A new antioxidant beverage produced with green tea and apple

Green tea and apple are natural products with health benefits. These healthy properties are linked closely to the antioxidant compounds, mainly phenolic compounds. These antioxidant compounds have a potential for preventing and treating cancer, cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases in humans. The aim of the present work was to design a new beverage with high antioxidant power combining extracts of green tea and apple, studying the antioxidant composition and activity, organoleptic properties (colour) and stability status during storage at different temperatures. The majority compounds identified in the beverage were flavan-3-ols, being the (?)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate which had the highest concentration. After storage, floridzine was the compound with lower decrease of concentration. The new designed beverage had a good colour, and high antioxidant activity and stability at room temperature, so that the beverage needs no refrigeration, showing potential for the development of new healthy functional beverages.     

Mixed Beverage of Fruits and Vegetables: Effect of Refrigerated Storage on Antioxidant Capacity and Acceptance

The aim of this work was to prepare a mixed beverage containing kale, ginger, coconut water, and orange, which is similar to the recipes found in the informal media, and to determine the effect of refrigerated storage on antioxidant, physical and chemical properties, ascorbic acid content, and sensory acceptance. The refrigeration of the mixed beverage for up to seven hours preserved the antioxidant properties, phenolic compounds, soluble solids, and titratable acidity but led to reduction of green color, pH, and ascorbic acid content. However, in the refrigeration for up to 25 hours, it was observed that antioxidant activity, color, pH, and ascorbic acid were not preserved. The beverage was considered appropriate by mean the sensory acceptance test, after microbiological analysis. The beverages refrigerated for 0, 13, and 25 hours were accepted, with maximum scores of 7 (10 cm scale), besides purchase intention above 3 on a 5-point scale.     

The effect of increased beverage portion size on energy intake at a meal

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impact of increasing beverage portion size on beverage and food intake. SUBJECTS: Thirty-three subjects, 18 women and 15 men, were included. INTERVENTION: In a crossover design, subjects consumed lunch in the laboratory once a week for 6 weeks. At each test lunch, the same foods were served, but the beverage served was varied in type (cola, diet cola, or water) and portion size (360 g/12 fl oz or 540 g/18 fl oz). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Beverage intake (g); energy intake from foods and beverages (kcal); and ratings of hunger, satiety, and characteristics of the foods and beverages served. RESULTS: Increasing beverage portion size significantly increased the weight of beverage consumed, regardless of the type of beverage served (P < 0.05). As a consequence, for the caloric beverage, energy intake from the beverage increased by 10% for women and 26% for men when there was a 50% increase in the portion served (P < 0.01). Food intake did not differ between conditions, so when the energy from the caloric beverage was added to the energy from food, total energy intake at lunch was increased significantly (P < 0.001) compared with noncaloric beverages. CONCLUSIONS: Serving a larger portion of beverage resulted in increased beverage consumption, and increased energy intake from the beverage when a caloric beverage was served. Serving a caloric beverage resulted in an overall increase in total energy consumed at lunch. Therefore, replacing caloric beverages with low-calorie or noncaloric beverages can be an effective strategy for decreasing energy intake.     

Patterns and trends of beverage consumption among children and adults in Great Britain, 1986-2009

Many dietary recommendations include reduction of excessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and other energy-rich beverages such as juices and alcohol. The present study examines surveys of both individual dietary intake data and household food expenditure surveys to provide a picture of patterns and trends in beverage intake and purchases in Great Britain from 1986 to 2009, and estimates the potential for pricing policy to promote more healthful beverage purchase patterns. In 2008-9, beverages accounted for 21, 14 and 18?% of daily energy intake for children aged 1·5-18 and 4-18 years, and adults (19-64 years), respectively. Since the 1990s, the most important shifts have been a reduction in consumption of high-fat dairy products and an increased consumption of fruit juices and reduced-fat milk among preschoolers, children and adolescents. Among adults, consumption of high-fat milk beverages, sweetened tea and coffee and other energy-containing drinks fell, but reduced-fat milk, alcohol (particularly beer) and fruit juice rose. In testing taxation as an option for shifting beverage purchase patterns, we calculate that a 10?% increase in the price of SSB could potentially result in a decrease of 7·5?ml/capita per d. A similar 10?% tax on high-fat milk is associated with a reduction of high-fat milk purchases by 5?ml/capita per d and increased reduced-fat milk purchase by 7?ml/capita per d. This analysis implies that taxation or other methods of shifting relative costs of these beverages could be a way to improve beverage choices in Great Britain.     

