http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/food/ Learn all about food. See news and food science research. What foods are healthiest? What foods cause cancer? And more. en-us Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:05:02 EST Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/food/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194745.htm A comfort food, a tasty treat, an indulgence -- ice cream conjures feelings of happiness and satisfaction for millions. Ice cream researchers have discovered ways to make ice cream tastier and healthier, and have contributed to ice cream development and manufacturing for more than a century. Today, researchers are working to make ice cream into a functional food, adding nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants and probiotics to premium ice cream. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109194745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103930.htm Researchers in Spain have found that several species of lupins from the mountains of Andalusia have a protein content similar to that of other cultivated legumes. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132824.htm Plant carotenoids are the most important source of vitamin A in the human diet and are considered to be valuable antioxidants capable of protecting humans from chronic diseases including macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Researchers investigating the carotenoid content of field-grown broccoli discovered that when it comes to breeding broccoli, lutein levels were linked to the plants' genetics; the environment in which the vegetables were grown had little effect on carotenoid production. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104132824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104000929.htm Researchers report that cutting back on the consumption of processed and fried foods, which are high in toxins called Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), can reduce inflammation and actually help restore the body's natural defenses regardless of age or health status. The benefits of a diet lower in glycotoxins are present even without changing caloric or nutrient intake. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104000929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103153752.htm Laser labeling of fruit and vegetables is used to "etch" information on produce, thereby eliminating the need for common sticker-type labels. The technology has been licensed for use on a variety of fruits and vegetables and is being used in New Zealand, Australia and Pacific Rim countries. Researchers in Florida who studied the impact of this new technology indicate the technology will offer the grapefruit industry a safe alternative to adhesive sticker labeling. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103153752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122534.htm Scientists in Canada are reporting the development of a fast, inexpensive "dipstick" test to identify small amounts of pesticides that may exist in foods and beverages. Their paper-strip test is more practical than conventional pesticide tests, producing results in minutes rather than hours by means of an easy-to-read color-change, they say. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164100.htm Unstable carotid artery plaques -- those in danger of rupturing and leading to a stroke -- contain more inflammation and significantly less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic plaques, according to new research. This suggests that increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in carotid artery plaques could either prevent strokes or improve the safety of treatment. Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164100.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142235.htm Insoluble dietary fiber, or roughage, not only keeps you regular, say scientists, it also plays a vital role in the immune system, keeping certain diseases at bay. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028142235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922123935.htm It is well documented that brown (grizzly) bears prey on major runs of salmon, charr and trout. In 2007, researchers were surprised to spot a brown bear caching whitefish near a stream in the Mackenzie Delta region of the Northwest Territories. This sighting has researchers advising increased care in petroleum extraction and infrastructure development within the area. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922123935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115153.htm Healthy eating, not supplements, is the best way to keep the good bacteria in your gut healthy, says a dietitian and researcher. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115153.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144251.htm The cheeseburger and French fries might look tempting, but eating a serving of broccoli or leafy greens first could help people battle metabolic processes that lead to obesity and heart disease, a new study shows. Eating more plant-based foods, which are rich in substances called phytochemicals, seems to prevent oxidative stress in the body, a process associated with obesity and the onset of disease, according to findings. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021144251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111623.htm A professor has developed an innovative new way to keep produce and flowers fresh for longer periods of time. The microbiologist's method uses a naturally occurring microorganism -- no larger than the width of a human hair -- to induce enzymes that extend the ripening time of fruits and vegetables, and keeps the blooms of flowers fresh. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020111623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162230.htm A happy youth can influence where a fruit fly chooses to live as an adult, according to new research. The study provides new insight into how animals choose places to live and raise their young. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020162230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101318.htm Familiar beans like reds, whites and pintos are rich in iron, a nutrient essential for our health. But not all of the little legumes' treasure trove of iron is bioaccessible --- that is, available for our bodies to readily absorb. