Category Archives: Diet And Food

An alligator broke into a Florida familys garage and set about necking their Diet Cokes, according toNewsweek. Laryn and Jamie Dobson were at home when they heard a wicked crash in their garage. When they opened the garage door they were greeted by the alligator, who had already made quite a mess. There was Diet Coke spewing everywhere, because the gator was interested, tore open the box, had a few cans, said Karyn. Probably thought it was beer, maybe. The gator has been safely relocated.

Bribing toddlers to eat their greens is an effective strategy, reported The Times. A study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Maastricht found that children offered stickers or small toys were more likely to try vegetables. A researcher said that rewarding toddlers for tasting vegetables appears to increase their willingness to try different vegetables, adding that the type of reward is very importantit should be fun but not food.

A United Airlines passenger was arrested at Chicagos OHare International Airport after opening an aircraft door and walking out onto the wing of the plane while it was taxiing, reported CNN. The Chicago Police Department said that a male subject was onboard a plane that was approaching the gate when he pulled the emergency exit and walked out onto the wing of the plane. Police added that the subject then slid down the wing and onto the airfield.

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Alligator breaks into garage and drinks Diet Cokes - The Week UK

As Fox Newsreports,kids can be safely vegan in most cases as long as their diet includes the right vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.Harvard Health elaborates that children need foods rich in iron (like broccoli, spinach, or lentils), calcium (fortified plant-based milk and kale), vitamin D (found in some orange juices!), and zinc for healthy development and immune response. Don't forget about proteins, which are found not only in animal products, but also in nuts, soy, and other sources. A proper vegan diet can be rich in these nutrients, making it a healthy option for young and older diners alike.

A 2021 study found that vegan children exhibit a normal growth rate and are less likely to be obese than their peers who consume animal products. Another studysays that among vegan adults, there is a lower risk of developing chronic diseases, like diabetes, cardiovascular challenges, and some types of cancer. However, science doesn't currently have enough evidence to completely back a vegan diet for kids, and parents would do well to seek advice from a professional nutritionist or doctor if they have questions about what's best for their children.

Wondering what a rich, complete vegan kids' meal might look like? One mom advised Fox readers to put "all the colors of the rainbow" on their kids' plate. For example, go for proteins like beans or chickpeas, served alongside fatty and creamy avocado and a juicy pico de gallo. Colorful antioxidants doesn't it sound delicious?

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What To Know About The Safety Of A Vegan Diet For Kids - Mashed

The pros and cons might seem like a lot to unyolk. On one hand, eggs are singular units packed with nutrients. Eggs are a potent source of vitamins A, D, B12, and all nine essential amino acids, per the BBC. They also contain about 113 milligrams of choline, an important nutrient for neurological and metabolic health.

Eggs can also lower your triglycerides, reports Health Digest. According to the Mayo Clinic, triglycerides are a type of fat found in the bloodstream. In healthy levels, it reports, triglycerides provide the body with energy and keep it fueled; in excess, triglycerides can cause heart failure and increased risk of strokes. However, despite all its good contents, eggs still pack a pretty high amount of cholesterol. Is it a big deal?

According to Healthline, eggs actually improve a body's overall cholesterol profile. Eggs raise HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and tend to lower LDL (the "bad cholesterol). Amy Bhatt, MD, FACC of Harvard Medical School explains that high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) work with the liver to keep blood clean; they prevent plaque buildup in the heart and protect your cardiovascular system. Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), on the other hand, carry cholesterol to your arteries, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart, muscles, or even block an artery.

So, what is the maximum amount of eggs you can safely eat in a week? To reap all the health benefits without incurring any of the negatives?

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The Maximum Amount Of Eggs You Can Safely Eat Each Week - Tasting Table

Bread is a staple food around the world. Yet, despite its widespread popularity, many people limit bread and other carbohydrates when trying to eat a healthier diet or lose weight .

While a low-carb diet may be beneficial for some people, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that 45% to 65% of your daily calories come from carbohydrates with about half of those made up of whole grains.

Any kind of bread can be part of a healthy diet, but there are some types of bread that offer more nutrients than others, says Jamie Gnau, RD, a clinical instructor of biomedical sciences at Missouri State University.

