Latest news with #PlantBasedNews
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New research reveals food choices that can boost immune system: 'Highlights the benefits of these traditional food products'
New research reveals food choices that can boost immune system: 'Highlights the benefits of these traditional food products' The health benefits of a Mediterranean diet have long been touted. New research suggests that an African heritage diet may offer similar advantages. Plant Based News summarized a study published in April in the journal Nature Medicine that indicated swapping Western foods for a traditional Northern Tanzanian diet — rich in green vegetables, legumes, fermented foods, and whole grains — could demonstrate positive impacts in a short time. Researchers assessed 23 men living in rural areas who typically adhered to a diet reflective of the Kilimanjaro region and who switched to a Western diet for a two-week period; 22 men living in urban areas who typically consumed a Western diet and switched to a traditional Kilimanjaro diet for the same period; and 22 men who typically followed a Western diet and added Mbege — a fermented banana and millet drink — for one week. These participants kept food diaries, and the research team took blood samples at the start of the study, two weeks in, and four weeks after it ended. The results indicated that switching to the traditional diet resulted in improved immune system function and "promoted the release of anti-inflammatory biomarkers, suggesting a potential reduction in [non-communicable disease] risk," according to a breakdown from News Medical. Meanwhile, switching to a Western diet "[upregulated] inflammatory biomarkers, resulting in chronic inflammation," and weakened immune responses. Those who added Mbege to their Western diet, however, saw metabolic and immune improvements relative to those who didn't. The trial adds to a growing body of research exploring the potential health benefits of plant-based diets. A 2022 study from Stanford University comparing identical twins, for example, found that plant-based diets were associated with lower insulin levels, reduced body weight, and lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A study from the National Institutes of Health suggested that obtaining the majority of dietary fats from plant sources, such as nuts, grains, and vegetables, could significantly lower heart disease-related mortality. Notably, plant-based diets can also provide a climate benefit. Cutting back on animal agriculture can lower the release of heat-trapping methane into the atmosphere and reduce the potential for water contamination. Meanwhile, investing in sustainable plant farming — including best practices for drought- and flood-resilience — can support biodiversity and soil health while strengthening global food systems that can be compromised by extreme weather. In a press release, corresponding author Quirijn de Mast noted, "Our study highlights the benefits of these traditional food products for inflammation and metabolic processes in the body. At the same time, we show how harmful an unhealthy Western diet can be." Why do you eat plant-based foods? The health benefits It's cheaper It's good for the planet I prefer the taste Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New report reveals disturbing tactics used by major food companies to mislead their customers: 'There is a serious concern'
Most consumers in the United Kingdom have a false impression of how animals are raised for food. The Animal Law Foundation found that over 84% of producers use misleading imagery in their advertising and packaging, VegNews reported. A comprehensive investigation of nearly 50 producers of animal products found widespread use of deceptive marketing. While most companies show animals living healthy lives outdoors, the reality is starkly different — about 85% of the U.K.'s farm animals are brought up in factory farms. The report, titled Food Chain Misinformation, examined websites, advertisements, and products from major food producers and supermarkets. All nine major supermarkets showed healthy animals outdoors on their websites, creating a pastoral image that rarely exists in modern farming. "The reality for millions of animals is not what is reflected on the food market, where the dominant image for the public is of happy and healthy animals," said Edie Bowles, Animal Law Foundation executive director, according to VegNews. This type of marketing, which experts call "humane-washing," similar to greenwashing, misleads consumers who care about animal welfare. Per VegNews, the report states: "There is a serious concern that the way farmed animals' lives are depicted and the way animal products are sold contribute to the prevalent impression that all farmed animals in the U.K. live in high welfare conditions. This type of content can be misleading to consumers and interfere with their purchasing decisions." A survey found that nearly three-quarters of consumers are highly concerned about animal welfare in food production, making these misleading images particularly problematic. The problem affects more than just animal welfare. Factory farming harms our environment in multiple ways, contributing to rising global temperatures, air pollution, and deforestation, according to Plant Based News. These industrial facilities also create serious health risks. Cramming animals together in unhygienic conditions breeds disease and increases pandemic risk. Health experts worry that bird flu is only a few mutations away from spreading among humans. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. New regulations may help address this issue. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which just took effect in April, will prohibit using false or misleading information to sell products. For consumers wanting to make informed choices, look beyond marketing images. Seeking third-party certifications with strict standards can help identify companies with good animal welfare practices. Reducing the consumption of animal products altogether is the most effective way to avoid supporting factory farming. Plant-based alternatives are much gentler on our planet — plus, they continue to improve in taste and variety. 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.
