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2007
Highlighting kilojoules on labels: a step in the right direction
The Federal Government, in conjunction with the food industry, recently launched a new labelling scheme to assist consumers to make informed dietary choices when choosing food and drink products. The scheme will see highlighted on the front of food and beverage packages the percentage that a serving contributes to an average person’s daily kilojoule requirements.
The aim is to underscore the importance of kilojoules when making informed dietary choices. This initiative will help you more easily compare foods based on their kilojoule content, which is a very important step when it comes to weight management. It is important to note however that the percentage daily intake is based on an ‘average’ person’s kilojoule intake of 8,700 per day and that your own kilojoule requirements may vary depending on your age, sex, height, weight and activity level.
However, keep an eye out for the new labels, already on Kellogg cereal packs and set to hit supermarket shelves from now on.
Dark chocolate acts as aspirin – study
 Cocoa contained in dark chocolate may function in the same way as aspirin in preventing heart attacks, according to a new US study.
Scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine say that a few squares of dark chocolate each day can reduce the risk of heart attack by almost 50 per cent in some cases.
The researchers said platelets in the blood of dark chocolate eaters clotted more slowly, reducing platelet clumping in the blood. Platelet clumping can be fatal if a clot forms and blocks a blood vessel, causing a heart attack.
Given the high levels of saturated fat and sugar in chocolate, you can obtain the benefits of cocoa on a regular basis without the added kilojoules by having a hot chocolate or iced chocolate drink made from cocoa, with skim milk.
Source: Presentation to the American Heart Association’s annual Scientific Session, November 2006.
Fish link to low rates of depression
Omega-3 fatty acids are the most promising nutrient for alleviating the symptoms of depression, say Australian researchers.
The University of Sydney has conducted a review study of literature relating to depression to determine how diet might alleviate its effects, and has found that fish and fish oils may be protective against the illness.
Fish oil from cold water marine fish (such as salmon and sardines) contains a high concentration of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) which are thought to be the oils which combat depression.
This research reinforces the recommendation to enjoy at least two oily fish meals a week. Oily fish include sardines, salmon and mackerel.
Source: Nutrition and Dietetics journal, November 2006.
Breastfeeding protects against type 2 diabetes
Breastfeeding in infancy appears to be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes for children later in life, according to a new review of published evidence.
Researchers at the University of London found that in seven studies involving nearly 77,000 subjects, those who were breastfed as infants had a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood.
Also, in six studies involving 4,800 subjects, levels of insulin (the body’s key blood sugar-regulating hormone) were lower in breastfed non-diabetic children and adults compared with formula-fed non-diabetic children and adults.
The scientists said that while more research was needed, the evidence suggests breastfeeding may provide a degree of long-term protection against the development of type 2 diabetes.
The research provides further support to The Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines which recommend exclusive breast feeding for the first six months of life.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November 2006.
Sleep more, weigh less?
A 16 year study of over 68, 000 American women has found that those who get a proper night’s sleep each evening tended to put on less weight during middle-age.
Although the reasons aren’t clear, some research suggests that sleep deprivation alters hormones involved in appetite control and metabolism. It could also be that people who sleep fewer hours either eat more or exercise less often due to fatigue.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in the US said that whatever the reason, the new findings suggest that sleeping seven hours or more each night could help prevent weight gain in middle age.
Source: American Journal of Epidemiology, November 2006.
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