Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1463529
AROUND THE WORLD Almond Board Funded Nutrition Research Provides Confidence in Almonds The solid foundation in nutrition science, directed by the Nutrition Research Committee and funded by the Almond Board of California (ABC), has resulted in high consumer awareness of the health benefits of almonds. For more than two decades, ABC has invested in nutrition research with respected researchers representing universities and research groups around the world. This commitment has led to a better understanding of the benefits of including almonds in healthy dietary patterns. The current body of nutrition research looking specifically at almonds are in the areas of heart health, weight management, diabetes, blood sugar regulation, gut health, cognition, skin health and other areas of global public health concern. While studies may be specific to a region, it's not uncommon for ABC's Global Market Development (GMD) team to extend those results with our other key markets which include U.S., Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, India, China, South Korea and Japan. Below are four key areas of nutrition research and how the results are being leveraged worldwide. Skin Health Diet as a means of promoting skin health – a beauty from the inside out approach – is of growing global interest to consumers looking for natural options for healthy aging. This is a new area of research for almonds, and consumers and media alike are very interested. Globally, research in skin health has generated significant media coverage for almonds over the last three years. In fact, the very first study in this area accounted for nearly 50% of almond marketing media coverage in Fiscal Year 2019-20 and the two studies published in FY 2020-21 accounted for 40% (close to 200 million impressions) of almond marketing media coverage. ABC's regional teams are looking forward to continued outreach to consumers, food professionals and health professionals as ABC's research in this area expands. 1 Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving on almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat. 2 ABC: 2021 Global Perception Study, Sterling-Rice Group 200M impressions on two studies published Heart Health Research in cardiovascular health has served as the foundation of ABC's nutrition research program, and today the heart-health benefits of almonds 1 are widely known by consumers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted permission for almonds to make a heart health claim in 2003 and "good for my heart" 2 continues to be a top health message that motivates consumers to eat almonds. 9