Margie Traxler’s Post

The UPF Debate: New Insights on Ultra-Processed Foods and Health from NYT and BBC The New York Times 📰 has once again turned its spotlight on our food system, this time with Alice Callahan's in-depth exploration of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their potential health impacts. This latest article complements the recent pieces from both the The New York Times and BBC News on UPF research. Callahan's article provides a comprehensive overview of UPFs, including their definition, prevalence, and associated health risks. Some key points: UPFs account for a staggering 67% of calories consumed by children and teenagers in the U.S. Dr. Carlos Monteiro and his team introduced the term "ultra-processed foods" and developed the Nova classification system, which categorises foods based on processing levels. A large 2024 review found that UPF consumption was associated with 32 health problems, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and mental health issues. Dr. Kevin Hall's 2019 clinical trial showed that participants consumed about 500 more calories per day on a UPF diet compared to an unprocessed diet. A BBC article earlier this week emphasised the challenges in studying UPFs, given the diversity of ingredients and manufacturing processes. This aligns with Callahan's reporting on the need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish causation. As we await more definitive research, experts offer varying advice. Dr. Monteiro suggests avoiding UPFs altogether, while Dr. Maya Vadiveloo recommends a more moderate approach, focusing on limiting UPFs that don't provide valuable nutrients. Ultimately, as Dr. Brenda Davy advises, "Cook at home as much as you can, using minimally processed foods. We can't really say a whole lot beyond that at this point." All three articles (linked in the comments) underscore the complexity of nutrition science and the debates surrounding UPFs. As the scientific community continues to unravel the complexities of UPFs and their health impacts, we might do well to return to basics. Michael Pollan's straightforward wisdom offers a simple yet powerful approach: prioritise whole foods, practice moderation, and embrace plant-based options. This philosophy of eating closer to nature could serve as a practical guide while nutrition science catches up with our rapidly evolving food landscape. What steps are you taking to incorporate more whole foods into your diet? How do you balance nutritional needs with the conveniences of modern life? #Nutrition #FoodScience #HealthyEating #UltraProcessedFoods

🍎💊 Could the food-as-medicine trend make the US healthier and more equitable? The US Food is Medicine Institute (FIM) is advocating for the integration of Food Is Medicine interventions into the nation's healthcare system to counteract the rising healthcare costs, food insecurity, and diet-related diseases. FIM initiatives involve integrating food-based nutritional interventions into healthcare practices, and providing tailored nutrition to patients at a free or discounted rate to aid in disease management, prevention, or overall health improvement. Research assistant professor at the Food is Medicine Institute Ronit Ridberg, said: “Poor nutrition, including insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, is the leading cause of America’s health burdens and disparities. The good news is the alternative is also true — we can use healthy food to treat and prevent some of our most prevalent chronic conditions.” FIM interventions have the potential to alleviate the economic strain of suboptimal diets, costing the US economy $1.1 trillion annually, with 85% of healthcare spending dedicated to managing diet-related chronic diseases. The institute proposes that FIM interventions, such as providing medically tailored meals, could result in annual savings of $13.6 billion. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eQqtPBnA #ForwardFooding #nutrition #health #foodtech #sustainability #foodsecurity

Nutrition Labels 🏷 Nutrition labels can be confusing and make it even more difficult to make informed food choices. One of the things we'll be covering in Applying Mindful Eating is how to read nutrition labels. We'll go over what's most important, what terms mean, ingredients, and much more. Get all your questions answered about how to read nutrition labels in our 4-part online series, Applying Mindful Eating. Register today: https://lnkd.in/evJDu7RV Applying Mindful Eating Series April 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th 6-7:30 PM Virtual on Zoom #NutritionMatters #NutritionTips #NutritionGamePlan #nutritioncoach #MindfulnessPractice #mindfulnutrition #MindfulEating #MindfulLiving #EmbraceWellness #emotionaleating #emotionaleater #DanversWellnessCenter #DanversWellnessEvents #danversmanutrition #danversmaevents #northshorelife #northshoremawellness #northshoreliving #northshoremanutritioncoach

Nutrition is the cornerstone of health, a truism that the U.S. FDA has taken to heart. With diet-related diseases on the rise, the FDA is stringently innovating with nutrition initiatives aimed at transforming the public health landscape. A new front-of-package labeling system is at the forefront of these changes, aimed at maximizing consumer understanding and empowering healthier food choices. As they say, knowledge is power, and with clearer, more accessible nutrition information, the public is better equipped to select nutritious options and foster healthier lifestyles. The FDA is also taking strides in updating the definition of the nutrient content claim healthy, offering an invaluable tool to navigate the overwhelming world of dietary recommendations. From providing guidelines on Dietary Guidance Statements to permitting salt substitutes in standardized foods, the FDA’s initiatives are poised to promote a seismic shift in our dietary trends. The White House Conference on Nutrition and Health highlighted the critical interplay between diet and our overall well-being, amplifying the urgency of a united front against diet-related diseases. The FDA's alignment with the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health further underlines its commitment to a healthier nation. Adding more layers to this holistic approach, the FDA invites active engagement from the public and stakeholders. Through its public meetings and open comment periods, it is fostering a collaborative dialogue to inform and shape healthier policies. The upshot? The FDA’s innovative efforts serve as a crucial blueprint for a healthier society, combating diet-related diseases and promoting healthier living. If you care about your health and the health of those around you, let's applaud and support these monumental steps. Because, at the end of the day, our health is our wealth, and the FDA's nutrition initiatives could very well be the key to a healthier future for us all. #FDANutritionInitiatives #HealthierLiving #PublicHealth #NutritionLabels #DietaryGuidelines #HealthyFoodChoices Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/eGuGUbPN

