I sometimes wonder what my parents would have made of todays diet, which they would have found mysteriously devoid of meat and two veg. Of course, there are still people (some of my best friends and family members among them) for whom a meal isnt proper unless it includes some kind of animal-based protein, but, while I am an omnivore, I often go days without eating meat at all.

In the wine trade, however, theres still a tendency for the back labels to suggest meat and fish pairings, or to restrict vegetarian recommendations to veggie lasagnes or stews. The world of vegetarian and vegan cooking is as broad, if not broader, than meat, fish and dairy-based food, but many wine producers still seem to be mentally stuck in the nut-roast rut.

As Ive said before, when it comes to choosing a wine to go with a meal, its much more useful to think of the way a dish is cooked and the overall intensity of its flavours than simply focus on the main ingredient. If youre serving your vegetables lightly cooked or raw and crunchy, you want the sort of wine you would drink with seafood: a crisp, dry white or ros, for preference. Deep-fry them, however, as in tempura or any kind of fritter, and youd be better off reaching for a bottle of cava or crmant, or even champagne. When vegetables are seared, roasted or, above all, barbecued, meanwhile, they can take the kind of hearty red youd serve with a meat dish, especially if pulses such as lentils are involved. Theres also the seasonal element that applies just as much to vegetable dishes as to meaty and fishy ones: light, springtime food, for instance, calls for light, summery wines both red as well as white.

Articles on pairing vegetarian food and wine also tend to overlook that most desserts are vegetarian, if not vegan, which means you can have a field day with sweet wines such as the sublime, orange-blossom-scented Domaine Pieretti muscat from Corsica that features in todays pick.

Frustratingly, many labels still dont specify whether a wine is suitable for vegetarians; in other words, that it is not made with any animal-based products (some use milk-based proteins, isinglass or egg whites for fining, for example). Supermarkets have increasingly moved to making their own-label wines suitable for vegans, and clearly indicate that fact on the labels, but I had to check in the case of that muscat. I reckon that sort of information should be standard these days.

Mimo Moutinho Arinto Vinho Verde 2021 5.49 Aldi, 11.5%. Brilliantly priced, crisp Portuguese white to drink with raw veg and dips.

Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc 2020 10.50 Tesco, 14%. Really vibrant savvy blanc in the classic Marlborough style. One for goats cheese salads or asparagus.

Via Zorzal Garnacha 2020 7.25 The Wine Society, 13.5%. Bright, juicy, gulpable red that would be perfect with grilled and roast veg. Spains answer to beaujolais.

Domaine Pieretti Muscat du Cap Corse 2020 25 Yapp Brothers, 16.5%. One for the sweet-toothed among you: aA gorgeous, headily perfumed dessert wine from Corsica. Would be heavenly with an apricot tart.

Pierre Jaurant Sud de France Ros 6.99 Aldi, 12.5%. Crisp, delicate, Provence-style ros at a decidedly un-Provenal price.

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What wines to drink with a plant-based diet - The Guardian

LONDON, April 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- To mark Earth Day, doctors Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman at Lifesum, the leading nutrition app that helps users to improve their health through better eating, have unveiled that if every Brit ate a Climatarian diet, it would be the equivalent of removing 85 million cars off the roads per year - or all the cars in the UK and Germany combined.

Lifesum Logo

"Eating a Climatarian diet can improve health and save our planet," says Lifesum's Dr Alona Pulde. "And the good news for meat and dairy-lovers is that it doesn't mean cutting these foods out completely. The main goal is to reduce animal products and eat more plant foods as these have a lower carbon footprint. It's about considering the origins of what you eat and reducing your CO2 impact by choosing eco-friendly options such as locally sourced, seasonal ingredients - and the equivalent of removing 85 million cars off the road would make a huge difference to carbon reduction."

The Climatarian Diet is one of the most popular diets on Lifesum, and, to get you started, Dr Pulde has created a 7-day plan, featuring healthy, nutritious recipes, including chicken and bean patties with potato and broccoli mash, and vegan bolognese and pasta.

From living longer to reducing the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, Dr Pulde has unveiled the top 5 health benefits of eating a Climatarian diet.

Live longer. Shifting to a more plant-based diet could reduce both mortality and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% and 70% respectively by 2050.

Reduces high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Plant-based diets have been shown to reduce your risk of high blood pressure by 34%, and reduce your LDL or 'bad' cholesterol by up to 30%.