Beverages containing soluble fiber, caffeine, and green tea catechins suppress hunger and lead to less energy consumption at the next meal

Previous research has shown that beverages containing soluble fibers can decrease energy intake at the next meal among normal weight participants. Caffeine and green tea catechins have separately been associated with increased satiety. The present study examined the satiating power of a beverage containing soluble fiber as well as a beverage containing the same fiber, caffeine and green tea catechins. These two test beverages were evaluated in comparison to an equal calorie control beverage as well as a no-beverage control condition. All beverage preloads were presented three times for a total of 0.28-0.35MJ and 0-30g fiber. Dependent measures were appetite ratings and calorie intake at a test meal. The no-beverage condition was associated with the highest ratings for hunger and the lowest ratings for fullness when compared to the other three beverage conditions. Of the three beverage conditions, the beverage containing the fiber, green tea catechins, and caffeine created the lowest hunger and the highest fullness ratings. That condition was also associated with the lowest energy intake at the next meal. The present findings indicate that the beverage containing caffeine and green tea catechins in combination with soluble fiber decrease appetite and energy intake relative to a beverage with equal caloric content.     

Understanding How Latino Parents Choose Beverages to Serve to Infants and Toddlers

To determine Latino parents’ beliefs on the health effects of beverages on infants and toddlers, their sources of information on beverages and perceived barriers to following guidelines for healthy beverage consumption by children. We conducted 29 interviews with parents of Latino children ages 6–36 months. Parents were recruited in three community health centers in Northern California. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using standard qualitative methods. The following dominant themes emerged. Parents believed that water and milk were healthy beverages for children and that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were unhealthy. Views on 100 % fruit juice were mixed. Parents distinguished between homemade beverages such as “agua fresca” which they considered healthy, despite containing added sugar, and beverages from stores which were viewed as unhealthy. Participants’ main source of information on beverages was the federal nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Parents were confused, however, as to why WIC provides juice yet counseled parents to avoid giving their children juice. Parents preferred to receive information on beverages from experts. Differing practices among family members regarding which beverages they provide to children was the most important barrier to following beverage guidelines. Our study suggests that Latino parents are receptive to counseling on beverages from expert sources. Such counseling should address both store-bought and homemade beverages. The WIC program is a key source of information on beverages for Latino parents; thus counseling offered by WIC should be evidence-based and avoid mixed messages.     

Beverage consumption and adult weight management: A review

Total energy consumption among United States adults has increased in recent decades, and energy-containing beverages are a significant contributor to this increase. Because beverages are less satiating than solid foods, consumption of energy-containing beverages may increase energy intake and lead to weight gain; trends in food and beverage consumption coinciding with increases in overweight and obesity support this possibility. The purpose of this review is to present what is known about the effect of beverage consumption on short-term (i.e., meal) energy intake, as well as longer-term effects on body weight. Specific beverages addressed include water, other energy-free beverages (diet soft drinks, coffee and tea), and energy-containing beverages (soft drinks, juices and juice drinks, milk and soy beverages, alcohol). Existing evidence, albeit limited, suggests that encouraging water consumption, and substituting water and other energy-free beverages (diet soft drinks, coffee and tea) for energy-containing beverages may facilitate weight management. Energy-containing beverages acutely increase energy intake, however long-term effects on body weight are uncertain. While there may be health benefits for some beverage categories, additional energy provided by beverages should be compensated for by reduced consumption of other foods in the diet.     

