The European Food Information Council

Στέρηση ύπνου και μεταβολικές επιδράσεις

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Σύμφωνα με ερευνητικά δεδομένα, η φιλοσοφία «24 ώρες το 24ωρο και 7 ημέρες την εβδομάδα» στις Δυτικές κοινωνίες, εξαιτίας της οποίας η αγρύπνια παρατείνεται λόγω δουλειάς ή διαφόρων κοινωνικών πιέσεων, μπορεί να έχει επιδράσεις στην ποιότητα του ύπνου μας και ίσως να αυξήσει τον κίνδυνο εμφάνισης παχυσαρκίας και διαβήτη.

Τρόφιμα, σωματική δραστηριότητα και καρκίνος – μια ανασκόπηση από τις υπάρχουσες μελέτες

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Τον Νοέμβριο του 2007 δημοσιεύτηκε μια μεγάλη αναφορά, η οποία έκανε μια ανασκόπηση των υπαρχουσών μελετών για τον σχετικό κίνδυνο εμφάνισης διαφόρων ειδών καρκίνου εξαιτίας των επιλογών μας στον τρόπο ζωής. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη έρευνες υψηλής ποιότητας και την άποψη των πιο ειδικών επιστημόνων διεθνώς, η αναφορά αυτή, η οποία δημοσιεύτηκε με τη συνεργασία του Παγκόσμιου Ιδρύματος για την Έρευνα στον Καρκίνο (World Cancer Research Fund, WCRF) και του Αμερικάνικου Ινστιτούτου για την Έρευνα στον Καρκίνο (American Institute for Cancer Research, AICR), περιλαμβάνει τα πιο σύγχρονα δεδομένα για τη σχέση των τροφίμων, της σύστασης σώματος, της σωματικής δραστηριότητας και των διαφόρων ειδών καρκίνου.

Ψευδάργυρος – ένα «σούπερ» θρεπτικό συστατικό;

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Ο ψευδάργυρος είναι πανταχού παρόν στο σώμα μας. Όντας απαραίτητος για κύριες λειτουργίες, όπως η πέψη, η αναπαραγωγή και η ανάπτυξη, ο ψευδάργυρος σχετίζεται με την απόδοση πολλών συστημάτων του σώματος. Η λίστα με τα πλεονεκτήματά του είναι εκτενής και πολλές φορές «φιλόδοξη» - μπορεί όντως ο ψευδάργυρος να καταπολεμήσει τις μολύνσεις και να επουλώσει τις πληγές;

Characterising the nutritional value of foods, using nutrient profiling

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Nutrient (or nutritional) profiling of foods, described as the science of characterising foods based on their nutrient content, is fast becoming the basis for regulating health claims on foods, fortification, and marketing and advertising to children. Accordingly, several health authorities and regulatory bodies are assessing the nutritional profiles of food items, to implement guidelines aimed at improving the diet of the general population. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that the complete diet over a period of time is important when considering overall nutrition and health, rather than isolating individual nutrients.

A new EU regulation on nutrition and health claims made on foods entered into force in January 2007. The regulation provides for the use of nutrient profiles to determine which foods may bear claims but does not specify what the profiles should be or how they should be developed. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) have published a scientific opinion on which foods may carry nutrition and health claims, to assist policy makers. The next stage of the process is the definition of the nutrient profiling scheme.

Overweight parents more likely to have overweight children

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

A Greek study conducted by Harokopio University in Athens has confirmed the belief amongst health professionals that child obesity risk is much higher when parents themselves are overweight.

Snacks and inactivity predict overweight in childhood

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

A French study has evaluated the influence of different lifestyle patterns, finding that a combination of low activity and high snacking predicts the risk of obesity.

Very low carb diets could be incompatible with exercise

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100

While very low carbohydrate (ketogenic) diets are popular with those trying to lose weight, there are concerns that such diets may not support the desire for exercise. This hypothesis was investigated by a US research team at Arizona State University.

Understanding scientific studies

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0100

The media, health professionals, and educators are the gatekeepers of today's food and health information. They have a large influence on what consumers hear, read, and believe about food and health. Along with that comes the responsibility to provide the facts accurately, put them in perspective, and help people understand how the findings may affect their behaviour and health choices. Responsible media reporting means that new studies should be critically reviewed before being publicised. News releases and study abstracts, although helpful for the identification of interesting research, do not provide all the information necessary to accurately report findings to the public.

Current guidelines on physical activity may create misconceptions

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study from the United Kingdom suggests that current recommendations on physical activity may create wrong beliefs about the benefits of different types of exercise.

Sugar sweetened drinks seem not to be associated with child obesity

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100

High consumption of soft drinks sweetened with sugar has been viewed as a cause of obesity. However, data from a longitudinal UK study, does not support this association.

Objective assessment of physical activity reveals self-reported overestimation

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

According to a Swedish study, adults seem to overestimate their levels of physical activity.

Food in Action Conference, November 29th and 30th 2007 - Podcast

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Food in Action 2007 looks at the motivational and behavioural aspects of obesity. Starting with how food choice develops in a young age, through consumer’s attitudes and behaviour towards food label information, Food in Action 2007 investigates the influence of the environment and the importance that psychological aspects play in the onset of obesity in an early age. Finally, the important role of physical activity in energy balance is tackled, together with ongoing initiatives and programmes aiming at finding solutions.

All conference presentations will be audio recorded and made available as a podcast or download after the event.

http://www.focusbiz.co.uk/conferences/foodinaction/

Αντιμετώπιση της ποικιλομορφίας στις συστάσεις για τα μικροθρεπτικά συστατικά στην Ευρώπη

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Το δίκτυο αριστείας του EURRECA (EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned-Εναρμονισμένες Ευρωπαϊκές Συστάσεις για τα Μικροθρεπτικά Συστατικά) καθιερώθηκε για να δημιουργήσει ένα πλαίσιο συμβουλών για τα μικροθρεπτικά συστατικά ώστε να ενημερώνει καλύτερα τους αρμοδίους χάραξης πολιτικής καθώς διαμορφώνουν τις εθνικές συστάσεις. Στόχος είναι να δημιουργήσει πανευρωπαϊκή επιστημονική συναίνεση για τα στοιχεία στα οποία μπορούν να βασιστούν οι συστάσεις μικροθρεπτικών συστατικών, επιτρέποντας σε τέτοια στοιχεία να μετατραπούν γρήγορα, βολικά και κατάλληλα σε συστάσεις που θα δημοσιευθούν σε έγγραφα εθνικής πολιτικής.

