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Cardiac diet: What is it? Foods to eat and avoid, plus planning a diet – Medical News Today

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

The cardiac diet emphasizes foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and oily fish. These foods are beneficial for heart health. The diet also limits processed foods that are high in sugar and salt, as these increase the risk of heart disease.

This article will cover some foods to eat and avoid and give an example of a cardiac diet meal plan.

It will also discuss healthful food options at restaurants, offer tips on how to stick with the diet, and suggest some other lifestyle changes to make.

One 2019 review indicated that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, the Mediterranean diet, and vegetarian diets have the most evidence for cardiovascular disease prevention.

The American Heart Association (AHA) say that the following foods are beneficial for heart health:

The phrase eat the rainbow is a useful way for people to remember to consume a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables each day. The different types of antioxidants that plant foods contain can help protect the heart.

Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of fiber, which is essential for heart health.

Experts suggest eating 45 servings (2.5 cups) of vegetables per day.

People should try to focus on eating non-starchy vegetables and limiting the portion sizes of starchy vegetables, including potatoes and squash.

Oily fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for the heart.

The AHA suggest eating 2 servings of fish, particularly fatty fish, per week. A serving is 3.5 ounces cooked or a three-quarter cup of flaked fish.

Fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise children and pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid larger fish such as shark, swordfish, and marlin. This is due to potential mercury contamination.

Limiting refined grains and opting for whole grains instead helps protect against cardiovascular disease.

Whole grains contain more beneficial fiber than refined grains. People can include whole grain bread, pasta, and rice as part of a healthful diet.

The best diets for cardiovascular health include 23 cups of nuts, seeds, and legumes daily.

However, although they are nutritious, nuts and seeds are also very energy-dense. For this reason, a person should consume them in accordance with their desired calorie intake.

A person can try adding the following to their diet:

The AHA acknowledge the conflicting evidence surrounding saturated fats and the risk of heart disease.

However, they say that most of the evidence suggests that people should consume less saturated fat in their diet. A person can consume less saturated fat by choosing skimmed milk and low fat dairy products.

There are several foods a person should try to limit when following the cardiac diet. These are:

Red meat is a source of saturated fat. According to several studies, replacing red or processed meat with plant protein may lower the risk of heart disease.

Plant proteins include nuts, legumes, whole grains, and soy products.

Many processed foods and beverages contain added sugars especially sodas and energy drinks.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting calories from added sugars to no more than 10% each day. If following a 2,000-calorie diet, this equates to 200 calories, or 12 teaspoons of sugar, per day.

Avoiding excess sugar can help a person maintain a moderate weight and prevent heart disease.

Processed foods often contain long lists of ingredients, many of which are not beneficial for a healthy heart. For example, many processed foods contain:

If possible, try to cook meals from scratch using whole foods. This is a more healthful option.

Refined carbohydrates lack fiber and can potentially cause a blood sugar imbalance. Over time, consuming a lot of refined carbs can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Some refined carbs to limit include:

People who consume alcohol should try to do so in moderation. This means consuming no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.

Some people believe that a moderate intake of red wine can help protect the heart because it contains resveratrol. However, the evidence for this is weak, according to Harvard University.

Consuming too much salt (sodium) may give rise to high blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk.

The AHA say that reducing sodium intake by 1,000 milligrams per day can reduce blood pressure.

Many processed foods contain added salt, so a person can monitor their intake by reading the labels and choosing whole foods instead, when possible.

The cardiac diet aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by encouraging people to eat healthful, anti-inflammatory foods.

The basic principles of this diet are:

People can make a start with the cardiac diet using the following meal plan:

Some people may find that altering their eating habits is challenging at first.

So, try making gradual changes, maybe two per week, and sticking to them. This is preferable to making many changes all at once and then giving up quickly.

Keeping a food journal or having a diet buddy can often help people stay motivated. Also, planning a special treat at the end of a month of perseverance is a good way for someone to reward themselves.