Calcium bioavailability from a new calcium-fortified orange beverage, compared with milk, in healthy volunteers

The recommended dietary calcium intake may be difficult to reach using dairy products only. This study aimed to evaluate the absorbability of calcium of a new orange beverage in comparison with that of milk. Ten healthy adults, 5 males and 5 females, were randomly divided to receive, under fasting conditions, an orange beverage enriched either with calcium or milk. Both the beverages had been labelled the previous evening with a 44Ca solution. After a two-month interval the subjects underwent a crossover of beverages. Total and ionized calcium, parathyroid (PTH) hormone, and 44Ca were evaluated. The 44Ca was measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The relative changes in calcium absorption from the two test drinks were similar (23.0 +/- 6.4% for milk and 20.9 +/- 9.1% for the orange beverage). No significant differences were found between the two test groups. Both milk and orange beverage determined a similar and significant (p < 0.001) decrease in serum PTH two hours after the beginning of the test (-22.1 +/- 14.0% for milk and -27.9 +/- 15.3% for orange beverage). We can conclude that the bioavailability of calcium from this new calcium-enriched orange beverage is similar to that of milk.     

Consumption of cranberry beverage improved endogenous antioxidant status and protected against bacteria adhesion in healthy humans: a randomized controlled trial

Consumption of polyphenol-rich foods is associated with lower risk from many chronic diseases. We hypothesized that a single dose of cranberry beverage would improve indices of oxidative stress, inflammation, and urinary antibacterial adhesion activity in healthy humans. Six males and 6 females (18-35 years; body mass index, 19-25 kg/m²) consumed placebo, cranberry leaf extract beverage, or low-calorie cranberry juice cocktail (LCJC) once in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over experimental design trial. The washout period between beverages was 1 week. Blood was collected 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after beverage consumption for measuring oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers. Urine was collected at 0, 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 9, 9 to 12, and 24 hours postintervention to assess antibacterial adhesion activity. Consumption of cranberry leaf extract beverage elevated (P < .05) blood glutathione peroxidase activity, whereas LCJC consumption increased (P < .05) glutathione concentrations and superoxide dismutase activity compared with placebo. Cranberry leaf extract beverage and LCJC consumption had no effect on the inflammatory biomarkers measured as compared with placebo. At 0 to 3 hours postconsumption, urine from participants who consumed cranberry beverages had higher (P < .05) ex vivo antiadhesion activity against P-fimbriated Escherichia coli compared with placebo. An acute dose of cranberry beverages improved biomarkers of antioxidant status and inhibition of bacterial adhesion in urine.     

Price Trends of Healthy and Less Healthy Foods and Beverages in Mexico from 2011–2018

BackgroundCost is one of the main drivers of food selection; thus it is important to monitor food prices. Evidence from low- and middle-income countries such as Mexico is limited.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prices and price trends of healthy and less healthy food/beverage groups in Mexico from 2011 to 2018.DesignThis study used a time series of the prices of foods and beverages classified by 1) healthiness, 2) processing level, and 3) pairs of healthy/less healthy substitutes.SettingFood and beverage prices used to estimate the Consumer Price Index were obtained. Prices were collected weekly from 46 cities (>20,000 habitants) distributed across the country.Main outcome measuresPrice trend (% change/year) from 2011 to 2018 for all food/beverage groups and price/100 g in 2018 for pairs of healthy/less healthy substitutes were obtained.Statistical analysesLinear regression models were used for each food/beverage group, with the logarithm of deflated price as the dependent variable and time (years) as the independent variable.ResultsOn average, prices for less healthy foods and beverages increased more than prices of healthy foods and beverages (foods: 1.72% vs 0.70% change/year; beverages: 1.61% vs ?0.19% change/year). The price change was similar for unprocessed/minimally processed foods and ultraprocessed foods (1.95% vs 1.85% change/year); however, within each processing category, the price of less healthy foods increased more. By pairs of substitutes (within food/beverage groups), the healthier option for bread, sodas, and poultry was more expensive (price/100 g) in 2018, whereas for red meat, cheese, mayonnaise, and milk, the healthier option was cheaper.ConclusionsOverall, the food prices of less healthy foods and beverages increased more than the food prices of healthy foods and beverages. However, by processing level there was no difference, and for pairs of healthy/less healthy substitutes results were mixed. Continued monitoring of food prices is warranted, and future research is needed to understand how these price changes affect dietary quality.     

