Less beef, more beans. New world diet.
A report attempting to overhaul the universal “diet” says a hamburger a week is about as much red meat you should be consuming. Eggs should be limited to less than four a week and dairy, one serving per day.
A panel of nutrition, agriculture, and environmental experts recommend a plant-based diet. This recommendation stems from many published studies that link red meat to health problems and livestock farming to environmental issues.
The report highlights the deadly effects meat production is having on the environment. “Producing red meat takes up land and feed to raise cattle, which also emit the greenhouse gas methane.”
The report was organized by a Swedish-based nonprofit seeking to improve the food system. They believe a “great food transformation” is necessary by 2050. They also believe their recommended diet could be inclusive to all cultures around the world.
Of course a major obstacle is convincing cultures who are traditionally meat and cheese heavy, to make the shift.
“The diet encourages whole grains, beans, fruits and most vegetables, and says to limit added sugars, refined grains such as white rice and starches like potatoes and cassava. It says red meat consumption on average needs to be slashed by half globally, though the necessary changes vary by region and reductions would need to be more dramatic in richer countries like the United States.”
Scientists
Advice to limit red meat isn’t a new concept and has been linked to lowering high saturated fats. However, the meat and dairy industries argue that their products carry important nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.
A report conducted by the United Nations, concluded that livestock is responsible for 15% of gas emissions that warm the climate. International Climate Researcher, Robbie Andrew, believes that utilizing practices that help the animal to grow bigger faster may help decrease emission, however the animal will still produce methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas.
People could replace beef with chicken or pork, which do have few emissions, however plants have one of the smallest carbon footprints over all.
The report itself does lay out the “optimal” diet for both environment and health. However, researchers understand the battle it may be to convince policy makers, food companies and those set in traditional cuisine.
Enjoy our Plant Based Resources Library
To learn more: Less beef, more beans. Experts say world needs a new diet – AP
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New screening could predict type 1 diabetes risk in babies
A new screening may be able to detect Type 1 Diabetes risk in infants. T1DRGS2 is a new risk score test that has shown twice the efficiency of all existing tests for Type 1 in babies.
“Type 1 has a strong genetic element that was not measurable in the past.” Richard Oram, a researcher at University of Exeter, said in a press release. “Measurement of the type 1 diabetes genetic risk score could help predict who will develop the condition from early life could help with research into potential early life interventions, and with classifying diabetes correctly at diagnosis.”
The current test for Type 1 is both expensive and hard to do with children. This new test detects development even into adulthood and the difference between Type 1 and 2. The researchers examined genetic interactions in over 65,000 people with Type 1 diabetes.
The test allows for early detection that can help parents look for symptoms. Also those with the greatest risk of developing in the future, can participate in studies to delay or even prevent the diagnosis.
“It’s exciting to see the power of genetics being harnessed to help predict who might develop type 1 diabetes in the future, particularly from a young age. If successful, this approach could help to reduce someone’s risk of being misdiagnosed or developing complications during diagnosis,” said Anna Morris, Assistant Director of Research Strategy and Partnership at Diabetes UK and study author.
This research can also provide insight on what we can do to prevent the disease or at least slow down it’s progress.
To learn more: New screening could accurately predict type 1 diabetes risk in babies – UPI
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Avoiding ‘ultra-processed’ foods may increase lifespan
A study published in the JAMA, Journal of Internal Medicine, has found a connection between consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risk of mortality and chronic diseases in middle-aged adults.
The study assessed 44,551 adults from France who were 45 or older. The study was launched in 2009 and ran through December 15, 2017. The participants were asked to keep three 24-hour dietary records during the first two years of follow-up. From these individuals, a “10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed food consumption was statistically significantly associated with a 14% higher risk of all-cause mortality.”
Participants were separated into groups. The ultra-processed group ate anything that was ready-to-eat, frozen, or made mostly from ingredients combined with additives. 602 deaths were recorded during the follow-up.
After adjusting for any other possible factors, the authors of the study did conclude that “ultra-processed foods consumed was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality.”
Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, as research on the topic is still new and very limited. They do speculate that additives, packaging, and processing, are mostly likely the factors that are affecting health negatively.
For more information on this topic: Avoiding ‘ultraprocessed’ foods may increase lifespan, study says – CNN
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Higher risk of alcohol and mental health problems in diabetes – Mindful Monday
A new study suggests a concerning correlation between mental health problems and diabetes. The study, conducted by Universities of Helsinki and Tampere and Helsinki University Hospital, investigated the relationship between diabetes the the risk of death due to mental health problems.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular events, cancer and kidney disease. However, this is not the only concerning health risk that is associated with diabetes.
One study published in the Journal of Medicine and Life in 2016, for instance, discovered that the occurrence of depression in people with diabetes is two to three times higher than in other individuals.
Many people with diabetes have spoken out about their mental health problems associated with the disease. The study suggests that these mental health issues put those with diabetes at a greater risk of death due to suicide, alcohol and accidents. Interestingly, those who required self-injecting insulin were at an even greater risk!
The pressure of monitoring and balancing glucose levels, “combined with the anxiety of developing serious complications like heart or kidney disease may also take their toll on psychological well-being.”
