Category Archives: Diet And Food

Food production is now one of the main culprits in climate change. Therefore, the search for new food sources that can saturate, and, at the same time, not overload the planet, is so important. In a new meta-study, Professor Mouritsen and PhD student Charlotte Winter present alternative sources of protein for humans. Their findings are published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.

More and more people are choosing to become vegetarians or, even more radically, vegans.

However, according to Professor Ole G. Mouritsen of the University of Copenhagens Department of Food Science, the vast majority of people find it difficult to completely remove meat from the shelf in the name of preventing climate change.

A lot of people just crave the umami flavor, which is found in meat, for example. Therefore, it is perhaps more realistic to consider a flexible diet where a person consumes small amounts of animal products such as meat, eggs and milk, along with vegetables. Nevertheless, you can already start thinking about alternatives to a juicy steak, of which there are actually many, explains the professor.

In a new meta-study, Professor Mouritsen and Ph.D. Student Charlotte Winter, his fellow in the Faculty of Nutritional Sciences, presents alternative sources of protein and healthy fatty acids, as well as their vision of what a sustainable diet of the future might look like.

Among other things, the researchers recommend looking for products of the future in the sea.

In particular, we need to find species that live on the bottom and focus on by-catch fish (which accidentally fall into the nets), scientists are sure. They emit much less CO2 than beef, pork and chicken.

The environmentally friendly by-catch fish that are currently used to feed pigs or obtain fish oil live on the ocean floor. These include: gerbils fish that dig in the sandy bottom to lay eggs; The sprat is a relative of the widespread herring and the blackmouth gobi, another small but tasty and forgotten fish, explains Mouritsen.

Sprat alone can meet 20% of Denmarks protein needs. And by catching sprat, we can avoid overexploiting the more well-known fish species such as cod, flounder and salmon, the professor explains.

Seaweed is also an extremely climate-friendly food source. However, only 500 out of 10,000 species are currently used and recognized for food, despite the fact that seaweed is rich in incredibly beneficial nutrients and vitamins.

Likewise, cephalopods are only marginally harvested: 30 out of about 800 species are used for food worldwide.

Among other things, it has a lot to do with our culture and traditions. It will take time to change your eating habits. We have eaten and cooked meat for over a million years. So while seaweed, squid and shellfish contain important fatty acids and vitamins and taste great, we are still reluctant to consider these species as our food sources, explains Ole G. Mouritsen.

For example, fermenting vegetables or adding enzymes can bring out the flavor of sweet and umami, says Ole G. Mouritsen.

Its critical that we continue to communicate these new nutritional opportunities. In doing so, we will gradually make changes in our eating habits and traditions. We hope this study will play a role, the professor concludes.

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Sprat, shellfish and algae: what the diet of the future might look like - FREE NEWS

Located in the Pacific Ocean, Okinawa Island is the biggest of the Okinawa Islands and the Ryukyu (Nansei) Islands of Japan. Its breathtakingly beautiful, but thats not what its best known for. Rather, as a celebrated Blue Zonean area of the world where people lead the longest, healthiest livesOkinawa is renowned for having the highest prevalence of centenarians. Their diet, along with lifestyle habits and exercise, plays a large role in that, of course. And no surprises here, but its mostly vegan.

Bansari Acharya, MA, RD,breaks this way of eating down for us, which traditionally focuses on vegetables, especially sweet potatoes, and soy foods. The Okinawa diet is generally low in calories, but high in complex carbohydrates. The philosophy of the Okinawa diet resides on the mentality that food is medicine, which explains their high use of beneficial spices and herbs in their diets, explains Acharya, noting that meat and seafood only constitute about 1-2% of the island inhabitants traditional diet. For Okinawans, tea is also a regular part of the routine of daily life (and something we definitely have come to savor more amidst these long months of hunkering down at home).

Along with a diet that is rich in complex carbohydrates, the diet also puts a great deal of importance on physical activity and mindful eating, which provides further benefits, adds Acharya.

So how, precisely, may this plant-forward diet contribute to blowing out 100 candles on the proverbial birthday cake? One of the reasons the Okinawa diet may help with longevity is the high antioxidant content. Plant-based foods, including the sweet potato, are high in antioxidants and protect against disease to extend life, shares Jinan Banna, Ph.D., RD, referencing this 2016 study.

In addition, [the] caloric restriction also likely contributes to longevity in Okinawa, though the biological basis for this is still being researched, Banna also notes, pointing to this 2014 study on caloric restriction and healthy aging in Okinawa.

Echoing Acharya and Bannas sentiments, Amanda A. Kostro Miller, RD, LDN, who serves on the advisory board for Fitter Livingpraises its virtues: When we compare it to our Westernized diet of high-calorie, high-fat and protein-focus, we eat very differently than the traditional Okinawa people. The main health benefits of this diet are its high vegetable focus for vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also aims to consume little to no processed foods and refined carbs, she comments, also drawing attention to the fact that Okinawa island residents also strive for plenty of daily physical activity, whether thats tending to a garden or going for a long walk.

