Last year was quite eventful in the world of health, wellness and nutrition. Let’s take a look at what went down in 2015…
- The world was told to cut back on sugar.
The World Health Organisation updated their guidelines on sugar, recommending that adults and children reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. They also stated that a further reduction to below 5% or roughly 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day would provide additional health benefits. I can only hope the world is listening to this sound advice!
- The threat of food contamination became real
Nanna’s berries anyone? The Hepatitis A scare made headlines early in 2015 when twelve people contracted the condition after consuming Nanna’s berries. The source of contamination was traced back to China, calling for tighter regulation of Australia’s importing standards and screening. The silver lining is that this incident opened a public debate regarding our poor labeling laws. The fact is, a label stating “made from imported and local ingredients” tells the consumer zilch about the product’s origin. Hopefully we see tighter screening and improved labeling in 2016.
- Paleo went mainstream
The Paleo way is no longer just a ‘diet’ or a ‘fad’. For many, it’s a way of life. Paleo recipes, cafes, chefs, blogs, books and sites are thriving… with an army of followers spreading the word.
- The Heart Foundation tick was given the flick
The tick was originally designed to help consumers make ‘healthier’ choices. Unfortunately however, the Foundation rightly came under fire for endorsing junky and highly processed foods such as Chicken McNuggets and Milo cereal. With companies paying millions to earn a tick, understandably there was public outcry. Good riddance to the tick I say!
- Bacon was branded the new “smoking”
I disagree. Click here to read an excellent article summarising why these headlines were just a little bit off the mark.
- The FODMAPs diet charged ahead
The low-FODMAP diet gained much attention as a dietary treatment for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols and include carbohydrates such as lactose, fructose, fructans (long chains of fructose molecules) and sugar alcohols. FODMAPs are found in many foods including onions, legumes, apples, wheat and milk. It has also gained attention as a possible explanation for the many people who don’t tolerate wheat products… maybe it’s not actually gluten, but the fructans in wheat that cause symptoms in non-coeliac wheat sensitive people. Time and more research will tell!
- The healthy eating pyramid was updated
Finally! After 15 years, the food pyramid has finally been updated. Based on the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines, the new pyramid is a HUGE improvement on the previous one. I personally like the fact that favourable fats feature more heavily (like avocado), there are more greens, there is more of an emphasis on fruit and vegetables (as opposed to cereal and grain-based carbs), fresh herbs and spices have been included, there is no allowance for added sugars, no junk foods, and, my personal favourite… there is NO margarine on the pyramid! Hurrah!
- A sixth taste was discovered – Fat taste!
According to scientists, fat gives its own flavor to food, distinct from anything else. Oleogustus joins five other tastes – sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami. Oleogustus is Latin for “fat taste”. Cool huh!?
Well, there you have it… just a little bite of what went down in 2015.
My hope is that 2016 is full of exciting research, good health and (of course) delicious food.
Until next time,
Stacey.