All of these findings speak to the fact that mental health assessment and support should play a greater role in disease management. These problems can be managed, but only if they are communicated first.
See our Psycho-social Resourse Page for mental health screening tools
To learn more: Higher risk of alcohol- and suicide-related death in diabetes – Medical News Today
“Diet high in vitamin C could protect against gestational diabetes”
A new study finds that women who incorporate more vitamin C into their diets, lower their risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Nianhong Yang, PhD, a professor and director of the department of nutrition and food hygiene at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Hubei, China, studied the data of over three thousand pregnant women during the gestational period. Participants provided lifestyle information through a questionnaire and vitamin C supplement intake and dietary behavior were assessed via in-person interviews.
“The researchers defined dietary vitamin C intake into three groups: inadequate (< 115 mg per day), adequate (115 mg per day to 200 mg per day) and above adequate (> 200 mg per day).”
During the study 344 women developed gestational diabetes and 744 women had “inadequate” vitamin C intake. “The primary source of dietary vitamin C consumption was leafy green vegetables, cabbage and chili, along with other fruits and vegetables.”
The study found that women with above adequate vitamin C intake were less likely to develop gestational diabetes. However, women with inadequate had a negative correlation with gestational diabetes.
To learn more: Diet high in vitamin C could protect against gestational diabetes – Healio
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“Remembering Quincy, a Beloved Koala with Type 1 Diabetes”
In the summer of 2018, the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute and San Diego Zoo teamed up to help Quincy, a koala, manage his diabetes. Quincy was well-known for being diagnosed with diabetes and then treated with a CGM (continuous glucose monitor).
“Working with Quincy allowed us to extend our digital technology into an entirely new population,” said Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD, corporate vice president for the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute
Interestingly, Dr. Tsimikas reported that working with Quincy gave additional insight into working with someone who was unable to speak, like a person who is unconscious due to hypoglycemia or a small child.
The CGM transmitted Quincy’s blood glucose levels to an app, which helped caretakers manage his Diabetes. Prior to using the CGM, the zoo staff would have to prick Quincy many times a day.
Quincy passed in late 2018 due to pneumonia but continues to be a beloved mascot for those with diabetes.
“Hopefully our experience with Quincy provided new approaches to the Zoo, not only for marsupials but for other species that may develop diabetes and need ongoing therapy for the future.”
To learn more about how technology was used to help Quincy the koala: Remembering Quincy, a Beloved Koala with Type 1 Diabetes
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“Many Americans Slicing Meat From Their Diet”
A recent study by the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore has found that Americans are beginning to cut down on poultry, fish, and red meat consumption. The two primary findings for this study, include the cost of meat products as well as their negative implications towards health and the environment.
The research provided a survey to 1,100 individuals asking them about their meat consumption habits over the past three years. Lead scientist, Roni Neff, says, “Many Americans continue to have strong preferences for meat, but this survey adds to a growing body of evidence that a significant portion of the population may be purposefully reducing their meat consumption.”
55% of participants reduced overall meat consumption and 41% cut down on red meat specifically. 64% of the participants who reduced overall meat consumption admitted to doing so due to finances. This was evident as individuals with incomes less than $25,000 were more likely to decrease meat intake while households bringing in $75,000+ were less likely. 42% chose to have meatless meals, 32% had meatless days, and 9% avoided meat altogether.
It was also reported that middle aged individuals (ages 45-59) were more likely to decrease intake than younger participants. Women typically ate less than men as well. Individuals who did not curb meat intake “felt that meat was essential for a healthy diet.”
The survey is thought to help fuel future campaigns on the importance of raising awareness about nutrition, plant-based eating and the effect meat production has on the environment.
“The report was published recently in the journal Public American Nutrition.”
For more information, visit “Many Americans Slicing Meat From Their Diet” HealthDay
You can learn more: Risk in Red Meat? National Institute of Health
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Lack of sleep increases anxiety | Mindful Monday
Announced at the annual meeting of the Science for Neuroscience, research finds even in healthy adults, sleep deprivation can have an effect on anxiety levels and even alter brain activity.
A recent study by Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has determined that a lack of sleep may induce increased levels of anxiety. Also, people who are diagnosed with anxiety typically have difficulty sleeping. This study shows that there is an inverse relationship between anxiety and poor sleep.
The anxiety levels of 18 healthy individuals were examined for the sake of this study. Anxiety tests were conducted for each subject after a full night of sleep and a sleepless night. Those who experience sleep deprivation demonstrated anxiety levels 30% higher than the group of individuals who had a full night sleep. The brain activity of the sleep-deprived individuals changed as well. Subjects seemed to become more emotional in response to videos played in the lab. The prefrontal cortex, the area that reduces anxiety levels, was less active as well according to MRI scans.
The result of the study concluded that lack of sleep can be more than just a symptom of anxiety, but in some cases, a direct cause!
The new ADA Standards encourage health care professionals to evaluate sleep habits at each visit and help with problem solving to improve sleep quality.
For more information on this topic, visit: A lack of sleep can induce anxiety – Science News, Magazine of the Society for Science & the Public
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