Here's a look at five of the healthiest bread options according to dietitians and the nutrients they provide.

Whole grain bread is made with the whole original kernel of grain. This makes it a much healthier option than white bread, which goes through a refining process that removes the bran and the germ the two most nutrient-rich parts of the grain.

Unlike white bread, which only contains carbs, proteins, and small amounts of vitamins, whole grain bread is packed with:

Whole grains also have a high fiber content which can help promote digestive health, keep blood sugars steady, and help with weight management, says Sara K. Riehm, a registered dietitian with Orlando Health.

Also, research on the health benefits of whole grains compared to refined grains shows that consuming whole grains improves heart health and vitamin absorption more than refined grains.

When picking out whole-grain bread in the store, Gnau recommends looking at the ingredient list. "Whole grain" or "whole wheat" should be one of the first ingredients at the top.

One slice (43 grams) of whole wheat bread contains:

Rye is a type of grain that resembles wheat but is typically darker and denser.

Bread made from rye contains many of the same vitamins and minerals found in whole wheat bread, like fiber, B vitamins, iron, and folate, Riehm says.

Rye's high fiber content can help regulate blood sugar levels and lower the body's insulin response. It may also help you feel fuller longer, which can aid in weight management.

One slice (28 grams) of rye bread contains:

Sprouted grains contain a more nutrients because of the sprout. Laurie Castelli/Getty Images

Sprouted grain bread is made from whole grains and legumes that are allowed to sprout before they are processed to make the bread, Riehm says.

The germination process involved in sprouting results in a slightly higher concentration of nutrients than whole grains, though the types of nutrients they contain are relatively the same.

Sprouted grain bread also contains less starch, Gnau says, making it easier to digest, particularly for people who are sensitive to grains.

Nutrients present in sprouted grain bread include:

One slice (34 grams) of sprouted grain bread contains:

You can make your own sourdough bread with whole wheat flour. Enzo Nguyen@Tercer Ojo Photography/Getty Images

Similar to sprouted grains, whole grain sourdough bread has a slightly higher nutrient content than whole wheat bread and is more easily digested, Gnau says.

Note: Not all sourdough bread is made from whole grains. If you're making the bread yourself, opt for whole-grain flour to reap the most benefits.

Sourdough bread is made through a process called fermentation that involves using yeast and bacteria to make the bread rise. Fermentation reduces the number of phytates that bind to nutrients and impair their absorption, Gnau says. With fewer phytates, the body can better absorb the nutrients present in sourdough bread.

Sourdough bread also has a lower glycemic index than other types of bread, Gnau says. This means sourdough bread is less likely to cause a large blood sugar spike compared to other bread types, like white bread.

One slice (47 grams) of whole wheat sourdough bread contains:

Multigrain bread typically has around 5 grams of protein. Getty

Multigrain bread is as it sounds bread made with multiple types of grains. This can include whole wheat, refined wheat, barley, flax, or oats.

Multigrain bread is often a more nutritious choice than white bread as it is likely to contain more fiber, Riehm says, but keep in mind that multigrain does not necessarily mean whole grain.

Some of the grains in multigrain bread may be refined and stripped of their naturally occurring nutrients, like fiber and B vitamins.

The exact nutritional composition of multigrain bread can differ based on the brand, so check the nutrition label before buying to make sure it has what you're looking for.

In general, one slice (43 grams) of a typical multigrain loaf you may find in a grocery store contains:

Bread contains carbohydrates, which is an essential nutrient our bodies need. Any type of bread can be part of a healthy diet, but there are some that contain more healthy carbs and nutrients than others.

Whole grain bread contains all parts of the original kernel of grain, including nutrients like B vitamins, fiber, and potassium. This makes it a more nutritious choice than refined or white bread.

Other types of nutrient-dense bread include:

If you want to incorporate healthier types of bread in your diet, review labels and ingredient lists in the grocery store. Look for "whole grains" or "whole wheat" listed as one of the first ingredients.

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The 5 healthiest kinds of bread that you can buy - Insider

Whether youre new to the fitness scene or have been working out for more years than you can remember, getting the most out of your exercise is important. However, it can be easy to stay in your comfort zone when exercising.