Συμβουλές ασφάλειας τροφίμων για ταξιδιώτες

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Για πολλούς Ευρωπαίους το φθινόπωρο και ο χειμώνας είναι οι ιδανικές περίοδοι για να εξερευνήσουν πιο εξωτικούς προορισμούς διακοπών, αλλά οι ταξιδιώτες πρέπει να είναι προσεκτικοί, ειδικά αν σκοπεύουν να επισκεφτούν τις αναπτυσσόμενες χώρες. Ένας στους τρεις ταξιδιώτες αρρωσταίνει λόγω μολυσμένων τροφίμων και νερού, πάσχοντας στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις από διάρροια των ταξιδιωτών. Το ποσοστό των προσβεβλημένων μπορεί να ανεβεί στο 80% για εκείνους που διαμένουν σε προορισμούς υψηλού κινδύνου στην Ασία, την Αφρική και τη Λατινική Αμερική. Αλλά μην πανικοβάλλεστε: μπορείτε να αποφύγετε τις ασθένειες που προέρχονται από τα τρόφιμα και το νερό αρκεί να λαμβάνετε συγκεκριμένα μέσα προφύλαξης.

Τα σάκχαρα στη διατροφή μας

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη την αυξανόμενη εξάπλωση του υπέρβαρου και της παχυσαρκίας στην Ευρώπη, ο ρόλος ορισμένων υδατανθράκων, όπως η ζάχαρη, συχνά συζητείται αμφιλεγόμενα. Εδώ παρατίθενται μερικές αλήθειες για το ρόλο των υδατανθράκων, των σακχάρων και της ζάχαρης στη διατροφή μας.

Chewing gum found to control appetite

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100

UK researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University set out to examine whether chewing gum could positively influence perception of hunger and fullness, and impact on short-term energy intake.

Current food allergy labelling can still be improved

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Consumers with allergies do not find current food labels helpful, according to a study published by Dutch scientists.

Low vitamin D may be linked to pregnancy complication

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Mothers with low blood levels of vitamin D may be at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia according to a new US study.

Repeated dietary counselling in childhood may help lower heart disease risk

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A Finnish study showed that long-term dietary changes to lower saturated fat and cholesterol intakes have a positive impact on serum cholesterol in children and therefore may help lower their risk of cardiovascular disease later on.

Folic acid may help prevent heart disease

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A meta-analysis of folic acid supplementation studies has found a positive impact on an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. This suggests that high doses of folic acid could be useful in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Wholegrains may have prebiotic effects

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Health benefits associated with wholegrains may be, in part, due to their prebiotic effect. This is the conclusion of a 3-week intervention study conducted by UK scientists at Reading.

Simple energy-based front-of-pack label preferred by consumers

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Front-of-pack labelling schemes have been developed against a background of concerns about rising obesity levels. Research conducted by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) in conjunction with Wageningen University, looked at the potential of different energy-based front-of-pack flags to engage consumers and help them understand the nutrition information on food labels. The most preferred option was calorie content per portion or per 100g.

Low GI breakfasts impact on appetite in children

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A long-term study has found that children given breakfasts with a low glycaemic index (GI) tend to reduce their daily energy intakes by 60 kcal on average. The modest energy reduction, if maintained, could have a significant impact on obesity risk.

School physical activity may help prevent fat gain in boys

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Schools offering three physical activity sessions a week may be more effective at preventing adiposity (fat gain) in children than schools offering just one session a week, claims a new UK study.

Calcium intakes close to recommendations reduce the risk of bone fracture

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new Australian study has found that people who consumed 1200 mg of calcium per day had a 20% reduced risk of bone fracture than people with low calcium intakes. Bone density was also higher in people with adequate calcium intakes. The addition of vitamin D influenced bone health only slightly.

European Commission seeks action in response to their Nutrition White Paper (podcast)

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

More information about this podcast

Robert Madelin, Director General of the European Commission’s DG SANCO, discusses in his latest interview with EUFIC, the implications of the EU White Paper on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues and what can be expected in the months ahead.

European Commission seeks action in response to their Nutrition White Paper (vodcast)

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

More information about this podcast

Some food additives linked with hyperactivity

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Research News from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture

Food Additives Factsheet

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Food Additives Factsheet

Assortative mating may be contributing to obesity prevalence

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Previous research using measures, such as body mass index (BMI) or skinfold thickness, has suggested that spouses are similar in terms of body fat. A recent study employing the more accurate technique of duel-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has now confirmed this finding.

Anorexia: more common than thought but patients do recover

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new study has shed light on the eating disorder, anorexia nervosa. The illness appears to have higher incidence than previously thought, however, its outcome is generally good: up to 70% of anorexic women recover by the age of 30.

Children’s neophobia has a genetic component

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Neophobia, a reluctance to try new foods, is common in young children. A UK study has now discovered that the trait of neophobia is mainly genetic rather than influenced by a child’s environment.

Low carb, high protein diets may be unhealthy in the long term

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets (an example of such a diet could be the Atkins diet), are popular for weight control. Short-term intervention studies suggest that these diets produce a similar weight loss to traditional high-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diets. However, a large observational study has suggested that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may not be healthy in the long run.

Diet and exercise best for post-natal weight management

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Women keen to lose weight after childbirth should combine diet and exercise claims a new study published by the influential Cochrane Database.

Large portions contribute to weight gain

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Portion sizes of ready-to-eat foods and restaurant meals have steadily increased over the past decade. This has prompted concern from health educators because larger portion sizes may cause over-consumption of energy and weight gain. A new US study suggests that this analysis is correct.

Coffee may reduce the risk of liver cancer

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Regular coffee drinking could lower the risk of liver cancer by up to 55%, suggests a new meta-analysis. The prevalence of liver cancer is rare in Western countries but affects considerable numbers of people in East and South East Asia.

Wholegrains, not fibre, seem to lower colorectal cancer risk

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Scientists have long debated whether or not total fibre intake affects the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Now a US study has shown that wholegrains, not total fibre, seem to be effective against the disease.

Food cravings: a challenge during weight loss

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The common belief that food cravings are simply due to an addiction to high carbohydrate foods has been explored by US researchers.

Could sugar help weight loss programmes succeed?

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Slimmers don’t need to cut sugar out of their diets claims new research from Scotland, where 60% of adults are overweight or obese.

Cinnamon may delay glucose response

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Adding cinnamon to carbohydrate meals may slow the rise in blood sugars, claims a new study. This could be helpful for people with diabetes, or those concerned about blood sugar control.

Fried foods related to obesity risk

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A Spanish observational study seems to confirm suspicions that high intakes of fried food are associated with obesity.

High fructose corn syrup: does it have an impact on satiety?

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new US study shows that high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) used to sweeten certain beverages has a similar impact on hunger and satiety as sucrose.