Along with these positives, Kostro Miller readily admits that there can be some drawbacks to the Okinawan diet (especially, one would infer, for Westerners merely adapting the food components of the diet but dont mimic the same social rituals and lifestyle habits of the Okinawans). Namely, she calls out the traditional diet lacking certain food groups like adequate amounts of fruits and whole grains. While the Okinawa diet definitely has the right idea, modern-day people can take the same principles and add in even more nutrition so they have a plant-based, well-rounded diet, Kostro Miller offers.

Despite its potential drawbacks, you dont need to tell us twice to load up on sweet potatoes with a miso-mustard glaze for dinner, accompanied by a hearty salad and a savory wedge of tofu. At the end of the day, as Banna aptly puts it, the Okinawa Diet is associated with a decreased risk for chronic disease, and we have much to learn from this pattern in the West. Now, if only we had a backyard and room for a garden.

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What is the Okinawa Diet and How Could It Help You Live Longer? - The Beet

If you are a health-conscious person, then chances are that you have a variety of supplements lying in your bathroom cabinets. Dietary supplements have become a commonplace among so many households and not just because they are well-advertised, but because of their immense benefits. Youll bear witness that there are so many nutrients that you dont get from the foods you eat.

While there have been discussions about eating healthy and leading a healthier lifestyle to enjoy and expose yourself to a robust and salubrious life, it could be that your body is not deriving enough nutrients and vitamins from the foods you are eating. This is where dietary supplements come in handy. With that in mind, below are things to keep in mind when buying dietary supplements online.

For those leading an active lifestyle, having a dietary supplement that supplies you with the nutritional requirements to sustain such a busy lifestyle will help you to lead a fulfilled life thats not filled with bouts of exhaustion and fatigue. Peter Tzemis from CPOE.org says that youll need to go through a handful of reviews and customer testimonials to know just what dietary supplements are right for you or will help to resolve most if not all your dietary needs. With a plethora of supplements to choose from, this can prove to be quite an overwhelming undertaking.

Today, you have dietary supplements from so many manufacturers, but unfortunately, not all will contain ingredients that are best suited to your specific health needs. Additionally, advancements in technology have made a significant impact on the production processes. You now have synthetic ingredients that could have dire effects on your overall health, and on the other hand, there are dietary supplements that contain naturally sourced ingredients. Its up to you to choose a supplement that contains the right ingredients. While in the same vein, avoid dietary supplements with an extra dose of ingredients as it could cause you unwanted side effects.

One thing to note is that some dietary supplements contain active ingredients that could exacerbate your underlying medical conditions. Among the things you can do to avoid this is to check in with your doctor or nutritionist before investing in just any dietary supplements. Some supplements might also put you at a greater risk of serious health repercussions, especially in the case of pregnant or nursing mothers, or those with chronic health conditions such as heart diseases, hypertension, or diabetes.

Its for this reason that youll want to consult with your physician before taking any dietary supplement as theyll dig deeper into your medical history to advise you appropriately on the best dietary supplements to take. Those taking other prescription drugs also need to be extra cautious when combining them with supplements. You just dont know of the interaction effects this could have on your system.

Now, not every dietary supplement brand you see out there will guarantee quality. Additionally, some labels are just too good to be true. Always ensure that your supplements are FDA approved. Going through online reviews could help in determining the best dietary supplements as there will be testimonials from customers whove interacted with these supplements on a personal level. Go for reputable brands that have been in business for long and companies that are after your best interests.

There are so many misconceptions surrounding the dietary supplement industry. Some of them have deep roots in traditional beliefs, while some are just unfounded and ungrounded myths. The only way you can reap the full benefits of dietary supplements is to have a resolute mind and goals into what you want to achieve. This includes a healthier life from making sound judgments. A lot has been said and done concerning dietary supplements, and it is up to you to decide what works for you and what doesnt. Among the most common misconceptions about dietary supplements include:

With that in mind, you have all that you need to make sound decisions into what you need and what works for you best. Dietary supplements work, and thats for a fact. However, youll need to be cautious about the choices you make as some could cause you unwanted side effects.

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Things To Keep In Mind When Buying Dietary Supplements Online - Blog - The Island Now

James May may have been just filming in Scotland alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, but only last month, The Grand Tour presenter fell ill after he and his partner were forced into a starvation diet while on holiday.

The ex-Top Gear presenter doesnt usually share too much about his private life with his partner Sarah Frater, but in a recent interview he did with Jay Rayner on the Out To Lunch Podcast, he gave away information that had us worrying about his health while staying in Germany for Fraters birthday.

While at a health retreat, May was put on a starvation diet, which was mostly taken up by middle-aged and fairly wealthy people, he admitted. The podcast, which takes place over a meal, heard May question how much he was actually allowed to eat during the recording.

