Grapefuits are loaded with nutrients and health benefits.

Grapefruits are one of those fruits that people either love or hate! But if they are to your taste, you could be giving your body a real boost by eating them regularly. All citrus fruits are good for you, but grapefruits are at the top of the pile regarding health benefits. Unfortunately, not everybody can eat grapefruit as it can interact with some medications. But, if youre not in that boat, your body will thank you if you add a regular serving to your diet.

Grapefruits are both high in nutrients and super low in calories. Fruits tend to have more calories than vegetables, but grapefruit contains less natural sugars than most fruits, making it one of the lowest-calorie choices available. Like all citrus fruits, they are rich in vitamin C, but the benefits dont end there. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, thiamine, and folate. Grapefruits are also rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.[1]

Since grapefruit is low in calories, while high in fiber and water content, consuming it regularly could help you lose weight.

Studies have shown that adding grapefruit to a diet can significantly aid weight loss.[2] This benefit is partly due to the fiber content, which makes you feel fuller, the low calorific profile, and the high water content. Any food low in calories that satisfies your hunger is an excellent help when losing weight. So, while it wont produce weight loss by itself, added to a balanced diet grapefruit will definitely improve your chances.

Many studies have shown that grapefruit improves heart health and reduces the chances of many types of heart disease.[3] Grapefruit works by lowering cholesterol levels, particularly the LDL or bad cholesterol. This benefit is partly due to the potassium found in grapefruit, which reduces blood pressure, and the high fiber content, which helps lower cholesterol. The high antioxidant content is also likely to protect against heart disease and stroke.[4]

Loaded with antioxidants, grapefruit may help prevent cancer.

Antioxidants reduce inflammation by protecting your cells from attack by dangerous free radicals. Vitamin C, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cancer.[5] Other antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and flavanones, help reduce the likelihood of certain cancers and slow tumors that may already be present.[6]

If youve ever had kidney stones, you will know the agony they can cause! They form when waste builds up in the kidneys, crystallizing and blocking the urinary system. The main culprit of kidney stones is calcium oxalate. The citric acid found in grapefruits helps remove calcium from the body while also increasing the pH of urine, reducing kidney stone formation.[7]

If consuming grapefruit is safe for you, it makes an excellent addition to your diet. It can help in many aspects of your health but has particular benefits for heart health and reducing the risk of many forms of cancer. So, if you like the taste, you definitely should be adding more grapefruit to your diet.

References:

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Supercharge Your Diet With These 5 Science-Backed Benefits of Grapefruit - SciTechDaily

Its been several decades since scientists noticed the U-shaped relationship between diet and body size observed in modern land mammals: if you align mammals on a plant-to-protein gradient youll find that herbivores and carnivores (on the far left and right, respectively) tend to be much larger than omnivores and insectivores.

Now, we know that this relationship is more widespread than previously thought. According to a new study, its instead nearly universal across 24,00 vertebrate species including mammals, birds, reptiles, and saltwater fish.

The pattern also holds consistently across global ecosystems, from rainforests to deserts, and even dates back to at least 66 million years ago.

But the researchers suggests that that human-related extinctions of the largest herbivores and carnivores are disrupting this U-curve what appears to be a fundamental feature of past and present ecosystems with potentially unpredictable consequences for the future.

Its due to the intertwined influences of diet and body size.

A species diet determines how much energy it consumes, which in turn helps drive growth and dictates its size. But that size can also limit the quality and quantity of food available to the species, even as it simultaneously sets thresholds for whats needed to survive.

You can be as big as your food will allow you to be, says Will Gearty, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in the US, and co-author of the study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. At the same time, youre often as big as you need to be to catch and process your food.

So theres an evolutionary interplay there.

The international and interdisciplinary team of scientists compiled diet and body size data for an impressive number of modern surviving species: 5,033 mammals, 8,991 birds, 7,356 reptiles and 2,795 fishes.

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For the first time, they found that the U-shape pattern between diet and body size held for almost all species, but was absent in marine mammals and seabirds, probably due to the unique demands of living in water.

