Food and Beverage
Proven for the first time: The microbiome of fruit and vegetables positively influences diversity in the gut
Newswise — Bacterial diversity in the gut plays an important role in human health. The crucial question, however, is where are the sources of this diversity? It is known that an important part of the maternal microbiome is transferred to the baby at birth, and the same happens during the breastfeeding period via breast milk. Further sources were yet to be discovered. However, a team led by Wisnu Adi Wicaksono and Gabriele Berg from the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has now succeeded in proving that plant microorganisms from fruit and vegetables contribute to the human microbiome. They report this in a study published in the journal Gut Microbes.
You are what you eat
The authors were able to demonstrate that the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and the variety of plants consumed influences the amount of fruit- and vegetable-associated bacteria in the human gut. Early childhood in particular represents a window of opportunity for colonisation with plant-associated bacteria. It was also demonstrated that the microorganisms of plant origin have probiotic and health-promoting properties.
A microbiome is the totality of all microorganisms that colonise a macroorganism (human, animal, plant) or a part of it, for example the intestine or a fruit. While the individual microbiomes are becoming better understood, little is known about their connections. “The proof that microorganisms from fruits and vegetables can colonise the human gut has now been established for the first time,” explains first author Wisnu Adi Wicaksono. This suggests that the consumption of fruit and vegetables, especially in infancy, has a positive influence on the development of the immune system in the first three or so years of life, as the intestinal microbiome develops during this time. But even after that, a good diversity of gut bacteria is beneficial for health and resilience. “It simply influences everything. Diversity influences the resilience of the whole organism; higher diversity conveys more resilience,” says Institute head Gabriele Berg.
Several billion sequences
In order to be able to determine that the consumption of fruits and vegetables and their microbiomes actually leads to changes in the intestinal microbiome, the team first created a catalogue of microbiome data from fruits and vegetables which enabled them to assign their bacteria. They compared these with publicly available data from two studies on intestinal flora. The TEDDY project looked at the development of babies in a long-term study and the American Gut Project studied the intestinal microbiome of adults – both projects also collected data on the food intake of the test persons. In total, the researchers had metagenome data from around 2500 stool samples at their disposal, each of which contained between one and ten million sequences – several billion sequences were thus evaluated. Using this extensive data set, the presence of fruit and vegetable microflora in the gut could be demonstrated. This evidence is a crucial building block in proving the WHO’s One Health concept, which closely links human, animal and environmental health.
Follow-up study on three continents
To further explore this connection, together with international colleagues and within the EU-funded HEDIMED project (www.hedimed.eu) Gabriele Berg at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology is already working on an intervention study in which people on three continents eat exactly the same things for a certain period of time, following which their excretions are analysed. But even beyond that, Gabriele Berg sees many areas that could be influenced on the basis of the study’s findings. This starts with food production, as soil, fertiliser and pesticides affect the plant microbiome. “Fresh fruit and vegetables will always have the best microbiome; agriculture or processing companies already have a major influence here. And the storage and processing of food must also be critically reconsidered,” explains Berg. Depending on the findings of the planned study, there could also be exciting applications for individuals. “Every fruit and vegetable has a unique microbiome. So maybe at some point a personalised diet can be put together based on that.”
This research is anchored in the Field of Expertise “Human & Biotechnology“, one of five strategic foci of TU Graz.
Source: Graz University of Technology
Food and Beverage
HARIBO Introduces Red, White & Blue Goldbears for a Sweet and Star-Spangled Summer
ROSEMONT, Ill. /PRNewswire/ — HARIBO, America’s #1 gummi brand and creator of the original gummi bear, proudly announces the launch of Red, White & Blue Goldbears, a limited three-flavor edition that is perfect for enjoying all summer long! The new patriotic edition is made up of three fan-favorite flavors: Cherry, Pineapple and Blue Raspberry. Cherry and Blue Raspberry are special flavors to this new edition; previously Blue Raspberry was released to celebrate 100 Years of Goldbears, and Cherry was released earlier this year in single-flavor bags to celebrate the brand’s #HOWiHARIBO fan art contest. Now they’re both back in one new limited-edition treat!
Whether fans are treating themselves to the new Red, White & Blue Goldbears for National Gummi Bear Day on April 27, or stocking up for their first backyard BBQ of the season, these new limited-edition Goldbears will have everyone seeing fireworks!
“We know our consumers love sharing HARIBO gummies with family and friends year-round, and we wanted to create an exciting limited-edition that would be the perfect treat to celebrate this summer,” said Terry Do, Brand Manager at HARIBO. “We always look for ways to surprise and delight our fans, and our Red, White and Blue Goldbears are a festive way to combine their favorite flavors with fun moments to make the treat experience even sweeter.”
HARIBO is thrilled to officially add Red, White and Blue Goldbears to its extensive gummi assortment for a limited time this summer, which includes classic favorites like Goldbears, Twin Snakes, Starmix, Sour Goldbears and Happy Cherries. HARIBO has been rolling out many new and innovative gummi treats for the U.S. market in the last year, including new Unicorn-i-licious, HARIBO’s first unicorn-shaped gummi treat on the market, and Berry Clouds, a triple-layered gummi with an irresistibly soft and fluffy chew, which won Product of the Year in 2023.
Red, White & Blue Goldbears will be available in 4 ounce bags and 9 ounce stand up bags. Consumers can purchase the limited-edition treat at select retailers now and nationwide this summer. For more information about HARIBO treats, follow along on Instagram and Facebook or visit www.haribo.com.