Ok, how much of this am I supposed to eat? he asked.

Well, were just having lunch mate, Jay replied. If you went, Well, Ive already eaten. Then Ill obviously be furious.

James says I dont know if I should admit to having just spent a week at a health farm in Germany.

Not my idea, it was Sarahs my other half. Shes always wanted to do it.

May started to explain: I take her away in September around her birthday and we normally go on a cultural European city break and look at art galleries and do a lot of eating and wine drinking.

It was clear in the initial medical consultation when the doctor arrived, he thought, Ah! Theres actually something we can work on,' James laughed.

They immediately put me on a starvation diet. All I could do was chew a herbal infusion.

He continued: Sarah sat there having the food that they do and its fairly simple in small portions.

So I had to chew tea for two days and I had to do this liver detox Im not sure your listeners are going to want to hear this.

She wanted to try a [health] clinic for a week and I did it. It made me ill to be honest.

James went on: You go in [to the clinic] and you get the impression its full of middle-aged, probably fairly wealthy people who have absolutely nothing wrong with them.

But they feel more virtuous because theyve gone for a detox or whatever.

He then started to explain the side effects of such a violent change in diet.

After two days, I had a belting headache and could hardly see anymore. I was faint and trembling with hunger and I went to them, This is ridiculous. Im on holiday and youve made me ill. Youre going to have to give me some food.

And they went, Very well.'

He then explains how he tried to order a chicken curry, but this was met with disdain.

Fortunately for fans, he made a full recovery and was able to film in Scotland with no hiccups. We look forward to seeing the result of last weeks filming.

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James May Fell Ill After Starvation Diet On Holiday With Partner Last Month - Grand Tour Nation

Romanian lifestyle and nutrition coach Cori Gramescu has drawn a EUR 200,000 financing for her diet and well-being platformyummdiet.com.

Tech investor Andrei Pitis and software producer Softbinator Technologies led the round.

Yummdiet.com will use the money to increase its market share in the markets where it's already active (Romania, UK, Germany, and France) and expand to new markets.

The platform aims to reach 35,000 clients and EUR 1 million annual revenues by the end of 2021.

Yummdiet.com uses proprietary technology to generate personalized diets automatically. It also has real-time coaching and weight loss support sessions. It offers its clients food replacement options, video training for home, and recipes that use healthy ingredients.

"Yummdiet.com already has over 1,800 members in the country and abroad who have paid a subscription and followed the diet. Over 40% of them continued the diet in the second month. We try to dissociate ourselves from the culture of aggressive diets that aim to lose weight at any cost, and this can be seen in the retention rate ofyummdiet.com, which is 20% higher than the average of regular diets worldwide," saidyummdiet.comfounder Cori Gramescu.

"When I decided to invest inyummdiet.com, I was most attracted by the fact that it already had international clients. My and Simple Capital's involvement inyummdiet.comis in line with our investment thesis, which focuses on projects aimed directly at the international market," said Andrei Pitis, founder of Simple Capital.

Pitis is one of the best-known Romanian tech entrepreneurs. He funded local taxi app Clever Taxi, sold to Daimler, and launched smartwatch producer Vector Watch, sold to Fitbit. Softbinator Technologies, the other investor inyummdiet.com, is a Romanian tech company founded by local entrepreneur Daniel Ilinca.

(Photo source: the company)

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Romanian diet and well-being platform gets EUR 200000 financing for international expansion - Romania-Insider.com

The review also suggested that barley had similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, which is often the go-to grain for health benefits.

"The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol, but elevated levels of non-HDL or apo B," said Dr Vladimir Vuksan, research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael's.

He continued: "Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol."

Despite its benefits Dr Vuksan said barley is not as well-established as some other health-recommended foods, such as oats.

According to Vuksan, barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; he recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes, using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own - just like oatmeal.

To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat.

"You should avoid food containing saturated fats, because these will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood," warns the NHS.

Foods high in saturated fat include:

"However, a balanced diet should still include unsaturated fats, which have been shown to increase levels of good cholesterol and help reduce any blockage in your arteries," notes the NHS.

Foods high in unsaturated fat include:

Many of these foods can be found in a Mediterranean-style diet, which is high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.

It usually includes a low intake of meat and dairy foods.

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The ingredient you can add to meals that significantly lowers two types of bad cholesterol - Express

In the classic comedy Hot Fuzz, Sergeant Angel and PC Butterman spend an inordinate amount of time trying to catch an escaped swan in the fictional village of Sandford.

Yesterday, October 7, scenes reminiscent of that film came to Andover as Test Valley Borough Councils animal team have successfully captured an avian visitor to the High Street.

A Canada Goose was seen walking the streets and looking distinctly poorly, which a few concerned residents reported to the council.

