More AFIC Links

Welcome to the October edition of AFICNews.

AFICNews is a free monthly e-bulletin, providing updates on current food safety, health and nutrition news trends around the Asia Pacific region. If you are not already subscribed, but would like your own monthly copy, please send a blank email to aficnews-subscribe@afic.org. If you do not wish to receive AFICNews, simply send a blank email to aficnews-unsubscribe@afic.org, and your name and address will be automatically removed from the list. In case of difficulties email info@afic.org with your request to subscribe or unsubscribe, and we can do the rest.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

NEW FROM AFIC

AFIC’s latest service, for journalists is direct access’ to overviews of scientific understanding on food safety, health and nutrition issues, and to a database of regional experts in these fields, The scientific experts listed have all agreed to support media professionals by providing information or comments in their areas of expertise. To obtain a username and password for access or for more information on this service, please contact info@afic.org

Most Frequently Reported Food Safety and Nutrition Topics in Philippines Magazine
Nutrition, Health and Food Safety Coverage in 29 Indian Magazine on Sale in July 2005

Note: These figures are based on simple counting method of topic headings and do not allow for differences in length or depth of feature articles.

COMMENTS ON MOST FREQUENTLY REPORTED ISSUES AREAS

Functional Foods (11%)

Coverage on functional foods decreased from 15% in last year’s survey, but is still the most written about topic in this year’s survey representing 11% of total coverage. Common topics covered include the beneficial properties of green tea, antioxidant and some medicinal properties of a selection of fruits and vegetables, and other health enhancing foods. Please click to view, ‘New Technology Twists for Some Favourite Staples’

Overweight / Obesity / Weight Control (10%)

Clocking in 10% of total coverage, there is huge spread in terms of materials covered on this category this year. From the importance of exercise, to the benefits of timely and balanced meals, to the link between obesity and chronic diseases, a huge variety of themes were explored. For more information on weight management, please click ‘What You Should Know About Weight Management’ in English, Thai, Chinese and Malaysian Bahasa for more information on weight control and tips to lose weight successfully and permanently

Soft drinks / Fluids/ Hydration (9%)

Coverage on soft drinks and fluids increased by 2% from 2004, with dehydration being a major theme in most articles. Follow the link to read more about the importance of fluid for human body, ‘Fluid - The Forgotten Factor’ .

Cancer (8%)

Up 3% from 2004’s coverage, there was a range of advice in the published articles for the prevention of cancer included losing weight; increasing intake of whole-grains, leafy greens, broccoli, red pumpkin, other vegetables, a variety of fruit, milk and milk products, healthy fats, green tea; and decreasing intake of red meat, processed meat, eggs and coffee. Please click on ‘Getting the Message Across - Fruits and Vegetables are Good for Cancer Prevention’, to read more about this topic.

Exercise / Physical Activity (8%)

This year’s coverage on Exercise and physical activity sees a slight drop (1%) in this topic. The articles covered a range of advice including regular physical activity comprising at least 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular activity. The importance of duration and not speed of exercise for burning fat was also discussed as were the benefits of regular physical activity during pregnancy. Click here to read AFIC’s ‘Metabolism – Achieving Energy Balance’

Heart Disease / Cholesterol / Fat (8%)

This year’s survey saw a slight drop in coverage on this category, although there was a good spread of topics covered in the various articles. Lowering cholesterol levels was a major feature in this survey, with articles ranging from various food recommendation pieces to altering dietary regimes, to educational pieces on the various types of fats. Click on ‘Healthy Weight, Healthy Shape for a Heart for Life’, for more information on healthy heart and diet.

Infant Feeding (8%)

Infant feeding doubled it coverage from last year’s survey, recording 8% of total coverage this year. Almost equal weighting was distributed to the two major themes, breastfeeding and issues relating to pregnancy and fetal development. Please follow the link for more information on ‘Milk Matters for Babies and Toddlers’, to know more about diets for children’s well being and healthy life.

Diabetes (7%)

Articles surveyed suggested that increasing incidence of diabetes was due to a combination of sedentary lifestyle, high stress levels, and excessive intake of high-calorie, high sugar and processed foods. Eating jamun, regular exercise, hypoglycemic medication (if required), a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle were recommended for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. Increased coverage on this area also reflects increasing public interest. Click on ‘Metabolic Syndrome – A Lifestyle Issue’, for more information.

Healthy Lifestyles (7%)

Coverage on healthy lifestyles dropped 3% from 10% in 2004. A selection of healthy living tips was offered, including eating 3 meals at regular intervals; chewing food well; cutting calorie intake (for an increase in life span); eating a varied diet; filling up with a salad before the main meal; and exercising regularly. Please click on a ‘Asian Feasts - Recent Changes in Asian Diets’

Caffeine (7%)

Coverage increased dramatically from last year’s survey, recording a 6% jump in total coverage. A good portion of articles was devoted to potential disadvantages of excessive caffeine consumption including adverse impact on sleep patterns, water retention, breast tenderness before the menstrual cycle and abnormal heart rhythms. Additionally, there was also a few articles discouraging the drinking of tea after meals (in case of disruption to iron absorption), and recommending apple cider vinegar as an alternative to caffeinated beverages. For more information on caffeine, click on AFIC’s ‘Myths and Facts about Caffeine’.

Calcium / Dairy Products (6%)

This topic maintained same level of coverage as in 2004. Dietary sources of calcium and vitamin D were the focus of many articles, as was the broad nutritional value of milk. The role of dairy products in curbing appetite and weight loss was also discussed. Please click on ‘Strong Bones for Healthy Living’ for more information.