Showing that this exists across all these different groups does suggest that it is something fundamental about how vertebrates acquire energy, how they interact with one another, and how they coexist, says co-author Kate Lyons, assistant professor of biological sciences at UNL.

The researchers were also interested in how long this U-shaped relationship between diet and body size has persisted, so they analysed fossil records from 5,427 mammal species some of which date as far back as the Early Cretaceous Period 145100 million years ago and found that the pattern stretches back at least 66 million years.

But the U-curve has begun to noticeably flatten, as the average size of mammalian herbivores has decreased by roughly 100 times, and carnivores by 10 times, since the emergence of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens over the past few hundred thousand years.

This is due to multiple species extinctions, including the disappearance of mammoths, ground sloths, short-faced bears, and sabre-toothed cats.

Looking to the future, the research team projects that theres a greater than 50% chance that multiple large- and medium-sized mammals including the tiger and Javan rhinoceros, both of which count humans as their only predators will go extinct within the next 200 years.

This doesnt bode well, as those predicted extinctions would only exacerbate the disruption of the U-curve and have unpredictable consequences for wildlife and humans.

Its certainly possible that as we take some of these animals off the top (of the U-curve), and as we collapse some of these ranges of body sizes, that were altering the way the energy is divvied up, Gearty says. That could perhaps have fundamental repercussions for the environment and ecosystem as a whole.

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Animal diet and body size have a U-shaped relationship - Cosmos

Are you thinking about giving up grains for good? We gotchu. Heres everything you need to know about the grain-free diet. That includes a deep dive into the potential perks and possible problems.

Bonus: We also have a 3-day sample menu and a long list of all the foods you can and cant eat.

A grain-free diet is an eating pattern that excludes grains. These include:

BTW, pseudocereal grains like quinoa and buckwheat are technically seeds. So, a lot of folks who follow a grain-free diet avoid them, too.

Grain-free diets dont have a one-size-fits-all vibe. The specific dos and donts vary from person to person, so there isnt a lot of research to explain the exact perks.

But a small 2019 study showed that dietary patterns that dont include grains have some potential benefits. Heres the lowdown.

Eating refined carbs on the reg can have a negative effect on your health. Research shows that ultra-processed foods like refined grains can increase your risk of:

Also, cutting out grains that contain gluten (e.g. wheat, barley, rye, and triticale) might help reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and IBS.

Refined grains are easily digested into simple sugars, which can cause blood-sugar spikes and quick crashes. So, eating less refined grains can keep your levels in check. This is extra important for folks who have diabetes, but anyone can benefit from better blood glucose regulation.

FYI: Just because you cut out grains doesnt mean youre in the clear. Its your overall diet quality and food choices that matter most when it comes to staying healthy and managing health conditions.

Going grain-free might improve your overall diet quality if your current diet is filled with a lot of processed foods. If you replace refined grains with more nutrient-dense foods, youll prob get more fiber, vitamins, minerals, protein, and other important nutrients.

Also, a grain-free diet is free from gluten. So, it obvs will have benefits for folks who have celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).

A grain-free diet might help you hit your weight loss goals.

Generally, refined grains dont have a lot of nutritional value. On top of that, processed grain products are often filled with other not-so-healthy ingredients like refined sugars. None of these ingredients are great at keeping you feeling full and satiated.

So, replacing refined grains with more nutritious foods like proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds can help you feel fuller for longer.

Keep in mind that were talking about refined grains, not whole grains. Also, reducing your intake of refined carbs is great, but its not a weight-loss cure-all.

Like any diet that cuts out a lot of food options (were looking at you, keto) the grain-free diet has some downsides.

Cutting out grains might be beneficial for people who have health conditions like celiac disease, NCGS, and diabetes. But generally, cutting out all grains from your diet isnt necessary.

Eating whole grains and pseudograins like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and amaranth, as part of a balanced diet may actually help improve health and reduce the risk of certain conditions including:

Grains can also contain important nutrients like fiber and minerals including magnesium and zinc. This doesnt mean that a grain-free diet will always lack these nutrients. But you do have to replace these nutrients with other nutrient-dense grain-free foods.