The goose was then caught thanks to the efforts of animal welfare officer Rod, alongside countryside officer Charlotte, and safely taken away to begin its recovery.

The Goose has a condition called angel wing where the last joint in the wing becomes twisted during development, causing it to stick straight out from the body. This gives rise to the conditions alternative name, airplane wing.

The condition begins in young birds, where eating a diet high in protein causes one or more wings to stick out as the development of the last joint is delayed. As a result, the bird cannot fly, and in some cases can have to be put down.

Its better news for Andovers goose though, as it has been taken away to be fed on a diet of bird seed, and hopefully nurse it back to health.

A statement from TVBC said: Although this story has a happy ending, it carries a serious message that bread is not good for their diet. It's also a reminder to ensure all food waste is disposed of in our litter bins, rather than being left on the ground. We do have signs in the town centre to try and spread this message as far as we can.

The RSPB advises that any injured birds should be passed on to a local vet, animal specialist or the RSPCA so it can receive appropriate treatment without undue delay.

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Fuzz and feathers - Poorly goose captured by TVBC team in Andover - Andover Advertiser

Oakland County voters will see two major party candidates on their ballot under the race for Oakland County Executive.

Democratic Oakland County Executive David Coulter is seeking a full, four-year term against Republican challenger Mike Kowall.

Coulter, a Ferndale resident, defeated Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner in the August primary receiving 109,599 votes. Kowall, a White Lake Township resident, defeatedhis primary opponent, Troy-based attorney Jeffrey Nutt with 91,359 votes.

Coulter was appointed to the position on Aug. 16, 2019 by the Democratic majority county board of commissioners to finish out L. Brooks Patterson's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2020. Patterson died Aug. 3, 2019 following a months-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Oakland County Executive David Coulter

The Ferndale resident has a long historywith Oakland County including serving as Ferndale's mayor from 2011 through 2019 and as a county commissioner from 2002 through 2010.

During his time as mayor, Coulter also worked full-time as director of external relations for the Children's Foundation of Michigan. For 13 years, he was employed by the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, which is now DTE Energy, working in communications.

Kowall served in the State Senate, including three years as Senate majority floor leader, from 2011 through 2018 representing the 15th District. He also served as a state representative from 1999 through 2002 representing the 44th District.

Mike Kowall

From 2004-2010, he served as White Lake Township supervisor. He also served 13 years on the township's planning commission. In January 2019, Kowall was hired by L. Brooks Patterson to serve as an economic and legislative liaison with the Oakland County Department of Economic Development before leaving the position in October 2019.

The Oakland Press reached out to each candidate with questions pertaining to their candidacy. Responses to those questions are detailed below.

To access coverage for additional federal and Oakland County election races, visitwww.theoaklandpress.com/news/elections/. The presidential general election is being held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Coulter: Oakland County is in the middle of a dangerous pandemic that we must continue to manage and recover from economically. I want to continue to lead Oakland County as Executive to maintain our science-based approach to suppressing the virus so we do not regress, support our residents hard hit by the economic downtown, help our small businesses recover and our schools operate safely. I also want to continue delivering results for residents including transforming our county health clinics to provide primary care and mental health services, creating a new economic development and workforce strategy that brings opportunity to all of our residents, a new housing strategy that provides rental assistance, and an environmental policy that creates a sustainability office and addresses climate change. I have achieved results while maintaining strong fiscal policies, approving a three-year balanced budget and retaining the countys AAA bond rating. For more information about my comprehensive platform for Oakland County, please visit http://www.davecoulter.com.

Kowall: I am running for Oakland County Executive to reestablish economic security, not only for our county government, but also for our families and businesses that makes Oakland County the best place to live in Michigan. I will fight any proposal that adds additional taxes on Oakland County Citizens for programs, or ill-conceived Transit Systems. I will maintain fiscal restraint, and responsibility and stop wasting money on political pet projects. I will maintain a AAA Bond rating allows us to bond for infrastructure programs and fix our roads at a lesser expense.

Coulter: These times call for a leader who listens, works well with people, and has the executive experience to make decisions on a wide range of pressing issues. I was a unifying voice after the passing of L. Brooks Patterson and my collaborative leadership style has allowed my team to move quickly to achieve results and pull everyone together during the pandemic. The road ahead calls for a County Executive who is already implementing the plans to address our challenges and seize our opportunities and who has built a foundation of relationships around the county to deliver results.

Kowall: I have built an extensive network of relationships with local, state and federal officials through my years as Senate Majority Floor Leader, State Representative, and Township Supervisor. I have a strong background in economic development, having worked closely with Executive L. Brooks Patterson. I have the ability to pick up the phone and accomplish the business of the people of Oakland County. I have established bi-partisan connections with both Republicans and Democrats in both Washington D.C. and in Lansing, many of whom I have served with in government.