Weight-loss and sustaining a trim weight. Choosing whole plant-based foods high in fibre, water, and nutrients and lower in fat, sugar and salt helps to take and keep weight off. Meat eaters are three times more likely to be obese compared to vegetarians and nine times more likely compared to vegans. And being overweight or obese was shown to increase the risk of heart disease by up to 28%.

Reduce depression and improve mood. An increased risk of depression is associated with diets high in red or processed meat, refined grains, high-fat dairy products and sweets - while a lower risk of depression and improved mood is associated with diets high in fruits and vegetables.

Healthy looking skin. The rich nutrient profile in whole plant based foods, including antioxidants, helps keep skin looking younger and healthier while reducing blemishes and improving acne.

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Despite the many health benefits, Dr Lederman acknowledges that some people might not feel enthused about eating eco-friendly food if they feel that it does not meet certain needs, for example, pleasure and joy. "Don't force yourself into the Climatarian diet, because doing so rarely leads to long-term results," says Dr Lederman. "Instead, try to address all of your underlying needs, for example, the need for more information, support or reassurance. Those on the Climatarian diet, or any diet, have just addressed the underlying needs that were preventing them from changing their behaviour in the first place."

And whether you are ordering food online or buying the weekly supermarket shop, Dr Pulde has shared the top questions to make better Climatarian choices to reduce carbon emissions.

How can I add plant foods to every meal? Plant foods, in general, are the most health promoting foods and have a lower carbon footprint.

What are the most sustainable fish? Familiarise yourself with reliable sources in your area and look for their labels to help identify the most eco-friendly choices.

Where can I choose chicken and pork, instead of beef and lamb? Meat production, particularly beef, requires more land and water, and has higher carbon emissions. Replacing beef for chicken can decrease your carbon footprint by nearly half.

Is this food seasonal and local? Choosing locally sourced, seasonal fruits and veggies helps to lower CO2 impact.

How can I avoid plastic packaging? The more minimally processed foods you include the healthier you will be and the lower the carbon footprint you leave.

Can I buy bulk instead of packaged? 30-40% of food is dumped in landfills and produces methane - a toxic greenhouse gas. And the situation in Ukraine and Russia is making the need to preserve and reduce food waste even more important. Buying in bulk, planning ahead and buying only what you need can help to decrease food waste, unburden our overflowing landfills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Where can I fit beans, lentils and peas into my diet? These eco-heroes are delicious and nutritious, and replacing beef with lentils and beans could get us up to 74% closer to meeting our carbon emissions.

Can I try whole instead of refined grains? Choosing brown rice over white and whole wheat or lentil pasta over refined improves not only your health but your carbon footprint. Grains (oats, barley, wheat, rice), in general, use up less water than other crops. And whole grains have the added benefit of eliminating additional energy needed for processing.

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Lifesum reveals that eating a Climatarian diet is the equivalent of removing 85 million cars off the roads - Yahoo Finance

(ABC4) As Americans, its no secret that we love soda. Something about that bubbly, sweet carbonation is enough to brighten up even the dullest of days. With summer approaching shortly, many of us are finding ourselves opting for the zero-calorie option. However, this year weve been faced with a dilemma weve never encountered before: Do we go for the diet soda, or the one labeled zero-sugar?

This battle has proven to be a hard one to fight, raising various questions and curiosities. Fear not, as ABC4 is here to answer your most pressing soda concerns.

So, what exactly is the difference between diet sodas and sugar-free sodas? First things first, lets tackle the labels. Recently, theres been a cultural shift away from diet culture. Younger generations have begun rebelling against the societal standards laid out for them, one being ultra-thinness. According to reports from CNN, the word diet has fallen out of fashion and is now being replaced with zero-sugar or sugar-free.

Now, lets move on to the ingredients. Since its not realistic to take a look at every brands nutrition facts, well hone in on three favorites in Utah Coca-Cola, Dr. Pepper, and Sprite.

Health and Nutrition Manager Anna Wheeler spoke with Coca-Cola U.K. and revealed the answer to the organizations commonly asked question: Whats the difference between Diet Coke and Coke Zero Sugar?

According to Wheelers research, the products are made using the same artificial sweeteners, aspartame and acesulfame-K, however, they do differ in taste.

Diet Coke has been around since the 80s and was the brands first sugar-free cola. Diet Coke differs from its Coca-Cola origin due to its lighter taste which is a result of the products different blend of flavors. Ever hear anyone complain about the flavor of Diet Coke compared to regular Coke? This is probably why.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is actually closer in flavor to the original Coke product when compared to Diet Coke. Coke Zero Sugar was launched decades after its sugar-free competitor with a new and improved taste, after years of innovation and recipe development. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar completely kicked Coca-Cola Zero to the curb, which came out in 2006.

