A new review published in Applied Food Research (December 2025) “discusses the antidiabetic potential of five underutilized crops: Buckwheat, Quinoa, Amaranth, Moringa, and Teff. These crops are rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, which are known to play significant roles in the prevention and management of diabetes. By improving insulin sensitivity, inhibitingContinue reading “Antidiabetic potential of underutilized crops: Nutritional, phytochemical insights, and prospects for diabetes management: New review”
Author Archives: greengrass50
The New Food Guide for Colombia: Biodiversity, identity, and health at the table
In 2025, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) and the University of Antioquia presented the Dietary Guide for the Colombian Population based on Biodiversity and Real Food. This document is not a single recipe or just another technical manual: it is the result of a participatory process with communities from the country’s 13 food-relatedContinue reading “The New Food Guide for Colombia: Biodiversity, identity, and health at the table”
Impact of new octagonal front-of-package labeling on the purchasing probability of processed and ultra-processed foods in Colombia: New research
New research published in Food Quality and Preference evaluated the impact of front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on the purchasing probability of processed and ultra-processed foods in Colombia. More specifically, the study evaluated the impact of black octagonal front-of-package warning labels (FOPL), introduced by Resolution 254 of 2023 (RESOLUCIÓN No. 254), on consumer purchasing intentions forContinue reading “Impact of new octagonal front-of-package labeling on the purchasing probability of processed and ultra-processed foods in Colombia: New research”
High intake of ultra-processed foods linked to systemic inflammation: New research
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially altered products – such as soft drinks, sweet and savory packaged snacks, prepared pizzas, and processed meats. Hundreds of new ingredients, previously unknown to the human body, now make up nearly 60% of the average adult’s diet and almost 70% of children’s diets in the United States. “These products reduceContinue reading “High intake of ultra-processed foods linked to systemic inflammation: New research”
New landmark EAT-Lancet Commission warns food systems breach planetary limits
On October 3, 2025, The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission released its Report on Healthy, Sustainable, and Just Food Systems, presenting the most comprehensive global scientific evaluation of food systems to date. Analysis outlines pathway to health, equity, and a liveable planet Key findings of the new report include: “Building on its influential 2019 report, the new CommissionContinue reading “New landmark EAT-Lancet Commission warns food systems breach planetary limits”
Ultra-processed food consumption is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake: New research
“An international team of scientists has reported that people gain more weight on an ultra-processed diet compared to a minimally processed diet, even when they eat the same number of calories. The study in humans also revealed that a diet high in ultra-processed foods introduces higher levels of pollutants known to affect sperm quality (PrestonContinue reading “Ultra-processed food consumption is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake: New research”
Green roofs can capture nearly all microplastics that contaminate rainwater in modern cities: New research
“Green roofs can capture nearly all the microplastic particles that contaminate rainwater in modern cities, according to a new study. The findings add to the list of benefits of green roofs, which have previously been shown to reduce energy needed for heating and cooling buildings and calm the flow of stormwater. These nature-based solutions canContinue reading “Green roofs can capture nearly all microplastics that contaminate rainwater in modern cities: New research”
Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy
During my trip to Ecuador in late June, I dined at Somos Restaurant, in Quito, Ecuador. The theme of Somos restaurant is “Ecuadorian Born, Globally Inspired.” Somos restaurant specializes in preparing locally-available, indigenous foods and advocates for sustainable gastronomy. Here are some photos of the impressive restaurant, including the delicious dishes we sampled from theContinue reading “Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy”
Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds
Tearing off plastic wrap from the meat or prepackaged fruit and vegetables you purchased at the supermarket may contaminate your food with micro- and nanoplastics, according to a new research review published in the journal NPJ Science of Food. “Plastic contamination may also occur when you’re unwrapping deli meat and cheese, steeping a tea bagContinue reading “Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds”
The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table
The story of açaí begins in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where local tribes regarded it as a precious source of energy and vitality. It’s no coincidence that the name “açaí” means “fruit that cries” in the Tupi language, referring to how the pulp flows from the fruit. For generations, Amazonian communities have harvested these smallContinue reading “The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table”
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