Costa Blanca

According to a study, nine out of 10 items that make claims about protein are unhealthy

Nine out of 10 products with protein claims are unhealthy, according to a study conducted by Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche.

In an analysis of the nutritional values of over 4,300 processed products of twelve different types, conducted by researcher Marta Beltrá and Ana Belén Ropero, professor of Nutrition and Food Science at the UMH, it was discovered that 13% of the products contained statements about protein, and that more than half of them had been enriched to increase the content of this nutrient. Furthermore, study showed that, despite animal protein’s more complete amino acid profile, vegetable protein was used more frequently in these products.

According to the study’s findings, 91% of goods with protein claims like “high protein” or “+ protein” are unhealthy. Three factors contribute to this: over half are heavy in fat or salt, one in four are high in saturated fats or free sugars (the “bad”), and one in five have sweeteners.

Additionally, only two-thirds of the items were fortified, despite the fact that the study indicates that foods with protein claims contain more than those without. As a result, the authors of the investigation draw the conclusion that a product with a nutritional claim about its protein content does not necessarily have a higher protein content than alternatives that do not.

However, the UMH in Elche study found that eating extra protein has two choices. One option is to choose goods with higher protein content, and the other is to consume more naturally high-protein foods like legumes and fish. Selecting the second option has the benefit of having more other nutrients, such vitamins and minerals, in these foods.

According to the study, there are some benefits to eating goods with protein claims, though, as when they are enriched, they can be a fun way for physically active people to meet their daily protein goals without consuming more calories.

Additionally, they can lower the prevalence of anorexia in these demographic groups by assisting older adults, particularly those residing in nursing homes, in increasing their protein intake.

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Costa Blanca

In Benidorm hotels, British tourists surpass national tourists

The rise in hotel occupancy in Benidorm during the second half of February, which accounted for 42% of arrivals and was three points higher than in the first part of the month, was once again mostly due to British tourists. The Costa Blanca’s tourist capital, Hosbec, finished this time with hotels at 76.8%, higher than the monthly average of 75.5%, according to data.

With these numbers, the Brits have surpassed the national tourists, whose share of visitors decreased from 43.8% to 40.2% in the second half of the month. Similarly, the Dutch accounted for 5.2% of all visits, with Belgians coming in second at 5% and Irish at 2.2%.

With 76% of reservations confirmed for the first half of the month, one point more than during the same period in 2024, the March predictions support the upward trend. Hoteliers are able to keep positive expectations for the season because of this steadiness.

Due to the celebration of CEVISAMA and the rise in economic activity in the ceramics industry, Castellón had the highest average hotel occupancy rate in the Valencian Community, at about 85%. The employers’ group claims that “tourism and professional events combined to favour these positive results.”

While reservations for the first half of March were comparable to last year, Valencia saw a decline in occupancy, particularly in 4-star hotels. With 74.2% occupancy in the second half of February and a monthly balance of 72.8%, the Costa Blanca—aside from Benidorm—also had a minor decline, falling 3.3 points short of 2024.

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Costa Blanca

Elche wins 4.2 million euros on the lottery

The residents of Elche are now over 4.2 million euros richer after yesterday’s, Saturday March 8th, National Lottery draw. The Lottery Administration number 2 in the city of Elche, which is situated in the Plaça de Baix, has received the whole first prize of the draw, which was ticket number 73,267. They had ten series consigned, or one hundred tenths. Everything points to the sale of about 70 tenths, which are valued at 60,000 euros each, pending the final numbers.

As it happens, the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish sold the majority of the tickets—roughly 60.

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Costa Blanca

Two youths hurt in a car-moped crash in San Miguel de Salinas

A car and a moped collision in San Miguel de Salinas has resulted in the injuries of two youngsters. Due to their injuries, the 15- and 16-year-olds had to be sent to the Hospital of Elche and Torrevieja.

The car and a moped were engaged in an accident on the CV-95 highway in the municipality of San Miguel de Salinas around 9:38 p.m. yesterday, Friday, March 7th, according to sources from the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (Cicu).

A 15-year-old child with many injuries was treated by two SAMU units who were sent to the scene and transferred to Torrevieja Hospital. A 16-year-old boy who had injuries to his face and leg was taken to Elche General Hospital.