Food Industry

We hear about superfoods all the time — amazing, exotic berries harvested from over 17,000 feet up in the Himalayas, or rare roots found only on Tuesdays three days before a full moon. I’m exaggerating, of course, but the functional food industry loves to sell us extremely expensive products that they claim contain health-promoting powers that don’t exist in “ordinary” foods. It turns out, though, that many of the inexpensive, readily available foods right under our noses are unappreciated “superfoods” in their own right.

The words and images on packaged foods are there for one of two reasons — to sell or to inform. Food manufacturers want to present their products in as positive a light as possible and may sometimes make questionable claims about them. Regulators want the labels to include clear and honest data about quality, nutrients, and ingredients. The result is often a confusing mash-up that leaves consumers scratching their heads or giving up. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to read food labels like a pro, so you can make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.

Pumpkins are known for their association with the fall holidays. Once September comes around, fall decor and Halloween decorations have already hit stores. And it’s officially “pumpkin spice season.” But pumpkins are so much more than a seasonal decoration or a flavoring for processed and packaged foods. In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits and nutrition of pumpkins and their seeds. And we’ll look at some of the best and healthiest ways to use them in recipes.

The restaurant industry has some big problems. The pandemic, inflation, and a shortage of workers have all taken their toll. But a growing number of restaurants are taking bold and innovative steps to not only stay afloat — but to also contribute to healthy people and a healthy planet. Here’s what you need to know about sustainable and socially responsible restaurants, and how you can enjoy a night out (or a night of takeout), with a clean conscience and a happy tummy.

GMOs — or genetically modified organisms — are a lightning-rod issue. For some, GMO crops represent the height of human ingenuity, and anyone who says otherwise is a science denier. For others, GMOs represent an unprecedented and irreversible experiment on the entirety of life on earth, as we place the power to create life into the hands of transnational corporations whose agenda is monopolistic control of the global food supply. But what is a GMO, where are they found, and how concerned should you be?

When millions of people suffer from malnutrition, either due to insufficient calories or a lack of access to affordable, wholesome food, their health, wealth, resilience, and even their mental clarity are impacted. If we want to create a just and sustainable world, we must tackle the twin issues of food inequality and food insecurity.

Food additives run rampant in the modern food system, even in foods labeled natural or organic. So what purpose do food additives serve; which ones are allowed in organic foods, and which ones are the safest to consume?

Sales of organically grown food are booming. But in the US, organic agriculture still lags far behind where it could be. Many farmers are struggling to make the transition to organic as they face a challenging certification process and short-term financial hardship. Fortunately, there are solutions that could make a huge difference.

Internal company records show both Monsanto and BASF knew crop damage from their weed killer would be extensive. They sold it anyway. Read on to find out about their alarming campaign of denial and greed, all at the expense of farmers, food, animals, the environment, and consumers like you.

Worldwide, figures for obesity continue to rise to mind-blowing levels, including obesity in children. A fundamental shift in awareness and nutritional education is necessary in order to address this issue head-on. Jyl Steinback, of the nonprofit Shape Up Us, discusses the issues influencing our children’s eating habits — and the ways in which teachers, parents, and the children themselves can improve nutritional knowledge and experience for kids.

Grass-fed beef is often marketed as a healthier, more eco-friendly, and more ethical option for red meat-eaters. But how true are these claims? Is grass-fed really better than conventionally-raised beef? And can it be good for your health or the planet?

Beef burgers, veggie burgers, and now… lab-grown meat? You may have heard rumblings that cultured meat — made from animal stem cells — may become a mainstream consumer option soon. Is it true? And if so, is it a good thing? What is lab-grown food? And should we be preparing for it to change the food system as we know it?