Another tip is to add herbs and spices (instead of salt or dressings) to meals to boost their flavor.

Good options to eat at restaurants include:

People should try to avoid high sugar and high fat sauces and dressings. They should also aim to limit their alcohol intake when dining out.

Some other tips for a healthy heart include:

Creating and sticking to the cardiac diet is a process. If a person is used to eating refined carbs and processed foods frequently, they may find it difficult to stick to a more healthful diet. Trying the tips above may help.

Over time, adhering to the cardiac diet should result in a person being able to maintain a moderate weight. This has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Whole grains, vegetables, and oily fish are excellent staple foods to include in the cardiac diet.

While following this diet, a person should focus on plant-based foods and items that are low in saturated fat. People should try to avoid processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, including red meat and dairy.

It can be helpful for people to plan their diet and be mindful of their choices when dining out.

Getting daily exercise is also beneficial for heart health.

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Cardiac diet: What is it? Foods to eat and avoid, plus planning a diet - Medical News Today

Dietary Assessment Should Be Included In Routine Health Check-ups – Health Experts Recommend – NDTV Food

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

Healthy eating and healthy living go hand-in-hand. A wholesome and nutritious diet is known to be good for overall well-being. Hence, experts always advise keeping a check on what we eat on a regular basis. Echoing the same thought, a team of nutrition and cardiovascular disease experts recently stated that in today's world, people should include dietary assessment and counselling in their routine health check-ups regimes. This statement, issued by the American Heart Association and was published in the association's journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

"Dietary patterns and quality are not sufficiently prioritised when addressing modifiable risk factors during regular healthcare office visits. Given the evidence that diet contributes to disease and mortality, it is a risk factor worth screening for continuously," said Maya Vadiveloo, Ph.D., RD, chair of the statement writing group and assistant professor of nutrition and health sciences in the College of Health Science at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island.

A report in ANI further stated that a 2017 Global Burden of Disease study found that poor-quality diet led to 11 million deaths and about half of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths globally.

To understand the reason behind why healthcare team do not address diet-related issues during a routine check-up, the experts at American Heart Association listed some points that included lack of training and knowledge, lack of time and reimbursement et al. However, as per Vadiveloo, these barriers can be brought under control with time.

"An important component in addition to evaluating diet quality is targeting actionable changes - helping patients set achievable dietary goals - and then following up at the next visit," said Alice H. Lichtenstein, D.Sc., vice-chair of the writing group and lead and senior scientist of the Cardiovascular Nutrition Team at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston.

As per the researchers, further studies are needed in regard to incorporation of effective dietary screening in routine check-up system.

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Dietary Assessment Should Be Included In Routine Health Check-ups - Health Experts Recommend - NDTV Food

Going on a High-Protein Diet? Learn the History of Protein – The Great Courses Daily News

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

By Roberta H. Anding, MS, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens HospitalEdited by Kate Findley and proofread byAngelaShoemaker, The Great Courses DailyProtein is an essential macronutrient that our bodies must get daily in order to supply amino acids for the growth and maintenance of cells. Photo By Syda Productions / ShutterstockHistory of Protein

To understand why this macronutrient is so important, its helpful to know the history of protein. Protein comes from the Greek word meaning primary, or proteios. It was first described by a Swedish chemist by the name of Berzelius in 1838.

However, the first protein to be sequenced into its individual amino acids was insulin, and it was done by Dr. Frederick Sanger, who won the Nobel Prize in 1958. How are protein and amino acids interconnected?

Amino acids are the building block of protein, so when Dr. Sanger sequenced this, he discovered which amino acid, or building block, went in which order to produce insulin. Insulin is the hormone responsible for getting not only glucose or carbohydrate into the cell but also other essential nutrients as well.

We know that protein is an indispensable nutrient, meaning it must be consumed in the diet. Your body has no other way of getting in this essential nutrient, other than what you consume.