If youre not noticing any differences in your body after a session, it may be time to switch things up. Here are some tactics for taking your workouts to the next level.

For those who have a busy day at work, going into an hour-long workout with deadlines and squats isnt easy. To get your mind and body fired up for lots of reps and heavyweights, you need to have a great warmup regime in place.

This doesnt simply mean jogging on a treadmill. Instead, perform a variety of activation and mobility drills that mimic the movements you plan to make throughout your main workout. This will increase your body temperature and get your muscles and nervous system all fired up and raring to go.

To get the most out of your workout, good nutrition is everything. Fueling your body with the right foods is essential for supporting your physical performance, as well as speeding up your post-workout recovery.

If you plan to train hard and regularly, you must be eating enough carbs. They are a fantastic source of fast energy for your body. Should you cut your carb intake, you will feel like your gas tank is empty.

Make sure to include more protein, veggies, and fats in your diet since they all support muscle growth. Lastly, avoid processed foods. Eating too much of them will negatively impact how you perform and feel.

One quick and effective method for tweaking your workout session is by switching from machines to dumbbell-based exercises. Although machines are useful for those just starting out on their fitness journey, the main problem with them is that they dont require much total core activation. If you switch to dumbbells, youll get tons more.

Something as simple as putting pen to paper and outlining your fitness goals and progress can be a huge help in enhancing your workouts. If youve been working out for several months and find youre in the same position physique-wise, writing down your exercise regime can help in identifying causes for concern.

Before your workout commences, note down what you plan to do in it, and set achievable goals. Whether you want to build muscle or lose weight, having everything down on paper can help you see the bigger picture.

Sometimes, it helps to get a bit of guidance and support from a fitness expert. If youre not sure how to take your regime to the next level, hiring a trainer to assist you can be an advantage. Their primary duty is to help you reach your fitness goals and get your body working harder.

Make sure you find a trainer who has worked with people in a similar situation to yourself. Having a trainer by your side will be great for checking your form, and giving you that extra boost of motivation to get the last rep.

Although supplements cant compensate for a poor diet, they can assist in getting the nutrients needed for better athletic performance. To help improve lean muscle tissue, muscular endurance, and memory performance, turkesterone supplements may help.

You can find more of its benefits in this excellent guide. Whatever supplements you decide on, be wary of those packed with sugar, caffeine, and artificial ingredients.

To get you fired up for a workout, having the right music playing in your ears can make a real difference. From start to finish, you want to have empowering music that spurs you on to keep going. The wrong track can make you want to call it quits.

Before you head for your next workout, invest in a sturdy pair of headphones. This will ensure they wont fall off when you run, jump, or lift weights. Its wise to create a playlist as well to keep you energized and motivated throughout your workout.

Incorporating sprint training into your workout can improve your muscle strength and speed, as well as help with weight loss. The purpose of sprint work is to boost metabolism, meaning youll burn more calories.

Sprint training can also improve your physique, making you more toned and leaner in no time. This exercise works your glutes, legs, and core while burning fat and building muscle. Be warned, sprint training is high intensity, so its vital you train sensibly and safely.

If you were to ask a professional athlete what their ritual is before a big game, its likely most of them would say they take a nap. If youve had a busy day and are feeling tired, try to factor in 20 to 30 minutes of sleep to help you feel more focused and re-energized.

A 20-minute power nap a couple of hours before working out may be all it takes to help you rest your mind and body.

If youre serious about boosting your physique and performance, there will be times when youll need to push your body to the edge. To do this effectively, trying out any (or all) of the above will make a difference.

Making slight changes to your workout will yield impressive results and keep you motivated for reaching your fitness goals.

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How to Take Your Workouts to the Next Level Bike Hacks - Bicycle Times Magazine

Unlike many stars who try to make risky dieting sound easy, giving audiences unrealistic expectations for their own bodies, Holland cuts straight to the chase. "It was awful. Truly," he told GQ of the experience that saw him lose a significant amount of his body weight. The actor says his trainer, George Ashwell, restricted his diet to 500 calories per day and told him to run 10 miles. After surviving the shoot on these unsustainable numbers, Holland then had to regain the weight with similar quickness.