Ανακαλύπτοντας περισσότερα για τις τροφικές επιλογές και τις προτιμήσεις των εφήβων στην Ευρώπη

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Η μελέτη HELENA (Υγιεινός Τρόπος Ζωής στην Ευρώπη από τη Διατροφή στην Εφηβεία) ρίχνει νέο φως στις συνήθειες διατροφής και τρόπου ζωής των νέων σε πέντε χώρες και παρουσιάζει τις εκπληκτικές ομοιότητες, καθώς επίσης και μερικές βασικές διαφορές σε ολόκληρη την Ευρώπη.

Επισήμανση των τροφίμων και ισχυρισμοί για τη διατροφή και την υγεία

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Στις μέρες μας όλο και περισσότερες ετικέτες τροφίμων περιέχουν πληροφορίες για τη διατροφή και την υγεία που μας δίνουν χρήσιμες γνώσεις για τα τρόφιμα που αγοράζουμε. Οι ετικέτες μπορούν να μας βοηθήσουν να καταλάβουμε τη συμβολή που έχουν τα διάφορα τρόφιμα στην υγεία και την ευημερία μας, καθώς επίσης και να μας βοηθήσουν να επιλέξουμε μια πιο ισορροπημένη διατροφή.

Μάθετε τα πάντα για τους ξηρούς καρπούς

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Η έρευνα στη δεκαετία του '90 έδειξε ότι οι ξηροί καρποί είναι ωφέλιμοι για την υγεία της καρδιάς, αλλά ο λόγος για αυτό ήταν άγνωστος. Πρόσφατες μελέτες ρίχνουν φως στο θέμα και βρίσκουν και άλλα οφέλη της κατανάλωσης ξηρών καρπών...

Νέο σύστημα αξιολόγησης της χημικής ασφάλειας

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Στην καθημερινή μας ζωή εκτιθέμεθα σε χιλιάδες χημικές ουσίες. Μερικές από αυτές είναι ευεργετικές για την υγεία (παραδείγματος χάριν, τα κύρια συστατικά των τροφίμων), αλλά μερικές άλλες ουσίες (που μπορεί να υπάρχουν στα τρόφιμα ή στο περιβάλλον) μπορούν να προκαλέσουν δυσμενείς επιπτώσεις στην υγεία. Η πιθανότητα των δυσμενών επιπτώσεων στην υγεία συσχετίζεται με το μέγεθος, τη συχνότητα και τη διάρκεια της έκθεσης σε αυτές τις χημικές ουσίες.

Cocoa may help reduce cholesterol levels

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Eating cocoa could help reduce LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol, according to a Japanese intervention study.

Infants may benefit from maternal DHA supplementation

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

According to a US intervention study, infants were better at problem-solving when their mothers were supplemented during pregnancy with the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Low carb diets may be bad for gut health

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Weight loss diets that restrict dietary carbohydrates are popular with slimmers but may have a harmful effect on gut health, according to Scottish researchers.

Vitamin D could help reduce cancer risk

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A long-term dietary trial has revealed that supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can dramatically lower the risk of cancer in women.

More evidence for wholegrain benefits

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new US study adds to recent evidence showing that eating wholegrains helps to lower the risk of heart disease.

Green tea may halve risk of colon cancer

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Green tea is rich in polyphenol antioxidants, which are believed to help protect against cancer and heart disease. A study from China has reported beneficial associations between regular consumption of green tea and colorectal cancer risk. The disease affects around a million people worldwide and is linked to poor eating habits, low levels of physical activity, and ageing populations.

Boiling vegetables may impair anti-cancer properties

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The anti-cancer properties of Brassica vegetables, namely broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, are well-known. However, boiling such vegetables severely impairs their potential health benefits, as a new UK study has reported.

Soy nuts may reduce blood pressure

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Adding soy nuts to a healthy diet is an effective way of lowering blood pressure and LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), according to a new US study in women.

Fruit carotenoids better choice for functional ingredients

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of health-promoting nutrients called carotenoids. However, benefits to human health depend on how well these nutrients are absorbed by the body after digestion. A new study has shown that fruit carotenoids are better absorbed than those from green vegetables. This means that fruit carotenoids may be a better choice as ingredients for functional food and beverage products.

Is eating between meals good for our health?

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Over the last few decades, there have been great changes in how Europeans work, rest and play and our eating habits have adapted accordingly. One consequence of our modern fast paced lifestyles is that we tend to eat on the go and it is commonly believed that we are having more eating episodes outside meals than in the past. This review will examine if this is the case and consider the health implications of this aspect of our dietary habits.

Apple’s secret revealed

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Increasing amounts of evidence point to the health properties of apples, which are a major source of polyphenols. These powerful antioxidants are believed to offer protection against the development of cancer and heart disease. Now research has shown that of all the apple parts, the peel is the richest source of polyphenols.

Dietary flavonoids may reduce ovarian cancer risk

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Ovarian cancer affects more than 60,000 European women annually with most cases occurring in Northern Europe. This study suggests that dietary intake of certain flavonoids may reduce ovarian cancer risk.

Three meals may be better than one

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Due to lifestyle changes, there is an increasing number of people who choose to eat just once a day, but is this good for our health? New research suggests that our body copes better with the traditional three meals a day when compared with the same amount eaten in one meal.

Apples and fish may protect children from asthma

Wed, 30 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Maternal diet is thought to have an impact on subsequent child health. This is because aspects of the mother’s diet can condition the rapidly growing organs of the foetus. A new study from Scotland has found that children whose pregnant mothers ate apples or fish were less likely to develop allergic conditions.

Cereal fibre linked to low diabetes risk

Tue, 29 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A large European study has found links between cereal fibre intake and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings were backed by a meta-analysis of the scientific literature.

Allergy in children not linked to birth weight and gestational age

Fri, 25 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

An estimated 4 to 8% of people living in the EU are believed to suffer from food allergies, according to allergy organisations. Parents of newborns are advised to prolong breast-feeding, wean after 6 months, and avoid early exposure to potential food allergens to reduce their offspring’s risk of developing allergies. This is because the immature gut is thought to be permeable to food proteins, leading to an adverse immune response which could evolve into a food allergy. However, a new study from Canada suggests that this advice could be misplaced.

Eating fish may normalise heart function

Thu, 24 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study from Greece lends more support to the claim that eating fish is good for the heart. The large observational study looked at the impact of various dietary factors on cardiac arrhythmia, a condition where the heart beats irregularly and which can be fatal in many cases.

Flavonoids and heart disease

Mon, 21 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A Finnish study has looked at the heart health benefits associated with 26 antioxidant nutrients from the Flavonoid group (part of the Polyphenol family of antioxidants). Flavonoids are found in certain fruits and vegetables, in tea, coffee, red wine and cocoa. Sub-classes of flavonoids include flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols and anthocyanidins.

