Articles by Kerry Hughes

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How digestion, the Microbiome, and Gut Health Could Influence Cognition and Mental Well-Being

Evidence mounts on the important link between the gut and brain, as studies show the nutritional alteration of gut function is tied to enhancements in cognition
Kerry Hughes
Kerry Hughes
November 24, 2021

Mounting research into causes of dementia and cognitive decline have produced the recognition that two of the potentially modifiable risk factors into these conditions are diet and exercise. In a recent study at King’s College, London 418 adults age 65 and up were tested every two to three years over a 12-year period. Results revealed that cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease were linked to levels of neural stem cell death. Importantly, underlying which was low levels of vitamin D, carotenoids, and lipids


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Food & Mood

According to the American Psychological Association, 80% of US adults are stressed out over the future
Kerry Hughes
Kerry Hughes
May 12, 2021
Foods and food ingredients can affect our moods in myriad ways, both in the short-term soon after consumption and in the long term as part of our overall holistic physiology. What we ingest can have a positive impact on certain conditions, such as depression or anxiety, or, when simply quite pleasurable – think: chocolate or ice cream – give a quick burst of dopamine.
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AustralianCarobCo

Trends & Applications for Botanical Ingredients

Plant-based protections and remedies are an undeniable part of consumer preference for natural solutions
Kerry Hughes
Kerry Hughes
May 7, 2021
The recent explosion in consumer interest in health has led to a substantial jump in demand and sales of better-for-you foods and beverages. And, as consumers seek products with ingredients that can deliver added benefits for immune system health, they are expressing their preferences for natural solutions. Plant-based protections and remedies are an undeniable part of this trend.
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PulpCulture.4
2021 Predictions: BOTANICALS

Plants Used as Food and Medicine Continue to Intertwine

Assaults on physical and mental health are compounding the toll already taken on an aging yet active population
Kerry Hughes
Kerry Hughes
December 17, 2020

Recent events have not only driven consumers to seek ways of staying healthy but pulled the mental health side of mind-body wellness to the forefront. The stress of having lives and routines (and incomes) disrupted, illnesses threatening or even invading the family, and social isolation has led to an unprecedented 40% of US adults reporting that they’re struggling with mental health problems.


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Botanicals
2020 PREDICTIONS: BOTANICALS

Plant-Based Trends Are Growing Wild

Botanical Futures: Consumers seek natural answers to everything from everyday health and wellness maintenance to preventing serious conditions
Kerry Hughes
Kerry Hughes
December 13, 2019
With the plant-based movement currently booming, both new botanicals and those that have long been used in foods or beverages are finding new market avenues and applications.
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Botanical Ingredients

Emerging Botanicals

Consumers are moving out of their comfort zones to explore more bioactive ingredients
Kerry Hughes
Kerry Hughes
April 3, 2019

Botanicals are big. The combination of health and flavor has proven irresistible to today's consumer, thrilled at knowing that the tikka masala dinner they bought contains turmeric, fenugreek, and ginger to help fight inflammation and balance blood sugar.


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