"I got very sick, actually," he says about the process. "And it's changed my relationship with food completely. I think I would find it very difficult to find a role that would warrant that sort of abuse on my body again." As miserable as it is that the actor went through this, it's great to hear him call it what it is: abuse to one's body. By any professional measurement, that diet would be diagnosable as an eating disorder. Yet for some reason, it's been seen as an industry standard for actors for years.

This type of dangerous change has never gone without consequences, but it seems like actors are only recently beginning to open up about saying no to unhealthy dieting. Way back in 2000, Jared Leto said he felt like he was "addicted to losing weight" after "Requiem For A Dream." In 2017, Tom Hardy admitted that his crash dieting for roles like that of Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises" permanently changed his body, telling The Daily Beast, "I think you pay the price with any drastic physical changes." And Kumail Nanjiani memorably spoke about his complex relationship with his masculinity and self-image after undergoing some serious changes ahead of his role in "Eternals." Nanjiani told GQ in 2021, "It's about defeating. And that's what the male ideal has been."

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Tom Holland Paid A Huge Price To Commit To His Role In Cherry - /Film

According to a study being presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO), which is being held on May 4-7, 2022 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, there may be some very particular dietary changes you can make that will help keep your arteries healthy and flexible.

The authors say that protein, niacin, and zinc were linked to improvements in both the structure and function of blood vessels in their study.

In addition, they point to a specific dietery pattern which may do a good job of providing you with these nutrients, as well as others that are linked to cardiovascular health.

The research is pre-publication and has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Lead author Dr. Brurya Tal and her team at The Sagol Center for the Metabolic Syndrome, Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, wrote that it is known that weight loss is associated with improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic health.

What it is not known, however, is whether any particular nutrient changes during dieting might be responsible for those improvements.

In order to investigate this question, the researchers enrolled 72 people with metabolic syndrome and obesity into a one-year weight loss program.

Metabolic syndrome is defined by the American Heart Association as having at least three of the following risk factors:

Having metabolic syndrome puts people at greater risk for heart and blood vessel diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.

The study participants were provided with a personalized diet and exercise plan as well as regular meetings with a doctor and a dietitian.

The average age of the participants was 53.

They were required to complete a dietary questionnaire a week before beginning the weight loss progam as well as at the end.

At the end of the year, the research team measured blood vessel flexibility in three different ways: pulse wave velocity (PWV), common carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT), and flow mediated dilation (FMD).

PWV is the rate at which pressure waves move down the vessel.

Carotid artery IMT is the thickness of the two innermost walls of the arteries which supply blood to the brain.

FMT looks how much the artery widens as blood flow increases.

At the conclusion of the diet, peoples BMI had dropped on average 9.4 percent.

In addition, all of the measures of blood vessel flexibility had improved.

They found that improved PWV was linked to reduced calorie intake, lower saturated fat intake, and increased zinc intake.

IMT was linked to reduced calories and saturated fat as well. It was also linked to increased protein intake.

Finally, improved FMD was linked with increased intake of the vitamin niacin (vitamin B3).

Arterial stiffness is associated with aging. It is caused by the loss of elastin fibers over time with their replacement by collagen fibers, which makes arteries less flexible.

Blood vessels that are too stiff increase the risk of future heart disease, said Tal.

Increased arterial stiffness is closely linked to an increased risk for conditions like high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

The good news, however, is that it appears to be reversible. Reversing this condition could help prevent future cardiovascular disease.

Tal said because she has a PhD in nutrition, she was interested in looking at how nutrition might impact vascular flexibility.

Nutrition is a natural way to reduce the risk of heart disease and we have found that nutrition has improvement capabilities that have not been tested in studies published to date.

Some of the nutrients that appeared to play a role in arterial flexibility included zinc, niacin, and protein.

Zinc plays a crucial role in the production of nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen.

Niacin also helps to dilate blood vessels, especially in the upper part of the body, according to the study authors.

As to which dietery pattern specifically can provide more of these nutrients, Tal said, The weight loss diet of the study participants was a Mediterranean diet, rich in protein and vegetables, which contained nuts and seeds and a moderate amount of fruits and starches.

