Recent Study Shows Why Bananas May Dilute Health Benefits In Smoothies
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A new study published in the Food & Function Journal from Royal Society of Chemistry suggests bananas may be hindering the nutritional value of other ingredients in digestion. Bananas contain the enzyme polyphenol oxidase, which reduces the absorption of flavan-3-ols in fruits. This subgroup of flavonoids are found in most fruits and they carry immense nutritional value. The study found that when bananas are blended with other fruits in smoothies, polyphenol oxidase reduced the amount of flavonoids present in the blood stream. The consumption of bananas directly after eating other fruits also hindered the digestion of the flavan-3-ols in other fruits.
Study Shows Climate Change Will Increase Arsenic Levels In Rice
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For about half as long as we've been eating rice, we have been aware of the presence of arsenic in the grain. Arsenic is a naturally occurring chemical that attaches to rice granules in the soil, and researchers in China tested its presence based on environment to see if arsenic levels varied by climate. This study was conducted by growing 28 different varieties of rice in 4 different locations. Researchers concluded that arsenic levels in the rice shot up as carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and temperatures rose. As climate change brings high CO2 levels and global warming, arsenic levels in rice are expected to rise. If you're worried, eat white rice. It has less inorganic arsenic than brown rice.
Researchers Find Byproducts Of Olive Oil Are Extremely Healthy
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Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is the liquid left behind after olives are pressed for oil. OMW has long been discarded, but scientists say the product is packed with powerful antioxidants that can battle pathogens and improve overall human health. A study from Rome's Sapienza Unifersity found anti-inflammatory flavonoids, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein present in OMW. The study outlines OMW's potential in aiding digestion, hearth health, and even overall brain function. Researchers found another compound in OMW, oligogalacturonides, which help protect plants from infections. "OMW contains a wide range of valuable phenolic compounds with proven antimicrobial properties," the study states.
Study Shows How Tea Filters Contaminants In Water
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Brewing tea cleans your water, according to a study published in ACS Food Science & Technology. The study found that tea leaves absorb contaminants such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic with as little as 5 minutes of steeping. Steeping overnight increases the amount of metal contaminants extracted. “You’re taking the metals out of the water with the tea, but you don’t consume the tea leaves after, which is why it works,” said Benjamin Shindel, lead author of the study. Ground up leaves work best because of increased surface area, and the tea bag used also influences effectivity.
Some Ultraprocessed Foods May Be Worse Than Others, Research Finds
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Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are produced with multiple added ingredients using industrial processing that can't be replicated in a home kitchen. UPFs make up about 73% of the US food supply, account for 57% of the average adult's energy intake, including everything from sodas, candies and hot dogs to whole-grain breads, breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts and plant milks. Last month, one of the largest and longest studies on UPFs and heart health found that those who consumed the most UPFs were 23% more likely to develop coronary heart disease compared with the lowest consumers. Of the 10 UPF categories analyzed, two were clearly associated with greater risk: sugar-sweetened drinks (like soda and fruit punch) and processed meat, poultry and fish (like bacon, hot dogs, breaded fish, chicken sausages and salami sandwiches). Burgers or hot dogs? Burgers may be the healthier choice.
