Emphasizing that ice is also a food and can contain harmful microorganisms, Nutrition and Diet Expert Hülya Yiğit said, “If the water used when freezing ice is not clean, if the ice is touched with bare hands when being placed in glasses, and if the ice is not stored under appropriate conditions, it can also become a living space for harmful microbes.” Drawing attention to the fact that ice should not be thawed and refrozen and that clean water should be used for ice making, Yiğit reminded that food poisoning can occur a few hours or a few days after the consumption of spoiled food.

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist Hülya Yiğit gave information about food poisoning that may occur due to ice, especially put in drinks and not stored under appropriate conditions during the summer months.

“Ice is also a food and can harbor harmful microorganisms”

Reminding that food poisoning has become more common with the increase in summer temperatures, Nutrition and Diet Expert Hülya Yiğit said, “However, recently, with the increase in cold drink consumption, we have been encountering ice poisoning as well as food poisoning. Ice is also a food and can contain harmful microorganisms.”

Noting that tap water is generally used when freezing ice, Yiğit explained, “If the water used when freezing ice is not clean, if the ice is touched with bare hands when being placed in glasses, if the hands of the person touching the ice are not clean and if the ice is not stored under appropriate conditions, it can become a living space for harmful microbes.”

Ice Must Be Stored According to Hygienic Conditions! 

Emphasizing that when using ice, it is necessary to make sure that it is not thawed and refrozen and that it is made from clean water, Nutrition and Diet Expert Hulya Yigit“Businesses should be careful to clean the machines they use to make ice. At home, carbonated water can be used to clean ice cube trays to prevent odor,” he said.

Stating that food poisoning can occur a few hours or a few days after consuming spoiled food, Yiğit concluded his words as follows:

“Food poisoning often presents symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In food poisoning, it is important to replace the fluid lost by the body and to have a low-fat diet. It should not be forgotten that ice is also a food, and that it should be stored in accordance with hygienic conditions and that care should be taken when offering it to the consumer.” doi number: https://doi.org/10.32739/uha.id.62240

Source: HORECA TREND and Uskudar University NPISTANBUL Hospital

The Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, examined the effects of pasta consumption on emotional well-being. The study, supported by the food leader Barilla Group, was led by Clinical Psychologist Prof. Francesco Pagnini, who has previously conducted academic studies with Harvard University. The research team led by Pagnini published the study titled “Pasta, What an emotion! A mixed-method study on the relationship between pasta consumption and happiness.”

According to the research, pasta provides a significant increase in individuals' happiness levels, especially when consumed in social settings. Participants most often associated the experience of eating pasta with concepts such as being with family, positive emotions, taste and comfort.

Of the 1.532 people who participated in the study, 41 percent said they associated pasta with family, 21 percent with positive emotions, 10 percent with the pleasure of taste, and 7 percent with a sense of relaxation. Prof.Francesco Pagnini “We observed that just eating pasta together can create lasting emotional bonds between people and provide a unique comfort. None of the other carbohydrate-based foods such as rice, bread, or pizza can provide the happiness boost that pasta creates in social environments. The data shows that pasta consumption, when combined with social interaction, significantly increases happiness levels,” he said.

The study showed similar results to a study conducted last year by the University of Minnesota, with the support of Barilla, that examined the effects of eating together on mental health. Both studies pointed out that eating is an important element not only in terms of physical but also social and emotional well-being. The results of the studies were published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition and presented to the scientific world.

Valeria Rapetti, Barilla Group Global R&D Nutrition and Wellness Director “The published study scientifically demonstrates the power of pasta to bring people together. Pasta consumption is not only a physical nutritional activity, but also stands out as an important supporter of emotional well-being. These scientifically proven findings once again show how valuable pasta, one of the cornerstones of the Mediterranean nutritional culture, is for a healthy and happy life. As Barilla, we aim to offer tables that support good living, not just products,” he explained.

Fullness, Happiness and Contentment All Together

44% of participants stated that they consume pasta 2-3 times a week, and 23,9% stated that they consume pasta every day. Parallel to the frequency of consumption, pasta was most associated with feelings of satiety (34%), satisfaction (29%) and happiness (10%).

Also among the emotional associations highlighted in the research:
– “Being with family” with 41%,
– “Positive emotions” with 21%,
– “Taste pleasure” with 10%,
– “Relaxation and comfort” took the place with 7%.

Reduces Stress

The positive associations with pasta were not limited to the participants' statements; they were also supported by scientific data. The research revealed that stress levels decreased significantly, quality of life increased, and awareness levels increased in individuals who consumed pasta.

Meals Eaten Alone Make You Unhappy

In the second phase of the study, which shows that pasta is not only a momentary pleasure but also a sustainable psychological well-being, 83 participants recorded their daily moods via a mobile application for two weeks. The findings revealed that there was a significant increase in happiness after consuming pasta. It was observed that this effect became much more pronounced especially in meals eaten with family or friends. In contrast, the increase in happiness in meals eaten alone did not reach a statistically significant level.

Source: HORECA TREND and Barilla

Excessive consumption of red meat can cause many problems such as high cholesterol, vascular occlusion, hypertension, heart attack, kidney problems and gout. Especially during the holiday season when meat consumption and heat increase, it is important to drink enough fluids, exercise, and adopt and maintain a healthy meat consumption. Istanbul Okan University Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist İrem Aksoy, reminded some important points on this issue and shared healthy suggestions.

1- Do not consume the sacrificial meat immediately.

After the sacrifice, the meat needs to be kept in a cool environment (around 12 degrees) for 24-4 hours. Meat consumed without resting can cause digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation or diarrhea due to both cooking and being harder.

2- Use healthy cooking methods

The way meat is cooked is not only important for taste, but also for health. Instead of frying and roasting in oil, prefer healthy methods such as cooking in its own fat, baking, boiling and grilling. Remember; fast cooking methods at high temperatures support the emergence of carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, a slow cooking method at low temperatures is much healthier.

When cooking meat on a grill or barbecue, there should be a distance of at least 15-20 cm between the meat and the fire, the meat should be turned frequently and cooked without charring. If the meat is to be consumed in the form of roasting, low-fat parts should be preferred, and it should be cooked in its own fat over low heat and for a long time without adding animal-based fats.

3- Balance your meat menus with vegetables and grains.

If you consume high-fiber vegetables and whole grains along with meat dishes, both digestion will be easier and a balanced meal will be provided. In order to support intestinal health and movements, you can prefer probiotic sources such as yogurt, ayran and kefir while consuming meat.

4- Avoid excessive meat consumption

Uncontrolled and excessive red meat consumption during the holiday can increase the risk of digestive problems, constipation, stomach indigestion/discomfort and cardiovascular disease in the long term. Meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is useful to consume it carefully and in moderation so that it does not pave the way for chronic cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis.

5- Pay attention to your sweet preferences

During the holiday, especially diabetics, those with obesity, cholesterol or blood pressure problems should be careful about their chocolate and sugar consumption. Instead of syrupy, high-calorie desserts, fresh fruit, fruity and milky light desserts are better choices.

Istanbul Okan University Hospital Nutrition and Diet Specialist İrem AksoyIn addition to all these recommendations, it says that at least 2-2,5 liters of water should be consumed per day in hot weather and reminds us that at least 150 minutes of exercise/walking should be done per week, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

Source: HORECA TREND and Istanbul Okan University Hospital