Concern about low intakes of vitamin D

Fri, 18 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Two studies have highlighted issues with vitamin D intake in Europe. Currently, few countries have dietary recommendations for vitamin D because our bodies can make vitamin D in response to sunlight. However, there is now concern that significant numbers of people are at risk from vitamin D deficiency, also called hypovitaminosis D.

Καφεΐνη και υγεία

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Πολλοί πολιτισμοί έχουν κατατάξει σε πολύ υψηλή θέση τα καφεϊνούχα τρόφιμα και ποτά. Η καφεΐνη είναι ένα από τα καλύτερα μελετημένα συστατικά των τροφίμων, αλλά η επιστημονική έρευνα δεν έχει εξαντλήσει όλα όσα πρέπει να γνωρίζουμε για αυτή. Στο παρόν άρθρο θα συζητήσουμε τα βραχυπρόθεσμα φυσιολογικά αποτελέσματα αυτής της κοινής ουσίας. Επίσης, θα εξετάσουμε αν η καφεΐνη έχει επιπτώσεις ή όχι στον κίνδυνο ασθενειών, όπως η καρδιαγγειακή νόσος και ο καρκίνος, καθώς και τον αντίκτυπό της σε ειδικές ομάδες πληθυσμού, όπως αυτοί που καταναλώνουν υπερβολική καφεΐνη.

Μάθηση του υγιεινού τρόπου ζωής - ανάπτυξη μιας ευρωπαϊκής στρατηγικής παρέμβασης

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Η μελέτη IDEFICS (Προσδιορισμός και Πρόληψη των Συνεπειών της Διατροφής και του Τρόπου ζωής σε Παιδιά και Νήπια) είναι μια πανευρωπαϊκή πενταετής επιδημιολογική πολυκεντρική μελέτη που ξεκίνησε πρόσφατα και που χρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή. Εστιάζοντας σε παιδιά 2-10 χρονών, έχει θέσει ως στόχο τόσο την κατανόηση της πολυπαραγοντικής προέλευσης του υπέρβαρου και της παχυσαρκίας στην παιδική ηλικία όσο και την παρεμπόδιση αυτών και των σχετικών διαταραχών τους.

Πρόληψη της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας - καθοδήγηση από τις προηγούμενες μελέτες (4/4)

Tue, 08 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Αυτό είναι το τελευταίο μιας σειράς άρθρων που εξετάζουν την πρόληψη της παχυσαρκίας στην παιδική ηλικία και θα παραθέσει τα γενικά συμπεράσματα που αποκομίστηκαν από προηγούμενες μελέτες, τα οποία μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθούν για να βελτιωθούν οι μελλοντικές παρεμβάσεις.

Diet policies should promote wholegrains

Wed, 02 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new analysis of heart health studies has criticised policy makers for failing to promote wholegrain foods sufficiently. The meta-analysis combined data from seven observational studies, involving a total of 149,000 subjects. It was found that subjects eating at least 2.5 servings of wholegrains per day experienced a 21% reduction in the risk of heart disease or stroke compared with subjects who ate only 0.2 servings per day.

Almonds, heart health and weight

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Unsaturated ‘omega-3’ fats from nuts could offer heart health benefits. However, nuts are viewed as being high in total fat and calories, which has discouraged their use in traditional heart health diets.

Insufficient data to link sugar with nutrient dilution

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Critics of sugar-containing foods claim that high sugar diets contain inadequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. This is sometimes called a ‘nutrient dilution’ effect. However, a new review has questioned whether there is enough evidence to say this.

Weight re-gain may be inevitable for dieters

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

An analysis of long-term dieting studies carried out by US psychologists has revealed that most weight-loss diets don’t work in the long term. Professor Traci Mann, from the University of California in Los Angeles, conducted a rigorous analysis of 31 long-term studies to find out whether successful dieters were able to maintain their new weight in the long-term.

Obesity linked to genes

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

For years, unsuccessful dieters have tended to blame weight problems on their genes. New research suggests that there may be some truth in this, but it does not negate the importance of diet and exercise in weight management.

Mediterranean diet may protect children against asthma

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Children who eat a Mediterranean-style diet seem to have a lower risk of developing asthma, suggests new research. The survey of nearly 700 children living on the Greek island of Crete showed that a high intake of nuts, grapes, tomatoes and oranges was linked with a 50-80% lower risk of wheezing in 7 to 18 year olds.

Wholegrains linked to heart health

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Research presented at the annual American Heart Association conference suggests that eating wholegrain cereals can lower the risk of heart failure. The research was based on data from the Physicians’ Health Study, which followed the health and lifestyle of more than 10,000 American doctors from 1982 to 2006.

Novel probiotic yoghurt drink could lift mood

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Frequency of constipation has been linked with poor mood, possibly because of gastric discomfort and bloating. Probiotics – live beneficial bacteria added to food or drinks – are known to relieve constipation. British researchers brought these two aspects together in order to test the impact of a probiotic drink on mood and bowel habits.

Tomato products may offer health benefits

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Tomatoes are a rich source of the antioxidant nutrient, lycopene. Studies have shown that lycopene can help protect body cells from oxidative damage in the same way that antioxidants in food processing prevent fats from becoming rancid.

New sweeteners study shows no link with cancer

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A study of more than 16,000 patients has found no link between sweetener intake and the risk of cancer. This supports a previous ruling by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

High Glycaemic Index foods may hasten sleep

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Many people experience difficulty in getting off to sleep. Scientists have shown that carbohydrate foods with a high Glycaemic Index (GI) may induce a quicker sleep onset.

Absorption of food folate better than expected

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

A new study has found that the absorption of the natural form of folic acid present in foods, called folate, relative to folic acid capsules, is better than expected.

Antioxidant impact of juice not due to vitamin C

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Experts believe that heart disease and cancer have their origins in long-term damage to the body’s cells caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules created during normal metabolism or via exposure to pollutants in the environment e.g. cigarette smoke. Normally, the body is able to protect itself from free radical damage with antioxidant nutrients in the blood. However, the stress of daily life combined with poor diets often leaves individuals with a deficient antioxidant defence. This increases the importance of dietary sources of antioxidants.

Could oily fish strengthen bones?

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The cardiovascular effects of the omega-3 fats present in oily fish are well-known. Now a new study points to a benefit for bone health.

Independent expert panel confirms safety of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

An international team of experts has met to consider new evidence on the safety of the food additive, monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is used to enhance flavour in Chinese food and some processed food and beverage products. The resulting consensus was intended to replace a similar exercise published in 1997.

