Avocados could be good for guts
Date: 22 Aug 2017New research shows avocados may be good for gut health, which would be another previously unknown benefit. Scientist Gunaranjan Paturi says avocados contain compounds that are already known to support cardiovascular health, blood glucose regulation and have anti-inflammatory effects. As avocados are high in ‘good fats’ and dietary fibre, Plant & Food Research’s Dr Paturi and colleagues Dr Christine Butts and Dr Kerry Bentley-Hewitt decided to see what impact they ... more
Consumer NZ: no nutritional benefits for milk in light-proof bottles
Date: 11 Aug 2017Despite claims light-proofed containers protect the vitamins in milk, Consumer NZ testing reveals there’s little difference in nutrient content between major milk brands. Fonterra-owned Anchor launched light-proof bottles four years ago, in response to research showing “light can cause damage to vitamin B2 and A”, the company said on its website. Anchor stated: “This isn’t good. Why? Well, because vitamin A is important in aiding healthy eyesight and ... more
Experts call for action to fill gaps on healthy food policies
Date: 26 Jul 2017New Zealand needs major improvements in food policies if it is going to seriously tackle the country’s obesity epidemic, according to findings in the University of Auckland’s second Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) published today. The Food-EPI was first published in 2014. The 2017 version was conducted in April to May 2017 by a New Zealand Expert Panel of 71 independent and government public health experts who rated the extent of implementation of policies on ... more
Diary Note - Just Cook this School Holidays
Date: 5 Jul 2017What: Just Cook Challenge When: July School Holidays Where: Homes across New Zealand Who: Anyone aged 10-18 with a kitchen at home The school holiday challenge anyone can do at home is back for its 7th year and it’s better than ever with epic prizes up for grabs. Just Cook Challenge is simple to do – make a meal, take a photo of it and enter it online at justcook.co.nz/challenge. With $2,000 in ... more
Simple seasonal soups for winter
Date: 4 Jul 2017Nothing beats a bowl of warm homemade soup to bring comfort during the cooler weather. Winter offers a great choice of vegetables that can be easily turned into nutritious, filling and flavour-packed soups. In New Zealand we are lucky to have access to a great selection of fresh, affordable vegetables. Ask family and friends to share their favourite winter soup recipes for you. Double the quantity when you’re making a soup and you can keep the extra portions in the fridge ... more
Seasonal fruit packed with natural goodness
Date: 6 Jun 2017Eating fresh fruit is a natural, easy way to boost wellness during winter, says 5+ A Day. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help to ward off sniffles and sneezes during the coldest months. Seasonal fruit, such as mandarins, oranges and lemons, taste great as well as being good sources of vitamins and minerals to help the immune system do its job well. Here are some quick tips on how seasonal produce can aid in boosting immunity, while adding a burst of ... more
NZMP opens door to dairy nutrition for lactose-intolerant consumers
Date: 9 Mar 2017Lactose-intolerant consumers can now enjoy their coffee with milk, a nourishing dairy smoothie or a creamy glass of milk, thanks to NZMP’s new Low Lactose Instant Whole Milk Powder, which contains less than 2% lactose. NZMP, Fonterra’s ingredients business, has developed the low lactose milk powder so people around the world who avoid dairy due to lactose concerns can now enjoy milk and all the goodness that comes with it. Fonterra Consumer Powders Category Director NZMP ... more
Health star labels help fight obesity
Date: 9 Mar 2017Helping New Zealanders fight obesity by making it easier to shop healthier is the motivation behind a new video on the Health Star Rating system released this week by the NZ Food and Grocery Council. The video is the final in a series, written and presented by dietitian and Registered Nutritionist Nikki Hart, which tackles food subjects people are often confused about: what to eat for breakfast, fad diets, processed foods, and how to use the new Health Star Rating (HSR) system. In ... more
Kiwis keen to eat better at work, survey finds
Date: 6 Mar 2017A healthy workplace is not pie in the sky, with a recent survey showing most Kiwis would welcome the chance to eat better at work. The 5+ A Day survey found 64 percent of workers would take part in a healthy eating challenge if it was organised by their employer. Fruit has a real feel-good factor, with 69 percent of workers saying they would feel positively towards employers who made fresh fruit available. Yet most (65 percent) said their employers did not provide fruit or make it ... more
Five tips for a healthy school lunch box
Date: 24 Jan 2017Cooking up new ideas for school lunches can be a challenge, but seasonal produce provides lots of variety for a healthy lunch, says 5+ A Day. Nutrients are vital in helping children concentrate in class and getting them through the school day. Lunch time is when they refuel to boost energy levels, ready to take on the afternoon. Filling lunch boxes with pre-packaged food that is often high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, can be the easy option. But picking fresh ... more