Its also worth noting that a lot of grains in the United States are fortified or enriched with iron and folate. According to a 2021 research review, cutting out all grains can make it harder to hit your daily requirement of these vital nutrients.

When following a grain-free diet, its important to fill up on:

But these days, you can find loads of grain-free products in your local grocery store. You can also sub traditional grain products with tasty ingredients like:

Psst. Make sure to read nutrition and ingredients labels. Just because somethings grain-free doesnt mean its nutritious.

When on a grain-free diet, its important to avoid (surprise!) grains and grain-based products. These include:

PSA: You customize your grain-free diet based on your unique preferences. A lot of grain-free folks avoid pseudocereal grains like buckwheat, amaranth, and quinoa. Also, some people give up grains that contain gluten (e.g. wheat, barley, rye, triticale, farina, and spelt), but not gluten-free grains. Thats up to you, though.

Ready to eat? Heres an idea of what 3 days on a grain-free diet can look like.

Grain-free diets tend to be a lot more flexible than other restrictive diets. Sure, you have to cut out grains, but you can still eat a wide variety of other foods.

Meanwhile, diets like the paleo or Whole30 make you cut out grains along with many other foods like legumes and dairy. And as for keto, you can technically eat grains as long as you dont go over your daily net carb count.

Also, while a grain-free diet is gluten-free, its not the same thing as a gluten-free diet. Someone following a gluten-free diet doesnt have to exclude all grains because not all grains contain gluten.

A grain-free diet is a way of eating that excludes all grains and grain-based products like wheat, oats, and white flour. Some studies suggest cutting out refined grains from your diet might benefit your overall health. But we need more evidence to show how it stacks up to other types of diets.

P.S. If youre interested in going on the grain-free diet, you might want to hit up a registered dietitian. They can help you decide whether going grain-free is a good idea based on your health background.

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Grain Free Diet: Pros, Cons, and Approved Foods - Greatist

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a chronic type of retrovirus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the last stage of the HIV virus (1).

HIV attacks the bodys immune system, destroying white blood cells that are needed to fight off infections (2).

HIV treatment has come a long way, and people with HIV can live long and healthy lives if medication, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications, are accessible and taken as prescribed.

In addition to ART, many people with HIV are interested in natural ways to support their health, including diet and supplementation.

This article reviews the role of diet and supplementation in HIV-positive populations and gives recommendations for how to support overall health while living with HIV.

Nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, are necessary for the proper functioning of the body, including the immune system.

Thats why its important for all people, regardless of HIV status, to consume a varied diet that provides an array of nutrients.

A well-rounded diet can help support the health of the immune system and can reduce the risk of malnutrition.

HIV-positive people have higher needs for certain nutrients and are more likely to experience nutrient deficiencies than the general population. Plus, some nutrients are especially important for those with HIV, as they play an essential role in immunity and may help reduce side effects of ART (3).

People with HIV are at higher risk for becoming malnourished compared with the general population: energy needs are around 10% higher in those with asymptomatic HIV and 2030% higher in those with symptomatic HIV (4).

A 2019 study that included 812 HIV-positive people found that 11.45% of the participants were at some risk for malnutrition. The risk of malnutrition was higher in older adults and females. Hispanic participants also had a higher risk compared with Black and white participants (4).

That may mean that people with HIV even those who are asymptomatic have higher overall needs for calories and nutrients, including protein.

Although its recognized that people with HIV have higher protein needs than people who dont have HIV, there are currently no guidelines for protein intake for people living with HIV.

According to older research, some experts recommend .45.63 grams of protein per pound (11.4 g/kg) of bodyweight for HIV-positive people maintaining weight and muscle mass and .68.9 grams per pound (1.52 g/kg) for HIV-positive people gaining weight and muscle mass (5).

Other studies have shown that nutritional supplements containing high amounts of protein can help people with HIV gain muscle mass and bodyweight (6, 7).

Plus, older research suggests that protein supplements may help improve immune function by increasing levels of certain blood cells that help fight infections, including CD4 lymphocytes (6, 8).

HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, which is why we use CD4 counts to assess the health of HIV-positive folks.

