Cardiovascular health

Study supports bioavailability of omega-3s from wax ester-rich marine oil

16-Sep-2016 By Stephen Daniells

Calanus oil is a highly bioavailable source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, says a new study that supports its potential as a suitable alternative source of omega-3s.

False claims risk undermining the Asia market for heart health products

07-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Global and local players in Asia’s heart health sector are adopting radically different strategies – but dubious health claims from some of the latter threaten to undermine the market, according to an industry analyst.

Vinegar a ‘promising functional food’ to combat Asia’s rising cases of type 2 diabetes

07-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Researchers in Singapore suggest vinegar could be a key functional ingredient to help fight the rising number of type 2 diabetes cases in the region.

Soaring seaweed demand raises environmental concerns for Asia

05-Sep-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Asia’s booming seaweed industry – buoyed by demand for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and antimicrobial products – needs to avoid the ecological and societal pitfalls experienced in agriculture and fish farming, according to a UN university institute.

Natural sweetener brazzein more ‘commercially viable’ thanks to Korean research

31-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Using yeast to churn out the fruit protein brazzein could enhance its commercial potential as a low calorie sweetener and aid the fight against obesity and diabetes, according to studies taking place in Korea.

AUD$9m project puts algae under the nutritional spotlight in New South Wales

26-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

An AUD$9m (US$6.9m) project to boost the potential for algae in the nutrition, supplement and bio-industry has been launched in New South Wales.

India’s omega-3 deficiency a potential ‘public health crisis’

23-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

India’s “shockingly low” level of EPA and DHA intake is storing up a potential health crisis, especially because life expectancy and therefore the rate of chronic illness is forecast to rise considerably over the coming decades.

Poor diet and high blood pressure fuelling China’s heart disease epidemic: Study

16-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Worsening dietary trends and soaring blood pressure levels will contribute to millions of new cases of heart attacks and strokes in China over the next two decades, researchers claim.

Consuming foods with plant sterols plays a role in managing heart health, says Nestlé Malaysia

15-Aug-2016 By Jim Cornall

Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and the UKM Medical Centre show that Malaysians in their 30s are now more likely to have arteries similar to a person aged 70 due to their lifestyles.

More Asia-specific research needed to improve nutrition knowledge

15-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

More high-quality Asia-specific research on local foods and their impact on the population is needed to help improve nutrition and combat the growing number of diet-related illnesses across the continent, a seminar in Singapore has heard.

Thiamine-fortified fish sauce could help combat beriberi

11-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Fish sauce fortified with thiamine could help fight cases of beriberi in Southeast Asia – a public health concern caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency.

Could SMS help slash diabetes risk in low/mid income Asian countries?

11-Aug-2016 By Gary Scattergood

Sending dietary advice to people in low and middle income countries (LMICs) by text message has shown to positively influence recipients’ nutrition choices, a new study reports.

Vitafoods Asia to grow education sessions and knowledge sharing

30-Jun-2016 By Nathan Gray

Expanded education programmes and networking opportunities at Vitafoods Asia 2016 will help businesses share knowledge and grow new partnerships, say event organisers.

JAPAN

RCT data links Benifuuki green tea variety to healthier heart

25-Jun-2016 By Nathan Gray

Consumption of the Benifuuki green tea variety could help prevent heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels, new trial data suggests.