2nd Anniversary of the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity & Health

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

More information about this podcast

In celebration of the second anniversary of the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity & Health, Robert Madelin, Director General for Public Health and Consumer Protection (DG SANCO) of the European Commission speaks frankly to EUFIC about what has been achieved, what could be improved and the role of the EU Platform in future EU policy making.

Κατανοώντας τις Ενδεικτικές Ημερήσιες Προσλήψεις

Sat, 10 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Μπορεί να έχετε παρατηρήσει τις Ενδεικτικές Ημερήσιες Προσλήψεις (Guideline Daily Amounts, GDAs), που αναφέρονται στις ετικέτες τροφίμων, αλλά γνωρίζετε τι σημαίνουν; Οι Ενδεικτικές Ημερήσιες Προσλήψεις είναι ένας οδηγός για το συνολικό ποσό ενέργειας και θρεπτικών ουσιών που ένας μέσος υγιής ενήλικας πρέπει να καταναλώνει ημερησίως.

A new study has examined a quirky aspect of consumer behaviour: Do shopping lists promote or prevent healthy choices?

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The study, from the Journal of Consumer Research, suggests having to come up with options from memory led to more impulsive decisions.

Study suggests Atkins Diet is effective

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The Atkins Diet is in the news again - and this time with the backing of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Women following the Atkins diet lost more weight than women following other diets, with no concerns expressed over cardiovascular risk factors.

Υπερκινητικότητα και τεχνητές χρωστικές τροφίμων

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Περισσότερα από 30 χρόνια πριν, προτάθηκε ότι ένα μεγάλο μέρος της υπερκινητικότητας που σχετίζεται με τις μαθησιακές δυσκολίες θα μπορούσε να αποδοθεί στις τεχνητές χρωστικές τροφίμων, καθώς επίσης και σε ορισμένα φρούτα και λαχανικά που περιέχουν σαλικυλικά οξέα και ζάχαρη. Από τότε, πλήθος επιστημόνων έχουν εξετάσει αυτές τις θεωρίες, αλλά τα στοιχεία παραμένουν αμφιλεγόμενα.

Πρόληψη της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας - εξέταση του περιβάλλοντος (3/4)

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Σε προηγούμενο άρθρο, μέρος της σχετικής σειράς άρθρων που αφορούν στην παιδική παχυσαρκία, συζητήθηκαν τα βασικά μηνύματα για την πρωτογενή πρόληψη της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας και πώς η ηλικία, το φύλο και η εθνικότητα των παιδιών-στόχων έχουν επιπτώσεις στην έκβαση. Στο παρόν εξετάζουμε την επιρροή του περιβάλλοντος στην επιτυχία του προγράμματος.

Maternal seafood consumption in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood (ALSPAC study): an observational cohort study

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Higher maternal seafood consumption during pregnancy results in children showing better neurological function than children whose mothers eat low amounts or no seafood during pregnancy, according to an Article. The authors conclude: “we noted that children of mothers who ate small amounts of seafood were more likely to have suboptimum neurodevelopmental outcomes than children of mothers who ate more seafood”

Q&A on Avian Influenza: Is it safe to eat poultry meat and eggs?

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Birds, like people, can have the flu. Avian influenza or bird flu was first identified over 100 years ago during an outbreak in Italy. Over the years, the disease has appeared from time to time in regions all over the world. Avian influenza spreads easily among wild birds, but it can also infect domesticated birds including chickens, turkeys and ducks. Left untreated, avian influenza can devastate an entire flock of chickens.

Breakthrough in understanding type-2 diabetes as key genes identified

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100

The most important genes associated with a risk of developing type-2 diabetes have been identified, scientists report in a new study.

Using fibre in the fight against breast cancer

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereal could be key weapons in the battle against breast cancer.

A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go to work

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100

There will soon be no more bitter pills to swallow, thanks to new research by Leeds scientists: a spoonful of sugar will be all we need for our bodies to make their own medicine.

The "NutritionDay in Europe" initiative will, on January 25, collect benchmarking data from 31 countries about nutrition care provision in European hospitals

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:00:00 +0100

Data collected on NutritionDay2006 showed that disease-related malnutrition increases length of stay by 6 days and is accompanied by a fourfold increase in mortality. The president of the Ecosocial Forum Europe, former EU-commissar Franz Fischler emphasises the social dimension of the Initiative.

Global Consumer attitudes to nutrition information on food labels

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

More information about this podcast

Do consumers around the world know how much they should be eating? Do they know the energy content of the foods they eat? Do consumers read the nutrition information on label, do they understand what it means, and do they use it when choosing foods?

The Community Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents, Antimicrobial Resistance and Foodborne Outbreaks in the European Union in 2005

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Zoonoses are diseases or infections, which are transmissible from animals to humans. The infection can be acquired directly from animals, or through ingestion of contaminated foodstuffs. In humans, the gravity of these diseases can vary from mild symptoms to life threatening conditions. The importance of a zoonosis as a human disease depends on several factors, such as severity of the disease, the case fatality, and number of cases (incidence) in the population.

Αλάτι, κάλιο και έλεγχος της αρτηριακής πίεσης

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Αλάτι είναι το κοινό όνομα που χρησιμοποιούμε για το χλωριούχο νάτριο (NaCl). Το αλάτι είναι απαραίτητο για τη ζωή και για την καλή υγεία. Η υψηλή αρτηριακή πίεση είναι παράγοντας κινδύνου για την καρδιαγγειακή νόσο και για εγκεφαλικό επεισόδιο. Σχετίζεται με υψηλή πρόσληψη νατρίου και χαμηλή καλίου, αλλά μπορούν οι συστάσεις για μείωση της πρόσληψης αλατιού να κάνουν τη διαφορά;

Μεγάλο μέλλον για την επιστήμη των μικρών

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Η νανοτεχνολογία είναι η ανάπτυξη νέων προϊόντων και διαδικασιών χρησιμοποιώντας ύλη με διαστάσεις στο εύρος από 0,1 έως 100 νανόμετρα. Ένα νανόμετρο είναι το ένα δισεκατομμυριοστό του μέτρου (ή ένα εκατομμυριοστό του χιλιοστόμετρου), καθιστώντας τη νανοτεχνολογία πραγματικά την «επιστήμη των μικρών». Για να γίνει αυτό κατανοητό αναφέρουμε το εξής: το πλάτος ενός ατόμου είναι περίπου το ένα δέκατο ενός νανομέτρου· ένα μόριο DNA είναι περίπου 2,5 νανόμετρα πλατύ και το πάχος μιας ανθρώπινης τρίχας είναι περίπου 80.000 νανόμετρα.

