Sugar can make you dumb, US scientists warn

WASHINGTON, USA: Eating too much sugar can eat away at your brainpower, according to US scientists who published a study on Tuesday, 15 May 2012, showing how a steady diet of high-fructose corn syrup sapped lab rats' memories. 16 May 2012 15:31

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

Coke, Pepsi to drop level of 'cancer' chemical

WASHINGTON, USA: Coca-Cola and Pepsi said Friday they have lowered levels of a chemical in caramel colouring to comply with a California law, but insisted the drinks pose no health risks and recipes will not change. 14 Mar 2012 15:57

Black dieters watch their weight for general wellness - not to lose weight

[Mintel Oxygen reports] CHICAGO, US: Whether it's a suggestion from our physician or a need to slim down, almost everyone experiences the desire to exercise more or eat healthier at some point in our lives. 15 Jun 2011 08:32

Complementary medicine: Is your product safe?

Complementary medicines have come under scrutiny once more, following recent revelations that many of these products are not doing what their labels say. In the most recent case, four 'herbal' medicines that are supposed to treat low libidos were reportedly found to contain illegal ingredients. That's raised the question for South African consumers: do we know what's in the complementary medicine we're buying; and who is checking up on these manufacturers? 18 Jan 2011 08:08

Gift of the Givers needs help for Somalia

Brand South Africa is encouraging all citizens to play their part in aiding Somalia through The Gift of the Givers Foundation, which has started distributing high-energy nutrition packages to the region, which faces the worst drought in 60 years. 8 Aug 2011 10:15

HSFSA alleges advertising is misleading: issues alert

The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA) has issued a statement in which it "demands an immediate retraction of all false advertising, marketing and promotional materials related to Helios margarines. The HSFSA insists that Unity Foods issues a corrective clarification of misleading and irresponsible claims. The HSFSA also demands that Unity Foods delivers a formal public apology for misleading consumers with their advertising campaigns. 22 Nov 2010 07:16

South Africans are overweight - survey

South Africans weigh in as the third fattest nation on earth. A survey done in 2010 by Glaxo SmithKline has found that 61% of the South African population are overweight or morbidly obese. In addition to this survey, a study done by the Medical Research Council in 2007 found that 56% of adult women and 29% of adult men in South Africa were overweight or obese. 17 Oct 2011 09:54

Prosumers lead change in attitudes toward health - survey

Research conducted on new realities in health and wellness by integrated marketing communications agency, Euro RSCG Worldwide, shows there is a revolution in consumers' attitudes towards their health - with interesting implications for brands both within and outside the healthcare arena. 12 Apr 2012 15:34

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

Harder times for Egypt as food, gas prices spiral

Abdel Moneim Ahmed was finally able to buy 10 loaves of subsidized bread after queuing for one-and-a-half hours with 30 people outside a bakery in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Another woman, known only as Zeinab, said she had waited two hours. "You can see the problem for yourself," she told IRIN. 12 May 2011 12:38

Compulsive eating and substance dependence share similar brain patterns

Addictive eating behaviour and substance dependence have similar patterns of brain activity, finds a new study from the Rudd Centre for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale. The study is published in the Archives of General Psychiatry and is the first to link symptoms of addictive eating behaviour with specific patterns of brain activity in both obese and lean individuals. 15 Apr 2011 09:24

Food prices highest since 2008

Food prices began to climb in the second half of 2010 and are at their highest since the 2008 crisis, according to new figures released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 6 Jan 2011 09:00