People with HIV are more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients compared with the general population.

Thats likely due to immune dysfunction, higher nutrient needs, nutrient malabsorption, and ART-related side effects (9, 10, 11, 12).

Studies over time show that people with HIV are more likely to be deficient in many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, B12, folate, selenium, vitamin E, B6, and more (9, 10, 11, 12).

For example, numerous studies have demonstrated that HIV-positive people are at a significant risk of being deficient in vitamin D, which can negatively impact immune function (13).

Plus, vitamin D deficiency in people with HIV has been associated with bone disease, depression, high blood pressure, and infections (10).

Fortunately, research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D can replenish vitamin D levels and help improve markers of immune function, including CD4 counts (14).

Supplementation with a multivitamin or single-nutrient supplements may be helpful for those with HIV, as they can help treat deficiencies and support people with HIV in maintaining optimal nutrient levels.

However, its best for those with HIV to come up with a personalized supplement regimen with a team of healthcare professionals, since HIV-positive people have different nutrient needs depending on factors like diet, sex, age, and severity of disease.

If you have HIV, healthcare professionals can order bloodwork to assess levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and B12, and make appropriate supplement recommendations based on your results.

A nutrient-dense diet may help reduce the risk of HIV medication-related side effects and improve treatment efficacy in people with HIV.

Some ARTs interfere with the bodys ability to metabolize glucose (sugars) and fats as well as negatively affect bone health, which may lead to increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and decreased bone mineral density (15, 16, 17).

That is why its important for people with HIV taking ARTs to follow a healthy, balanced diet and supplement with certain nutrients when appropriate.

A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber could help improve ART- and HIV-related side effects like insulin resistance and high blood fat levels (17, 18).

For example, a balanced, high fiber, low glycemic index diet may help reduce blood fat levels and support healthy insulin and blood sugar regulation (19).

Whats more, supplementation with nutrients like vitamin D can help reduce ART-related complications like decreased bone mineral density (16).

People living with HIV have higher energy needs and face higher risks of developing nutrient deficiencies compared with the general population. ART can also lead to side effects like decreased bone mineral density and high blood lipid levels.

Energy (caloric) needs are around 10% higher in those with asymptomatic HIV and 2030% higher in those with symptomatic HIV (4).

These increased energy needs can make it harder for those with HIV to gain and maintain bodyweight and muscle mass.

Notably, one study found that the risk of malnutrition was significantly higher in specific groups of people with HIV, including older adults, females, and Hispanic people (4).

Whats more, for HIV-positive people experiencing food insecurity, the risk of malnutrition is even higher, according to older research studies (20, 21, 22).

Malnutrition is associated with poor physical and mental health and poorer clinical outcomes in people with HIV (22).

Because HIV increases overall energy needs, its important for those living with this condition to follow a balanced diet, including regular meals and snacks, in order to prevent weight loss.

Thats essential for all HIV-positive people, regardless of whether theyre experiencing symptoms.

Although theres no set protein intake guidelines for people with HIV, a higher protein diet appears to help promote muscle mass gain and maintenance (23).

Adding a source of protein to all meals and snacks can help ensure that youre meeting daily protein needs. Examples of protein sources include chicken, fish, eggs, and beans.

Incorporating a protein powder supplement into the diet can also help people with HIV increase their daily protein needs.

Making a smoothie or protein shake with other nutrient-dense ingredients like nut butter, Greek yogurt, and berries can be a simple way to improve overall diet quality.

Its important to note that people with HIV have varying nutrient needs, so theres no one-size-fits-all diet when it comes to promoting overall health and supporting a healthy body weight.

Whenever possible, its helpful to get personalized advice from a medical professional like a registered dietitian.

People with HIV have higher nutrient needs, which increases the risk of weight loss and malnutrition. Eating regular, balanced meals and snacks can help support a healthy body weight and cover nutritional needs.

Its clear that eating a nutritious diet high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and protein is important for people living with HIV. Following a healthy diet can help support healthy body weight maintenance, immune health, mental health, and more.

However, theres currently no specific dietary pattern recommended for all HIV-positive people.