A new proposed guidance system for beverage consumption in the United States

The Beverage Guidance Panel was assembled to provide guidance on the relative health and nutritional benefits and risks of various beverage categories. The beverage panel was initiated by the first author. The Panel's purpose is to attempt to systematically review the literature on beverages and health and provide guidance to the consumer. An additional purpose of the Panel is to develop a deeper dialog among the scientific community on overall beverage consumption patterns in the United States and on the great potential to change this pattern as a way to improve health. Over the past several decades, levels of overweight and obesity have increased across all population groups in the United States. Concurrently, an increased daily intake of 150-300 kcal (for different age-sex groups) has occurred, with approximately 50% of the increased calories coming from the consumption of calorically sweetened beverages. The panel ranked beverages from the lowest to the highest value based on caloric and nutrient contents and related health benefits and risks. Drinking water was ranked as the preferred beverage to fulfill daily water needs and was followed in decreasing value by tea and coffee, low-fat (1.5% or 1%) and skim (nonfat) milk and soy beverages, noncalorically sweetened beverages, beverages with some nutritional benefits (fruit and vegetable juices, whole milk, alcohol, and sports drinks), and calorically sweetened, nutrient-poor beverages. The Panel recommends that the consumption of beverages with no or few calories should take precedence over the consumption of beverages with more calories.     

Effects of energy-content labels and motivational posters on sales of sugar-sweetened beverages: stimulating sales of diet drinks among adults study

This study examined the effects of an environmental intervention promoting more non-energy-containing beverage consumption compared to sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption through vending machines in an urban college setting. Eight soft drink vending machines were randomly selected and assigned to one of three conditions over a 9-week period: energy-content labels on non-energy-containing beverage selection panels (intervention I), labels plus motivational posters (intervention II), or control. The totals of all beverages sold and machine revenue were recorded at baseline (2 weeks), intervention (5 weeks), and postintervention (2 weeks) periods. Use of energy-content labels and motivational posters, compared with control group, resulted in a significantly lower growth rate of sugar-sweetened beverage sales (P<0.05). Total revenue for all beverages increased during the intervention period. It is estimated that the non-energy-containing beverages combined accounted for 70.52% of the increased revenue. Results of this study suggest that energy-content labels and motivational posters on beverage vending machines may be an effective way to influence beverage sales.     

Knowledge,perceptions, and behaviors of adults concerning nonalcoholic beverages suggest some lack of comprehension related to sugars

Key recommendations in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and US Department of Agriculture's MyPlate are to reduce the intake of added sugars, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, and drink water instead of “sugary” beverages. However, little is known about consumer knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors regarding sugars in beverages. We hypothesized that consumers would have limited or inaccurate knowledge of the sugars in beverages and that their beverage consumption behaviors would not reflect their primary concerns related to sugars in beverages. An online survey was completed by 3361 adults 18 years and older residing throughout the United States. Water was consumed in the highest amounts followed by (in descending amounts) other beverages (includes coffee and tea), added sugar beverages, milk, diet drinks, and 100% fruit juice and blends. Participants primarily associated the term “sugary” with beverages containing added sugars; however, almost 40% identified 100% fruit juice as sugary. Some participants misidentified the types of sugars in beverages, particularly with respect to milk and 100% fruit juices. Generally, beverage choices were consistent with stated concerns about total, added, or natural sugars; however, less than 40% of participants identified added sugars as a primary concern when choosing beverages despite public health recommendations to reduce the intake of added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages. Results suggest that there may be a considerable level of consumer misunderstanding or confusion about the types of sugars in beverages. More consumer research and education are needed with the goal of helping consumers make more informed and healthy beverage choices.     