Now lets take a look at Dr. Pepper. On April 8, Dr. Pepper took to Twitter to announce the brands launch of a new Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar line that includes three flavors: classic Dr. Pepper, Dr. Pepper Cherry, and Dr. Pepper & Cream Soda. Upon the release of the new products, consumers were wondering how the beverages compared to Diet Dr. Pepper, which had been in the game since the 60s.

According to HypeBeast, the difference is in the sweetening agent. While Diet Dr. Pepper is sweetened with aspartame, Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar is sweetened using a combination of aspartame and acesulfame potassium for a more syrupy, authentic Dr. Pepper taste.

Now, to tackle Sprite. As noted by DifferenceBetween.com, the sugar, or fructose, is removed from Sprite in the manufacturing of Diet Sprite and replaced with aspartame. The end product contains very little sugar and calories, though both were present in the since-discontinued beverage.

In comparison, DifferenceBetween.com highlights Sprite Zero Sugars nutrition label as showcasing zero traces of sugar, carbohydrates, and calories. Along with the artificial sweeteners present in Diet Sprite, Sprite Zero Sugar adds acesulfame-Potassium to the mix.

Overall, the difference between diet soda and soda labels zero-sugar are very minimal, and can usually be determined by looking at the products nutrition label and ingredients list. In fact, the branding may be more of a marketing scheme than anything, veering away from the word diet to adopt the more socially acceptable term, zero-sugar.

Link:
Diet soda vs. zero-sugar soda: whats the difference? - ABC4.com

A pair of new studies offers more evidence for the value of vegetables and the risk of red meat on the cancer prevention front.Researchers report that high consumption of vegetables especially lettuce, legumes, and cruciferous varieties appears to lower the risk of liver cancer/liver disease. A separate team suggests that high consumption of red meat, organ meats, and processed meats boosts the risk of gastric cancer.

The findings of the latter study reinforce the idea that avoidance of red meat and processed meat is probably good beyond [the prevention of] colorectal cancer, said corresponding author and epidemiologistPaolo Boffetta, MD, MPH,of Stony Brook University Cancer Center, New York, in an interview. The possible carcinogenic effect may extend beyond the colon.

Both studies were released at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

For the red meat study, researchers examined statistics from the Golestan cohort study, which is prospectively tracking 50,045 people aged 40-75 from northeastern Iran. The study focuses on esophageal cancer due to the regions high rate of the disease.

Red meat consumption is fairly rare in the region, where residents typically prefer chicken, said study lead authorGiulia Collatuzzo, MD, a resident physician in occupational medicine at the University of Bologna, Italy, in an interview. On average, participants reported eating 18.4 grams daily of red meat and 72.1 grams daily of white meat.

The researchers tracked study participants for a median 12-year follow-up, during which 369 developed esophageal cancer and 368 developed gastric cancer. Red meat was only linked to more esophageal cancer in women (hazard ratio, 1.13, 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.18, for each quintile increase in consumption).

Overall red meat consumption (including red meat, organ meat, and processed meat) was linked to higher rates of gastric cancer (HR, 1.08, 95% CI, 1.00-1.17) for each quartile increase in consumption, as was consumption of the red meat subtype alone (HR, 1.09, 95% CI, 1.00-1.18).

According to Collatuzzo, the findings suggest that those in the highest quartile of overall red meat consumption may have around a 25% increase in risk, compared with the lowest quartile.

Overall, she said, the study findings arent surprising. The lack of a connection between red meat consumption and esophageal cancer may be due to the fact that meat only temporarily transits through the esophagus, she said.

For the liver cancer/liver disease study, researchers examined the medical records of 470,653 subjects in theNIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. They were recruited in 1995-1996 when they were 50-71 years old. Over a median follow-up of 15.5 years, 899 developed liver cancer, and 934 died of chronic liver disease.

The median intakes of vegetables in quintile 5 (highest) and quintile 1 (lowest) were 3.7 cups daily and 1.0 cups daily, respectively, said study lead author Long-Gang Zhao, MS, a graduate student at Harvard University.

After adjusting for possible cofounders, those in the highest quintile of vegetable consumption were a third less likely to develop liver cancer, compared with the lowest quintile (HR, 0.66, 95% CI, 0.53-0.82,P< 0.01). Several types of vegetables appeared to be the strongest cancer fighters: cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower), lettuce, legumes, and carrots. These kinds of vegetables were also linked to lower rates of chronic liver disease mortality (allP< 0.01), as was total vegetable intake for the top quintile versus the lowest quintile (HR, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.49-0.74,P= < 0.01).