Yet, because HIV compromises the immune system, food safety is important for those living with this condition (24).

People living with HIV face greater risks of developing foodborne illnesses (food poisoning), so certain precautions should be taken in order to minimize those risks.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that HIV-positive folks avoid foods likely to cause foodbourne illness, including raw eggs, raw meat, unpasteurized dairy, and raw seafood. Its also advised to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating (25).

Ways to help protect against foodborne illness include (25, 26):

In addition to minimizing foodborne illness risks, its recommended that folks with HIV follow a diet high in nutritious foods that provide an array of nutrients, including vegetables, fruits, protein-rich foods like fish, and healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Following a balanced diet can help minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies and make sure your body gets sufficient amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients needed for immune function, muscle mass maintenance, and more.

It should be noted that some HIV-positive people experience diarrhea and other symptoms due to ART side effects, pathogens, and HIV-related intestinal damage.

Your healthcare team can prescribe medication to help reduce these symptoms and may recommend a special diet to help treat the diarrhea, whether its chronic or short-term.

Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is essential for everyone, including those with HIV. It becomes even more important if youre also experiencing prolonged diarrhea, as it can lead to dehydration and other complications (27).

If youre experiencing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, its important to visit a healthcare professional so you can get appropriate treatment.

Lastly, people with HIV are at greater risk of developing certain health conditions. In fact, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be 4 times greater if you have HIV (17).

People with HIV are also more likely to develop heart disease (28).

Following a nutritious diet high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats may help reduce the risk of HIV-related health complications by improving blood sugar regulation, reducing blood lipid levels, and maintaining a healthy bodyweight.

Every person with HIV has different needs and may benefit from different supplement regimens based on factors like dietary intake, nutrient deficiencies, and disease severity.

Some evidence suggests that some dietary supplements may be helpful for improving certain aspects of health in people living with HIV.

For example, one review of nine studies found that omega-3 supplements significantly reduced triglyceride levels and increased heart-protective high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in HIV-positive people (29).

A 2019 review that included 6 studies found some evidence that supplementation with 200 mcg of selenium per day over 924 months may help delay the decline of CD4 counts in people with HIV (30).

Vitamin D supplementation can help increase vitamin D levels in the body and has also been shown to reduce inflammation, protect bone health, and improve CD4 levels (31).

Supplementing with zinc, B12, folate, calcium, and other nutrients may also be helpful for those with HIV (32, 33, 34).

However, everyone living with HIV has different needs, so its important to develop a personalized supplement regimen with healthcare professionals. They can help you choose supplements that may be most helpful for you and can also recommend appropriate dosing.

Its important for those with HIV to discuss all supplements with their healthcare team. Some dietary supplements, including herbs like St. Johns Wort and nutrients like vitamin C and some forms of calcium, can significantly reduce the effects of some ARTs (35).

Even though theres currently no specific diet recommended for HIV-positive folks, a nutrient-dense diet high in healthy foods can help support overall health. Food safety is essential for reducing the risk of foodborne illness. Some supplements may be helpful, while others can interfere with ARTs.

In addition to following a nutritious diet, supplementing with certain nutrients, and taking steps to minimize the risk of foodborne illness, there are several other ways for people with HIV to promote optimal health.

Due to advancements in medical care, HIV-positive people can live long, full lives.

You can learn more about the long-term outlook for folks living with HIV here.

A nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, consistent medical care, and a healthy lifestyle can help support your overall health so you can feel your best.

Getting regular exercise, taking care of your mental health, quitting smoking, getting proper sleep, and working with healthcare professionals to devise a personalized wellness plan are all ways in which people with HIV can support overall health.

HIV attacks the bodys immune system, destroying white blood cells that are needed to fight off infection. People with HIV have higher energy needs and are more likely to face deficiencies in key nutrients.

Although theres no specific diet recommended for all HIV-positive people, following a nutrient-dense, balanced diet can help support immune function, prevent weight loss, and reduce ART and HIV-related side effects like decreased bone mineral density and insulin resistance.