Shereen Jegtvig, a nutritionist at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, who was not a part of the study, agreed with their approach, saying, The Mediterranean diet is a good heart-healthy diet according to a number of studies.

The Nordic and Okinawan Diets are good too, she said.

Basically, a heart-healthy diet is loaded with vegetables and fruits and includes plenty of whole grains (and less highly refined grains).

She also noted that you dont necessarily have to follow any specific diet.

The best diet is one that you can follow, so it needs to have a nice variety of foods you enjoy, just with a focus on healthier choices, she said.

When it comes to the specific nutrients mentioned in the study, Jegtvig said that good protein and niacin sources include lean meat, fish, seafood, dry beans, nuts and seeds. These foods are also high in zinc, she added, and oysters are an especially good source of zinc.

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Diets Rich in Protein, Niacin, and Zinc May Boost Blood-Vessel Health - Healthline

A new study suggests most overweight people who try to shed pounds are unsuccessful.

Scientists, led by Dr Marc Evans from University Hospital Cardiff, studied data on 1,850 obese adults with an average age of 53, of whom 79% said they had attempted weight loss in the last year. Of these, only about a quarter of obese people who tried to lose weight were able to keep off a substantial amount a year later.

The new survey, which is being shown to the European Congress on Obesity in the Netherlands, monitored information on adults from a range of countries - including France, Italy, Germany, the UK and Spain, the Daily Record reports.

READ MORE: Bread, potatoes and eight other foods that should not be kept in the fridge

Of those studied, 72% had gone on diets while others had also used exercise, medication, had surgery, or used weight loss apps. Researchers found that among those who had attempted to lose weight, 73.4% had not achieved clinically meaningful weight loss.

Here is what the study found about the following weight loss methods, which are likely to work, and the least effective.

Weight Loss Surgery

Those who had surgery were most likely to have lost weight with half losing at least 5% of their body weight. Some 32% of those who used digital health applications lost weight and three in 10 who took part in a weight loss service lost weight.

Medication/Exercise

Meanwhile, 30% of those who had medication or took up exercise lost a clinically meaningful amount of weight.

Diets

The study found that only 28% of people who embarked on a calorie controlled or restricted diet lost a significant amount of weight.

Combination

But researchers learned that people who had tried more than one method of weight loss for example exercise plus a calorie controlled or restricted diet were more likely to have achieved weight loss.

Just 22% of those who just attempted one weight loss strategy had shed a significant proportion of body weight compared to 33% who used a combination of weight loss tools.

Dr Evans said: "Our survey results indicate that while the majority of adults with obesity are actively trying to reduce their weight, using a variety of strategies, most are unsuccessful.

"This underscores the need for increased support and solutions for weight management."

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Diets and weight loss: What actually works according to vital new study - Liverpool Echo

Modern culture has us thinking we need to do everything the hard way. Grind it out to make a living, lift the heaviest weight to show off in the gym, cut out all carbs to drop fat, and the list can go on and out.

All those HARD things work well, and most people cant sustain the results because they cannot sustain the efforts day after day. Fitness and nutrition can become a constant off and on phenomenon that causes frustration, fatigue, and decreased confidence in oneself.

All harmful to our health in the short and long term.

You might be thinking, well, if dieting and hardcore exercise arent the routes for long-term success, why are they so popular?

The marketing of quick results, cheap intro programs that promise weight loss, delivered diet meals that take no time, and all the stuff that we think will make our lives easier and healthier. This is creating an even more uphill battle for people. I should know.

I struggled with this when I first started to try and improve my nutrition. I followed no carbs craze and dropped 18 pounds in about a month. The problem for me was carbohydrates. Our bodies #1 source of ENERGY, so I didnt have much willpower to stay consistent with my workouts, and on cheat days, I would eat far too much for one person to consume even in an entire cheat weekend. All because my body was craving a nutrient that it had been getting its fuel from for my entire life.

A few people succeed with these all-or-nothing and all-in approaches to weight loss, but Ive seen more people enjoy their daily life and succeed long term by making fitness and wellness a part of their lifestyle.