Coulter: Our biggest challenge is mitigating the spread of coronavirus so we can continue to recover economically. Thats why we hired more than five dozen school nurses and are working closely with our schools so they can operate safely. Thats why we are providing grants to childcare providers so they remain open as parents return to work, or juggle work and at-home school responsibilities. Over the last year as County Executive, I have seen many more opportunities than challenges. My Oakland Together agenda recognizes that we have tremendous assets in Oakland Countypeople, business, academic, cultural, natural and communityand that when we pull together, we are stronger and better able to prepare for the future. We must lift up diversity, equity and inclusion and ensure that all residents feel engaged in our county.

Kowall: COVID-19 has impacted all Oakland County businesses, and particularly hard small businesses such as salons, restaurants and bars. The economic restrictions forced on our businesses has caused many to close their doors forever and has forced others to move their operations to Macomb or Wayne Counties, where they see a lower cost of doing business. I will be a partner for businesses in Oakland County. I will make available the resources of Oakland Countys one stop shop to assist in economic recovery and maintain our outstanding quality of life

Coulter: What is unique about this pandemic is that until we have a vaccine that is widely available, we must continue to manage a health and economic crisis. It requires clear public health information, patience and vigilance in our efforts to manage the spread of the virus. The key to staying open and recovering economically is keeping our positive COVID-19 numbers low and manageable so our hospitals are not overrun. Im proud that Oakland County leaders on both sides of the aisle have led during the pandemic, supporting local health orders to keep residents and employees safe, getting grants to small businesses and community organizations, helping workers laid off during the shutdown, and increasing testing for residents and senior living facilities. The challenge with COVID-19 is that we may only be halfway through the pandemic and we must stay united and work cooperatively at all levels of government.

Kowall: I will use my decades of experience to resolve the unique challenges Oakland County is facing, and not employ the heavy handed, one size fits all approach the current County Executive is trying to impose on residents and business owners. Previously successful and financially sound businesses are now struggling for survival in the tumultuous regulatory and compliance environment created by Executive order that did not take into consideration the needs of businesses. As Oakland County Executive, I will provide the leadership needed to create policies that fit of Oakland County, and not hand over responsibility to the Governor and her Lansing associates.

Coulter: The pandemic has served to remind us of the importance of putting politics aside for the health and welfare of our residents, and of the need for all levels of government to work together. My view has always been that leaders assemble teams of experts, provide clear factual information, listen to people that they represent, and act in the best interests of the public, regardless of political considerations or consequences.

Kowall: We must work closer with our health departments to ensure we are crafting policy that is based in science, not fear for personal political purposes. As usual, our mothers are the best source of wisdom: wash your hands, stay active, eat a good diet, and act responsibly to protect the safety of others.

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ELECTION 2020: The race for Oakland County Executive - The Oakland Press

Many Iowa farmers are seeking alternatives to just corn and soybeans as a way to reduce risk, replenish the soil and improve water quality.

But before considering a new crop, farmers want to know there is a market for it on the other end.

For Tom Frantzen, his market is himself. The hybrid rye hes been growing in New Hampton gets fed to his organic hogs and cattle, saving him money on more expensive corn feed.

Its about $200 per acre less cost than an acre of corn, Frantzen said. The seed is less expensive, theres no need for federal crop insurance and no grain drying. And in an organic environment, theres no need for weed control. They (farmers) need to figure out a way to put it into the rotation and the (livestock) diet.

In this report, well explore four alternative crops hemp, hybrid rye, Kernza and oats focusing on each crops advantages, disadvantages, producers and potential markets.

Last year, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the Iowa Hemp Act into law, allowing the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to develop a state plan for licensed farmers to grow up to 40 acres of industrial hemp. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the plan in late March.

Advantages: Hemp plants can be made into a multitude of products, including paper, fabric and rope from the stalks; salad oil, solvents and beauty products from the hempseed oil; and granola, birdseed or protein flour from the seeds.

But what has been driving interest in growing hemp these days is cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-intoxicating compound believed to have health benefits, including relieving anxiety, depression and inflammation, as well as improving sleep. CBD is in products ranging from oils and lotions to energy drinks and gummies.

Plants with more than 0.3 percent Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC the compound that creates the high feeling are considered marijuana and are illegal to grow in Iowa.

Disadvantages: More than 30 countries around the world already grow hemp, according to a 2018 report by the Congressional Research Service, so the United States is playing catch-up.

The 2014 Farm Bill allowed pilot programs in the United States, but the laws over agricultural hemp production still are murky. For example, while industrial hemp is legal to grow in Iowa, producers may have to transport the hemp outside the state to make products people want to buy, said Robin Pruisner, state entomologist and agriculture security coordinator.

Producer: Ethan Vorhes, a Nashua farmer and cattle producer, already is working with hemp production in Wisconsin and wants to grow a crop in Iowa.