Πρόληψη της παιδικής παχυσαρκίας - εξέταση των αποτελεσματικών πρωτοβουλιών (2/4)

Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Τα προγράμματα για την πρόληψη του υπέρβαρου και της παχυσαρκίας στην παιδική ηλικία, που εστιάζουν στην τροποποίηση της διαιτητικής συμπεριφοράς, την αύξηση της σωματικής δραστηριότητας ή τη μείωση του καθιστικού τρόπου ζωής, είναι εν εξελίξει για χρόνια σε χώρες σε όλο τον κόσμο. Ενθαρρυντικά αποτελέσματα έχουν δώσει χρήσιμα δεδομένα για την ανάπτυξη μελλοντικών πρωτοβουλιών. Το παρόν αποτελεί το δεύτερο μέρος μίας σειράς άρθρων που πραγματεύονται τις τρέχουσες έρευνες για την πρόληψη της παχυσαρκίας στην παιδική ηλικία.

Food is getting healthier and better, thanks to EU research

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

“Food quality and safety are major concerns for European citizens and it is great to see relevant new results coming out of EU-funded research” said European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. “Basing decisions about food on scientific evidence benefits consumers. Measures proposed by researchers from EU projects have been tested for validity and reliability and can be used on farms and in food production.”

Sugar not linked with diabetes risk

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

It has long been suspected that a high sugar diet over a long term period may lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes. But there has been little or no evidence to support this idea, with studies on the role of any aspect of the diet in the development of diabetes difficult to conduct.

TV viewing and physical inactivity independently associated with metabolic risk in children

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Watching TV and level of activity in children appear to be associated independently of each other with risk factors that may influence the chance that children have of developing metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes) and cardiovascular diseases in later life.

Underweight women at greater risk of miscarriage - but having a healthy diet and reducing stress when pregnant may lower risk.

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Women who have a low body mass index before they become pregnant are 72% more likely to suffer a miscarriage in the first three months of pregnancy, but can reduce their risk significantly by taking supplements and eating fresh fruit and vegetables, according to study findings published online today.

Low impact aerobic exercise reduces fatigue in auto-immune conditions says multi-study review

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Low impact aerobic exercise, such as walking and cycling, can effectively reduce fatigue in adults with chronic auto-immune conditions, according to a research review in the latest issue of the UK-based Journal of Advanced Nursing.

76% of workers older than 60 years of age are overweight or obese

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

76% of workers older than 60 years of age are overweight or obese. However, less than one third of those 40 years of age and younger suffer these health issues.

Can we prevent type 1 diabetes by modifying infant nutrition?

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Type 1 diabetes is a growing health problem among European children. European data indicate that the disease incidence has increased five- to six-fold among children under the age of 15 years after World War II, and there are no signs that the increase in incidence is levelling off.

Diet may help prevent allergies and asthma

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A recent publication from the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA²LEN) provides new insights into the role that diet may play in the development of allergies, especially in children. The work suggests that the significant changes in European diets over the past 20-40 years may have contributed to the increased incidence of allergic diseases in both children and adults seen over this period.

Commission presents Eurobarometer on Health, Food and Nutrition

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Most Europeans consider themselves to be in good health, but 38% feel they are overweight, according to the results of the latest Eurobarometer on Health, Food and Nutrition presented by the European Commission today. The survey, which reveals that 95% of EU citizens agree that obesity is harmful for health, addresses the health and physical characteristics of Europeans, their diet and general eating habits, problems related to being overweight, and their physical activity levels. Eating more vegetables and less fat are the most frequent changes that Europeans say they are introducing in their eating habits. However, most respondents report feeling trapped in a sedentary life that restricts their attempts to lead a healthy lifestyle. Less than 30% of Europeans carry out “intensive” physical activity on a regular basis. Most Europeans (85%) feel public authorities should play a stronger role in fighting obesity. Nine out of ten Europeans feel that marketing and advertising influence children in their food and drink choices.

EFSA recommendations on the prevention and reduction of animal diseases transmissible to humans (zoonoses)

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

At the end of last year the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its first annual report1 on infectious diseases transmissible from animals to humans (zoonoses) which affect over 380,000 EU citizens per year. Based on this report, at the request of the Council of Ministers of the European Union (EU), EFSA has now for the first time set out a series of scientific conclusions and recommendations and risk communications initiatives to prevent and reduce zoonotic diseases in the EU. The Authority has also identified aspects of the zoonoses reporting system that should be improved.

New report shows chronic diseases threatening economies of developing and developed countries

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A new report from the Oxford Health Alliance (OxHA) demonstrates that chronic diseases - heart and lung disease, cancer and diabetes - are having a negative economic impact on both the developed and developing world and should thus be adequately addressed by domestic and international policy makers.

Energy cost of walking: Over 70s use a third more energy than young

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The human body is like a car: it becomes more gas-guzzling with age. That's according to scientists at Manchester Metropolitan University who observed that active pensioners may not be getting enough calories to cope with increased "fuel loss".

Fatty fish may protect against prostate cancer

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Men who eat a lot of fatty fish run a lower risk of prostate cancer, concludes a new research paper from Karolinska Institutet. The effect is likely to be attributable to the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, although there is also a hereditary factor.

Microwave pre-cooking of chips reduces cancer chemicals

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Microwaving your chips before you fry them reduces the levels of a cancer-causing substance, reveals findings published today in the SCI’s Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Fish benefits outweigh risks, conclude two studies

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Two new studies published in the US this week seek to blow out of the water fears that people who regularly consumer seafood are putting themselves at risk due to methylmercury, PCB and dioxin contamination. Rather, the benefits of regular fish consumption on heart disease risk and neurodevelopment were seen to outweigh the risks.

New study gives further hope that vitamin D can help to fight breast cancer

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Vitamin D may help curb breast cancer progression, according to a study published today in the Journal of Clinical Pathology. The authors, from Imperial College London, measured the levels of vitamin D in the blood serum of 279 women with invasive breast cancer. The disease was in its early stages in 204 of the women, and advanced in the remaining 75.

The dietary history locked up in strands of hair can help diagnose eating disorders

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Women with eating disorders often cannot recognise their problem, or attempt to disguise it. This makes diagnosis and treatment very difficult. But newly published research from Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry shows that analysing the carbon and nitrogen bound into hair fibres can determine whether a person does indeed have an eating disorder.

Gain Weight, Lose Brain Power?

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Add another hazard to the pitfalls of being overweight -- a few extra pounds might reduce your brainpower. According to a new French study, heftier people score lower on cognitive tests, even when factors such as education level are taken into account.

Καιρός να αντιμετωπίσουμε την παιδική παχυσαρκία (1/4)

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Δεδομένου ότι τα επίπεδα υπέρβαρου και παχυσαρκίας στα παιδιά της Ευρώπης συνεχίζουν να αυξάνουν, είναι γενικά αποδεκτό ότι απαιτούνται επειγόντως προληπτικές ενέργειες. Εντούτοις, υπάρχει ακόμα πολλή συζήτηση σχετικά με το πότε και πώς να εισαχθούν οι παρεμβάσεις και ποια ακριβή μέτρα πρέπει να χρησιμοποιηθούν. Στο παρόν άρθρο αναφέρονται μερικές από τις εκτιμήσεις.

