Low-calorie Drinks Research Articles

Understanding the marketed plant-based beverages: From ingredients technological function to their nutritional value

Despite the market expansion of plant-based beverages (PBB) there is limited information about what is driven the market and the nutritional status of the existing beverages. The objective was to identify the existing gaps in the PBB market with particular emphasis on their composition and nutritional value. PBB are mainly based on individual flour/powder and blends and sunflower oil is frequently present, besides gellan gum to stabilize the emulsion. In general, PBB are low calorie drinks (10–84 Kcal/ 100 mL), with low amount of saturated fat (0.1–1.90 g/ 100 mL) and fibers, and large variation in proteins (0.1–12 g/ 100 mL). The calcium fortification of PBB is comparable to the calcium levels of whole cow's milk, although the vitamin fortification is low. Analysis reveals that salt and oil reduction, as well as fibers enrichment might drive future innovations.

In-Store Marketing and Supermarket Purchases: Associations Overall and by Transaction SNAP Status

In-store placement promotions are used widely in supermarkets, but their effects on customer purchases remain largely unknown. This study examined associations of supermarket placement promotions with customer purchases overall and by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit use. Data on in-store promotions (e.g., endcaps, checkout displays) and transactions (n=274,118,338) were obtained from a New England supermarket chain with 179 stores from 2016 to 2017. Product-level analyses examined multivariable-adjusted changes in products' sales when they were promoted (versus not) across all transactions and stratified by whether the transaction was paid for with SNAP benefits. Food group-level analyses examined the extent to which a 20% increase from the mean number of weekly promotions for a food group (e.g., increasing the number of candy promotions from 17.0 to 20.4) was associated with total food group sales. Analyses were conducted in 2022. Across stores, the mean (SD) number of promotions per week was highest for sweet/salty snacks (126.3 [22.6]), baked goods (67.5 [18.4]), and sugar-sweetened beverages (48.6 [13.8]) and lowest for beans (5.0 [2.6]) and fruits (6.6 [3.3]). Product sales were between 16% (low-calorie drinks) and 136% (candy) higher when promoted versus not promoted. In 14 of 15 food groups, associations were stronger among transactions made with SNAP benefits than among those not made with SNAP benefits. The number of in-store promotions was generally not associated with total food group sales. In-store promotions, which were mostly for unhealthy foods, were associated with large product sales increases, particularly among SNAP purchasers. Policies limiting unhealthy in-store promotions and incentivizing healthy promotions should be explored.

PEMBINAAN SANTRI PONDOK PESANTREN MINHAJUSSHOBIRIN UNTUK PENERAPAN CARA PRODUKSI PANGAN OLAHAN YANG BAIK PADA PRODUKSI MINUMAN BELIMBING WULUH RENDAH KALORI

Abstract
 The students at the Minhajusshobirin Islamic Boarding School have produced a wuluh start fruit drink. Their drink has a high sugar content, so it cannot be consumed by diabetics. In addition, the product has not been certified, so it cannot be marketed widely. The purpose of this Community Service Program is to provide training for students to 1) Improve the skills of the students in good processed food production methods (good manufacturing practices/GMP), especially in producing wuluh star fruit drinks, 2) Increase the competitiveness of wuluh star fruit drink products by using sweeteners, low calories using stevia, and 3) Product stability test facilitation. The methods used in this activity included: licensing, surveys, counselling, training, laboratory testing, coaching, monitoring-evaluation, and publication of activity results. Measuring tools to assess the increase in knowledge and skills of students in the application of GMP in making low-calorie drinks are through questionnaires and direct surveys, as well as through product stability tests according to SNI 3719: 2014 standards in the QLab laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Pancasila. Training and supervision on GMP for processed food on sanitation and hygiene parameters have been given by a team of lecturers from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Pancasila. The quality assessment of the low-calorie drinks produced can be seen from the increase in product stability time of the test results in the laboratory. The pre-test and post-test results showed an increase in student understanding by 18.24%, which can be concluded that the training was effective. This activity is expected to be useful as an entrepreneurial provision for students when they serve in the community. 
 Keywords: Universitas Pancasila, GMP, wuluh starfruit

Change in the content of phenolic compounds in semi-finished products from endive Cichorium endivia during low-temperature processing

