Non-nutritive sweeteners

There are five non-nutritive sweeteners approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA. There are saccharin, acesulfane potassium (Acesulfane-K), sucralose, aspartame, neotame. Cyclamate is also an artificial sweetener approved for use in the European Union but banned for use in the USA. Recently, Stevia, a herbal extract of intense sweeteness has entered the market.

Diet and pain (2)

There is a strong association between diet and the development of chronic diseases namely, cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, some cancers and Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found that a diet low in fat and high in fibre not only helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases but is also essential in reducing inflammation. Inflammation is in fact, a critical aspect in the development of the above-mentioned conditions which are characterised by low-grade inflammation. The pain associated with these conditions may not be immediate as the effects of these conditions accumulate over many years before being detected.

Diet and pain (1)

Most, if not all human beings have some point in time experienced even the slightest bit of pain which occurs as a result of a minor injury, mentrual pain or the pain which accompanies a sickness/disease; it is known fact that pain is a fairly common occurence and an inevitable part of life.

Obesity stress and depression

Obesity may lead to chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Unlike influenza, these NCDs cannot be passed on from one person to another ("non-communicable"), and they are "chronic", that is, once these diseases develop, they would not go away but would require lifestyle treatment. But obesity is also linked to stress and depression.

Ginger an your health

Ginger is a perennial flowering plant, native to Southern Asia, and introduced to many parts of the globe. It is now cultivated throughout the humid tropics including the Caribbean (Jamaica, Guyana and Haiti), Asia, and Africa. Ginger's botanical name is Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Though sometimes called a root, ginger is in fact a swollen underground stem - a rhizome.

Eating during the holiday season

Better belly bust that good food waste for Christmas is the refrain of a popular Christmas song in Trinidad and Tobago; a sentiment with which many around the world will agree. The holiday season can be enjoyed without over indulging but requires some deliberate planning and forethought to resist the many tasty temptations.

Sports food

A burst of excitement on the international althletic scene has had the world wondering just how much of the althletic performance is due to nutrition. Some say the secret lies in yam, and yet others think it is in food processing and food quality that makes the difference. But is there really a link between performance and nutrition? If so, what is it?

Workplace Nutrition

The importance of good nutrition is understood by most, if not all people, even those without access to scientific studies and proofs. It is widely believed, and rightly so, that poor nutrition is linked to poor academic performance, lack of energy, less favourble behaviour and poor growth in children. Studies have shown that when a child who previously did not have access to a health breakfast is regularly fed a healthy breakfast, overall performance in school improves.

Obesity and stigma

Obesity is a serious medical condition and can cause premature death. Persons who are obese have a high chance of getting chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, and so on. Obesity rates have been rapidly increasing world-wide and health authorities have been drawing attention to the health consequences of this condition. However, what is often ignored is that obese persons frequently experience bias and discrimination solely based on their weight. This stigma that is attached to obesity has serious consequences for the personal, social well-being and emotional health of obese persons.

Raw foods and you Health

Raw foods are foods (usually plant foods) that have not been cooked (heated) of processed in any way. Such foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and beans.

Fish oils and your health

The debate over the health benefits of fish oils is over a decade long. Within that time, countless studies have been conducted to determine if ingestion of fish and fish oil capsules help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The existing body of evidence suggest that they do have some beneficial effects. In this issue we attempt to highlight some facts known about fish oils and health.

Dietary supplements - 2

Based on the perceived need for supplementation, the consumer will be seeking a product to fill the need. While the manufacturer and the regulatory agencies must play major roles in ensuring the safety of dietary supplements available to the public, the consumer who makes the choice to purchase and use dietary supplements can be proactive and take control of what he or she purchases to consume.

Dietary supplements - 1

A dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth which is intended to increase usual intake of dietary ingredients it contains.

Organic foods: are they healthier?

Ever wonder what's this fuss over organic foods? The term organic usually refers to the way in which farmers grow and process their agriculture produce, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. Organic foods are foods that are grown without chemicals or genetic modification.

Fruits, vegetables and cancer prevention - 2

Plant foods, including vegetables and fruits, are a source of many micro-nutrients and bioactive compounds that may figure protecting against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, colon, rectum, lung and prostate.

Fruits, vegetables and cancer prevention - 1

Cancer is the second highest cause of death in the Caribbean. There is a lot of evidence to show that our diets play a role in both the development and the outcome of cancer. Cancer experts report that around one third of cancers are preventable by good nutrition. This is because there are some foods and food constituents that probably decrease the chance of us getting cancer.

Grocery shopping in a recession

Global recession has caused many consumer goods, particularly food items, to increase while wages and salaries have been stagnant. Although the current financial crisis may look somewhat bleak or depressing, families, especially those in which children are present, need to ensure that in addition to saving money, the health needs of the family members are met. You may be wondering, how it is possible to stick to a budget while maintaining a health conscious diet? All is not lost. Even though prices are higher, healthy living does not have to be expensive. The wise shopper armed with a plan can still make healthful choices and save money.

Nutrition through the life course: part 8 - the elderly

Aging is an inevitable natural process. It results in changes to several organs which function less efficiently leading to the development of disease. Research has shown that the risk of chronic disorders increases significantly with age.