Dietary Year-in-Review Recap

I don’t know about you, but to me it seems that time goes by faster and faster every year! In just a few days, the end of 2023 will come. You all know that new scientific research on the subject of healthy nutrition appears all the time, new trends arrive, we discover valuable products and innovative supplement formulas. Thanks to this, we can take even better care of our health and learn more about the mechanisms of functioning of the human body. In this entry, I would like to summarize the key issues on the subject that were popular in 2023 in the world of diets, what has changed and what caught my special attention. Are you ready to find out…? 🙂

 

Carcinogenic Aspartame?

Aspartame is classified as a potentially carcinogenic substance – this news spread around the world in the summer of 2023. The impact of aspartame on health has remained a controversial issue for years. This is a fairly commonly used sweetener that can be found in, among others, drinks, chewing gum, yogurt, and ice cream. The current acceptable daily intake of aspartame from all food sources is 40 mg/kg body weight (to illustrate this in practice, let me add that a can of one of the most famous carbonated drinks contains about 200 mg of aspartame). Supporters of aspartame emphasize that exceeding this value is really difficult, especially with occasional consumption of products sweetened with aspartame, and what is more, it is a substance with a much lower caloric value and a higher degree of sweetness than sugar, which may be beneficial for people who want to reduce body weight. Opponents, in turn, point out that further research is needed to clearly determine whether aspartame causes an increased risk of cancer, and that there are other, safer, low-calorie sweeteners on the market (such as xylitol). I think we can expect more data on this topic in the coming years, which I will be following and will keep you updated. Is there a clear answer today to the question whether aspartame is dangerous…? You have to decide for yourself. I will certainly continue to encourage you to limit your sugar intake to a minimum. The best solution is to gradually wean yourself from the intensely sweet taste and get to know the natural sweetness that for example comes from fresh fruit.

 

 

Multifunctional Collagen

The benefits of regular collagen supplementation are becoming more and more talked about but a few years ago it was not so obvious. You may have heard the attitude that collagen is an overrated product with limited and uncertain effects. Current data suggest that collagen is a preparation useful not only when you want to support the condition of your skin, hair and nails, but also the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Collagen can be especially helpful if you are struggling with injuries and are recovering or want to ensure effective muscle regeneration after exercise. I am even more glad that collagen is one of the supplements that you can find on offer in my store HERE. The key thing here is regular supplementation. To make it easier for you to introduce this healthy habit, you can choose collagen with your favorite flavor: orange or strawberry-rhubarb. One sachet contains 5 g of hydrolyzed fish collagen and additional, valuable compounds, such as vitamin C which supports collagen synthesis.

 

Insects – an Alternative Source of Protein

How about crickets on a plate as an alternative to traditional sources of protein…? I guess most of you may be very hesitant to give a positive answer. The truth is, however, that products containing insects are already appearing in Europe. At the beginning of 2023, the European Commission issued a regulation allowing another type of insect to be placed on the market, namely the house cricket, which joined the mealworm and the migratory locust. However, don’t worry about what you might see on the shelves. According to regulations, manufacturers can only use partially defatted house cricket powder. Still, if you prefer not to try products with insects for now, just read the labels (it will always be a good habit). In the face of a constantly growing world population and unfavorable climate changes, the search for alternative sources of protein seems to be a necessity. Why insects? There are many factors, including: a multitude of species, relatively easy and economical breeding, and, above all, high protein content per 100 g of dry matter.

 

Summary

As you can see, dietetics is a dynamic field of science. I assure you that this is not a reason to worry. New evidence is a chance to discover the best path to health. Remember, however, that you always have to adapt its route to your individual preferences and requirements. I hope that with the Diet & Training by Ann application, Foods by Ann and Levann products, Phlov and SuperMenu catering it will be pure pleasure. We try to constantly develop and follow your current needs, as evidenced by our new products: new training programs at Diet & Training by Ann, a new formula of liquid supplements from the Levann H2O line, Phlov Mencare cosmetics for men.

I can promise you now that the coming year will be full of even more (healthy) surprises! 🙂

 

Bibliography:

1. Dziennik Urzędowy Unii Europejskiej. Rozporządzenie wykonawcze Komisji (UE) 2023/5 z dnia 3 stycznia 2023 r. zezwalające na wprowadzanie na rynek częściowo odtłuszczonego proszku z Acheta domesticus (świerszcza domowego) jako nowej żywności oraz zmieniające rozporządzenie wykonawcze (UE) 2017/2470
2. https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released 
3. Khatri M,Naughton RJ, Clifford T, Harper LD, Corr L. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids. 2021; 53(10): 1493–1506. doi: 10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x