Once we figure out what we have to work with, it will show us the way, he said about Iowas program. We do plan on growing some hemp, but probably not a lot of CBD. More of the grain and hopefully do some research with the cattle or livestock.

Potential markets: Vorhes is part of the Hemp Feed Coalition, which is pushing for more research into whether hemp grain can safely be added to chicken and livestock feed without having any negative effects on humans consuming beef, chicken or eggs.

If they are eating a lot of cannabinoids, it could come through in the meat or milk, Vorhes said. There are plenty of reasons for doing the testing. We just need to get it underway and get it started.

Victory Hemp in Kentucky uses hemp grain and seeds grown in the United States to create vegetarian and vegan foods, including roasted hemp seeds, cold-pressed hemp seed oil and protein powder, according to its website. So far, there are no similar plants in the Midwest.

Many would-be hemp farmers see potential in CBD, but there are reports many producers already have too much hemp for their needs, the states Pruisner said.

Just between 2018 and 2019, we grew somewhere between 350 to 550 percent more hemp nationwide, she said. The cannabidiol producers are sitting on a big stock already.

Pruisner recommends farmers have a contract with a buyer before growing hemp, but she hopes it will be a viable alternative crop in the future. I dont think it will unseat our corn and soybean production in any major way, but if we could have some producers be successful, it would be great for Iowa.

A relative newcomer on the alternative crops scene in Iowa is intermediate wheatgrass, trademarked as Kernza, which can be used for beer, bread or other grain products.

Advantages: Kernza is a perennial it doesnt have to be planted every year and has really long roots that are good for absorbing nutrients that can pollute rivers and lakes.

Its hard to find that combination of a perennial plant that produces consumable seeds, said Jacob Jungers, an assistant professor in agronomy and plant genetics at the University of Minnesota. Of all our other perennial crops, none of them are grains. Alfalfa and others are forage grasses. Here we are creating a new crop that is producing products that are directly consumed by humans.

Kernza was developed and trademarked by the Land Institute, a not-for-profit research institute in Kansas. To grow Kernza, farmers pay a small license royalty that goes back to research on perennial grain crops, Jungers said.

Kernza is planted in late summer and grows throughout the fall and winter, creating a cover crop that reduces erosion and serves as wildlife habitat. The grass continues to grow through spring and summer until it is harvested in mid-August, Jungers said.

There is a lot of interest, especially because a farmer doesnt have to worry about getting out in the farms to plant in the spring, he said.

Disadvantages: The primary drawback right now for Kernza is that although its a perennial, grain production seems to taper off after the third year and the plant must be reseeded, Jungers said. Researchers are experimenting with fertilizer rates, grazing and harvesting of biomass to see if they can improve long-term productivity.

Producer: Frantzen grew Kernza near New Hampton from 2016 to 2018, but noticed the drop-off in grain production.

It did not come back real strong the second year and didnt come back at all the third year, he said.

Frantzen fed the Kernza grain to his livestock, but he thought it was difficult to harvest because of the bulk of the crop.

Potential markets: Major food companies, including General Mills and Patagonia Provisions, have committed to buying the grain as a way to promote sustainable agriculture.

With a sweet, nutty flavor, but weaker gluten than wheat, Kernza works best in baked goods that dont need a rise and in beer or malted products, said Tessa Peters, commercialization manager for the Land Institute.

There also are opportunities for growers to find their own buyers, such as local bakeries, breweries or distilleries, Peters said. Growers still would need a distributor that could clean and dehull the grain, but the Land Institute can help make those connections.

We try to do as much as we can to move the grain through the supply chain, which is still really new, she said. If growers have local markets that are interested, those are good pairings. I would try my best to help them fill that supply chain to get the grain cleaned and processed.

Iowa was a leader in oat production back in the 1940s, when most farms had cattle, horses and swine. The state harvested 4.6 million acres of oats in 1945, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture, compared to 130,000 acres in 2018.

Now, most oats are grown on smaller family farms or as part of rotation designed to rest the soil between corn rounds.

Oats are used in a variety of food products, including oatmeal, oat flour, granola bars, cookies and bread.

Colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground oatmeal suspended in liquid, is used in lotions and other beauty products because it can reduce skin inflammation and has antioxidants, according to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

Advantages: Oats are some of the first plants in the ground in the spring, with planting in Iowa usually happening in March. That means farmers can get oat planting out of the way early, before corn and beans are planted in April and May.

Growing oats in a rotation can spread out the risk and allow a farmer to bring in income from multiple crops during the same season, Practical Farmers of Iowa reported.

Disadvantages: Food companies are looking for heavy oats for cereals and other products, and it can be tough to produce food-grade quality oats in variable weather conditions.

A nice, cool early summer is usually good for heavy oats, said Aaron Heley Lehman, who grows oats in Polk County. The yields will be better, too. If we get a really hot June with hot nights, our oats get light.