BACKGROUND: Research on changes in the content of monomeric and dimeric phenolic compounds and their amount during freezing and storage of semi-finished products is relevant because the varieties of endive Cichorium endivia, which have many useful elements, are applicable for medical and dietary nutrition.
 AIM: This article aimed to analyze the kinetics of the oxidation and hydrolysis reactions of phenolic compounds of three varieties of endive during freezing and storage.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The total content of phenolic compounds and the amount of phenolcarboxylic acids and flavonoids in fresh vegetables and semi-finished products from Russian varieties Kruzhevo and Elvira endive, as well as the Italian variety Kornetto K-56, were determined by spectrophotometry in fresh endive after harvesting, then after homogenization, freezing, and periodically in the process of low-temperature storage.
 RESULTS: Kinetic dependencies of changes in the content of phenolic compounds on the duration of storage of semi-finished products from endive varieties Kruzhevo, Elvira, and Kornetto K-56 in a frozen state were revealed. The constants of the reaction rate (pseudo-first order) of the change in the content of the studied substances during storage of endive semi-finished products were calculated. To reduce the loss of cell sap during defrosting to maintain the amount of phenolic compounds during storage of endive semi-finished products, adding pectin in the homogenization stage at an amount of 3.0% by weight of the homogenized endive of the varieties under study is recommended.
 CONCLUSIONS: During storage of endive, phenolic compounds are preserved to the maximum, and cell sap losses are reduced within 180 days in the Elvira and Kruzhevo varieties, and within 150 days in the Kornetto K-56 variety. The frozen semi-finished product from homogenized endive of the studied varieties is recommended for use in healthy nutrition technologies, particularly in the production of low-calorie drinks and bakery and confectionery products.

Aloe vera and the bitter truth

Probably best known for soothing the pain of sunburns, aloe vera is a cactus-like plant favored not just for burns but also for acne, eczema, oral submucous fibrosis, and radiation-induced skin reactions. Aloe vera juice is promoted as a low-calorie drink that clears up skin, relieves constipation, reduces heartburn, and improves eye health. But is aloe really a magic cure-all?

Beverage Availability and Price: Variations by Neighborhood Poverty Level in New York City.

Objective:To describe the variability in the availability and price of sugary drinks, low-calorie drinks, and water/seltzer across high- and low-poverty census tracts in the five boroughs of New York City (NYC).Design:Cross-sectional study. Our primary analysis compared the overall sample of beverages. Secondary analyses included tests for differences in the availability of beverage categories by neighborhood poverty level.Setting:We collected data from 106 stores (31 supermarkets, 29 convenience stores, 29 pharmacies, 9 Targets, and 8 Dollar Trees) in NYC. Fifty-four stores were located in high-poverty census tracts and 52 were located in low-poverty census tracts.Results:The mean Price per 0.03-liter of sugary drinks across the sample was $0.08, which was significantly higher than the price of low-calorie drinks ($0.07, p=0.01) but not different from water/seltzer ($0.08, p=0.65). Sugary drinks and water/seltzer were available in 91% of retailers, and low-calorie drinks were available in 87% of retailers. There was no statistical difference in availability of sugary drinks compared with low-calorie drinks or water/seltzer overall or within high- or low-poverty census tracts. Analyzed by store type, the mean price per ounce of sugary drinks differed significantly from water/seltzer at convenience stores, pharmacies, and Target stores (bodegas: $0.08 vs. $0.09, p=0.03; pharmacies: $0.11 vs. $0.08, p=0.02; Target stores: $0.07 vs. $0.09, p=0.01).Conclusions:Sugary drinks were available in most food retail settings in NYC, with little variation by census tract poverty level. Interventions that raise the price of sugary drinks to make healthier alternatives, such as water, the more affordable option should be considered.

Using of maple syrup as an alternative to sucrose and whey in making healthy functional sherbet-ice

The study was aimed to produce refreshing and healthy fat-free, low-calorie drinks by using acid whey as a basic material resulting from making cheese as an alternative to milk. Sugar has been replaced partially or completely with maple syrup at 0, 35, 70 and 100% and the chemical and physical tests of both blends were conducted. The level results showed a significant decrease in total solids, total sugars, viscosity, overrun, an increase in specific weight, and ash. The control treatment showed higher melting resistance than the rest of the treatments made with the replacement of sugar. Although the total acidity was lower than the comparison sample, the acidity of the maple syrup mixtures was observed to have significantly increased. The fat percentage was not affected by the addition of maple syrup and was not significant. Sensory evaluation showed that the 100% maple syrup sample received the highest sensory rating score.