Some people have a habit of drinking soda all day long and not doing any exercise, and others have a habit of drinking water first thing in the morning and walking their dogs. Both daily choices and repeated daily become individual habits and routines. These routines shape our life experiences and, ultimately, our health.

To help you keep things simple, pick a few of the following lifestyle habits that you can sneak into your daily routine that will improve your health in the short and long term.

Regardless of WHAT you do nutrition-wise in the morning, make sure its a choice that aligns with your visions for your health. For some, it might be making a full, colorful breakfast. For others, it may be a smoothie packed with fruits, veggies, and protein to fuel you up for the day. Make sure what you consume first in your day begins with hydrating (water), add to it some things that have some color (fruit/veggies), and is at least a whole serving of protein (15-30g). A good rule of thumb is to focus on natural foods like whole grains, eggs, and fruits. This habit will set you up both mentally and physically for more healthy lifestyle choices throughout your day.

Recently, I took a trip to San Diego with my family. When I travel, I like to observe the culture and enjoy local coffee. In the mornings, we would walk around the beach town and grab a coffee/breakfast out. I quickly picked up on some healthy, lifestyle trends. Many people were walking dogs, riding bikes, skateboarding, or carrying a surfboard. The locals in California are always doing things outdoors because the weather is so beautiful, and in AZ we tend to avoid the outdoors if conditions arent ideal. I mean I know at least I do.

Heres your chance to flip the script by dressing for the current temperature in your area. Spend at least 15 minutes outdoors doing something you enjoy. Sunlight is proven to help improve physical and mental health, and the movement will be just as effective as time spent in the gym. Go for a walk, start that garden youve been dreaming of, or knock out that yard work that youve been meaning to get to and have FUN while youre at it.

We fail at fueling our bodies properly when we dont plan for the next meal to come, and I see this far too often with busy professionals, and I of course fail at it sometimes too. We all know the leftovers from Tuesday are not appetizing on Friday. Do your future self a favor and plan for a tasty lunch each day. Check out these fit-minded desk lunches provided by My Fitness Pal. If you get to work from home, make lunch and do a double serving, so you can bring it to the office the next day. Another trick is to spend a few minutes after cleaning up dinner making lunch for the next few days. You can even do it while watching your favorite show.

There is something about going to a Health Club that just cant be duplicated with an at-home workout. The motivating atmosphere, access to equipment, trainers, group classes, and amenities make physically going in a unique and engaging experience. If you can schedule two or three steps at the facility each week, the financial investment in your membership will be well worth it.

It doesnt need to be a heavy lift to see exponential results. Implement one of the above habits one at a time. The important thing is to find your groove that gives you the results you desire.

The 4 Your Health Blog is for working men and women who want to plug health and fitness into their everyday life. Together well get there!

Your partner in health,

Drew SaenzDrew@teamupaz.comTeamUpWellness.com

P.S. Whenever youre ready,,, here are a few weeks I can help you and your team improve their health and company engage their people in a meaningful way:

Implement Workday Movement Breaks!

Are you looking to implement workday physical activity for your staff? Not sure if people will participate? This program kicks off in June so theres plenty of time to learn more and education your team. Learn more about our Movement Break Program here.

Take our Corporate Wellness Scorecard

Are you curious about where your organization stands from a wellbeing perspective? I use a simple scorecard tool to determine your current stage of wellness readiness and the best next steps to improve. Email me with Score Card in the subject line, and I will get you all the details.

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Skip the Diet and Bootcamp. Revamp your Lifestyle Instead! - YurView

At some point this century, our food production system will collapse. Currently, its most critical link is meat, particularly beef, whose production, according to data from the FAO, has doubled in the last sixty years. 80% of agricultural land is used for cows, pigs or chickens, either in the form of pasture or to grow the grain to feed them. Agriculture is responsible for a third of all emissions, with cattle as the primary culprit. As the world population grows, humans will be faced with a dilemma: either we stop consuming so much meat, or we look for other sources of animal protein. Science is already pointing to several alternatives: insects, laboratory meat and nutrients of microbial origin. Different models indicate that they are as at least as friendly to the planet as vegetarian diets, if not more.