Thats why it comes from the Greek word for primary, proteios, to mean that it is of primary importance in the diet. Protein can be found in every single tissue in the body.

For example, its in your skin, your hair, and even in your bone and muscle. We dont really think of bone as being protein, but there are actually protein-producing cells within your bone to build the matrix around which bone is built.

What makes this nutrient so unique? As opposed to carbohydrate and fat, protein contains the element nitrogen and is about 16% nitrogen.

Many of the waste products of protein metabolism are going to be nitrogen-based compounds. Urea, which is found in urine, is a nitrogen-containing compound.

Nitrogen is the central element in amino acids, the building block of proteins. At least 10,000 different proteins of different shapes and sizes have helped to build your body and maintain it.

With genetic codes as a blueprint, protein is built from amino acids. This genetic code is like an architectural design, telling you where the plumbing goes, setting up the electrical wiring, and within your body, helping to lay out what kinds of proteins are built from these amino acids at what point in time.

Your body is composed of 20 amino acids, nine of which are classified as essential. Essential means that you must obtain these amino acids from your diet because your body does not make them on its own.

The sequencing of these amino acids is so precise that the sequencing determines the protein structure. We have a limited amount of amino acids, but an infinite array of how we can arrange those amino acids in a different sequence to get a different protein structure.

Professor Roberta H. Anding is a registered dietitian and Director of Sports Nutrition and a clinical dietitian at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens Hospital. She also teaches and lectures in the Baylor College of Medicines Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine and Sports Medicine, and in the Department of Kinesiology at Rice University.

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Going on a High-Protein Diet? Learn the History of Protein - The Great Courses Daily News

Saints’ Alvin Kamara shifted toward plant-based diet this offseason – NOLA.com

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara said he weighs 211 pounds right now, which is right about in line with the 212-215-pound range he usually falls in during the offseason.

But if he looks like hes carrying the weight a little differently, there might be some truth behind that. This offseason, Kamara re-tooled his diet, cutting out things like sodium and some sugars and shifting toward plant-based foods.

I got with my chef and just put together a plan and stuck to it and am still sticking to it, Kamara said. I think that changed my body a little bit, look a little bit different, but all in all still good, still positive."

Kamara is not the only Saints player to alter the way he ate this offseason.

Quarterback Jameis Winston embraced a modified vegan diet he said he allows himself one day per week to cheat and eat meat and he reported to the Saints facility looking as trim as he ever has in an NFL uniform.

Its just changed my body drastically, Winston said in his introductory news conference with the team.

Kamara and Winston join a handful of other high-profile NFL players who have embraced a plant-based (or mostly plant-based) diet, including Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu.

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Saints' Alvin Kamara shifted toward plant-based diet this offseason - NOLA.com

How to live longer – the best spice to protect against early death and bowel cancer – Express

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a well-rounded diet is crucial to prolonging your lifespan.

You could also boost your lifespan by doing regular exercise. Its the miracle cure weve all been waiting for, according to the NHS.

Making some small diet or lifestyle changes could help to increase your life expectancy and avoid an early death.

One of the best ways to raise your chances of a long life is to regularly eat ginger, it's believed.

READ MORE: How to live longer - a smoothie that may boost your life expectancy

"Studies show ginger fights nausea, stimulates bile production, relieve stomach discomfort, and speeds transit through the digestive tract," they said in their book Eat Better Live Longer Understand What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy.

"It also helps to break up and dispel intestinal gas, to counter bloating.

"Gingers strong anti-inflammatory action may help to relieve pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, they said.

"A review of five studies found taking ginger reduced pain by nearly a third and disability by 22 percent in people with osteoarthritis."

If you're not a big fan of the taste of ginger, you could also try swapping it for turmeric.

Turmeric is a great anti-ageing remedy, due to its active ingredient; curcumin.

Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which specifically protects the heart, lungs and brain from a number of conditions.

People that eat the most turmeric have even been claimed to have a lower risk of developing cancer.