Producer: Lehman has been growing between 40 and 80 acres of oats a year for the past several years as part of an organic rotation with corn, soybeans and alfalfa or clover. He grows oats and alfalfa in the same field, where the oats provide cover and structure for the more vulnerable alfalfa crop.

Its very important to have a good small grain that is easy to grow and provides some amount of income, Lehman said.

Hed like to see more university research into how small grains can help spread out a farmers risk and absorb nutrients when nothing else is planted. It also would be helpful if state or federal subsidies to get farmers to try small grains, including oats, could last longer to encourage longer rotations, Lehman said.

Potential markets: Lehman has a contract to sell his oats to Grain Millers, a multinational grain processor with plants in Iowa and Minnesota, among other states. Grain Millers opened its St. Ansgar plant in 1988 and now is the largest employer in town and is known for being the most technically advanced oat mill in North America, according to the companys website.

Quaker Oats processes oats into about 50 oatmeal varieties, as well as other products, in Cedar Rapids, but the company, owned by PepsiCo, buys most of its oats from Canada.

Environmental conditions in Canada are ideal for growing oats and producing high yields, so many farmers grow oats as part of their rotation, said Brianna Swan, PepsiCo spokeswoman.

Hybrid rye is a winter-hardy grain planted in the fall. Unlike cereal rye planted as a winter cover crop and killed off in the spring before planting corn or soybeans, hybrid rye continues to grow all summer and is harvested in the fall.

Advantages: The timeline is one of the perks of hybrid rye because it doesnt need attention in the spring. Hybrid rye suppresses most weeds, protects the soil from erosion in the winter and is a cost-effective animal feed.

Hybrid rye sheds its pollen in a short period of time, reducing occurrence of ergot, a fungal disease that has plagued rye in past centuries. Some historians think ergot poisoning from eating contaminated grain may have been responsible for strange behavior that caused some people to be prosecuted at the Salem witch trials in the 1690s. The poisoning can cause hallucinations, muscle spasms and a crawling sensation on the skin.

Disadvantages: Hybrid rye seed is more expensive than some other small grains, such as oats, and the crop will need fertilizer to reach maximum growth levels.

Producer: Tom and Irene Frantzen have been doing on-farm research for years, but in 2017 they embarked on a study of how hybrid rye would work as a food source for organic hogs and cattle. They partnered with Practical Farmers of Iowa, international seed supplier KWS and Albert Lee Seed in Minnesota.

Over three years, the Frantzens fed some groups of hogs the standard mix of corn and soybean grains, while other hogs got 37 percent hybrid rye, replacing half the corn. The goal was to see if the hogs would gain weight at the same rate even while eating the cheaper grain.

We weighed these pigs every month individually and as groups every 30 days, Tom Frantzen said. It was done in some of the coldest weather, and yet we saw good gains. You have to have a good diet to make gains in severe conditions.

Raising about 400 hogs a year, the Frantzens were able to replicate the trial numerous times, increasing the value of the findings.

Potential markets: The Frantzens are sold on hybrid rye as a high-quality animal feed that costs less to grow than corn. Grain Millers in St. Ansgar offers contracts for hybrid rye, Practical Farmers reported.

The Mississippi River Distilling Co. in LeClaire buys rye from an Illinois farmer to use in production of their whiskeys, and some bakeries, including Union Loafers, in St. Louis, have developed partnerships with local rye growers to get rye for their breads.

Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com

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Growing alternative crops in Iowa can bring risks and rewards - The Gazette

Lower cholesterol is the key to wellness for many people. Pop quiz: do you know what your cholesterol level is? Come on, I must hurry you The chances are your answer to that question is no and youre not alone.

While most people can happily recite their height, weight, vital statistics, and maybe even their blood pressure, if theyve had a check-up recently, cholesterol remains something of a mystery. Yet high cholesterol is often referred to as an invisible killer, leading, as it can, to blocked arteries, coronary disease, angina, heart attacks and strokes.

Until you reach one of those unhappy outcomes, however, youre unlikely to have a clue that youre in peril theres no feeling of high cholesterol and you wont suffer any symptoms.So how do we lower cholesterol, what is it, and if its so dangerous, why do we even need it in our bodies?

We ingest cholesterol through our food, usually in the form of animal products but we also manufacture up to 2g a day in our liver. Its a waxy substance that forms a vital part of our cell membranes, helping to keep the cells wrapping structurally sound while still allowing nutrients to move in and out. Its also involved in the production of vitamin D in our bodies, as well as the sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone.

A blood test will reveal if you need to lower cholesterol levels

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Not all cholesterol is created equal. There are two distinct types that perform diverse roles. Fats arent soluble in water, so they need something to transport them around the body and that driver is known as a lipoprotein (a complex of fat and protein).

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) deliver fats and cholesterol from the liver around the body, where they can be used to make hormones, build or maintain the cells or go into storage.

