Almonds Benefit Heart, Glucose Health

Almonds may help pre-diabetics improve insulin sensitivity and decrease LDL-cholesterol, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

The study examined the effects of consuming an almond-enriched diet on factors linked to the progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with pre-diabetes. After 16 weeks of consuming either an almond-enriched or regular diet, both in accordance with American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommendations, the group that consumed an almond-enriched diet showed significantly improved LDL-cholesterol levels and measures of insulin sensitivity, risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The almond-enriched intervention group exhibited greater reductions in insulin, homeostasis model analysis for insulin resistance, and homeostasis model analysis for beta-cell function compared with the nut-free control group. Clinically significant declines in LDL were found in the almond-enriched intervention group as compared with the nut-free control group. No changes were observed in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure or for the other measured cardiovascular risk factors.

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Restaurant Trends for 2011

Eating out in 2011 will be all about health and flavor. Here are some of the predictions by dietitians Jennifer Nelson and Katherine Zeratsky.

• Locally sourced ingredients.
• Smaller portions.
• Big flavour.
• New twist on kid friendly.
• Allergy awareness.

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Eating Fried Fish May Increase Risk of Stroke

People living in the “stroke belt” states eat more fried fish than people living in the rest of the country, which may contribute to the high rate of death from stroke in those states, according to a study published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

In the entire study, fewer than 1 in 4 participants consumed two or more servings of non-fried fish per week. The American Heart Association recommends that people eat fish at least two times per week with an emphasis on fatty fish. Those in the stroke buckle were 11 percent less likely to meet the recommendations than those in the rest of the country. Those in the rest of the stroke belt were 17 percent less likely than those in the rest of the country.

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Top Ten Food Trends for 2011

The following is predicted by the Food Channel for the new year.

1. The Canning Comeback – Food preservation has a rejuvenation.
2. Men in Aprons – A gender role reversal is bubbling up in the kitchen.
3. Local Somewhere – Support a local grower . . . anywhere.
4. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell – Sometimes we don’t want to know the nutrition numbers.
5. Appetite for Food Apps – Discount eats make the new smart phone apps delicious.
6. Small is the New Business – Getting closer to the customer.
7. Fresh Everyday – Rediscovering the butcher, baker and cheese maker.
8. Chefs in School – Living up to their pledge, chefs join the cafeteria crews.
9. Discomfort Foods – Eating your way out of your comfort zone.
10. Eating for Sex and Other Things – Looking for foods that keep us young, strong and active.

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Eating Healthier Means Living Longer for Seniors

The leading causes of death have shifted from infectious diseases to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. These illnesses may be affected by diet. In a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers investigated empirical data regarding the associations of dietary patterns with mortality through analysis of the eating patterns of over 2500 adults between the ages of 70 and 79 over a ten-year period. They found that diets favoring certain foods were associated with reduced mortality.

This study suggests that older adults who follow a dietary pattern consistent with current guidelines to consume relatively high amounts of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish, may have a lower risk of mortality.

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