Wellness Foods - February 2008 - (Page 9)

glycitein, isoflavones, omega-3, phytosterols, polyphenols, probiotics, soy isoflavones, turmeric Cover Story TakeHeart Calcium and Vitamin K “Two of the biggest health issues facing women today are osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease,” says Leon Schurgers, Ph.D., of the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Maastricht, Netherlands. According to Schurgers, vitamin K (specifically, vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone-7 or MK-7) has a special place in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Without adequate K, calcium can build up in blood vessels and stiffen them, laying the foundation for heart disease. “Only recently has the correlation between these two issues become understood,” Schurgers explains. “Studies show that women with osteopenia and osteoporosis have a much greater chance of developing heart disease. Called the ‘calcium paradox,’ bones become depleted of calcium while arteries and soft tissues become calcified.” PL Thomas (www.plthomas.com), Morristown, N.J., markets a purified K2, MenaQ7, derived from fermented soy. (See “Vitamin K Last but Not Least,” www. foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/207.html.) By Jennifer LeClaire Ingredient makers and food processors are stepping up to the plate to help women substantially reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. tive vice president of science and technology, points to a new study on atherosclerosis suggesting the proven benefits delivered by inulin and oligofructose extend to heart health. “While further research is needed,” she adds, “these results support evidence from clinical trials that inulin and oligofructose can modulate cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood.” The Plants Have It Botanicals, too, have a place in heart-healthy formulations. Wild Flavors provides naturally derived flavors and nutraceuticals for the food and beverage industry. Wild created its innovative, light- and heat-stable NET Turmeric and NET Curcumin nanoencapsulated extracts. Not only does the nanotechnology increase the longevity of colors in formulations, the compounds have shown strong antioxidant effects. Curcumin, especially, is known as an anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic compound. Both ingredients have also shown antimicrobial properties. Resveratrol, from red fruits such as b erries and grapes, is a natural phytochemical ideal for formulations aimed at women’s health. In addition to its anticarcinogen properties, it may help reduce cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Kellogg Co. (www.kelloggcompany. com), Battle Creek. Mich., uses Fresno, Calif.-based San Joaquin Valley Concentrates’ (www.activin.com) ActiVin grape seed extract in some of its Kashi cereals and snacks. ActiVin is a GRAS-affirmed, water-soluble powder that can be added to the liquid portion of a food or beverage, or as a powder for dry-blending. It’s stable to heat, especially processes used in baking. Folate is another ingredient associated with women’s health to the extent its inclusion in flour and baked products became an industry standard. Not only does it help prevent neural tube defects in fetuses, increased consumption of folate may reduce the risk of breast Fiber’s Role Formulating with soluble fibers (such as beta-glucan from oats or psyllium) has become a leading industry trend toward adding a heart-healthy claim. The concept readily extends to other ingredient blends tailored to products for women. One soluble fiber seeing increasing use is inulin, from chicory root and artichokes. Inulin is prized for its properties as a fat substitute, carbohydrate replacement, flavor modulator and shelf-life extender. Tate & Lyle Inc. (www.tateandlyle.com) Decatur, Ill., recently introduced its Promitor fiber blends, which include soluble corn fiber and resistant starch. “Women tend to not get enough fiber, calcium and omega-3. Foods with these ingredients can help address shortfalls,” notes Cathy Kapica, Ph.D., vice president of global health for Ketchum Inc. (www.ketchum.com). Beneo inulin and oligofructose system, by BeneoOrafti (www.beneo-orafti.com), Morris Plains, N.J., is being used in a growing number of successful products targeting the ticker. Anne Franck, Ph.D., Beneo’s execu- Quaker, one of the first companies to market to heart health, now has its “Take Heart” line of antioxidant and fiber-rich instant oatmeals. Food Processing’s Wellness Foods™ www.wellnessfoodsonline.com February 2008 | http://www.plthomas.com http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/207.html http://www.foodprocessing.com/articles/2007/207.html http://www.kelloggcompany.com http://www.kelloggcompany.com http://www.tateandlyle.com http://www.activin.com http://www.ketchum.com http://www.beneo-orafti.com http://www.wellnessfoodsonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Wellness Foods - February 2008

Wellness Foods - February 2008 Well Noted Healthbites New Ingredient Profiles Cover Story: Women Take Heart Going Gluten Free Not Your Momma's OJ Aloe - Nutrition Beyond the Trends On the Shelf Expert Opinion - Soy Update

Wellness Foods - February 2008

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