However, LDLs do not behave like a five-star Uber driver they can lose cholesterol passengers during their meandering route through the bloodstream. These rogue passengers can then cling to the walls of the arteries, causing a build-up of plaque that narrows the vital blood vessels. That in turn can lead to high blood pressure, put a strain on the heart and cause blood clots.

There is help at hand high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) can Hoover up these poor unfortunate lost cholesterol souls and return them to the liver, where they can be recycled or broken down in bile. Hence HDLs are known as good cholesterol while LDLs are the villains of the piece.

Smoking, toxins and extreme stress can also have an impact on the way your body copes with cholesterol, according to The Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Cigarettes, pollution and processed foods increase oxidation in the blood, which produces damaging free radicals. In turn, free radicals can lead to cancer and destabilise the LDLs, making them harder to clear from the arteries and allowing them to be a potential cause of inflammation.

High LDL cholesterol levels can lead to a host of circulatory diseases high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), peripheral arterial disease and vascular dementia, as well as stroke and heart attacks but its something relatively easy to lower. For example, a 2017 study found that a plant-based diet could significantly reduce LDL levels in a four-week period.

How to lower cholesterol: plant-based diets can help

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The best way to get tested is to visit your GP if youre aged between 40 and 74, its part of the NHS Health Check that youre entitled to every five years. Your doctor will either take blood from your arm or from a finger-prick. Theyll measure your total cholesterol, your LDL and HDL levels and the triglycerides (fatty acids) in your blood.

According to NHS.uk, healthy cholesterol levels are as follows:

Home tests are available from some high street chemists, but they usually only measure total cholesterol and the results can be difficult to interpret. If youre already under a doctors care for high cholesterol, these commercial tests offer a handy way of keeping your eye on your overall cholesterol level, but otherwise its best to get your GP to check you out first.

When it comes to eating better - and lowering your cholesterol at the same time make sure you get your five a day! Fill two-thirds of your plate with colourful vegetables, from the best source you can find.Also, do make sure that youre eating antioxidant-packed fresh fruit.

Blueberries, cranberries, grapes, apricots and redcurrants are all high on the list. Eating fresh fruit brings the added benefit of providing fibre, which binds with cholesterol in the digestive tract to escort it out of your system safely. For the same reason, whole grains and legumes should make up the majority of your plates final third.

Oily fish, such as salmon and mackerel, and/or seeds and nuts should complete your meal. This is because they all contain omega-3 fats, which have been shown to reduce LDL levels.

To sum up, these are the best things to eat and drink to lower cholesterol:

If youre a big meat eater, try to reduce your intake and go for the best quality you can. When you choose quality over quantity you can eat small portions of grass-fed and organic produce and enjoy every mouthful.

Processed meats, such as sausages, meat pies and any foods containing trans-fats are a no-no, as they have been shown to reduce good HDL cholesterol.

Avoid processed meats if you want to lower your cholesterol levels

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Its not all bad news, though, you can still have a treat. Dark chocolate and cocoa are rich in flavonoids, which can lower LDL and raise HDL (the good cholesterol) levels.

Black tea and green tea have both been shown to lower blood cholesterol, due to their antioxidant content. Drinking tea can reduce the risk of arterial plaque building up and causing heart disease.

Drinking green or black tea can help lower cholesterol

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Coffee, however, should be a more occasional drink, because oils from coffee beans, such as cafestol, have been shown to disrupt the bodys ability to regulate cholesterol. What is the healthiest way to brew coffee? Choosing filter coffee is safer for your heart than any method that involves simmering the ground beans in water (French press, or Norwegian coffee).

Headlines proclaiming that red wine is good for your heart do appear in the popular press regularly. But alcohols effects on HDLs and LDLs are still not fully understood.

Low to moderate consumption of alcohol seems to have a positive effect on good cholesterol, but drinking more than 14 units a week and binge-drinking can have the opposite effect, instead increasing your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

Get moving. Activity and exercise are key to winning the cholesterol battle gaining body fat will increase blood cholesterol. Both the British Heart Foundation and the NHS recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, broken into 10-minute sessions, if youre new to working out.

Walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or paddle boarding will all help to improve your circulation, which in itself is beneficial, and helps body fat maintenance.

How to lower cholesterol: Yoga is one of the best exercises to try

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Yogas benefits are two-fold, not only has it been shown to lower LDL levels, the stress-relieving nature of spending time on your mat will also reduce free radical creation. (The science is encouraging, so why not try T3's Best yoga workout for beginners?)

If youre a smoker, giving up has been shown to boost your HDL level (good cholesterol), so head to the NHS website for help and advice on how to quit smoking.

Wellness Week on Fit&WellWellness Week is brought to you in association with Wiggle. Each day this week, we'll help you accelerate your wellness journey by making improvements across areas including fitness, diet and nutrition, mindfulness and more.

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How to lower cholesterol: Everything you need to know - T3 (US)