A one-cup increase (8 oz or 225 g) in vegetable intake was associated with about 20% decreased risk of liver cancer incidence and chronic liver mortality, Zhao said.

There was no statistically significant link between fruit consumption and liver cancer or chronic liver disease mortality.

The findings provide more insight into diet and liver disease, Zhao said. Chronic liver disease, which predisposes to liver cancer, is the tenth cause of death worldwide, causing two million deaths each year. It shares some etiological processes with liver cancer. Therefore, examining both chronic liver disease mortality and liver cancer incidence in our study may provide a more general picture for the prevention of liver diseases.

As for limitations, both studies are based on self-reports about food consumption, which can be unreliable, and the subjects in the fruit/vegetable analysis were mainly of European origin.

The authors of both studies report no relevant disclosures. No funding is reported for either study.

This article first appeared on MDedge, part of the WebMD Professional Network.

The rest is here:
New Cancer Diet Studies Confirm Effects of Veggies and Red Meat - Medscape

These days, you cant walk down the grocery store aisle without seeing foods labeled Paleo, Keto, Whole30, gluten-free the list goes on and on. But what exactly are fad diets, and why should you care (or not care!) about them?

Consumers get bombarded with messaging about trends in nutrition on social media, in commercials, and in books, and much of the time, the advice is conflicting.

One day, eggs are great to eat. The next day, youre told to avoid them. Red wine has health benefits, but drinking too much is bad for you. Coconut oil is a miracle food, but its also really high in saturated fat, which can increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Fad diets are diets that are trendy in the short term, even though theyre often not based on scientific research or evidence. That hasnt stopped the industry from taking off. In 2020 alone, the U.S. weight-loss industry was valued at $71 billion.

Fad diets often encourage deprivation and the demonization of foods, which may lead to nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating habits. They also focus on quick results and almost always on weight loss.

There isnt quality clinical evidence to back up the safety or efficacy of most fad diets.

Same thing for juice cleanse diets that supposedly detox the body. Your body already has a detoxification system: your liver and kidneys.

Even well-studied diets have been co-opted by the weight-loss industry and sold to people as quick fixes.

The ketogenic or keto diet, for instance, is an effective alternative treatment option for people with epilepsy who dont respond to traditional antiseizure medications or arent good candidates for surgery.

The diet also has some potential benefits like improving heart health, but it comes with several potential side effects. In the short term, you may experience whats known as the keto flu, which can cause temporary symptoms such as:

If you stick to the diet in the long term, your risk for developing the following may increase:

And the diet may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions like type 1 diabetes.

Another trendy food lifestyle is the gluten-free diet. Even though a gluten-free diet is necessary for some people, most dont need to eliminate gluten from their diet to be healthy.

A 2019 double-blinded randomized controlled trial the gold standard for research showed that gluten doesnt induce gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy people.

Like any other diet, its important to be well-rounded and consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods. And for some people, skipping gluten-containing products without guidance from a registered dietitian may actually be harmful.

You can better your health without focusing on weight loss. Plenty of lifestyle changes and habits can improve health markers like blood pressure and heart health walking, cooking more at home, getting quality sleep, reducing stress levels, for example.

However, fad diets are money makers, so companies make promises to bring in the big bucks. People are often duped into buying the latest weight-loss product or book only to spend even more money trying the next fad.

Instead of throwing your money away on supplements, books, and products that dont work, invest in your health by making small, sustainable changes.

Heres why fad diets probably wont do much for your health in the long term.

A calorie deficit promotes weight loss. But depriving yourself of the foods you enjoy to cut calories is likely to backfire.

And while fad diets may help you lose weight in the short term, theyre hard to stick to in the long run because of their restrictive nature.

Its also important to understand that bodyweight is just one piece of the larger puzzle that makes up a healthy person. Emerging research also suggests that weight may not have as big an impact on health as experts once believed.

If youre concerned about being healthy, a recent study suggests that physical activity may be more important than weight loss.

Of course, your diet and body weight can impact health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol, but making weight loss the end-all-be-all goal might not be the best strategy.

And relying on a quick fix like a fad diet might cause more harm than good.

Certain restrictive diets may increase the risk of developing eating disorder tendencies in people of all sizes.

And while a quick-fix diet might improve health markers in the short term, unless youre changing your habits for the long haul, those improvements, like better blood sugar control, may not be long-lasting.

Moreover, restriction can lead to cravings. Researchers are still trying to understand food cravings, but completely cutting out chocolate, potato chips, or ice cream can lead you to want those foods more than ever. Deprivation isnt a viable long-term solution because its not sustainable.