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How to live longer - the best spice to protect against early death and bowel cancer - Express

What Is Cloud Bread, the New TikTok Food Trend? – Eater

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

Well, things are happening on TikTok again. No, Im not talking about the presidents executive order effectively banning the ByteDance-owned app from the U.S. starting September 20. What I am referring to on this here food site is CLOUD BREAD, the latest culinary trend sweeping the social video platform/national security threat.

Cloud bread, like previous viral trend dalgona coffee, is made first and foremost to look good as a moving picture. Exhibit A:

The bread is primarily made of three ingredients: egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch. Its not dissimilar from meringue, which at its most basic is made from egg whites and sugar. Via Delish, heres one common iteration of the cloud bread recipe:

To start, you need to separate three egg whites into a bowl and whip them up. When its frothy, add in 30 grams of sugar (about two-and-a-half tablespoons) and 10 grams of cornstarch (about one tablespoon). Whip the mixture until it becomes thick. Place it on a baking sheet in any shape you desirepeople typically choose a bread-like dome shape. Place it into a 300-degree oven, and youll have beautiful cloud bread in about 25 minutes.

The result is a soft, round loaf that, when torn apart, reveals a pillow-like interior. Bonus points for adding a touch of food coloring, ideally in a hue pastel enough to fit the cottagecore aesthetic thats so popular on TikTok nowadays. Some users have been adding vanilla, strawberry extract, sprinkles, or other flavor enhancers in an effort to mask a taste described by some as rotten eggs. Again, people, this trend is all about appearances, not about good food or preventing the unnecessary consumption of material resources!!!

Cloud bread started taking off on TikTok towards the end of July, with many attributing the recipe to user @linqanaaa. Its worth noting that a different kind of cloud bread was a real thing long before this current TikTok version; The Kitchn reports that that cloud bread was first introduced to the world through the Atkins Diet in the 1970s, and keto bloggers have routinely shared their recipes for that low-carb alternative over the past few years.

I know youre just here to look at TikToks of cloud bread, so this is where Ill leave you with endless loops of bread pulls and tender fluff. Sure, man, enjoy:

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What Is Cloud Bread, the New TikTok Food Trend? - Eater

Vegan Diet: Here Are 6 Non-Dairy Sources Of Calcium You Can Bank On – NDTV

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

Spinach and broccoli are rich sources of calcium

Vegan diet is one which restricts intake of milk and dairy products - which are considered to be one of the best sources of calcium. Also, people with lactose intolerant cannot have milk or dairy products, which makes them ponder about how to ensure optimum calcium intake. Well, there are plenty of dairy-free calcium food sources that you can bank on. Calcium is vital for healthy bones and teeth. It is also essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerve cells, and blood clotting. To maintain steady levels of calcium, calcium is often moved from bones to blood inside the body and therefore a daily recommended doses of calcium are needed in order to prevent the weakening of bones and prevention of conditions like osteoporosis.

If you are lactose intolerant or if avoid dairy products and are following a vegan lifestyle, you just need to learn how to balance your macros and micros, and calcium is one such mineral that can be obtained through a balanced plant-based diet even in the complete absence of dairy consumption.

Also read:Osteoporosis And Bone Health: Milk And Other Calcium Rich Foods To Enhance Bone Health

100 grams of soybeans provide 27% daily value of dietary calcium. Soybeans are categorized as legumes and there are various soy products available like soy flour, tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soybean oil, or soy chunks. Soy milk can be a suitable replacement for dairy milk especially for tea, coffee, or smoothies.

100 grams of broccoli yields around 50 milligrams of calcium. 2 cups of broccoli contain the same amount of calcium as one glass of milk but with a better absorption rate that means the calcium from broccoli is more readily absorbed by the body when compared to calcium absorbed from milk.

