“Processed Meat and Health: Rising Concerns, Consumer Demand, and the Ongoing Debate”

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, categorizes processed meat as a carcinogen. Here, “processed” refers to meat that has undergone preservation and flavor enhancement through methods such as salting, curing, fermenting, and smoking, often with the use of salt, sugar, nitrates, and nitrites. Notably, nitrites are linked to … Read more

“Stevia’s Rise: A Natural Sweetener Amidst the Shift Towards Healthier, Low-Calorie Alternatives”

In a world increasingly fixated on calorie counts, consumers have been on the lookout for ways to indulge their sweet cravings without the risk of weight gain, prompting food and beverage manufacturers to rise to the challenge. However, concerns regarding the health implications of artificial sweeteners like saccharin have persisted. With a growing emphasis on … Read more

“Concerns Over Arsenic Levels in Infant Rice Cereals: Insights from Industry Practices and Recommendations for Parents”

Rice has a higher capacity to absorb arsenic from soil and water compared to other grains, which explains the elevated levels of this heavy metal found in infant rice cereals. According to Healthy Babies Bright Futures, despite reports on this issue surfacing over the last five years, there is no evidence that manufacturers have reduced … Read more

“Rising Star: The Potential of Mamey Fruit in the U.S. Food Market”

Exotic flavors are currently experiencing a surge in popularity within food and beverage sectors. This trend is partly driven by millennials’ adventurous tastes, leading to the emergence of ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine in innovative recipes. If mamey fruit can navigate the hurdles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could … Read more

“Reducing Sodium while Enhancing Flavor: A New Approach for Food Manufacturers in the U.S.”

Consumers in the United States are consuming excessive amounts of salt. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 90% of children and 89% of adults exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. The American Heart Association indicates that 75% of this sodium comes from processed, prepackaged, and restaurant foods. Recent research from China offers … Read more

“Revolutionizing Health-Oriented Food Manufacturing: Insights from Deakin University’s Study on Carbohydrate Sensitivity and Consumer Behavior”

This relatively small study has the potential to significantly influence food manufacturing, particularly in the realm of health-oriented products. Although further extensive research is required to validate the findings from Deakin University, this study opens up new possibilities for taste profiles in healthier foods. If consumers can perceive carbohydrates similarly to how they experience sweet … Read more

“Unlocking the Potential of Tart Cherries: A Sleep Aid and Health Booster for Consumers”

Tart cherries are highly regarded for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. As described by Bonnie Taub-Dix, a registered dietitian nutritionist, they also serve a pain-relieving function and can aid in muscle recovery following exercise. Moreover, this research indicates that cherries are abundant in melatonin, which can enhance both the duration and quality of sleep. The … Read more

“Hydroponics Debate Heats Up at National Organic Standards Board Meeting in Florida”

During the National Organic Standards Board’s meeting this week in Florida, the hydroponic proposal attracted significant attention amid a packed agenda. The board, which votes on nonbinding recommendations that the USDA considers, has grappled with this topic for several years. Attempts to vote on it last November and this April were postponed as board members … Read more

“Comparing Iron Supplements: Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Sulfate, and the Role of Calcium Citrate K2 in Nutrient Absorption”

Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are both popular iron supplements available under various brand names. These compounds are known for their elemental iron content, which is vital for maintaining healthy iron levels in the body. When considering iron supplementation, it’s essential to compare the elemental iron percentages of different forms, such as ferrous bisglycinate, which … Read more