Losing sleep by staying up late leads adolescents to consume more carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load.

This study examined how short sleep impacts dietary consumption in adolescents by testing whether experimentally shortening sleep influences the amount, macronutrient content, food types, and timing of food consumed. Ninety-three adolescents completed a within-subjects crossover paradigm comparing five nights of short sleep (6.5-hour sleep opportunity) to five nights of Healthy Sleep (9.5-hour sleep opportunity). Within each condition, adolescents completed three multiple-pass dietary recalls that recorded the types, amount, and timing of food intake. The following outcomes were averaged across days of dietary recall within condition: kilocalories, grams of carbohydrates, fat, protein, and added sugars, glycemic load of foods, and servings of specific types of foods (low-calorie drinks, sweetened drinks, fruits/vegetables, meats/proteins, processed snacks, "fast food" entrees, grains, and sweets/desserts). Timing of consumption of kilocalorie and macronutrient outcomes were also examined across four noncumulative time bins: 06:00-10:59, 11:00-15:59, 16:00-20:59, and 21:00-01:00. Adolescents slept 2 h and 20 min longer in Healthy Sleep than in Short Sleep (p < .0001). While in Short Sleep, adolescents ate more grams of carbohydrates (p = .031) and added sugars (p = .047), foods higher in glycemic load (p = .013), and servings of sweet drinks (p = .023) and ate fewer servings of fruits/vegetables (p = .006) compared to Healthy Sleep. Differences in consumption of kilocalories, fat, and carbohydrates emerged after 9:00 pm (ps = .012, .043, .006, respectively). These experimental findings suggest that adolescents who have insufficient sleep exhibit dietary patterns that may increase the risk for negative weight and cardiometabolic outcomes. Future health promotion efforts should include promoting optimal sleep to increase healthy dietary habits.

Associations between State-Level Obesity Rates, Engagement with Food Brands on Social Media, and Hashtag Usage.

Food advertisement exposure is associated with increased caloric intake, but little is known about food/beverage placements in the digital media environment. We aimed to examine the correlation between the number of people who follow food and beverage brand social media accounts (i.e., user engagement) and state-level obesity rates; quantify social media followers’ use of “healthy” vs. “unhealthy” hashtags; and analyze the relationship between user engagement and hashtag usage. We identified the 26 fast-food and beverage brands with the highest advertising expenditures and used Demographics Pro to determine the characteristics of social media users amongst the 26 brands. A series of regression analyses were conducted that related the mean percentage of brand followers and state-level obesity rates. We then identified 733 hashtags on Instagram and 703 hashtags on Twitter, coding them as “healthy”, “unhealthy”, “neutral”, or “unrelated to health”. Intercoder reliability was established using ReCal2, which indicated a 90% agreement between coders. Finally, we conducted ANCOVA to examine the relationship between the mean percentage of brand followers and their hashtag usage. There was a significant, positive correlation between the state-level obesity rate and the mean percentage of followers of sugary drink or fast-food brands on Instagram and Twitter, but such a correlation between obesity and low-calorie drink brand followers was only found on Twitter. Our findings illustrate the relationship between the social media food environment and obesity rates in the United States. Given the high rates of engagement with food brands on social media, policies should limit digital advertisements featuring fast-food, sugary drink, and low-calorie drink brands.

Social Media Accounts of Food and Beverage Brands Have Disproportionately More Black and Hispanic Followers than White Followers.

Introduction: On television, food companies promote their least nutritious products to Black and Hispanic youth more than White youth, but little is known about the extent to which Black and Hispanic adolescents may disproportionately engage with unhealthy food and beverage brands on social media relative to White adolescents.Methods: In 2019, we purchased and analyzed demographic data of social media users who followed 27 of the most marketed food/beverage brands on Instagram and Twitter. We used one-sample t-tests to compare percentages of Black, Hispanic, and White followers of the selected brands' accounts versus all social media accounts, and independent samples t-tests to compare followers of sugary versus low-calorie drink brands. We also used linear regression to examine associations between racially targeted marketing practices and the percentages of Black, Hispanic, and White followers on social media.Results: On Instagram, the percentage of Black followers of the selected brands (12.7%) was higher than the percentage of Black followers of any account (7.8%) (p<0.001). On Twitter, findings were similar for Hispanic users but opposite for White users. A higher racially targeted ratio was positively associated with the percentage of Black followers, and negatively associated with the percentage of White followers. Sugary drink brands had more Hispanic followers than low-calorie drink brands (p<0.001).Conclusions: Unhealthy food/beverage brands that target Black adolescents have a disproportionately higher percentage of Black followers on social media relative to White followers. These findings support the 2019 proposal to restrict racially targeted advertising through the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act.

