According to the latest research from McMaster University, a heart-healthy diet includes veggies, and nuts. Black-listed for a heart-healthy diet are starch carbs and trans fats, which nixes most cookies, french fries, and other popular snack foods.

A new report from the American Dietetic Association (ADA), Nutrition and You: Trends 2008, highlights nutritional trends among U.S. consumers over the last two decades. Conducted periodically since 1991, this survey shows that low-fat foods, omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, low-sugar foods, and low-sodium foods are popular in the U.S. Consumption of these items increased over the last five years, in contrast to the declining consumption of trans-fatty acids, low-sugar foods, alternative sweeteners, and low-carbohydrate products.

Our ages and life stages have much to do with our personalities, our preferences, and even our food choices. It just makes good business sense to acquaint yourself with the consumer universe and determine how your products and business can appeal to these influential buying groups.

New products and trends are often discussed at the event, and this year was no exception. Following the tradeshow, Katy Neusteter, Managing Editor for Delicious Living, cited five important trends stemming from the Expo floor among the natural products industries, including: