These recently published nutrigenomics studies reveal interesting information about how our genes affect the way we process food. Read on to learn more about the newest discoveries in nutrition.

It may not come as a surprise that sleep is an important factor in our health. What may come as a surprise is that a recent study found that getting 7 hours of sleep each night was the ideal amount of time for older adults to sleep. 

The researchers took nearly 500,000 adults between the ages of 38-73 and had them complete a series of tests. They analyzed their sleep patterns, mental health, and wellbeing. They found that 7 hours of sleep was optimal for cognitive performance and mental health. 

The study also found that there was a link between the amount of sleep a participant got and cognitive processing and memory. The participants who either got more or less than 7 hours of sleep each night had poorer processing speed, visual attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. This suggests that getting too much or too little sleep could be a potential risk factor for mental decline.  

As we age, sleep can be influenced by many different factors. While more research is needed, the research suggests that 7 hours of sleep might be the ideal amount of sleep for older adults. Read more about the study here! 

Did you know that seaweed, such as spirulina and chlorella, is a complete protein and contains all the essential amino acids? Many other plant-based proteins do not contain all the essential amino acids, which makes seaweed special! 

Q: Is it really necessary to eat breakfast? 

A: There is a lot of conflicting information regarding breakfast, but at the end of the day, find what makes you feel your best! Here are some proven benefits to including breakfast: 

- Having a morning meal supplies your body with the energy needed to tackle your day. 

- It provides an opportunity for food and nutrient variety that may otherwise be missed. 

- Breakfast eaters have been shown to have a lower BMI when compared to people who frequently skip breakfast. 

- It has been found that a well-balanced breakfast can keep blood sugars stable throughout the day and limit cravings for sugary foods later on. 

The important part is choosing your morning meal. Aim for something packed with protein and fiber! For example, oatmeal topped with berries and nuts, a vegetable and egg scramble with whole-wheat toast, or a yogurt parfait! 

Discover the hottest trends in the food industry that affect the way we look at—and eat—food!

Now that the weather is warming up in most places, ice cream may be sounding even better than before! One trend you’ll probably see this summer is innovative ice cream flavors. For example, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Macaroni and Cheese, and even a mustard flavor! If you’re an adventurous eater, be on the lookout for some of these unique flavors!

Have you ever wondered if the fermentation process when making sourdough bread provided the benefits of probiotics? While sourdough bread may be easier on the digestive system for other reasons, it’s likely not for its probiotic content. Even though it is a fermented food, the probiotic bacteria are killed during the baking of the bread. Aim to get your probiotics from other fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut. 

Each month, we will be highlighting a few seasonal recipes. Happy cooking!

This strawberry salad recipe is packed with flavor and adds a fun crunch! You can also add chicken or tofu to pump up the protein. 

Nutrition:

Servings: 4

Calories: 650

Fat: 53g

Carbohydrates: 39g

Fiber: 9g

Protein: 12g

As summer weather is finally here, if you are looking for a healthy ice cream alternative, give this easy recipe a try! 

Nutrition:

Serving size: ¾ Cup

Calories: 315

Fat: 16.4g

Carbohydrates: 33g

Fiber: 5.1g

Protein: 8.3g

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