Κατανόηση των συστατικών

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Οι καταναλωτές θέλουν να γνωρίζουν τι υπάρχει μέσα στα τρόφιμά που καταναλώνουν. Μπορεί να επιθυμούν να αποφύγουν ορισμένα συστατικά για ποικίλους λόγους. Στην Ευρώπη, σχεδόν όλα τα συσκευασμένα τρόφιμα πρέπει να φέρουν ετικέτα σύμφωνα με νόμο της ΕΕ. Εντούτοις, η ορολογία αναγραφής συστατικών στις ετικέτες μπορεί να μην είναι πάντα σαφής στον καταναλωτή και για μερικούς καταναλωτές η ερμηνεία των αναγραφόμενων συστατικών αποτελεί ένα πρόβλημα.

Φαγητό εκτός σπιτιού - ένας υγιεινότερος τρόπος

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Για πολλούς Ευρωπαίους που είναι πολυάσχολοι και δεν έχουν χρόνο για να ψωνίσουν ή να μαγειρέψουν, ένας αυξανόμενος αριθμός γευμάτων καταναλώνεται ή προετοιμάζεται εκτός σπιτιού. Πιθανότατα, το πρόγευμα καταναλώνεται στο δρόμο για τη δουλειά, το μεσημεριανό γεύμα στην κοντινή καφετέρια, το δείπνο σε πακέτο ή σε κάποιο εστιατόριο. Όσο περισσότερο τρώτε έξω, τόσο σημαντικότερη είναι η σωστή επιλογή από το κατάλογο του εστιατορίου, προκειμένου να διατηρήσετε μια γενικά υγιεινή διατροφή. Παρακάτω παρατίθενται μερικές πρακτικές συμβουλές για να σας βοηθήσουν...

Black tea can soothe away stress

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Daily cups of tea can help you recover more quickly from the stresses of everyday life, according to a new study by UCL (University College London) researchers. New scientific evidence shows that black tea has an effect on stress hormone levels in the body. The study, published in the journal Psychopharmacology, found that people who drank tea were able to de-stress more quickly than those who drank a fake tea substitute.

Gaining Weight in Between Pregnancies Could Lead to Pregnancy Complications

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A new large-scale study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, found that an increase in body mass index (BMI) between first and second pregnancies was associated with adverse outcomes. The findings support for the first time a possible causal relationship between obesity and pregnancy complications, and are published in The Lancet.

Fatty fish may protect against cancer

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

If you want to avoid cancer of the kidneys, a new major study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that eating salmon or other kinds of fatty fish a few times a month would be one good way to go about it.

"No time to exercise" is no excuse

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

A new study, published in The Journal of Physiology, shows that short bursts of very intense exercise — equivalent to only a few minutes per day — can produce the same results as traditional endurance training.

Commission presents results of consultation on healthy diets and physical activity

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The Commission today presents the results of a public consultation on promoting healthy diets and physical activity, with a focus on the prevention of overweight, obesity and chronic diseases. With around 14 million children in Europe currently overweight, of which more than 3 million are obese, this is now an urgent public health issue requiring co-ordinated action at EU level, as well as within Member States.

Appetite – it’s a brain thing

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The regulation of body weight and energy balance in animals depends on the central nervous system capacity to read the body’s metabolic state and respond accordingly. But how does the brain process and integrate information to regulate feeding behaviour in order to sustain the energetic needs of the organism? In an article now published on the journal "Neuron", scientists from the US and Portugal study the brain activity of rats during a feeding cycle - consisting of an episode of hunger, satiety and hunger again - and found that, while individual neurons respond to parts of the cycle, the pooled activity of the neurons in entire brain areas is always high throughout hunger, diminishing after the animal is fed and satiated, and again increases when the animal is hungry again, a variation that most probably underlies the activation of the mechanism associated with feeding motivation in these animals.

How big is the energy gap in obesity? Top expert warns of public misunderstanding

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The oversimplification of the “energy-in/energy out” equation is generating a fundamental public misunderstanding of the challenges of obesity, an eminent expert has warned at the International Congress on Obesity in Sydney today.

Lack of outdoor play is health time bomb for children

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Unless more suitable outdoor play opportunities are provided for children and young people, a physical and mental illness time bomb is likely to explode, an international conference in Bristol was told.

Are you a little low? Failure to match energy intake with requirements is a possible cause of that ‘low blood sugar’ feeling.

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

As many as one third of women experience symptoms which they believe are caused by low blood glucose (sugar), according to a recent survey conducted in Nottinghamshire (1). The symptoms of such low blood glucose (or hypoglycaemia, as it is medically termed), include: irritability; faintness; tremor; hunger and anxiety.

Waist-hip ratio could be used to replace body mass index as indicator of mortality risk in older people

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Older people with high waist-hip ratios (WHRs) have a higher mortality risk than those with a high body mass index, or BMI, a new study reveals

An energy-based approach to nutrition information on food labels

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The European Food Information Council: Interview with Robert Madelin, DG SANCO

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

More information about this podcast

In this interview with EUFIC's Director General, Dr. Josephine Wills, Robert Madelin explains the important role that the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health plays in the overall Public Health strategy for Europe.

Big kids are getting too big

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The epidemic of obesity in young children has been far worse in the tallest, fastest growing young children, according to new research published in The International Journal of Obesity today (1 August 2006).

Ασφάλεια τροφίμων: αντίληψη του κινδύνου από τους Ευρωπαίους καταναλωτές

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Η κατανόηση της αντίληψης κινδύνου των καταναλωτών είναι σημαντική για την ανάπτυξη αποτελεσματικών στρατηγικών επικοινωνίας για τα ζητήματα κινδύνου υγείας. Η πρόσφατα δημοσιευμένη έκθεση του Ευρωβαρόμετρου (Eurobarometer) με θέμα «Ζητήματα κινδύνου» ` παρέχει πολύτιμες ιδέες για τον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι Ευρωπαίοι καταναλωτές αντιλαμβάνονται τους κινδύνους ασφάλειας των τροφίμων, ειδικότερα, και τον τρόπο με τον οποίο ανταποκρίνονται στις πληροφορίες που τους δίνονται για τέτοιους κινδύνους.

Διατροφή και κίνδυνος για καρκίνο και καρδιαγγειακή νόσο - τα αποτελέσματα της μεγαλύτερης δοκιμής διατροφικής παρέμβασης όλων των εποχών

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Σύμφωνα με τις διατροφικές συστάσεις πρέπει να καταναλώνουμε λίπος με μέτρο και να περιλαμβάνουμε πολλά φρούτα, λαχανικά και σιτηρά στα γεύματά μας. Τα πρόσφατα αποτελέσματα της μεγαλύτερης δοκιμής διατροφικής παρέμβασης όλων των εποχών δεν κατέδειξαν ευεργετική επίδραση αυτών των συστάσεων στον κίνδυνο για καρκίνο και καρδιαγγειακή νόσο. Ή μήπως το αντίθετο; Στην πραγματικότητα, η ερμηνεία αυτής της έρευνας-ορόσημο χρειάζεται προσεκτική προσέγγιση.

Τα οφέλη των φλαβονοειδών του κακάου για την υγεία

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Τα ιστορικά στοιχεία δείχνουν τη χρήση του κακάου ως θεραπευτικού μέσου για περισσότερο από δύο χιλιάδες χρόνια, από την εποχή των αρχαίων πολιτισμών των Μάγια και των Αζτέκων και μετά την εισαγωγή του στην Ευρώπη τον Μεσαίωνα. Πάνω από 100 θεραπευτικές χρήσεις για το κακάο και τη σοκολάτα έχουν καταγραφεί, συμπεριλαμβάνοντας την αντιμετώπιση της κούρασης, της απίσχνανσης, του πυρετού, της στηθάγχης και του καρδιακού πόνου, της αναιμίας, της ανεπάρκειας της αναπνοής και των ενοχλήσεων στα νεφρά και τα έντερα, αλλά ουσιαστικά δεν υπήρχαν επαρκή επιστημονικά στοιχεία για να τεκμηριώσουν την αποτελεσματικότητά τους στην πρόληψη ή τη θεραπεία τέτοιων προβλημάτων. Ακόμα και σήμερα, μερικοί γηγενείς πληθυσμοί της Κεντρικής και Νότιας Αμερικής χρησιμοποιούν τα διάφορα συστατικά του κακαόδεντρου κατά την προετοιμασία των παραδοσιακών φαρμάκων τους.

Νέα ιστοσελίδα για το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο Πληροφόρησης για τα Τρόφιμα

Sat, 15 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Προχωρώντας ακόμα πιο μπροστά, το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο Πληροφόρησης για τα Τρόφιμα (EUFIC) ανακαίνισε εντελώς τον ιστοχώρο του, www.eufic.org. Η προηγούμενη ιστοσελίδα του EUFIC ήταν σημείο αναφοράς, φθάνοντας στους περισσότερους από 350.000 επισκέπτες μηνιαίως και έχοντας ψηφιστεί ως μία από τις 5 κορυφαίες ιστοσελίδες για αξιόπιστες διατροφικές πληροφορίες από το περιοδικό Good Food της Βρετανικής Εταιρείας Αναμετάδοσης (BBC) τον Μάρτιο του 2006. Σήμερα, χάρη στις πολύτιμες ιδέες των χρηστών, ο νέος, κορυφαίος στον τομέα του, ιστοχώρος βελτιώνεται, προσφέροντας πάνω από 4.000 σελίδες επιστημονικά αναθεωρημένων πληροφοριών, που καθοδηγούν και ενημερώνουν τους χρήστες για την ασφάλεια των τροφίμων, καθώς επίσης και την υγεία και τη διατροφή με έναν έξυπνο και φιλικό προς τον χρήστη τρόπο.

Exercise can help to control type 2 diabetes

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

People with type 2 diabetes mellitus who perform regular exercise improve their blood sugar control and have reduced body fat. This reduction in fat occurs even if they don’t loose weight, suggesting that some of the fat may have been replaced by muscle.

Taking calcium supplements during pregnancy may halve the risk of pre-eclampsia

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Worldwide pre-eclampsia accounts for 40,000 maternal deaths a year and can trigger premature birth which is extremely dangerous for the child. A Cochrane Review of trials found that taking calcium supplements during pregnancy is a safe and cheap means of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia.

Commission presents results of Eurobarometer on Avian Flu

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Europeans are well informed about avian influenza and have confidence in the actions of EU and national authorities to tackle it, but significant gaps in knowledge remain about the risks, according to a special Eurobarometer survey on avian influenza published today by the Commission and conducted in March and April. Most respondents (between 70% and 80% according to the type of measures) correctly identified specific surveillance, control and eradication measures taken to prevent and contain avian flu outbreaks, and 70% of respondents agree that EU public authorities are guided in their actions by genuine concern about the health of European citizens. However, the survey reveals that a significant percentage of Europeans remain unsure about certain basic facts about avian flu. For example, 28% do not know that avian flu cannot be transmitted through properly cooked eggs and poultry meat. Most EU citizens replied that they had not reduced their consumption of poultry products, and those that did indicated they had done so only as a precaution.

Body measures and colon cancer risk – new results from the EPIC study

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Men and women with a large waist circumference and a large waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. In contrast, only in men is a high body mass index (BMI) clearly associated with a higher colon cancer risk. However, there is no relation between the body measures of the investigation and rectal cancer risk. These results from the European-wide EPIC study (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) were published on July 5th by Tobias Pischon of the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE) and his colleagues in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

E-numbers

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Managing sweetness

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

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People are born liking the sensation of sweetness. At a scientific conference in Brussels in June 2006, Dr. Josephine Wills asked a number of European scientists how people can manage sweetness as part of a healthy diet.

Q&A about aspartame

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

Available for almost 25 years, aspartame is approved for use by the general population in 130 countries around the world. Aspartame is one of the most thoroughly tested food additives in history with a comprehensive battery of studies done in humans and animals, including toxicity and carcinogenicity studies. All demonstrated that aspartame was safe for human consumption. Safety authorities have regularly reviewed new studies and they have always reconfirmed aspartame’s safety. Recently, aspartame has been again the subject of a public controversy after a new study was published linking the sweetener with a raised incidence of some tumours in rats. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) acknowledged to consider the new findings and ordered a review of aspartame’s safety, which confirmed the safety of the product.

Quo vadis food risk communication?

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The field of risk communication is going through a period of change. The area, having evolved from studies of public perceptions associated with nuclear power plants, noxious chemical facilities and crisis management issues, has now become closely intertwined with food. Food issues, be they associated with genetically modified organisms, acrylamide and whether fried foods are indeed safe to eat, or food safety issues in general, are key topics of discussion at international risk communication meetings at the present time and are gaining prominence in media and policy debates.

10 healthy eating tips for kids

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 12:00:00 +0100

The key to a healthy and wealthy diet is variety, moderation and physical activity. EUFIC spells out 10 basic tips that will help children take healthy decisions at meal times.

10 tips to healthy eating