Beyond The Headlines: DASH Diet hailed by AHA, Nestlé Health Science partnership aims to reduce dairy GHG’s

23 Jun 2023 --- This week in nutrition news, The American Heart Association (AHA) released a statement listing the dietary approaches to stop hypertension, commonly referred to as the DASH Diet, as the most effective for cardiovascular health. Meanwhile, Nestlé Health Science partnered with Royal Dairy Farm to reduce greenhouse gasses (GHGs) in the dairy industry, while Omeat revealed plans to combine cell-based meat with plant-based ingredients to increase sustainability in beef production.

In brief: Nutrition news
The AHA’s latest scientific statement on the heart healthiness of popular dietary patterns ranked the DASH Diet as the top heart-healthy eating plan. The diet has proven to be beneficial for individuals with a history of heart disease or diabetes, but the AHA highlights that it is also suitable for anyone due to its ease of adoption and effectiveness. The scientific statement evaluated popular dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, vegan and vegetarian variations and the paleolithic diet based on how well they align with its Dietary Guidance and found that the DASH-style eating pattern received a perfect score by meeting all of the association’s guidance. It emphasizes the consumption of non-starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and lean protein, while limiting unhealthy fats, excess carbohydrates, salt, added sugar, alcohol, tropical oils and processed foods. The statement is intended to address confusion surrounding heart-healthy eating and provide a tool for healthcare professionals and the public to understand which diets promote good cardiometabolic health. Additionally, the AHA says the DASH Diet is adaptable to individual budgets, preferences and cultural backgrounds, promoting a balanced approach that optimizes cardiovascular and metabolic health while reducing the risks of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity.Nestlé Health Science partnered with Royal Dairy Farm to reduce dairy industry GHGs.

Nestlé Health Science joined forces with Royal Dairy Farm in an initiative to reduce GHG emissions within the US dairy industry. This collaboration aims to support the Dairy Net Zero Initiative, which strives to achieve net-zero emissions across the entire dairy value chain by 2050. The companies say the goal is to develop and implement innovative technologies and practices that will help minimize the environmental impact of dairy production, increase sustainability and address the effects of climate change. The partnership will focus on several key areas, including enhancing the efficiency of dairy farming operations, optimizing cow nutrition and improving waste management systems. These initiatives are designed to reduce the emission of GHGs, such as methane, while advancing sustainable practices within the dairy sector.

At the same time, Omeat unveiled its approach to cultivated beef production, which it says addresses key factors such as taste, cost and scalability. According to the company, the method combines real animal cells with plant-based components to create a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat production. Moreover, Omeat states that by utilizing animal cells and plant-based inputs, it can offer a meat substitute that appeals to consumers’ palates and aligns with their environmental and ethical concerns. The production method also aims to reduce the costs associated with traditional meat production while increasing scalability, making cultivated beef more accessible and affordable for consumers.

In brief: Business News
Groupe Berkem revealed it is considering merging its main subsidiaries as part of a strategic move to streamline its structure, enhance operational efficiency and optimize its overall performance. By merging its subsidiaries, the company says it aims to rationalize its organizational structure, eliminate redundancies and consolidate resources, which it expects to result in improved coordination, better resource allocation and increased synergies across the business. The company states it believes the mergers will allow it to continually adapt to changing market dynamics and position itself for long-term growth and success. It will continue with the company’s recent reorganizations, which were centered around four core business groupings: construction and materials, health, beauty and nutrition, hygiene and protection and industry.

Gatorade appointed Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko as its “Confidence Coach” to inspire and mentor the next generation of athletes. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, Shevchenko will work closely with young athletes and provide guidance to help them build confidence and achieve their goals. In the role, he will leverage extensive experience and success and, through personal interactions and mentorship, share his knowledge, techniques and life lessons to inspire and motivate the next generation of athletes. Gatorade says the decision will allow it to continue supporting athletes, not only through sports beverages but also by providing role models that can guide and inspire them on their journey and help equip them with the tools and mindsets necessary to succeed in their chosen sports.Gatorade appointed Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko as its “Confidence Coach.”