The consumption of low-calorie sweetener containing foods during pregnancy: results from the ROLO study

Background/objectivesWomen with gestational diabetes (GDM) are advised to adapt a low glycaemic index (GI) diet, which may impact consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS). LCS are increasingly popular as they add sweetness without contributing calories. This study aims to investigate the reported intakes of LCS-containing foods in women during pregnancy.Subjects/methodsPregnant women recruited for the ROLO study were included in this analysis (n = 571). Women were randomised to receive either an intervention of low-GI dietary advice or usual antenatal care. Women completed a 3-day food diary in each trimester. Nine LCS-containing food groups were identified, and the quantity (g/day) consumed was calculated.ResultsOne-third of all pregnant women consumed LCS across each trimester of pregnancy. Of those in the intervention group who were LCS consumers in trimester 1, 71.6% were consumers in trimester 2, and 54.1% remained consumers in trimester 3. In the control group, less women remained consumers in trimester 2 and 3 at 58.1% and 41.9%, respectively. In trimester 2, following the dietary intervention, the proportion of LCS consumers in the intervention group was significantly higher than the proportion of consumers who were in the control group (p < 0.001). The most commonly consumed food groups were low-calorie fruit drinks, diet-cola drinks, and low-calorie yoghurts.ConclusionsOne-third of pregnant women consumed LCS. The proportion of LCS consumers increased in the intervention group compared to the control group. Further research is needed to determine exposure levels to individual LCS, and the effect of prenatal exposure to LCS on maternal and child health outcomes.

Tea and Wellness throughout Life

Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the most commonly consumed beverage globally after water, with black tea being the most popular type of tea drunk in Britain by people of all ages. The potential for tea to contribute to health and wellness throughout life is worthy of consideration. Tea is a low calorie drink with several bioactive polyphenol ingredients which are well known to have antioxidant activity. Black tea in particular is a source of the amino acid L-theanine which has been linked with benefits for mental, immune and cardiovascular health. Prevalence of poor health, including poor cardiovascular, metabolic, mental, brain, bone and immune health, which may result in serious outcomes, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cognitive decline and an inability to fight infection, is high in the UK and the European region. Interest in safe, natural ingredients for promoting health and wellness is growing. Whilst tea has been consumed for centuries, its health benefits have emerged more powerfully during recent decades giving scientific credence to the traditional perception that tea makes those who include it in their pattern of daily life feel good. This review collates evidence from human studies which evaluate the health and wellness impacts of tea consumption throughout life including into old age. It explores the evidence available on tea and mental and cognitive health, cardiovascular health, metabolic health, bone health, gut health and immune health. It identifies the bioactive ingredients which are likely contributors to these health impacts and includes evidence from laboratory studies that help to explain the mechanisms by which these benefits may occur. Overall, this review concludes that tea consumption contributes to health and wellness throughout life and that everyone should be encouraged to enjoy three cups daily as part of a healthy lifestyle pattern.

Examining the Relationship between Youth-Targeted Food Marketing Expenditures and the Demographics of Social Media Followers.

Background: To determine how many adolescents follow food/beverage brands on Instagram and Twitter, and examine associations between brands’ youth-targeted marketing practices and percentages of adolescent followers. Methods: We purchased data from Demographics Pro to characterize the demographics of Twitter and Instagram users who followed 27 of the most highly advertised fast food, snack, and drink brands in 2019. We used one-sample t-tests to compare percentages of adolescent followers of the selected brands’ accounts versus all social media accounts, independent samples t-tests to compare followers of sugary versus low-calorie drink brands, and linear regression to examine associations between youth-targeted marketing practices and the percentages of adolescent followers. Results: An estimated 6.2 million adolescents followed the selected brands. A higher percentage of adolescents followed the selected brands’ accounts (9.2%) compared to any account on Twitter (1.2%) (p < 0.001), but not Instagram. A higher percentage of adolescents followed sugary (7.9%) versus low-calorie drink brands (4.3%) on Instagram (p = 0.02), but we observed the opposite pattern for adults on Twitter and Instagram. Television advertising expenditures were positively associated with percentages of adolescent followers of the selected brands on Twitter (p = 0.03), but not Instagram. Conclusions: Food and sugary drink brands maintain millions of adolescent followers on social media.