Sharing Insights on Adult Nutrition: A Rotary Club Presentation. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to deliver a presentation on adult nutrition for the esteemed members of the Rotary Club. Nutrition is a subject close to my heart, and I'm delighted to share some of the key takeaways from this enlightening session. The lecture began with an emphasis on the pivotal role nutrition plays in adult lives. I discussed how it impacts not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being. In an era where we're constantly juggling responsibilities, it's crucial to remember that our diet can be our greatest ally in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. One of the central themes was the importance of a diverse and balanced diet. I firmly believe that variety in our food choices ensures we receive a wide range of essential nutrients. It's a simple yet powerful way to support overall health. I also explored the various food groups, their nutritional benefits, and practical ways to incorporate them into daily meals. My hope is that this knowledge empowers you to make informed choices about the food you consume. Portion control and mindful eating were highlighted as effective strategies for managing weight and preventing chronic diseases. Small changes in our approach to eating can lead to significant improvements in our health. Let's not forget the importance of hydration! Water, often underestimated, is truly the elixir of life. Ensuring we drink enough of it is fundamental to our well-being. Throughout the presentation, I offered practical tips on reading food labels, making healthier choices when dining out, and preparing nutritious meals at home. I also addressed questions about dietary restrictions and special dietary needs, acknowledging the unique challenges many individuals face. I deeply appreciated the engagement and thoughtful questions from the audience, including inquiries about fad diets, supplements, and the role of regular physical activity in our lives. These discussions enrich our understanding of nutrition and its broader context. In conclusion, knowledge about nutrition, when shared, has the power to inspire positive changes. My sincere hope is that this presentation provided you with valuable insights and practical knowledge that you can apply to your daily routines, ultimately contributing to a healthier and happier community. #aahartoaarogya #seniordietitianpoojabohora #lecture #corporatesession #health #nutrition

Food-As-Medicine trend a great idea for healthier outcomes. The efficacy of this will no doubt be hampered with herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, poor quality depleted soil and other factors, unless those are also addressed as part of this idea. #healthandwellness #healthyeating #healthandnutrition #healthyfood #diet #wellnesstrends

AMWA's Nutrition Committee notes: Produce prescriptions -> veg and fruit consumption, decreased bmi, hga1c, htn this study w/ low SES areas, 6 month average duration. 63 dollars per month. https://lnkd.in/dUe5wnti #amwadoctors #womeninmedicine #amwastudents #foodismedicine

🌾 Enhancing Nutrition Through Food Fortification 🌾 In our journey towards better public health and nutrition, food fortification stands out as a crucial intervention. This process involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods to address nutrient deficiencies and improve overall health outcomes. What is Food Fortification? Food fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in food to improve its nutritional quality and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health. Key nutrients often added include iron, iodine, vitamin A, and folic acid. Why is it Important? 1. Combat Malnutrition:Fortified foods help bridge the nutrient gap in populations with limited access to a diverse diet. 2. Support Cognitive Development: Nutrients like iodine and iron are vital for brain development, particularly in children. 3. Improve Public Health: By reducing the prevalence of nutrient deficiencies, we can lower the risk of associated health issues such as anemia, impaired cognitive function, and weakened immune systems. Steps in Food Fortification Procedures: 1. Identification of Nutrient Gaps: Analyze dietary patterns to identify common nutrient deficiencies. 2. Selection of Food Vehicles:Choose staple foods (e.g., flour, rice, salt) that can be fortified to reach the target population effectively. 3. Determination of Fortification Levels:Establish safe and effective levels of nutrients to add without causing toxicity. 4. Quality Control: Implement rigorous testing to ensure consistent nutrient levels and food safety. 5. Regulation and Monitoring: Work with regulatory bodies to develop and enforce standards, and continuously monitor the program’s impact. Successful Examples: - **Salt Iodization:** A global initiative that has significantly reduced iodine deficiency disorders. - **Fortified Flour:** In many countries, wheat and maize flour are fortified with iron and folic acid to prevent anemia and neural tube defects. Food fortification is a powerful tool in our arsenal to fight malnutrition and improve public health. It’s a testament to the impact that thoughtful, science-based interventions can have on society. Let’s continue to advocate for and support these vital programs to build a healthier future for all. 🌍💪 #PublicHealth #Nutrition #FoodFortification #SustainableDevelopment #HealthInnovation

The Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts is serving as a catalyst to drive change by ensuring the integration of nutritional interventions in healthcare that will help treat or prevent disease. You can learn more about Food is Medicine by reviewing this fact sheet: https://lnkd.in/ekf5BB4c #foodismedicine #food #nutrition #health

📚 NEW BLOG: What is complete nutrition? ❓So, what is Complete Nutrition? Complete food is a relatively new and unique addition to the food industry.  It describes food that has been designed to meet the nutritional requirements of individuals, especially those seeking convenient yet balanced dietary options 🧠 to match the fast-paced demands of modern life.⛹️♀️ In our latest blog 📰 MyNutriWeb caught up with Jessica Stansfield, Registered Nutritionist in the Sustainable Nutrition team at Huel. 💡 The new blog debunks some of the top misconceptions surrounding ‘complete foods’ and demonstrates how such foods can be useful for a range of individuals. Take a read of our blog here: https://zurl.co/31sz #ResourcesHub #MyNutriWeb #nutrition #dietetics #healthyeating #rd2b #Rd