Nutrition news: Our top 5 most-read health-related stories of 2017

The heart health benefits of certain veggies, the cognitive support offered by tea and the vital importance of nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life were among our most-read health-related stories of 2017.

With Asia-Pacific experiencing rising cases of obesity and diabetes, combined with the ongoing impact of infant malnutrition, interest in food solutions for better health has never been higher.

Take a look at the top five stories that received the most attention from our readers in 2017.

1) The six veggies that can help slash heart disease risk by 40%

Eating more vegetables could cut the risk of heart disease and stroke by as much as 40%, with six vegetables especially beneficial due to their high levels of nitrate, according to a study. 

Read the full story here. 

2) Autumn set for ‘world's first’ low-GI bread, sugar, noodle launches 

Low-GI bread, sugar and noodles, and salt with a 40% lower sodium content, were poised to break into the market after years of development by a Malaysian-Australian company that specialises in “groundbreaking” ingredients.

Read the full story here.

3) Tea drinking slashes the risk of cognitive decline 

Tea consumption halves the risk of cognitive impairment for people 55 years old and above, and also dramatically reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease among those at greater genetic risk.

Read the full story here. 

4) Australia turning more vegetarian in bid to battle the bulge 

The number of vegetarians in Australia has risen sharply over the last four years, especially in New South Wales, where there has been a 30% growth in non-meat diets in the last four years. 

Read the full story here. 

5) Nutrition one of most 'significant individual factors' for child development in first 1,000 days 

The most significant individual factors in the first 1,000 days of a child's life that influence health and development relate to nutrition, substance use and the experience of significant stress, according to a wide-ranging Australian evidence paper. 

Read the full story here.