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006113007.htm A range of natural flavorsome food products that rely neither on added salt or monosodium glutamate may soon be available thanks to a Cork-based company exploring the food potential of a major Irish natural resource – seaweed. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006113007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013171229.htm People often eat food to feel better, but researchers have found that eating chocolate or drinking water can blunt pain, reducing a rat's response to a hot stimulus. This natural form of pain relief may help animals in the wild avoid distraction while eating scarce food, but in modern humans with readily available food, the effect may contribute to overeating and obesity. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013171229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014210604.htm Milk drinks that lower blood pressure, meat products that reduce the risk of heart disease, chocolate that calms you down and a new range of foods that can fight obesity can be created from marine animals and plants. Japan already has several product ranges on the shelves and research programs are underway all over the world to create more. And now Ireland is well on the way to becoming a player in this worldwide multi-billion euro industry, according to recently presented research results. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014210604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101352.htm Cows might be able to gain more weight while consuming less, potentially saving farmers up to 40 percent of feed costs. Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092344.htm One hundred years ago, Kikunae Ikeda discovered the flavor-giving properties of glutamate, a non-essential amino acid traditionally used to enhance the taste of many fermented or ripe foods, such as ripe tomatoes or cheese. New research now reveals that the tongue has a receptor that is exclusively activated by glutamate. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htm You might watch your daily calorie intake or glance over nutritional information on food packages, but do you do the same for your pet? Veterinarians say there are several guidelines to follow when feeding your pet to ensure that it maintains good health. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124825.htm A pioneering project to make our green vegetables even better for us has been launched by scientists in the UK. The research will underpin future technological developments in agriculture that could help fight a looming food security crisis. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002124825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102641.htm A team of pharmacists from Spain has established that the levels of vitamin C in many fruit juices and soft drinks are far higher than those indicated on their labels by the manufacturers. This finding has been possible owing to a new technique developed by the researchers to determine the content of vitamin C in these kinds of drinks. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005094730.htm Functional food is the food industry's fastest-growing product group, its leading products including dairy products which contain probiotics, that is, bacteria promoting health. Valio's Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG®) is the most frequently studied and used probiotic. Scientists have now determined the genome sequences of LGG and a bacterium closely related to it. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005094730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002105026.htm Those small and sometimes inconvenient sticky labels on produce may eventually be replaced by laser "tattoo" technology. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002105026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927154823.htm Phthalates -- the softening agents in synthetic materials -- were a hot topic during the last decade and have been linked to deformities in the male genitals, diabetes, premature births and excess weight. Now, a new study has revealed that they are extremely difficult to avoid, even if you eat healthily. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927154823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930112144.htm Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone, applied to crops, can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090930112144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091807.htm New research is aiming at developing new dietary sources of long-chain omega-3 oils in grains and lamb. They are now developing oilseed crop plants that synthesize EPA and DHA in their oils. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091807.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172524.htm Exposure to light and possibly photosynthesis itself could be helping disease-causing bacteria to be internalized by lettuce leaves, making them impervious to washing, according to new research. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095810.htm Researchers in Spain have shown for the first time the close space-time relationship between the presence of the griffon vulture and transhumant sheep farming in mountain passes. Transhumance -- the seasonal movement of people with their livestock -- has fallen in some parts of Spain by up to 80 percent over the past four years. The scientists say that traditional livestock farming practices are crucial for the preservation of mountain ecosystems. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922095810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170916.htm A new process would allow cattle producers to select which embryos are valuable before spending the time, effort and expense of producing a calf only to find out that it has genetic defects that render it of little value. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091601.htm When a whale dies, it sinks to the seafloor and becomes food for an entire ecosystem. Researchers have discovered previously unknown species that feed only on dead whales -- and have used DNA technology to show that the species diversity in our oceans may be higher than previously thought. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091833.htm A new report by leading food and sustainability scientists calls for Europe to take a new approach on food security, prioritizing health and sustainability in research and using a holistic view when making policy. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910121805.htm Bean plants' natural defenses against bacterial infections could be unwittingly driving the evolution of more highly pathogenic bacteria, according to new research. The study sheds new light on how bacterial pathogens evolve and adapt to stresses from host plants. This information could help researchers develop new ways of tackling pathogens that cause extensive and costly damage to beans and other food crops. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910121805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071648.htm Field trials of a new cotton are verifying previous lab and greenhouse studies indicating the crop could become a source of protein for millions of malnourished people in the world. The cotton was engineered so that the toxic gossypol is reduced to tolerable levels in the high-protein seed but remain at higher levels in the rest of the plant to ward off pests and disease. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909064910.htm Researchers in Germany investigated the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake, plasma antioxidant micronutrient status and cognitive performance in healthy subjects aged 45 to 102 years. Their results indicated higher cognitive performance in individuals with high daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909064910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103931.htm Monolaurin, an extract from coconut oil could be used as a microbial agent in foods, according to a new study. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909151919.htm An animal study has shown that adding ascorbic acid and sugar to green tea can help the body absorb helpful compounds and also demonstrates the effectiveness of a model that could reduce the number of animals needed for these types of studies. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909151919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908151334.htm Using an animal model of binge eating, researchers discovered that deactivating the basolateral amygdala, a brain region involved in regulating emotion, specifically blocked consumption of a fatty diet. Surprisingly, it had no effect on the rat wanting to look for the food repeatedly. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908151334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203433.htm Strains of Escherichia coli bacteria that cause food poisoning have been shown to have marked differences in the numbers of genes they carry compared to laboratory strains of E. coli. Some of these genes may enable them to survive stresses such as those caused by modern food processing techniques or exploit food sources that laboratory E. coli strains cannot use. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103626.htm Oregano, allspice and garlic essential oils (EOs) can be effective, natural barriers against E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. A new study revealed that oregano oil was found to be the most effective antimicrobial, followed by allspice and garlic. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908104207.htm Many people think twice before adding a dash of salt to their food, but don't realize that the majority of dietary sodium comes from packaged foods and eating out, according to a new study. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908104207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122448.htm A monkey that has acquired the sole power to hand out apples is generously rewarded with grooming sessions by the other monkeys in its group. But as soon as another monkey can hand out apples as well, the market value of the first monkey is halved. The monkeys therefore unerringly obey the law of supply and demand. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090902122448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163951.htm The emerging trend toward healthier, fresher foods presents new dilemmas for conscientious consumers. Marketers tout the attributes of "organic" food, while the "local foods movement" is gaining popularity throughout the world. The "organic-or-local" debate is particularly interesting when it comes to fruits and vegetables; but do consumers really understand the difference between "organic" and "local" produce? And what price are we willing to pay for these fresh, premium products? Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903111458.htm Fred Kummerow, a 94-year-old University of Illinois veterinary biosciences professor emeritus who still conducts research on the health effects of trans fats in the diet, filed a petition with the FDA last month to ban trans fats from food. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903111458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827202513.htm The ability to digest the milk sugar lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe, not in more northern groups as was previously thought, finds a new study. The genetic change that enabled early Europeans to drink milk without getting sick has been mapped to dairying farmers who lived 7,500 years ago between the central Balkans and central Europe. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827202513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820124038.htm Scientists have discovered what may be an important clue to the cause of type 1 diabetes. Scientists tested 42 people with type 1 diabetes and found that nearly half had an abnormal immune response to wheat proteins. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820124038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141351.htm Scientists have identified a gene in cowpea (black-eyed pea) that confers resistance to attack from witchweed, a parasitic plant. This discovery will help researchers better understand how some plants can resist Striga, while others, such as corn and sorghum, are susceptible. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827073252.htm Scientists have found that the polyphenol content of fruits has been underestimated. Polyphenol content in fruits usually refers to extractable polyphenols, but new research finds that nonextractable polyphenol content is up to five times higher than extractable compounds. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827073252.htm