ABOUT HARIBO
HARIBO is the world’s leading manufacturer of gummi products, most famous for our classic Goldbears. Globally, the business employs nearly 7,000 Associates and operates 16 production sites in 11 countries. A family-owned business with a century-long heritage, our founder, Hans Riegel, built HARIBO on a foundation of quality and inspiring moments of childlike happiness through our products. Established in 1920, HARIBO is the acronym that comprises our founder’s name and the city in which the company was born (Bonn, Germany): HAns RIegel BOnn. We pride ourselves on making playful gummies that are meant to be shared so our inner-child can always experience joy through sweet treats. HARIBO global headquarters is in Grafschaft, Germany and its U.S. headquarters operates out of Rosemont, Ill. For more information, visit www.haribo.com.
Contact: Lauren Triffler
Head of Corporate Communications
Lauren.triffler@haribo.com
SOURCE HARIBO
(Family Features) Bright sunshine, warm patios and fresh foods go hand in hand. As warm weather and sunny days call you outdoors, bring the whole family along with favorite meals that blend perfectly with a soft breeze and the subtle sounds of nature.
Al fresco dining doesn’t have to be difficult. Just gather a few supplies, whip up a favorite recipe or two and ask for a hand in heading outside. Take these tips into account to help ensure your backyard dining goes off without a hitch.
Create a Cozy Spot
Dinner in the backyard means convenience and the comfort of your own patio furniture, but you can always enhance the experience with an umbrella to add a touch of shade or a small fan on those still, steamy evenings. If a busy day means a later dinner, hanging strings of soft lighting can help illuminate the table.
Make It Fresh
Salad season means fresh ingredients from lettuce and veggies to favorite toppings and beyond. Add a crisp bite to your next al fresco occasion with this Southwest Ranch Taco Salad featuring Newman’s Own’s Southwest Ranch Dressing. The dressing is creamy and smoky with a kick of spice and features no artificial flavors, no colors from artificial sources and no MSG, making it a perfect companion for salads and dips. In fact, you can enjoy this seasonal salad even more knowing that 100% of profits from the sale of the dressing goes toward helping nourish and transform the lives of children facing adversity.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
No outdoor meal is complete without a few must-have utensils. Avoid trips back and forth from the house by writing a list of everything you need so you don’t head to the deck without forks to share a salad or napkins to help clean up the mess. Bring the basics like plates, cups, utensils, napkins and a cloth to rest food on. Don’t leave behind serving spoons, trash bags and other convenience items that make al fresco dining a breeze.
Serve a Perfect Salad Partner
While a hearty salad alone is enough for a filling al fresco meal, you can take your backyard dining to the next level with the perfect partner for satisfying salads: crudites. Arranged neatly on a platter or board, a seasonal variety of sliced or whole raw vegetables such as snap peas, celery, carrots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, mini bell peppers, broccoli and more can make for a perfect accompaniment to nearly any outdoor meal. Serve with a dip or two, such as Newman’s Own’s Southwest Ranch Dressing, to complete your al fresco appetizer.
To find more al fresco food options that give back, visit NewmansOwn.com.
Southwest Ranch Taco Salad
Total time: 25 minutes
- 1/2 head romaine lettuce
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 small avocados
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 ground chuck)
- 2 teaspoons Newman’s Own Mild Taco Seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 1/2 ounces) black beans
- 1 1/2 cups canned corn
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus additional for serving (optional), divided
- 1 cup Newman’s Own Southwest Ranch Dressing
- 6 ounces tortilla chips
- Coarsely chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes and pit, peel and slice avocados. Set aside.
- In large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Brown ground beef, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes. Add taco seasoning and water; cook according to package directions, 5-8 minutes, or until meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Drain and rinse black beans. Set aside.
- Divide lettuce among serving bowls or plates. Top with ground beef, tomatoes, avocados, black beans, corn, cheese and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Tuck in tortilla chips.
- Drizzle with southwest ranch dressing and sprinkle with additional cilantro, if desired.
SOURCE:
Newman’s Own
LONDON /PRNewswire/ — The World’s 50 Best Restaurants today announces its Champions of Change 2024, the heroes of hospitality at the forefront of positive action and long-term progress within the industry and their communities.
Part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 programme, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, it’s awarded to a duo in Italy whose ground-breaking initiative supports migrant women, and a Brazilian chef determined to help forge a better future for the youth of Rio’s favelas.
Modena’s Roots is a migrant women-led social enterprise model, founded by Caroline Caporossi and chef Jessica Rosval. In 2020, the duo founded the Association for the Integration of Women, whose mission is to provide resources for women to establish roots and flourish. In 2022, alongside co-founder Maria Assunta Ioele, they opened Roots, a self-sustaining social impact model where migrant women in Modena can learn, work and build self-confidence as they take their first steps towards careers.
Brazilian João Diamante is also named a Champion of Change and is the founder of social project Diamantes Na Cozinha (Diamonds in the Kitchen), which runs cooking, nutrition and hospitality courses for young people in vulnerable situations.
Diamantes Na Cozinha is creating a new generation of talent, now serving up to 100 students in semester-long courses. Earlier this year, Diamante opened his own restaurant in Rio, Diamante Gastrobar, with the majority of the staff graduates from his school.
William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants said; “The work these individuals are doing to contribute to a better future for their communities is admirable; we’re excited to support the development of such valuable projects.”
Caroline Caporossi and Jessica Rosval say: “What an honour to receive this recognition. We are so proud of our graduates; the success of Roots is made possible by the value they bring to our kitchen everyday and this award is further testament to the human and economic capital of women everywhere.”
João Diamante says: “Being named a Champion of Change is a huge compliment and I am grateful for the appreciation of our work. This project was started to help people in situations of social vulnerability in Rio on a path to a better future and I’m proud of being able to share this with a global audience.”
Media centre:
https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com
SOURCE 50 Best
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