In the Netherlands, Search for Protein Alternatives to LivestockAs meat consumption continues to grow worldwide, so do concerns about its effects on the environment: livestock production contributes about 20% of global warming pollution.
Scientists in The Netherlands are conducting some cutting-edge work to develop alternatives to animal-based proteins. From cell cultures, insect protein, to a vegetarian butcher, this report from PRI - The World looks at the development of some very interesting alternatives to meat. But will they appeal to consumers? UPDATE: Lab-Grown Hamburger Introduced Shortly after posting this story, Dr. Mark Post (profiled in the above story) unveiled the first lab-grown hamburger to press in London. Media attention has been widespread, often focusing on the cumulative cost of this first hamburger (approximately over $320K), and the fact that Sergey Brin, the founder of Google, funded this project. See below for more stories:
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Are Diet Drinks Affecting Metabolism?Most people assume that zero or low calorie diet sodas mean they can drink limitless quantities without worrying about weight gain.
But is this true? Some studies suggest that the artificial sweeteners in these drinks may affect our hormonal ability to process sugar - which may lead to weight gain and increased risk of diseases such as type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. |
In Argentina, Coca-Cola Tests Market for "Green" Coke
Latin America has been the launching ground for recent new marketing experiments by the Coca-Cola company. In Argentina, they're selling a new "green" version of Coke - so-called because of the addition of the plant-based sweetener stevia, and more environmentally-friendly packaging. And in Colombia, new bottles of Coke encased in ice are flying off the shelves.
Are these products headed this way? |
Quinoa should be taking over the world. This is why it isn't.Although quinoa has been around for centuries, this ancient, protein-rich grain has been experiencing a wildly popular resurgence recently. Farmers in the Andes - the region which produces the largest amount of quinoa in the world - are growing larger crops, and demand is increasing worldwide.
So why isn't quinoa thriving? Some surprising behind-the scenes answers are in this article from the Washington Post. |
"It’s hard to keep something on the menu if you might not be able to afford it the next day." |
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Food Fears Persist in Japan After TsunamiFrom the New York Times: Two years after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, people are still worried about contaminated food, and farmers are struggling.
This interesting video focuses on the efforts of one farmer who quit farming and invested his life savings in a device which can detect the level of radiation in all foods. in 2011, he started a center where people could come to have their food checked for radiation contamination. His hope is that someday his center - and others like it - will close because they are no longer needed. Find out which foods have been most affected by radiation - and surprisingly, which foods are OK. |
Is Greek Yogurt Damaging the Environment?Greek yogurt has been flying off the shelves of supermarkets, and manufacturers are working hard to keep up with demand. Consumers love the extra protein, reduced sugar, and the thick, creamy taste.
But that thick texture is the result of straining out the whey - and its disposal is becoming a major problem. Whey is so acidic that it is toxic when dumped into rivers and oceans - and manufacturers are producing such vast amounts that it's creating serious environmental hazards. Here's why it's causing concern - and some innovative solutions that may help ease its disposal. |
Culturally Unique Breakfasts From Around the WorldWesterners may start the day with eggs, bacon, cereal - but other cultures have a very different take on breakfast. From waakye (rice and beans) in Ghana, minty, spicy fish and pork in Thailand, to Pannkakor pancakes in Sweden, see what the rest of the world eats in the morning...
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