The restriction mindset can lead to binging and further restriction an unhealthy cycle that can cause weight-cycling, which is associated with a higher risk of disease and mortality.

Theres also a potential association between restrictive dieting and the development of eating disorders.

Removing your favorite foods also takes away a lot of pleasure in eating. Its possible to enjoy the foods you love and still reach your health goals.

One of the principal tenets of Intuitive Eating, for example, is gentle nutrition, the concept that you can eat healthfully while honoring your taste buds.

Often, certain foods or macronutrients become the target of fad diets. But if youre required to cut out an entire food group, the diet probably wont last. You may also be at higher risk for nutrient deficiencies.

Cutting out foods and food groups, or significantly reducing caloric intake, can make it much harder to get the nutrients your body needs.

For example, people following a strict vegan diet are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency because the nutrient is found primarily in animal foods.

And if you eat a very low carb diet, like the keto diet, you may not be getting enough fiber or other key vitamins and minerals, which can lead to unpleasant side effects like constipation and muscle cramps.

Your diet doesnt need to involve an all-or-nothing approach. Some foods are more nutritious than others, but all foods can be a part of a healthy diet. We live in a world of delicious options, after all.

Of course, too much of a tasty thing may negatively impact your health. Large quantities of refined carbs, for instance, can cause blood sugar spikes that may eventually lead to diabetes. They may also contribute to the development of heart disease.

Carbs arent the enemy, though. You can reduce your refined carbs and sugar intake without going to the extreme. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes contain plenty of nutrients, including fiber, which is essential for gut health.

Diets can also negatively impact your mental health.

Fad diets, in particular, are associated with an increased risk of disordered eating and eating disorders due to their restrictive nature and negative impact on body image.

Theres also the mental toll of restriction to consider. Constantly striving to eat perfectly can cause unnecessary stress, which may, in turn, affect your overall health.

Are you looking to improve your overall health? Heres what to try instead of that popular fad diet thats all over your social media feeds.

Eat consistently throughout the day to help maintain optimal blood sugar levels, prevent indigestion, and curb uncomfortable bloating.

Aim for your meals to include lean protein, carbs high in fiber, and healthy fat. Not only will this help you eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, but itll also stabilize your blood sugar and promote a healthy gut microbiota.

Eat more fruits and veggies! Aim for 45 servings daily. Whats a serving? One cup of leafy greens, 1/2 cup of cooked veggies, a piece of fruit about the size of a tennis ball, or about 1 cup of berries.

If that sounds like a lot, start slow and add a serving to one meal or snack. Remember that canned, frozen, and dried produce count too, but try to opt for ones with no or little added sugar and salt.

The American Heart Association recommends less than 25 grams for women daily and less than 36 grams for men, but its a good idea to keep added sugar intake as low as possible for optimal health.

Youll find added sugar in sweet foods, like cookies and ice cream, but its also in many other foods like bread, crackers, and yogurt. Added sugar shows up on food labels under various names: honey, agave, invert sugar, sucrose, and fructose. Try to choose lower sugar options when you can.

Read more about added sugar.

Complete deprivation doesnt work. If youre worried about sugar intake, having some dessert every night may help curb intense sweet cravings.

Restrictive diets tell you never to have dessert, leading to cravings and binging. Because you tell yourself youll never eat cookies again, eating one cookie can turn into eating a whole box.

Allowing yourself to enjoy the foods you love without the guilt whether thats chocolate, ice cream, or cookies can absolutely be part of a healthy diet.

You dont need to start doing high intensity workouts at 5 a.m. to improve your health.

Getting in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Thats just over 21 minutes a day and can include any activity that gets your heart rate up, including brisk walking and household chores.

Regular exercise is also good for your bones and can help improve your sleep quality. Moving your body can also have a positive impact on your mental health.

If youre feeling super confused about how to incorporate healthy habits and feel overwhelmed by diet culture nonsense, consider seeking out a registered dietitian to help you break down health advice and sustainably achieve your goals.

Some professionals like Healthy at Every Size (HAES) or anti-diet dietitians even embrace an anti-diet culture philosophy.

A fad diet might help you achieve your goals in the short term, but cutting out major food groups and your favorite dessert isnt sustainable. Making smart, healthy choices without focusing on weight loss and relying on quick fixes is possible.

Need help parsing the contradictory health advice out there? Talk with a qualified expert like a registered dietitian.

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Fad Diets: Why They Don't Work, Sustainable Changes, and More - Healthline