Company Launches New Trend In “Detox”: Breakfast Cereals

The “detox” phenomenon began with teas and juices, and has mostly stayed there. But Solana Beach, Calif.-based Earnest Eats has taken detox into the realm of solid foods with breakfast cereals that support digestion, healthy liver function and the body’s own natural detoxification system. Ingredients, besides lots of fiber (six grams per serving), include globe artichoke, green tea, ginger, and dandelion root. The detox, or “reboot,” process requires three steps, and four cereal versions: lemon, maple, and cayenne Spark (step 1); dragonfruit and maqui berry Beam (step 2); turmeric beans and greens Thrive (step 3), and coconut, chocolate, and date Bliss (step 4).

"PLA Innovation of the Week: detox beyond juice - a new cereal takes the detox concept into foods", Datamonitor, May 11, 2015

Genetic Engineering Results In Cattle Whose Beef Is Rich In Omega-3s

A team of Chinese scientists using genetic engineering techniques has developed a variety of beef cattle whose meat is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, normally found in oily fish. The researchers introduced a gene -- isolated from a nematode worm – that codes for enzymes involved in the conversion of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. The experiments were not without problems, however. Eleven of 14 calves that received the gene (fat1) died before they were four months old from a common cattle infection. Further research is needed to determine the cause, and to perfect the gene transfer process.

"Production of transgenic beef cattle rich in n-3 PUFAs by somatic cell nuclear transfer. ", Biotechnology Letters, May 11, 2015

A Busy Employee Isn’t Necessarily A Physically Active One

A European study of physical activity in the workplace finds that being busy doesn’t necessarily correlate with being physically active enough to prevent heart disease. The study was conducted in a busy Irish hospital among 83 employees in six healthcare occupations. Each wore a pedometer to record steps; calories burned were also assessed. High levels of activity -- achieving maximal health gains -- were achieved by only 53 percent, especially among pharmacists and nurses. Pedometer data showed that only 6 percent reached the recommended levels of 10,000 steps per working day. Thirty percent were described as "sedentary" (fewer than 5000 steps a day).

"Exploring the physical activity levels and sedentary behavior of employees within a workplace environment", Study reported at the EuroPrevent Congress, May 17, 2015

How To Prevent Muscle Loss Among Elderly Is Still A Mystery

"Prevention and optimal management of sarcopenia: A review of combined exercise and nutrition interventions to improve muscle outcomes in older people. ", Clinical Interventions in Aging, May 17, 2015

Why Some Overweight People Have a Tougher Time Shedding Pounds

With the proviso that “biology is not destiny,” NIH researchers nevertheless confirmed that some obese people have a harder time losing weight because their metabolisms slow down considerably during a calorie-reduction diet. Tests on 12 obese men and women using a whole-room indirect calorimeter showed that people with “thrifty” metabolisms had a much harder timer dropping the pounds, while people with a “spendthrift” metabolisms easily lost weight. But the researchers said in effect that it’s not a hopeless situation: a balanced diet and regular physical activity over a long period “can be very effective for weight loss."

"A Human Thrifty Phenotype Associated With Less Weight Loss During Caloric Restriction. ", Diabetes, May 11, 2015

Substituting Navy Bean Flour For Wheat Flour To Make Gluten-Free Cakes

A recent study finds that whole navy bean flour – naturally gluten free -- can successfully replace wheat flour in cake baking. Scientists analyzed the effect of navy bean flour at three levels of protein content, comparing it with wheat flour samples. Batters had higher viscosity than conventional cake flour batter. Lowering protein content by adding starch reduced viscosity. Navy bean cakes were softer, but not as spongy. The researchers concluded that when the protein content of navy bean flour is adjusted to a level similar to wheat flour it “has potential as a healthy alternative in gluten-free cakes.”

"Navy Bean Flour Gluten-Free Alternative for Cakes?", Food Product Design, April 30, 2015