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In the first part of our special focus on heart health, NutraIngredients examines the science behind the potential health benefits of a new wave of ingredients, from blood pressure lowering peptides from dairy, to flavanols from cocoa.     Improving blood pressure and boosting vascular health are areas of interest R&D activity Improved heart health relates to reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke. Risk factors for these diseases are numerous, and include smoking habits, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and physical exercise levels. According to Frost and Sullivan, the heart health market in Europe is dominated by ingredients targeting cholesterol-reduction, with the big four listed as phytosterols, omega-3s, beta-glucan, and soy protein. While these main players are looking at blood lipid and cholesterol levels, another area of interest for the industry is reduction of blood pressure in... Tags: Untagged Read More

Back in November 2009, when my Body & Soul Magazine arrived, an article immediately caught my attention. It was entitled, "Is Organic Really Better For You?" The article analyzed some recent findings that had just become public on this subject. At the time, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition released a report finding that organic food is no more nutritious than conventional foods. The authors of the report looked at 55 studies from the past 50 years and proclaimed that "despite a few findings to the contrary, organically and conventionally farmed crops and animal products don't significantly differ in nutrient quality. The British government agency funding the report claims 'no evidence of additional health benefits from eating organic food.'" As I read those words, I was mortified--how could this be? Well, read on! According to Elizabeth Barker of Body & Soul Magazine, who quoted Charles Benbrook, Ph.D., chief scientist of the Organic Center—a pro-organics nonprofit... Tags: Untagged Read More