Association Between Sulfur-Metabolizing Bacterial Communities in Stool and Risk of Distal Colorectal Cancer in Men

Sulfur-metabolizing microbes, which convert dietary sources of sulfur into genotoxic hydrogen sulfide (H2S), have been associated with development of colorectal cancer (CRC). We identified a dietary pattern associated with sulfur-metabolizing bacteria in stool and then investigated its association with risk of incident CRC using data from a large prospective study of men. We collected data from 51,529 men enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study since 1986 to determine the association between sulfur-metabolizing bacteria in stool and risk of CRC over 26 years of follow-up. First, in a subcohort of 307 healthy men, we profiled serial stool metagenomes and metatranscriptomes and assessed diet using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires to identify food groups associated with 43 bacterial species involved in sulfur metabolism. We used these data to develop a sulfur microbial dietary score. We then used Cox proportional hazards modeling to evaluate adherence to this pattern among eligible individuals (n= 48,246) from 1986 through 2012 with risk for incident CRC. Foods associated with higher sulfur microbial diet scores included increased consumption of processed meats and low-calorie drinks and lower consumption of vegetables and legumes. Increased sulfur microbial diet scores were associated with risk of distal colon and rectal cancers, after adjusting for other risk factors (multivariable relative risk, highest vs lowest quartile, 1.43; 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.81; P-trend= .002). In contrast, sulfur microbial diet scores were not associated with risk of proximal colon cancer (multivariable relative risk 0.86; 95% CI 0.65-1.14; P-trend= .31). In an analysis of participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we found that long-term adherence to a dietary pattern associated with sulfur-metabolizing bacteria in stool was associated with an increased risk of distal CRC. Further studies are needed to determine how sulfur-metabolizing bacteria might contribute to CRC pathogenesis.

Avaliação da qualidade físico-química, microbiológica e aceitação sensorial das águas de coco refrigeradas produzidas no Sertão do Pajeú – Pernambuco

&lt;p&gt;Coconut water is a natural,tasty, low calorie drink,. Its consumption is continuously increasing , mainly because of its properties of electrolytes replacement. The extraction and packaging stages are quite susceptible to microbial attack, resulting in loss of quality and, consequently, a decrease in its nutritional value. (PH, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, reducing sugars, ashes), microbiological quality (total coliforms, thermotolerant to 45ºC, Salmonella, molds and yeasts, Global impression and purchase attitude) of coconut water refrigerated, bottled and commercialized in the Sertão do Pajeú, Pernambuco. Two brands (A and B) were identified and had samples collected in the companies so as to reduce variations during analyzes. The two samples were within the standards established by current legislation, but sample B presented aspects that had greater acceptability among consumers and were also safer to them .&lt;/p&gt;

Pengembangan Formula Wedang Secang Sebagai Minuman Kemasan Rendah Kalori

Abstract: Wedang Sappanwood, Physical Stability, Stability of Antioxidant, Test Hedonik, Low in Calories. Wedang sappanwood is a traditional drink of Indonesia, especially from the region of Central Java, which is made from the wood of caesalpinia sappan (Sappan L caesalpia) which gives a fresh red color like wine (wine). In addition to wood, sappanwood in wedang sappanwood also there are other spices that serves as a flavor enhancer. Empirically wedang sappanwood can be efficacious for preventing and minimizing the occurrence of degenerative disease through its activity as antioxidant and lowering blood sugar so that the necessary development of other caesalpiniasappan became preparations down ready low-calorie drink that is safe for diabetics. This research aims to develop preparations Wedang Sappanwood As lowcalorie Beverages in view of physical stability, stability of antioxidant and consumer acceptance (test hedonik). Test results on hedonik parameter that gets the highest value is the color of the material, then followed its homogeneity, the aroma, viscosity, and most smaller parameter flavor. The physical test result wedang sappanwood in Weeks 0 through Sunday XII shows the results organoleptc the smell of stale spices, brown color, liquid form, there are deposits of liquid, viscosity 1 cp, and pH of 4.23. Test results on hedonik parameter that gets the highest value is the color of the material, then followed its homogeneity, the aroma, viscosity, and most small parameter flavor. Test of antioxidants in 0 to month decline to III activities antioxidant it is characterized with a price less than the CI50 150 ppm of antioxidant activities are categorized, so weak.

