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.
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.
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.
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.
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.