Viridian’s ApplePhenon packs a polyphenols punch
Viridian has launched what it says is the first Applephenon supplement on the UK market.
Polyphenols are plant based compounds which have sparked extensive studies into a wide range of positive benefits to human health.
Viridian’s ApplePhenon is a potent source of polyphenols and rich in powerful OPCs (Oligomeric proanthocyanidins), containing an ingredient where Viridian had become the first to launch this in the UK.
The polyphenols are extracted from native wild green apples using a proprietary gentle water extraction process.
The wild apples grow in geographically isolated, mountainous areas of Central Asia. Harvested at just the moment of highest potency, the unripe apples in ApplePhenon contain at least 10 times as many polyphenols as ripe apples.
Applying a mild extraction process and advanced purification technology, ensures these wild green apples possess a unique chemical composition of OPCs which are easily absorbed and utilised by the human body.
Aimee Benbow, technical director at Viridian Nutrition, said: “Viridian is highly committed to purity of its ingredients and sustainable sourcing, with clinical research being central to our supplement development and formulation programme.
“The launch of ApplePhenon follows extensive research into the health benefits of polyphenols and OPCs which has taken Viridian to the remotest of forests, with a unique history.
“ApplePhenon is an exclusive whole food based supplement containing a specific variety of wild apple extract standardised to 70% polyphenols, making this a high potency formulation.
Low sodium ‘craveability’ for plant-based snacks
The consumer appetite for exciting, nutritious, full-flavoured snacks put the spotlight on better-for-you plant-based options. After extensive research and lab tests, Israel-based sustainable salt specialist Salt of the Earth introduces its all-natural solution for making lentils bites tastier, using less sodium.
Salt of the Earth conducted virtual research of social media, culinary blogs, and retailers that indicates flexitarian and vegan Millennials increasingly are seeking new plant-based snacks that are better for you as well as have high protein content, vitamins, and minerals. After analyzing the properties of different legumes, they zeroed in on lentils.
“We developed an application for lentil snack bites that can be chilled, frozen, or dried,” explains Rakefet Rosenblatt, food technologist for Salt of the Earth. “Lentils have lots of protein and a high overall nutritional value, plus they blend well with other vegetables. We noticed that plant-based products are getting increasing attention on the market, yet most of the snacks are from broccoli, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes, which lack the same level of nutritional value. Our new application concept can attract a wider audience, including kids, thanks to its great taste and reduced sodium.”
“Parents with busy lifestyles are looking for ready-to eat nutritious treats that can be part of a meal or an on-the-go snack for the whole family,” adds Tali Feingold, Business Unit Director of Salt of the Earth. “My kids won’t eat lentils but these delicious treats made with Mediterranean Umami Bold have become a part of our regular routine.”
“This Mediterranean Umami Bold formulation will allow food companies to easily overcome lentils’ natural blandness and provide a savory treat,” adds Rosenblatt. “You can add Mediterranean Umami Bold to the wet mixture as part of the other ingredients. It completely dissolves, naturally boosts flavors, all while lowering sodium levels by a third.”
Study: Saffron Extract Could Help Menopause Symptoms
A new randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study reveals the positive effects of affron saffron extract on menopausal symptoms in women during perimenopause. The saffron extract, administered for 12 weeks at 28 mg at day, was associated with greater improvements in psychological symptoms.
In the two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, published in the Journal of Menopausal Medicine, June 2, 2021, healthy perimenopausal women aged between 40-60 experiencing menopausal complaints but without severe hot flushes, were recruited and randomized to receive either a placebo or 28mg of a saffron extract (affron).
Results revealed a 33% reduction in anxiety symptoms and a 32% reduction in depression scores from baseline to week 12. There also was a significantly greater reduction in the negative effects of mood (p=.043) compared to the placebo. However, saffron had no impact on vasomotor symptoms or other somatic symptoms, suggesting affron’s capabilities are predominantly active in alleviating the negative stress effects of menopause without influencing hormones. This avoids the some of the problems associated with the estrogenic approach and allows the safe integration of affron with other hormone influencing/ balancing ingredients.
“This is the first study of affron examining menopause symptoms in average perimenopausal women,” explains Alberto Espinel, manager of strategic R&D in active and functionalnatural Ingredients for Madrid, Spain-headquartered Pharmactive. “It opens a new health category in our offering of evidence-based personalized nutrition targeting specific demographics.”
Prinova to distribute Compound Solutions ingredients in Europe
Ingredients specialist Prinova is to become the exclusive European distributor of US-based nutraceuticals innovator Compound Solutions’ main ingredients. It will distribute and market seven of the US nutraceutical company’s products, including best-selling postbiotic CoreBiome and new gut health solution, GoBIOME.
Matt Titlow, CEO of Compound Solutions, said: “We were looking for a proactive and innovative distribution partner in Europe. Prinova has decades of supply chain expertise, deep product development and formulation capability, and an unrivalled global distribution network, all of which made it the clear choice. Like us, Prinova has a commitment to science-backed ingredients that help its clients succeed. We’re looking forward to a productive partnership.”
Whey protein and casein star in new meal replacement concept
Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new concept highlighting the power of whey and milk protein ingredients to create on-trend meal replacements.
With many consumers turning away from crash diets and towards more holistic approaches to weight management, demand for meal replacements has grown. The global market for such products – most commonly protein bars, powder shakes and RTD beverages – has grown at a CAGR of 7% over the last ten years, with one in four people now consuming them at least once a week.
A key trend in the category is demand for healthy, natural ingredients. The most successful weight management products are low in sugar and high in protein, as well as offering convenience and great taste.Whey protein and casein account for over 80% of protein ingredients in RTDs, powder shakes and bars marketed as meal replacements.
Now Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new concept to demonstrate how whey protein and casein can help manufacturers create on-trend meal replacement products. It features three new convenient solutions which showcase the versatility of the company’s Lacprodan range of whey protein and micellar casein ingredients. High in protein, the three recipes also provide carbohydrates, fibre and fat, and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals:
- RTD beverage: A ready to drink beverage with 100% native micellar casein isolate – a slow-digesting protein for long-lasting satiety. It combines heat stability and low viscosity with a neutral taste that is easy to flavour
- High-protein bar: With a blend of casein and whey protein for optimal texture and satiety, this nutrient-rich bar maintains its soft texture throughout its shelf life
- Protein shake: A blend of slow-digesting micellar casein and fast-absorbing whey with a neutral taste that is easy to flavour
- Laima Liepinyte, sales development manager, health and performance nutrition, at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Casein and whey protein are must-have ingredients in meal replacements and these new solutions tick all the important boxes in the category. They are packed with essential nutrients – not just protein but also lipids, carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. They are also quick to prepare and easy to consume, making them ideal for the lifestyle needs of busy, active consumers. We hope they will inspire manufacturers to continue to innovate in a category that is increasingly important in the weight management space.”