2 cups of broccoli contain same amount of calcium as a glass of milkPhoto Credit: iStock

Also read:What Are Broccoli Sprouts? Know How They Boost Immunity And Improve Cardiovascular Health

One of the healthiest millets, it is loaded with so many vital minerals including calcium. 100 grams of ragi offers about 344 milligrams of calcium. It also contains many phytonutrients and polyphenols and helps controlling blood sugar levels. It is also gluten-free and extremely nutritious. Ragi is also one of the few natural sources of Vitamin D.

100 grams of sesame seeds contain about 97% of the daily value of calcium especially unhulled sesame seeds. They can add a delectable and mild crunch to any preparation. These tiny seeds also contain magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Sesame seeds are also loaded with the goodness of protein. The best way to consume sesame seeds is by dry roasting and sprinkling them over your vegetables, soups, or salads. Tahini paste made of sesame seeds is a great choice too.

This annual legume has to offer about 105 milligrams of calcium for 100-gram value. Chickpeas are well-admired to be one of the best sources of vegan protein and are also rich in iron, copper, folate, and phosphorus making them a perfect vegan superfood. Chickpeas can be boiled or sprouted and can be consumed in the form of soup, salad, or can be turned into a thick gravy.

Also read:Black Chickpea For Diabetes: Control Your Blood Sugar Levels With Kala Chana; What Is The Right Time To Eat And How

This versatile leafy green offers about 100 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams making it around 250 milligrams of calcium in one cup of cooked spinach. A point to note is that apart from calcium, spinach also contains oxalate that may interfere with the absorption of calcium. The best way to reduce oxalate content from spinach is by boiling it which may get down oxalate content by as much as 90%.

(Nmami Agarwal is nutritionist at Nmami Life)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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‘RHOC’ Alum Vicki Gunvalson Starts The Whole30 Diet – TV Shows Ace

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

RHOC alum, Vicki Gunvalson certainly seems to be getting all her ducks in a row. Real Housewives of Orange County fans heard over the weekend that Vicki put up her home in Orange County for sale. She recently spent time in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, decorating and putting in the finishing touches to her beachside condo. Now, it seems she looks at a healthier lifestyle. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, she said that shes starting the Whole30 Diet

We reported that news came out over the weekend that Vicki put up her home for sale. She listed her house on the market for 3.35 million dollars. Apparently, she and Steve Lodge plan to split their time between California, North Carolina, and Puerto Vallarta. Steve already has family back in California. So, they expect to always maintain some sort of home in the area. It seems that part of her big break from Bravos Real Housewives of Orange County involves a totally new lifestyle. And, she also focuses on her health.

Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday night, Vicki shared a card. It read, started the whole30 day diet today. Day one down. Then she asked, Has anyone else done it and lost the whole 30 days? In a second clip, Vicky said she heard so many good things about the diet. So, she prepared a breakfast dish that included coconut, pumpkin and other fruit. Actually, it looks really delicious. It looks like Vicki did a lot of research. And, she also shared many printed recipes that she found online. Organized, she hit the shops with her shopping list and got all the ingredients to last for a month.

Certainly, the RHOC star looks like shes slim already. Nevertheless, the diets about more than just losing weight. Healthline noted that its been trending since about 2017. Their website noted the diet started as a way to reset your metabolism. By eliminating certain foods its hoped that your body recovers from the negative effects of previous lifestyle choices. Many people rave about it claiming it brings many health benefits. Apparently after starting the diet, 30 days later, the RHOC star may reintroduce those dishes she missed.

The diet comes with a long list of food that you can eat and those foods that are off-limits. Fortunately for Vicki, its not all that complicated. No calorie-tracking or keeping those ghastly diet-counts are involved. Apparently, apart from fat-loss the diet also gives people higher energy levels and better sleep. Importantly, it seems to reduce food cravings. But if you enjoy a glass of wine, set that aside for the next month.