BrightPet Nutrition Group acquired Raw Advantage, a leading producer specializing in freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food and treats, in a bid to bolster its product offerings and strengthen its position within the rapidly growing raw pet food market segment. The acquisition enables the company to expand its range of pet food products by incorporating Raw Advantage’s expertise in freeze-dried and frozen raw pet food and treats – an expanding space in the pet nutrition market. According to the company, increasing numbers of pet owners are seeking natural and nutritionally rich options with quality ingredients and advanced and clean manufacturing processes. It further says the acquisition will foster product innovation, broaden distribution channels and provide an extensive array of raw pet food alternatives. 

In brief: Pet Nutrition
Cascade Animal Sciences launched Neuro-Pro, an offering that targets brain health for senior dogs, in response to the increasing awareness of cognitive health in aging pets. The company highlights that as dogs age, cognitive decline can affect their memory, learning and mental acuity which impacts their overall quality of life. Additionally, it emphasizes that Neuro-Pro is formulated to support cognitive function and promote brain health in senior dogs by combining scientifically selected ingredients to enhance brain function, including antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and natural botanicals. Moreover, it says the offering will provide pet owners with a proactive approach that utilizes evidence-based ingredients to support aging companions and maintain their cognitive abilities.

In celebration of Animal Rights Awareness Week, Dr. Marty Pets is promoting its Nature’s Blend brand of freeze-dried raw dog food as a way to nourish pets and prioritize their well-being. The company emphasizes the importance of providing pets with high-quality nutrition to support their overall health and vitality and states that Nature’s Blend is made with natural, whole-food ingredients, including premium meats, fruits and vegetables, designed to mimic the ancestral diet of dogs, offering a balanced and nutrient-rich meal that supports optimal health. It further notes that the freeze-dried raw dog food market has grown in popularity as pet owners increasingly recognize the benefits of feeding their dogs a diet closer to what they would consume in the wild.Cascade Animal Sciences launched Neuro-Pro to support cognition and healthy aging for senior dogs.

In brief: Scientific studies
A study conducted by researchers at the Mass General Brigham healthcare system suggests that adopting a “food is medicine” approach could help improve nutrition security for families and lead to reductions in body mass index (BMI) among children. The study, conducted in collaboration with the MGH Food Pantry, examined the effects of providing weekly plant-based food packages to food-insecure families during the pandemic and found a correlation between increased receipt of food packages and a decrease in children’s BMI. The findings, published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the use of plant-based foods as a strategy to prevent childhood obesity in food-insecure households. Recent studies show that food insecurity in the US increased by 55% in 2020, affecting 42% of households with children and was accompanied by an increase in childhood obesity rates, revealing that families dealing with food insecurity often face challenges in accessing nutritious food, leading to the consumption of cheap, unhealthy options that contribute to obesity and other health problems. To address the impact of food insecurity on childhood obesity during the pandemic, the MGH Revere Food Pantry provided weekly plant-based food packages containing fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains to families in need and observed a decrease in BMI among children. Those who received 27 weekly packages or more experienced a potential BMI decrease of at least 1.08 kg/m2.

Research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that consuming omega 3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), may help slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and lower the risk of premature death. Conducted over 18 months with 449 ALS patients, the study found that individuals with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood had a slower decline in physical functionality and a lower risk of death compared to those with lower levels. Published in Neurology, the research further spotlight the benefits of ALA – found in foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, canola oil and soybean oil – noting that participants with higher levels of ALA had a 50% lower risk of death during the study period. The researchers also observed positive associations between a reduced risk of death and two other fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) – an omega 3 found in fatty fish and fish oil – and linoleic acid – an omega 6 fatty acid found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. The findings suggest that ALA could have neuroprotective effects that benefit individuals with ALS.

By William Bradford Nichols

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