Latest news with #Agroscope
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cow's milk makes a comeback! New study says it's healthier than oat milk after all
Thought oat milk was a healthier option? You are not alone. With plant-based milks available on every grocery store shelf, many of us assumed they were better. However, a new Swiss study calls that belief into question, bringing cow's milk back into the spotlight. What did the study actually find? A Swiss study of 66 plant-based milk alternatives found that many are nutritionally inferior to cow's milk. Oat and rice-based beverages ranked last, often loaded with sugar and additives. This study reveals startling details about their additives, protein content, and sugar makeup. Maybe your favorite milk substitute isn't as healthy as you believe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The goal of the Swiss agricultural research center Agroscope was to evaluate the nutritional value of milk substitutes and determine how their composition affected both cost and health . Almost half of these products have a poor nutri-score rating of D, which means they are not truly healthy options, which raises questions about their findings. Many of these beverages are high in sugar, low in protein, and frequently contain a number of additives, including emulsifiers and stabilizers. Unexpectedly, these milk substitutes occasionally score lower on nutrition tests than conventional cow's milk. For instance, the sugar content of almost half of the products that were tested was deemed excessive for a diet that was balanced. Live Events ALSO READ: If your phone's always on silent, you might have these hidden psychological traits Are all plant-based milks created equal? The study discovered that not all milk substitutes have the same advantages. About half of the products languished in the lower D or E categories, and none of them received the highest nutri-score rating of A. Oat and rice-based beverages often had high sugar content, too many calories, and a variety of additives, which reduced their nutritional value. Conversely, milk substitutes based mostly on peas (100%) and soy (80%), almonds (60%) and coconuts (50%) scored higher, achieving a B rating for the most part. Additionally, Agroscope discovered a consistent negative correlation between overall nutrition profiles and higher sugar and carbohydrate content. How can milk alternatives be improved? According to a study, about 30% of milk substitutes contain processed ingredients like flours or protein isolates, while the remaining two-thirds primarily use unprocessed plant ingredients. Coconut, cashew, and pea products frequently only contain processed plant ingredients. Researchers think that by cutting back on sugar and calories and simplifying ingredient lists by using fewer additives, these formulas could be improved. The updated nutri-score system still favors traditional cow's milk, giving whole milk a C and low-fat milk a B. The study advises examining sugar, protein, and ingredient lists in addition to "plant-based" labels in order to select the best nutritional balance. FAQs Is cow's milk healthier than oatmilk? Yes, according to a recent study. Cow's milk typically contains more protein and fewer added sugars than most oat-based alternatives. Which milk alternatives were deemed the best? Soy and pea milks received higher nutritional scores, whereas oat and rice drinks frequently contained too much sugar and additives.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make concerning discovery about memory of bees: 'We really might be in a tricky position'
Scientists have found that microplastic pollution may impair the memory of bees, interfering with their ability to remember floral scents and locate flowers, which could lead to lower pollination rates. As The Washington Post reported, researchers have discovered that microplastics are impacting the brains of honeybees and other pollinators, including bumblebees, according to a study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. Microplastics can also physically block plant structures, preventing pollen from being deposited and the plant from being pollinated. Since microplastics are virtually everywhere in the environment — air, waterways, soil, and even remote locations such as the Pyrenees — it's easy for bees to ingest or inhale the particles while foraging for nectar and pollen. Microplastics are deposited in nature from the incorrect disposal of trash, such as water bottles and food wrappers that contain plastic, as well as stormwater runoff and direct discharge from wastewater or industrial plants, among other sources. As the particles break down into smaller pieces, they travel through the air and land on flowers. When bees unknowingly consume microplastics, it can have a devastating impact on their health, disrupting their gut bacteria and immune systems, according to another study in Science of the Total Environment. "If plastic is adding to all the stressors that pollinators are facing already, I think we really might be in a tricky position," Thomas Cherico Wanger-Guerrero, an agroecologist at Agroscope, an agriculture research center in Switzerland, told the Post. Since bees are so vulnerable to microplastic exposure, the particles are likely to end up in honey. The Post reported that Turkish scientists found microplastics in most honey samples taken. In Germany, commercial honey was found to contain about five microplastic particles per teaspoon. Plastics have been linked to a wide range of human health problems, including hormone disruption, kidney and heart disease, birth defects, and an increased risk of cancer. Since people are already frequently exposed to plastics, the detection of plastics in honey is bad news, as it could lead to further health issues. If bees aren't pollinating as many flowers and crops, our food supply could be at risk. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pollinators play a crucial role in feeding the world, with scientists estimating that around 35% of the world's food crops rely on pollinators for growth. Bees also pollinate native plants and contribute to the overall health of ecosystems. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. With bees facing numerous environmental stressors, including habitat loss, rising global temperatures, and pesticide exposure — all of which have been linked to declining bee populations — microplastics are a dire threat to the species. Researchers have found that biochar — a popular soil amendment used on farms — removed nearly 93% of plastic particles from study samples, showing promise for global food supplies. Additionally, scientists have developed an ultra-thin film that can reduce crop losses and prevent microplastics from polluting the soil. Wanger-Guerrero told the Post that "the urgency to mitigate exposure of nature to plastic" can't be overstated, as plastic affects humans, wildlife, and the environment. We can help bees by reducing our plastic use in daily life and opting for eco-friendly alternatives, such as switching from single-use water bottles to reusable ones. Recycling plastic is also essential to reduce waste and keep microplastics out of the environment. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