So, it looks like the RHOC alum puts aside alcohol completely for a while. But, its basically a return to our old ways of eating. Mainly, totally avoid processed foods. But, no wonder Vicki asked if anyone else made it through the full 30 days. After, all, the program recommends that if you slip up on it you need to go back and start from day one again. That might help Vicki stay motivated and just stick with it the first time. Hopefully, she updates fans on her progress as time goes by.

Jane is a writer who started a small book publishing company. She wrote three books, one of them published by Domhan. jane also writes a for The Destination Seeker and Blasting News. Jane sometimes writes as Woryn Jay.

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'RHOC' Alum Vicki Gunvalson Starts The Whole30 Diet - TV Shows Ace

How Can Poverty and a Healthy Diet Strike it Together? – Al-Bawaba

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

A young nutritionist and food entrepreneur in Tanzania has won a prestigious international award for devising innovative business solutions to improve nutrition for low-income and marginalized families.

Jolenta Joseph, 29, secured a cash prize of US$10,000 and a prestigious mentorship award dubbed the Food Technology Innovation Prize issued by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), a Swiss-based charity working to improve global nutrition by promoting healthier diets to vulnerable communities.

This is really good news to usWe are aiming to end hidden hunger in Tanzania, and this means growth for us, said Jolenta, whose company, Sanavita, uses solar dryers to process nutrient-dense crops -- notably orange-fleshed sweet potatoes -- into various edible products.

Hidden hunger, involving a lack of vitamins and minerals, occurs when the quality of food people eat does not meet their nutrient requirements, according to the World Health Organization.

Jolenta is working to promote healthy eating among groups susceptible to malnutrition, especially pregnant women, lactating mothers and underage children.

Organized by the Sun Business Network, a global platform for business and nutrition, 21 finalists including Jolenta were picked through a rigorous selection process that attracted 500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from across Africa and Asia.

Creative innovation

Jolenta, who actively participated in frenzied jostling for the cash and business mentorship prizes, impressed the panel of judges by displaying remarkable creativity that has helped resolve nutritional challenges in rural parts of Tanzania.

Her agribusiness company Sanavita -- which is working to fight malnutrition, particularly hidden hunger -- has also been recognized and awarded a mentorship prize by Agricultural Systems International (AGREA) for showcasing innovative creativity for its ability to produce, add value and process staple crops rich in micronutrients.

What I like about Sanavita is their use of solar dryers. This preserves the nutrients of the product. So this is pretty exciting and innovative, said Cherrie Atilano, one of the judges, who is also the CEO of AGREA, an innovative agribusiness company striving to eradicate poverty.

The first cash prize of $20,000 for the most innovative solution for improving nutrition went to Baby Grubz, a Nigerian-based firm working to develop nutritious complementary foods for infants.

Chronic Malnutrition

Despite making remarkable progress in fighting malnutrition a decade ago, Tanzania is still struggling to fight chronic malnutrition (stunting), which affects 34% of children below the age of five.

With a population of 57.9 million, the East African country is still haunted by micronutrient deficiency, particularly a critical shortage of iron and Vitamin A which affects 58% of children under the age of 5, in addition to 48% of women aged 15-49, government statistics show.

But with help from local nutrition experts and food entrepreneurs determined to reverse the trend, more farmers have been sensitized to grow nutrient-dense crops including orange sweet potatoes to bolster their families nutrition, strengthen food security and generate incomes.

In the sun-fried plains of Msolwa, a village perched on the slopes of the Uluguru mountains about 190 kilometers west of Tanzanias eastern Morogoro region, every farmer has a story to tell about orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and how theyve helped them eliminate bouts of hidden hunger.

Orange potatoes are very good. Theyre nutritious, and most of us grow them for food and for business, said Edmund Muhando, the head of a farmers group.

According to him, the orange potato breed, which is widely grown in the impoverished village, is highly profitable.

Our children enjoy good health. They grow well because they eat vitamin-rich potatoes, he said.

The 57-year-old is among many farmers in the region who grow nutrient-dense crops as a strategy to fight malnutrition, improve food security and increase incomes.