Scientists from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Assessment and the World Center for Plants in Taiwan have modeled what would happen if a percentage of the meat consumed were changed to meat alternatives. The study, published a few days ago in Nature, focuses on proteins from fungi. Isabelle Weindl, PIK researcher and co-author of the study, explains the choice: There are plant-based alternatives, such as soy burgers, and animal cells grown in a petri dish, also known as cultured meat. But there are also microbial proteins derived from fermentation. For her, those are the most promising. With a high protein content, their texture is reminiscent of steak, thanks to the stringy structure of fungi such as Fusarium venenatum. In addition, unlike vegetable alternatives such as tofu or seitan, among its components is a series of essential amino acids. Sausages and hamburgers have already been formulated with these mushroom mycoproteins.

Most importantly, its production can be largely decoupled from agricultural production. It does not require the deforestation of new surfaces and would free up millions of hectares. Our results show that even taking into account sugar as a raw material, microbial protein requires much less agricultural land than ruminant meat to offer the same amount of protein, says the German scientist.

The researchers envision that a certain percentage of meat in the diet will be replaced by these microbial proteins by 2050. If, within 30 years, it were possible to replace 80% of animal proteins with fungal ones, the problem of global deforestation could almost disappear, especially in the Amazon and Congo basins, which are currently the most affected regions. Greenhouse gas emissions would be 87% lower than they would be if the current system remained. Although new land would have to be dedicated to growing sugar cane or sugar beets, as sugars are essential for fermentation, that land could come from reclaimed pasture and fodder crop land. In addition, fewer cows ruminating would decrease emissions of methane, a gas with a warming potential 23 times higher than that of CO.

A less ambitious scenario, with only a 20% substitution, would still bring significant improvement. Says Florian Humpender, also from PIK and the studys lead author, We see that if we replace 20% of ruminant meat per capita by 2050, annual deforestation and CO emissions from land use change would be reduced by half compared to a conventional scenario. Reducing livestock numbers not only reduces pressure on the land, explains Humpender, but also decreases methane emissions from livestock and nitrous oxide emissions from fertilizer and manure management.

Rachel Mazac, a researcher at the Institute of Sciences for Sustainability at the University of Helsinki, published a paper at the end of April on the incorporation of so-called new foods into the European diet and how they would help reduce the environmental impact of food production. She summarizes the results of this work in an email: The foods with the greatest potential turn out to be insect meal and cultured milk. But she also highlights microbial proteins, selected for their lower impact and a nutritional profile that meets our dietary requirements.

Her study, published in Nature Food, concludes that replacing proteins of animal origin with those offered by these new foods could reduce the impact of protein cultivation on climate change by over 80%. When comparing a vegetarian diet and one that includes with insects, fermented dairy and mycoproteins, the study finds a slight advantage for the former over the latter, but, as Mazac says, with a vegan diet people will also be able to stay healthy, feel good and have less environmental impact.

From a nutritional point of view, it would be healthy to significantly reduce the consumption of animal products in current European diets. Both Mazac and Humpender now show that these alternatives to animal proteins are also good for the planet. A well-known supermarket chain has been selling insects for five years. Many grocery stores have long had a variety of plant-based meats, and in February the European Union authorized the marketing and sale of acheta domesticus, crickets, as food. But they have yet to play a role in most peoples diet.

For Ascensin Marcos, research professor at the Institute of Food Science and Technology and Nutrition at the CSIC (ICTAN), much more research is still needed for these models to have a real application. Many unknowns remain to be resolved, she says, including the palatability of these new foods. If they dont like it, they dont like it, she argues. Acknowledging that it is a cultural issues, she says that it is one thing to give insects to an animal, and you eat the animal, and another to be the one who eats the insect. There are historical examples of cultural changes that have lowered or eliminated the aversion to certain foods, though. She mentions the case of ham in East Asia or seafood, which for the Japanese was like eating insects.

Marcos also raises an objection that goes beyond science. Whether we like it or not, we are omnivores and we have to eat everything. The real problem, she concludes, is that we have a very poor diet, we eat an excessive amount of protein, few carbohydrates and a lot of fat. This has its impact on us and on the environment, and the food industry does not help.

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Beyond meat: insects and lab mushrooms to save the planet - EL PAS in English