Palatability and voluntary intake of sports beverages, diluted orange juice, and water during exercise

Palatability and voluntary intake of 4 beverages commonly available to athletes were compared in a laboratory exercise protocol designed to mimic aerobic training or competitive conditions in which limited time is available for drinking. Diluted orange juice (DOJ), homemade 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage (HCE), commercially available 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte sports beverage (CCE), and water (W) were tested. Fifty adult triathletes and runners (34 males, 16 females) exercised for 75 min at 80-85% of age-predicted heart rate, during which time they were given brief access (60 s) to one of the beverages after 30 min and 60 min of exercise. Results indicated that for overall palatability, CCE > W, HCE, DOJ; W > DOJ, and for amount of beverage consumed, CCE > W, HCE, DOJ; HCE > W, DOJ. The palatability of these beverages varied substantially, as did their voluntary intakes during exercise.     

Estimating the potential of taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce consumption and generate revenue

Objective

Beverage taxes came into light with increasing concerns about obesity, particularly among youth. Sugar-sweetened beverages have become a target of anti-obesity initiatives with increasing evidence of their link to obesity. Our paper offers a method for estimating revenues from an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages that governments of various levels could direct towards obesity prevention.

Model

We construct a model projecting beverage consumption and tax revenues based on best available data on regional beverage consumption, historic trends and recent estimates of the price elasticity of sugar-sweetened beverage demand.

Results

The public health impact of beverage taxes could be substantial. An estimated 24% reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption from a penny-per-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage tax could reduce daily per capita caloric intake from sugar-sweetened beverages from the current 190-200 cal to 145-150 cal, if there is no substitution to other caloric beverages or food. A national penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could generate new tax revenue of $79 billion over 2010-2015.

Conclusion

A modest tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could both raise significant revenues and improve public health by reducing obesity. To the extent that at least some of the tax revenues get invested in obesity prevention programs, the public health benefits could be even more pronounced.     

Comparisons of thickened beverages using line spread measurements

Concerns about the preparation of thickened beverages for patients with dysphagia highlight the need for objective measurements with application to clinical settings. This cross-sectional study examined the line spread test (distance a liquid flows) to determine reproducibility of the measurements and whether specific line spread measurements can differentiate nectar- and honey-like thickness levels in the National Dysphagia Diet. Two common thickeners were tested in three different beverages. Replication of preparation procedures allowed comparison of product/beverage line spread results to viscometer-determined viscosity measured at a similar temperature and time to thicken. Analysis of variance showed a significant two-way interaction for both levels of thickness, indicating that line spread measurements differentiated products mixed with different beverages. Standard deviations and confidence intervals confirmed that measurements were highly repeatable. Line spread distance (cm) and viscosity measured in centipoise (cP) for a similar product/beverage statistically correlated with one another, suggesting that line spread and viscometry provided some similar information about thickness across the six product/beverage combinations tested.     

