The Role Of Fiber In The Diet Of Middle Age People

Middle adulthood, or middle age, is the time of life between ages 40 to 60. During this time, people experience many physical changes that signal that the person is aging, including gray hair and hair loss, wrinkles and age spots, vision and hearing loss, and weight gain, commonly called the middle age spread. In middle adulthood physical development is totally complete and there is gradual decline in functioning of organs begins. Middle adulthood is a time of personal development; however, it is the least researched and the last understood of the life stages. In 1900, the average life expectancy was approximately 49 years; in 1976, it was approximately 72 years. Some scientists predict that life expectancy will reach 100 years by the end of the twentieth century. Because of this rapid lengthening of the life span, the middle-adult population continues to grow. Middle adulthood, is the time of launching children from the home, grand parenting, reaching the peak in one's career, and preparing for retirement. Studies have shown that the socioeconomic status of an individual greatly influences the timing of major life events; in general, those in the middle and upper classes tend to delay these events. Therefore, to identify middle adulthood solely in terms of the events that often characterize it would be as erroneous as regarding chronological age as they only criterion.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.

During the past decade, tremendous growth has occurred in the use of nutrition symbols and rating systems designed to summarize key nutritional aspects and characteristics of food products. These symbols and the systems that underlie them have become known as front-of-package (FOP) nutrition rating systems and symbols, even though the symbols themselves can be found anywhere on the front of a food package or on a retail shelf tag. Though not regulated and inconsistent in format, content, and criteria, FOP systems and symbols have the potential to provide useful guidance to consumers as well as maximize effectiveness. As a result, Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to undertake a study with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examine and provide recommendations regarding FOP nutrition rating systems and symbols. The study was completed in two phases. Phase I focused primarily on the nutrition criteria underlying FOP systems. Phase II builds on the results of Phase I while focusing on aspects related to consumer understanding and behavior related to the development of a standardized FOP system. Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols focuses on Phase II of the study. The report addresses the potential benefits of a single, standardized front-label food guidance system regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, assesses which icons are most effective with consumer audiences, and considers the systems/icons that best promote health and how to maximize their use.

Diet and Health examines the many complex issues concerning diet and its role in increasing or decreasing the risk of chronic disease. It proposes dietary recommendations for reducing the risk of the major diseases and causes of death today: atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (including heart attack and stroke), cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and dental caries.

Adequate fiber in the diet is essential for maintaining gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health and for weight management and glycemic control. But a majority of people in developed countries fall short of their recommended daily intake. Designed for product developers, nutritionists, dietitians, and regulatory agencies, Dietary Fiber and Health discusses critical findings from the Ninth Vahouny Fiber Symposium about the significance of dietary fiber and ways to get more fiber in our diet. Steeped in research and the latest data from international experts, the book explores a range of topics related to this essential nutrient, including: The relationship between fiber and weight management, gastrointestinal health, heart disease, cancer, and glucose metabolism Prebiotic effects of fiber and the characteristics and modulation of healthy flora The health benefits of novel fibers such as inulin The characteristics of maltodextrin, Fibersol-2, and low viscous fiber on satiety, glycemia, microbiota, and other properties The impact of the new definition of dietary fiber published by the Codex Alimentarius Commission The properties and immunological impact of Galactooligosaccharide and research on its effect on colitis Resistant starch and associated compounds Oat, rye, barley, and other fibers Regulatory issues, including GRAS notice procedure It is imperative that food product developers formulate foods with fiber and that health professionals recommend foods high in fiber to improve public health. The contributors to this volume provide a survey of not only the impact of fiber on human health, but also the myriad opportunities for fiber ingredients to be incorporated into foods for the benefit of consumers.

The newest edition of the most trusted nutrition bible. Since its first, highly successful edition in 1996, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide has continually served as the gold-standard resource for advice on healthy eating and active living at every age and stage of life. At once accessible and authoritative, the guide effectively balances a practical focus with the latest scientific information, serving the needs of consumers and health professionals alike. Opting for flexibility over rigid dos and don’ts, it allows readers to personalize their own paths to healthier living through simple strategies. This newly updated Fifth Edition addresses the most current dietary guidelines, consumer concerns, public health needs, and marketplace and lifestyle trends in sections covering Choices for Wellness; Food from Farm to Fork; Know Your Nutrients; Food for Every Age and Stage of Life; and Smart Eating to Prevent and Manage Health Issues.