Genetically Modified Foods - Associated with Health Benefits

  According to various researchers, consumers start to appreciate and pay more attention to genetically modified crops, as they may be associated with health benefits that are important. A team of researchers from Ghent University developed genetically modified rice that can be enriched with pro-vitamin A and folate. Particularly, the rice, in which Vitamin A is incorporated, known as ''Golden Rice'' could positively affect people's health, by encouraging good vision, healthy immune system and cell growth. 

  

    Despite the potential benefits of ''Golden Rice'' and the fact that six major staple crops have been successfully biofortified with vitamins and minerals, the developers of transgenic biofortified crops can not proceed further as genetically modified organisms are not approved for cultivation. Scientific community try to encourage the consumption of such foods as they can offer a complementary and cost effective alternative, while other strategies are less feasible. 

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science/GM-foods-with-health-benefits-have-big-market-potential-Research?cxtnav=1422259044258

Arla Foods - New food Innovation

  Arla Foods, a cooperative dairy company, which is owned by 13.500 dairy farmers launched Arla Protein, that is high protein, low fat and ''super thick'' quark product. This product is available in raspberry, strawberry and blueberry variations and it contains 20 grams of protein. The aim of the company is to attract increasingly active and health conscious consumers. 

  A range of Arla Protein products are already marketed in Finland and they decided to enter the UK market recently, as dairy cooperative's aim to become a leading dairy brand in UK. Arla Foods UK is a company that is working on further innovative products and range extensions, in order for consumers to profit in terms of health. 

http://www.foodnavigator.com/Market-Trends/Arla-Foods-enters-UK-yoghurt-category-with-high-protein-quark-launch

Role of Oregano Essential Oil - Protection of Corn Crops from Fungal Infections

                                                                         

  Oregano (Origanum Vulgare) constitutes one of the most powerful and versatile oils. It contains strong immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Additionally, oregano can be used to enhance the flavour of the food, but also as an agent in massage applications. More particularly, oregano is the key oil that is involved in the Raindrop Technique, which targets electrical alignment in the body. 

  Fungicides can be controlled with the use of synthetic chemicals, however sometimes a greater amount of chemicals may be needed for efficient control of fungal growth. On the other hand, the main feature of essential oils is that small amount of them can offer a significant effect. Essential oils have a low toxicity to the animals and they don't remain in water or soil for long time. 

   According to the Journal of Food Science, the role of essential oils is crucial for the quality of corn crops. Essential oils such as Oregano oil can inhibit the growth of fungi, but also the formation of mycotoxins. Moreover, as an antifungal oregano oil offers protection to the body from internal and external infections. Therefore, healthy gut flora can be maintained and colon infections can be prevented. The main compound that is responsible for the beneficial action of Oregano is thymol, which is considerably effective towards fungal infections. 

http://www.naturalnews.com/048189_oregano_essential_oil_natural_fungicide_corn_crops.html