In addition to regular medical care and following a nutritious diet, people with HIV can further improve their overall physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and developing a personalized wellness plan with a healthcare professional.

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HIV Diet: What to Know About Nutrition and HIV - Healthline

A WOMAN whose mum wrote a viral Vogue article about putting her on a diet at just SEVEN has told how - a decade on - she still struggles with her body image

Betty Kubovy-Weiss, 18, from the USA, who is now a body activist, appeared in the glossy magazine in April 2012 alongside her mum Dara-Lynn Weiss.

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The essay was called 'Weight Watcher and it prompted a huge response with people slamming Dara-Lynn.

She told how she restricted her 4ft 4ins daughter's calorie intake after her little girl reached 93 pounds.

She halved her dinner portions, banned pudding and refused to let her enjoy a hot chocolate in Starbucks after the barista couldnt give her a calorie count.

In the Vogue article, Dara-Lynn said of this: I dramatically grabbed the drink out of my daughter's hands, poured it into the garbage, and stormed out.

Now, recounting her childhood to Insider , Betty revealed how she had struggled with her body image afterwards, lying about her age to get into a spin class early.

And she added her childhood was characterised by talks of dieting.

When I felt like hurting my mom, I would eat poorly,' she said. I would weaponise my body against her. I knew it made her happy that I was skinnier, but I didn't always want to make her happy.

And she was keen to emphasise an important point: "I think we need to leave people alone and let people do what they want with their bodies."

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I was 7 when mum put me on a diet, shed count calories & meals were halved once she snatched a cocoa out... - The US Sun

To the editor:

(re: Does Riverdale need a road diet? March 31)

Your papers recent story on the traffic safety upgrades to Riverdale Avenue referenced a letter of support that I sent to the citys transportation department and the city itself.

It contained several inaccuracies. First, it stated that road diets can reduce accidents by as much as 15 percent. In fact, my letter correctly cites national data showing road diets improve safety by as little as 15 percent and as much at 55 percent.

Second, the story states that the former North Riverdale Merchants Association took a position in support of bicycle lanes and other specific reconfigurations of Riverdale Avenue. The association and its 2017 report demanded DOT initiate a study on safety conditions and come up with its best solutions.

Moreover, since I chaired the Riverdale Main Streets Alliances board of directors until this past February, I can state that the alliance had no role in DOTs development of its present plans for Riverdale Avenue. But I was surely relieved to find out about it earlier this year after many years of writing to DOT and elected officials demanding action.

Finally, the story states that I did not see DOTs current proposal for Riverdale Avenue. Your paper did not speak to me for this story, but if it did, I would have informed you that I did see a draft study in late February.

DOT is carrying out its legal obligations under the administrative code to speak to interested members of the community and consult with the community board before finalizing a traffic safety plan. Those that suggest the current process is wrong or defective should review the relevant code provisions.

Christopher Rizzo

EDITORS NOTE: A reporter did try to contact the author while reporting the story, exchanging both emails and texts with him about the proposal.

Read more:
Setting road diet record straight - The Riverdale Press

More than a third of adults admit to making choices about their diet based on information from social media.

Drinking water instead of snacks, setting intake limits and cutting out all snacking were among thetop changes people have already madeto their diet due to social media influence.

While more than a quarter of adults have cut out all bread, more than one in five have cut dairy entirely and 23 percent skipped breakfast.

But, of the 2,000 adults polled, only 28 percent checked to see if there werefacts to back itup each time.

The research was commissioned byArlato encourage people to look at the full life cycle of food and farming before makingdrastic decisions to remove entire food groupsfrom their diets.

It also found 27 percent of adults now think cutting animal products from their diet completely is the right thing to do despite 65 percent admitting they would prefer to consume dairy over alternatives.

Gen Z was found to be feeling the most pressured into making diet decisions, with 55 percent using social media to inform decisions.

And 49 percent felt ashamed to order dairy in public in front of their peers.

But despite a growing demand to eat more sustainably, 41 percent are confused by what exactly makes a sustainable diet.

Debbie Wilkins, an Arla Farmer in Gloucestershire, said: Dairy farming can often be misunderstood, particularly when snap decisions get made based on what we see on social media.