Changes in calcium intake and association with beverage consumption and demographics: comparing data from CSFII 1994-1996, 1998 and NHANES 1999-2002

BACKGROUND: Consumption of soft drinks has been hypothesized to be negatively associated with calcium intake. However, fortification of some foods and beverages may have affected calcium intake. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in calcium intake and the association of milk consumption with key beverage consumption and demographic variables using the most current data available. DESIGN: Several techniques were used to describe how age, gender, race/ethnicity, and beverage consumption were associated with milk and calcium intake using the Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals 1994-1996, 1998 (CSFII) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002 (NHANES). Using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses, we examined the independent relationships of total non-beverage energy intake, fluid milk consumption, non-milk beverage consumption, and demographics with calcium intake. RESULTS: During the time period between CSFII and NHANES, milk consumption decreased and RCSD consumption increased among children 6-11 y. Calcium intake was unaffected. Among other age categories, milk consumption either did not change or increased (females 40-59 y), while RCSD consumption increased. Calcium intake either did not change or increased in most age-gender categories, including adolescent females. Fluid milk consumption exhibited the strongest association with calcium intake. Fruit juice consumption was also positively associated with calcium intake in most age-gender categories. Consumption of other beverages, including RCSD, had little or no association with calcium intake. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of low-fat milk should be encouraged, but calcium fortification of certain foods and beverages and calcium supplementation may be needed to further increase calcium intake.     

Retailer-Led Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Price Increase Reduces Purchases in a Hospital Convenience Store in Melbourne,Australia: A Mixed Methods Evaluation

Background

Limited evidence has been gathered on the real-world impact of sugar-sweetened beverage price changes on purchasing behavior over time or in community-retail settings.

The level of carbonation of a sugar-sweetened beverage preload affects satiety and short-term energy and food intakes

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with increased incidence of overweight and obesity, and a factor underlying this putative link could be the relatively low levels of satiety that may be induced by these beverages. Although many sugar-sweetened beverages are carbonated, little attention has been given to the potential effects of level of carbonation on satiety and subsequent intakes. We hypothesized that increasing the level of carbonation in a sugar-sweetened beverage would increase satiety and decrease intakes in the short term. Using a randomized, within-subject cross-over design, thirty non-obese subjects (fifteen women, fifteen men) participated on three occasions, 1 week apart. Following a standard breakfast, subjects consumed a beverage preload 10 min before consuming a lunch ad libitum. Preloads were the same sugar-sweetened beverage (400 ml, 639 kJ) with three levels of carbonation, which were low (1.7 volumes), medium (2.5 volumes) and high (3.7 volumes). Satiety was assessed using visual analogue scales and intakes were measured at the lunch and for the rest of the day. Compared with the beverage with low carbonation, consumption of the beverages with medium and high carbonation led to significantly (P < 0.05) higher satiety until lunch, when intakes of food and energy were significantly (P < 0.05) lower. There were no significant effects on satiety following lunch or on intakes for the rest of the day. This short-term study suggests that the level of carbonation may need to be taken into account when assessing potential effects of beverages on satiety and intake.     

Adults with healthier dietary patterns have healthier beverage patterns

There is an absence of research examining associations between food and beverage intake patterns and most research has centered on soft drinks, whereas research on overall beverage patterns is absent. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 99-02 for adults aged 19 y and older, we independently examined beverage and food intake patterns, as well as their interrelations. Cluster analysis generated mutually exclusive intake patterns for beverages and foods. Multinomial logistic regression models provided the odds of a given beverage pattern for each food pattern; we then compared the probability of a given beverage pattern for each food pattern. Six beverage and 6 food patterns emerged. Beverage patterns revealed that calorically sweetened, non caloric, and diet beverages tended to be consumed independently of one another. Being in the Snacks and High-Fat Foods cluster increased the odds of being in the Coffee and Soda (odds ratio (OR): 1.62 [95% CI: 1.27-2.06]) or Nutrients and Soda (OR: 1.51 [95% CI: 1.14-2.00]) beverage clusters and decreased the odds of being in the Water and Tea (OR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.52-0.97]) cluster relative to the odds of being in the Water, Coffee, and Tea cluster. The opposite was true for the Vegetable pattern. Furthermore, persons who had a healthier food pattern had a higher probability of having a non caloric beverage pattern than persons who did not. Increasing awareness of both the contribution of calorie-containing beverages to overall energy intake and dietary patterns associated with these beverages helps inform policies targeted at reducing energy intake in the population.