Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Roughly 3 million people in the US have celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the small intestine in the presence of gluten. This leads to decreased absorption of nutrients, which may result in nutritional deficiencies, anemia, diabetes, thyroid […]

Many fruits and vegetables have different compounds, which are linked to positive health outcomes.  Garlic, which is a bulbous plant, has been used as both a food and medicine for centuries.  It has been linked to cardiovascular and immune benefits, decreased blood sugar levels, and increased testosterone levels.  Garlic contains sulfur-containing compounds, along with allicin, […]

Finally! The FDA has approved spirulina as a source of blue color in candy and gum.  This is a natural alternative to the artificial blue color  FD&C  Blue #1 that is current used in the US.  Spirulina comes from algae that grows on the surface of lakes.  It is a high-quality protein, often used as […]

As consumers, we rely on the government to ensure that the food we purchase from the grocery store is safe.  The FDA examines food additives and labels them as GRAS or “generally recognized as safe.” A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that many of the experts who decided on the safety of food additives […]

A new study published in the American Marketing Association’s Journal of Marketing examined the consumer eating habits of foods in transparent packaging versus opaque packaging.  The researchers measured both food consumption and people’s attitudes towards food. The results found that clear packaging influenced snacking behavior in different ways, depending on the size, healthfulness, and appeal […]