The orange-fleshed sweet potato was introduced in Tanzania in 2002 by the International Potato Center as an alternative staple crop in the wake of a severe drought that ravaged maize harvests in many parts of the country.

More nutrients

Agricultural experts say the crop contains important vitamins and is tolerant to extreme weather.

Despite its growing popularity, observers however say that efforts to expand production of orange potatoes in East Africa are hampered by a shortage of high-yielding vines, a poor delivery system for pest-free vines and a lack of political support.

Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in human nutrition from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Jolenta has mobilized hundreds of local farmers and trained them to grow orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which her company buys and processes to make various food items.

The company has since been supporting a legion of farmers to grow bio-fortified crops including beans, maize and orange potatoes and process them into nutritious flours.

We grow these crops and process them into different food items to raise awareness on better nutrition. We encourage farmers to eat these products, said Jolenta.

As a woman-led company, Sanavita targets a key segment of the population, especially pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Bio-fortified products are important for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children since they contain the micronutrients badly needed by this critical group, she told Anadolu Agency.

Born in 1991 to a peasant family in the northern Manyara region, Jolenta is determined to succeed in life. She knows that success requires hard work, passion and the ability to plan and set priorities.

From her humble beginnings, the soft-spoken food scientist initially sold orange potatoes to the local markets before she decided to cut, dry and sell them to food processors as ingredients for their products.

Her company has since grown into a medium-sized business with an expanded investment portfolio.

Hopefully our business will grow much faster now that we are part of the GAIN network said Jolenta, who employs 18 people, five of them full-time.

Dispelling the myths

In a bid to dispel myths and cultural practices that stifle healthy eating habits, Jolenta embarked on an awareness campaign on television, radio and social media to educate people about the importance of eating nutrient-dense food products.

I think it is important to invest in nutrition education and raise awareness on healthy eating and producing bio-fortified crops, she said.

Jolentas awareness drive is not without a profit. Glory Mlay, one of her customers, said her son, who started using Sanavitas products when he was barely six months old, has grown healthy and now weighs 13.6 kilograms.

I am very happy because my son likes nutritious porridge, and we dont force him to drink it, since it tastes good, Mlay said.

John Magoti, a resident of Morogoro, is thankful to Jolenta for her advice on child nutrition.

I met Jolenta when I was running errands looking for Viazi Lishe [nutritious potatoes]. She advised me on how best to feed my son, and the results have been great.

This article has been adapted from its original source.

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How Can Poverty and a Healthy Diet Strike it Together? - Al-Bawaba

A new study explains why women should include blueberry in their diet – The Indian Express

Posted: August 11, 2020 at 3:45 pm

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Updated: August 11, 2020 6:20:42 pm Blueberries picking. Female hand gathering blueberries. Harvesting concept.

Blueberry-enriched diet has health benefits for women, a new study revealed. Published in the Journal of Nutrition, the study by Cornell University examined how the serum of the participants on blueberry-enriched diet affected the cells responsible for muscle growth and repair in women.

For the study, the researchers followed 22 women for over six weeks, of which 12 women were aged between 25 and 40 while the rest were between 60 and 75. The women were given 1.75 cups of fresh blueberries per day, along with their regular meal and were asked to avoid food rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins. The serum was obtained from every participant on a daily basis.

The results showed that the serum obtained from women aged 25-40 increased human muscle progenitor cell numbers in culture. No effect was observed in women aged 60-75.

Read| Why you should include goji berries in your diet

Currently, research on dietary interventions to support skeletal muscle regeneration in humans is limited. This preliminary study of muscle progenitor cell function paves the way for future studies to develop clinical interventions, study author Anna Thalacker-Mercer was quoted as saying.

She added, While the results cannot be generalised to all populations, this study is an important step in translating findings from cell culture and rodent studies to a potential dietary therapy for improving muscle regeneration after injury and during the ageing process.

(With inputs from ANI)

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