When this starts to play a role in our decision-making process, particularly when it comes to our health and wellbeing, its important we take a step back and look at the whole picture.

Considering things like, the love I have for my farm, for my cows, all nature, and the environment when viewing the industry as a whole.

The all or nothing attitude so many groups and brands are pushing is not always necessary. Its important to use the natural nutrition we have available to us, rather than relying heavily on processed foods.

Dairy farming is not as black and white as our beloved herds and its worrying how dairy can be so easily misunderstood.

All food production will create emissions, but it is important to consider the nutritional value of the food as well as how it supports the natural environment.

The research also found nearly one in five adults admit to relying on social media as a legitimate source of information, with 15 percent saying they consume news through memes.

And 36 percent have passed off opinions theyve read on social media as their own according to the OnePoll data.

Divided opinions were also revealed on what makes a sustainable diet, with eating locally sourced food (54 percent) and swapping animal protein for plant-based alternatives (41 percent) believed to be among the criteria.

Others cited it as choosing nutrition that has been produced with the least environmental impact (35 percent).

It also emerged 12 percent admitted to only ordering dairy alternatives when in public, and then reverting to dairy at home.

And almost one in 10 were ashamed to order dairy with their teas and coffees in public, feeling pressured by their peers to choose alternatives.

Graham Wilkinson, Senior Group Agriculture Director at Arla, said: We know farming is not without its challenges and when it comes to dairy farming and the climate crisis, we have many hills to climb to reach our target of achieving carbon net-zero by 2050.

That is why our farmers are taking action and working to drive real change through several initiatives to reduce emissions, for a stronger planet for years to come.

As a cooperative, Arla has multiple farmer standards that we continuously challenge ourselves against, with everything from animal welfare, quality of our products and our environmental impact.

We are constantly measuring ourselves against those standards to ensure our customers can trust that we are aiming for the highest quality products and adding this to the natural nutrition we can get from dairy.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been reproduced here with permission.

Originally posted here:
More than one in three adults make diet choices based on social media - New York Post

When considering how your food affects your health, it's worth thinking beyond just your bodyyour dietary choices can also have a significant impact on your mind.

They can influence how your brain functions, keeping you sharp or speeding up your cognitive decline. They can also play a significant role in your mood, either giving you the boost you need to get through the day or leaving you in the doldrums.

Now, a new study suggests that sticking to the Mediterranean diet could help combat depression.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

In the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers looked at a group of nearly 7,000 older adults over a period of two years. All participants kept to a Mediterranean diet, with one group adhering to a calorie-restricted version of the diet and the other group having no such restrictions.

Related: The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science

Researchers found that participants in both groups saw a decrease in depressive symptoms, concluding that the connection between the diet and the mood disorder "deserves further research."

"This study is strong because it is a longitudinal cohort, which allows for assessment of changes over time," David Wiss, PhD, MS, RDN, CEO at Wise Mind Nutrition, tells Eat This, Not That!. "Too often, people associate nutrition with weight and changes in biomarkers. When nutrition is over-medicalized, people can overlook the potential for nutrition to improve mood."

He adds that evidence supports the Mediterranean diet's positive impact on depressive symptoms through "a wide range of pathways" and that the diet can help improve people's quality of life.

Chelsea Jackle, MFN, RDN, LD, Nutritionist team lead at Cerebral, tells Eat This, Not That! that, while food can play an important role in how you feel, it is important to take a wider view of your mental health, incorporating mood-boosting habits and staying mindful of the factors outside of your control.

"There is definitely a connection between the food you eat and your mental health, but it isn's always clear-cut," she says. "While many studies link mental health conditions like depression to the foods we eat, these results aren't always consistent. Your mental health is also affected by things like your genes, lifestyle, and environment. The foods you eat won't cause or treat mental health conditions on their own, but they can be an important piece of the puzzle."

For more on how the foods you eat can affect your emotional state, check out these 11 Foods That End Bad Moods.

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Clara Olshansky

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This Eating Habit May Improve Your Mood, New Study Suggests Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That