March 7th, 2016 – The Alliance for Aging Research, in partnership with the Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science, has released a series of three animated “pocket films” that explain the role of nutrition in healthy aging and highlight some of the latest findings in nutrition research. The films are intended for consumers, as well as nutrition experts, primary care physicians, and medical centers, to use as an educational resource. They are meant to be shown anywhere on a tablet or smart phone. You can see the press release here. For more about the films, you can also visit their home page.

 

About the Issue

From the day we are born, we are aging. The foods we eat can play a significant role in how our bodies age. Researchers have long known how certain foods can have a negative effect on health, but more recently they have begun to explore and understand how nutrition may play a role in promoting healthy aging throughout all of life’s stages. These films will help consumers learn how certain foods and nutrients can affect their health, give them tips on what to consider before turning to supplements, and empower them to maintain and improve their own health.

Fast Facts

• There are six classes of essential nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water.
• Eating a nutrient-dense diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting intake of sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, can help maintain a healthy heart.
• There have been many exciting advances in our understanding of how nutrients and bioactive compounds may help maintain and even improve health.
• Bioactive compounds, while not considered essential because they have not been shown to lead to deficiencies if they’re missing in the diet, may positively impact health.
• Bioactives include carotenoids, resveratrol, flavanols, and phytoestrogens.
• Research generated from collaborations among leading experts in academia and industry is finding that the unique combination of flavanols found in cocoa may promote a healthy heart and cardiovascular system by supporting healthy blood flow.
• Some people with nutritional deficiencies, certain diseases and conditions, or with evolving nutritional needs at different stages of life may consider dietary supplements to add missing nutrients to their diets.
• Supplements are not regulated as strictly as drugs because they have been considered to be more like food than drugs. Because companies don’t need to provide evidence to support their claims about their products before marketing them, being an informed consumer is important.

The Films

Nutrition for a Healthy Life

This film explores the biological processes of aging, how we can maintain health throughout our lives with healthy lifestyles, and how scientists are learning more about the specific nutrients that can positively impact health.

Healthy Aging with Nutrition

This film offers tips on a healthy diet, how to safely turn to supplements, and how to be a well-educated consumer.

Heart Healthy Aging with Nutrition

Watch this film to learn more about the aging of our CV system, research on bioactive compounds and how they may help maintain heart health, and a look at how cocoa flavanol supports healthy blood flow.

Contact Info

For more information about this campaign and for interviews with experts, please contact

Alliance for Aging Research
Noel Lloyd
202.370.7852
Email

Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science
Daniella M. Foster
Email

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