90% of Americans eat too much salt

WASHINGTON, USA: 90% of Americans eat too much salt every day, and the top food offenders include cheeseburgers, pizza, bread, deli meat and potato chips, US health officials said on Tuesday, 7 February. 8 Feb 2012 15:53

Sorry, but carbo is really a no-no

Sports science expert Professor Tim Noakes has caused a stir in health circles by refuting his own nutritional advice, widely espoused as athletics gospel. 6 Feb 2012 23:31

Make the call to eat 'slow' food

[Sally-Anne Creed] We live in an instant world, where immediate gratification is the norm. Cellphones, processed food, microwave ovens, vending machines contribute to a fast-paced life. 2 Feb 2012 15:40

South Africa's Biggest Loser launches low-carb range

A new food brand, Low Carb SA, has achieved success with its low-carb food range, reportedly the first of its type in South Africa. Founder, Deon van der Merwe, is a larger than life national figure after winning South Africa's Big Loser contest. 30 Jan 2012 13:34

Food inflation will hurt consumers

Food price inflation is one of the main reasons that contributed to the Reserve Bank Governor, Gill Marcus' decision not to hike interest rates. Food inflation is currently 11.6%, considerably more than the overall inflation rate of 6.1%. 23 Jan 2012 10:20

Are we compromising our children's health?

[Dr Craig Nossel] A decline in physical activity and physical education, as well as poor eating habits and increased sedentary time are leading to a significant increase in childhood obesity on one hand and stunted growth on the other. If not addressed now, the incidence of lifestyle diseases is likely to rise dramatically in the future. 18 Jan 2012 12:56

Peninsula School Feeding Association gets Tuffy support

Tuffy is partnering with the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PFSA), which aims to combat short-term hunger in schoolchildren and in doing so promote their learning and potential. The organisation was established in 1958 and over the past 53 years has provided 1.3-billion meals to children in need. 17 Jan 2012 09:58

Food company computer games increase junk food consumption

[Megan Orciari] Despite food company pledges to reduce marketing of unhealthy products to children, a Yale University study finds that children are disproportionately targeted by food company websites using branded computer games, known as advergames. Researchers also found that playing these games increases children's consumption of junk food. The study is published online in the Journal of Children and Media. 13 Jan 2012 16:10

Colourful plates boost a picky eater's appetite

ITHACA, NY, USA: Parents of picky eaters can encourage their children to eat more nutritionally diverse diets by introducing more colour to their meals, according to a new Cornell University study. The study finds that colourful food fare is more appealing to children than adults. Specifically, food plates with seven different items and six different colours are particularly appealing to children, while adults tend to prefer fewer colours - only three items and three colours. 10 Jan 2012 12:15

Diabetes takes a heavy economic and educational toll on young patients

[Michael Greenwood] While the health implications of diabetes are well understood, new research led by the Yale School of Public Health finds that the disease also comes with high non-medical costs for young patients in the form of lost education and future earnings potential. The study is published in the journal Health Affairs. 10 Jan 2012 11:42

Healthy eating may help ADHD kids

WASHINGTON, USA: Simply eating healthier may improve the behavior of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if therapy and medication fail, said a study published on Monday in the journal Pediatrics. 9 Jan 2012 12:08

Starch intake may influence risk for breast cancer recurrence

SAN ANTONIO, USA: Researchers have linked increased starch intake to a greater risk for breast cancer recurrence, according to results presented at the 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held 6 - 10 December 2011. 13 Dec 2011 11:17

Eating fish boosts heart health in young women

WASHINGTON, USA: Women of childbearing age can reduce their risk of heart problems by regularly eating fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids, said a Danish study out on Monday, 5 December. 6 Dec 2011 16:49