The Competition of Beverage Products in Current Market: A Composite Demand Analysis

The beverage sector plays an important role in consumers' daily diet. Recent declines in fruit beverage and soft drink consumption may be a reflection of changing consumers' lifestyles and perceptions. This study uses recent scanner data to develop a demand analysis to examine the competition of various beverages. To obtain reliable demand and elasticity estimates, we test for valid aggregations using the generalized composite commodity theorem. Results suggest that while consumers substitute refrigerated juice with low calorie drinks, a larger proportion of consumers substitute regular soft drinks with fruit drinks.

Internal Fat and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Following a Meal-Replacement Regimen vs. Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes in Obese Subjects.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a meal-replacement regimen vs. comprehensive lifestyle changes in overweight or obese subjects on intra-abdominal fat stores (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) measurements) and cardiometabolic risk factors. Forty-two obese men (n = 18) and women (n = 24) (age 49 ± 8 years; weight 96.3 ± 12.1 kg; BMI 32.7 ± 2.3 kg/m2) were selected for this randomized parallel-group design investigation. Subjects in the lifestyle group (LS-G; n = 22) received dietary counselling sessions and instructions how to increase physical activity. In the meal replacement group (MR-G; n = 20) meals were replaced by a low-calorie drink high in soy protein. After six months, subjects in the LS-G lost 8.88 ± 6.24 kg and subjects in the MR-G lost 7.1 ± 2.33 kg; p < 0.01 for changes within groups; no significant differences were found between the groups. Lean body mass remained constant in both intervention groups. MRI analyses showed that internal fat was significantly reduced in both groups to a comparable amount; the higher fat loss in the LS-G in the abdominal area was due to a higher reduction in subcutaneous fat. Both interventions significantly reduced components of the cardiometabolic risk profile and leptin levels. The decrease in the adipokines fetuin A and resistin was more pronounced in the MR-G. In conclusion, both interventions significantly reduced body weight, total fat mass and internal abdominal fat while preserving lean body mass. The reduction in the adipokines fetuin A and resistin was more pronounced in the meal replacement group suggesting an additional effect of soy protein components.

Do low-calorie drinks 'cheat' the enteral-brain axis?

The consumption of low-calorie beverages has increased worldwide, mainly because of their combination of sweet taste without adding significant calories to the diet. However, some epidemiological studies have linked the higher consumption of low-calorie beverages with increased body weight gain. Although a matter of debate, this paradoxical association between low-calorie beverages and weight gain has been attributed to their effect on the enteral-brain axis. More specifically, artificial sweeteners present in low-calorie beverages could induce appetite increase, probably due to an ambiguous psychobiological signal (uncoupling sweet taste from calorie intake) that confounds the appetite's regulatory mechanisms, promoting overeating and, ultimately, leading to weight gain. However, many studies do not support this assumption, and the mechanisms underlying the interaction between low-calorie beverages and the enteral-brain axis remain to be defined. The understanding of the effects of low-calorie drinks on the enteral-brain axis still remains in its infancy and needs to be unveiled. The consumption of low-calorie beverages reduces the calories from that drink, but compensatory phenomena may increase energy intake, and if so must be recognized and avoided.

Verbal descriptors influence hypothalamic response to low-calorie drinks

Messages describing foods constitute a pervasive form of reward cueing. Different descriptions may produce particular appeal depending upon the individual. To examine the extent to which verbal descriptors and individual differences interact to influence food preferences, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain responses to the same low-calorie drinks preceded by the spoken verbal descriptor "treat" or "healthy" in 27 subjects varying in BMI, eating style and reward sensitivity. Subjects also sampled a prototypical milkshake treat. Despite the fact that the verbal descriptor had no influence on pleasantness ratings, preferential responses to the low-calorie drinks labeled "treat" vs. "healthy" were observed in the midbrain and hypothalamus. These same regions were also preferentially responsive to the prototypical treat. These results reveal a previously undocumented influence of verbal descriptors on brain circuits regulating energy homeostasis.