#and so GMOs are ''naturally'' evolved. totally.

[jayrockin]

would vestigial be the best way to describe a chabbit’s wings? Seeing as they were never flight capable to begin with.

That's a great question, because afaik "vestigial" describes an ancestral trait that through evolution, has lost its functionality in a given organism. Chabbits... uh... were not selected for by the usual evolutionary processes, and have polyphyletic ancestors. Describing GMOs with evolutionary terms gets weird fast

[herpesylreviews]

Herpesyl Reviews: Is This Supplement Treat Herpes Virus Symptoms?

Humans have lengthy battled many extreme illnesses and conditions. Through the a while, humanity advanced its understanding of medicine and technology. But even nowadays, there are many illnesses and sicknesses that are quite not unusual. Some of those are deadly, but others have a tendency to be taken a bit gently.

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➢Main Ingredients - Graviola leaf, Shitake, Burdock, and much more

➢Category - Herpes Cure

➢Side-Effects — NA

➢Rating :— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

➢Side Effects No Major Side Effects reported

➢Availability — Online

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Herpes is, alas, one such disorder. It is usually related to poor sexual habits and protection. That is not totally unfounded or untrue. But the maximum commonplace shape of herpes does not require sexual touch at all. Oral herpes is the most visible shape of the ailment. It can unfold through normal human contact very without difficulty. So without problems, in truth, that nowadays almost 75% of the sector’s grownup populace is infected. Most instances are not deadly, but the herpes virus can reach the brain. It can purpose deadly complications.

Dr. Adrian Kavanaugh and Dr. Peterson are two acclaimed scientific researchers. They claim to have located a herbal recipe to manage herpes. They have named it Herpesyl.

Herpesyl Overview

Herpes has emerge as worryingly common in modern times. Many people chalk it up to sexual promiscuity and dangerous sex. There are multiple kinds of herpes. Genital herpes is sexually transmitted, but it is enormously rare. Oral herpes is the maximum well-known shape of herpes. Oral herpes does no longer want sexual contact with an inflamed person. There is lots of social stigma across the ailment. This stigma regularly prevents humans from getting the right treatment.

The most commonplace signs of herpes are distinguished blisters around the mouth. These blisters can be quite painful and ugly. Some human beings get sores and blisters round their fingers and feet. There are some treatments that use drug treatments like famciclovir and acyclovir. But those can be high-priced and might not be protected through coverage. Some human beings might not be capable of take the strain of those treatments.

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The Main Ingredients

Herpesyl has 26 powerful flora, minerals, and herbs which could help the frame against herpes. The recipe used is absolutely natural and vegetarian. It does not employ any synthetic preservatives or GMOs. All the herbs and flora used are from amazing versions. The components enables the body coordinate its immune system.

The precise info and whole listing of ingredients are not publicly available. But the principal components used are:

● Soursop: It is typically known as Graviola. This plant is local to the Caribbean but additionally grows in different parts. It is believed to have antioxidant homes. It can smooth up the frame internally with the aid of doing away with harmful pollutants. The frame’s immune reaction desires this detox action for maximum performance.

—� Selenium: The frame desires Selenium for lots functions. Glutathione is an crucial antioxidant within the frame. Selenium enhances its antioxidant residences. Selenium additionally helps iodine within the thyroid device. People with Selenium deficiencies frequently have thyroid problems. The frame’s immune reaction also can benefit from Selenium.

—� Shiitake Mushrooms: They are quite commonplace in Southeast and East Asia. Many human beings consider these mushrooms have medicinal homes. They are used very typically in numerous Asian natural remedies. Studies display that shiitake mushrooms may additionally have antimicrobial and antiviral homes. These homes may also help save you viruses from spreading.

—� European Raspberry: It is likewise referred to as the Red Raspberry. Red raspberries include several useful herbal compounds. Some of these might also have effective antioxidant residences. Antioxidants can assist clear the pollutants from the frame. Various herbal compounds in pink raspberries may also produce antiviral consequences.

—� Tea Leaves: The tea plant is at first from the hilly components of Asia. Several expert herbalists ascribe many benefits to tea leaves. Green tea leaves popularly have sturdy antioxidant substances. There is some evidence that inexperienced tea can help maintain immunity levels. It can assist the brain manage the immune system.

—� Turmeric Powder: Turmeric is common in the Indian subcontinent. There is a few evidence of its medicinal residences. Turmeric is quite commonly utilized in food as a spice. Curcumin is a component of turmeric that could help fight infection. Many trust it to have appropriate antimicrobial residences.

—� Quercetin: It is evidently found in several plants and herbs. It may have several effective medicinal consequences. It can act as a herbal pain alleviation substance. This ache alleviation assets may help with the blisters. It can be an anti-inflammatory agent.

—� Burdock Root: The burdock plant is native to Europe and Asia. Many humans agree with the roots have several useful medicinal houses. The root is quite usually used in lots of herbal remedies. It can help the frame by using offering several multivitamins. It boosts the immune reaction in opposition to herpes.

—� Pomegranate Extract: Pomegranate seeds are pretty beneficial for preferred fitness. Researchers have studied pomegranate seeds for their antimicrobial houses. These antimicrobial homes can help quell the herpes virus.

—� Grape Seeds: Grape seeds may be pretty medicinal. Some studies indicates that grape seed extract can improve flow. The immune device can paintings greater successfully with higher circulate.

This isn't an exhaustive listing of the 26 elements of Herpesyl. Every tablet carries a sturdy dose of this recipe. Using Herpesyl regularly gives the quality results.

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How Does Herpesyl Work?

There are in the main two varieties of herpes viruses. The Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) is responsible for genital herpes. It can reason sores and blisters across the genitals of the affected person. This condition is surprisingly uncommon. The Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1) causes oral herpes. It affords itself thru pink blisters and sores around the mouth. In a few cases, human beings may get blisters on their arms and feet. Typically, the blisters are quite prominent due to their irritated crimson colour. They can be pretty painful too.

A absolutely practical and effective immune machine can react speedy to the herpes virus. But even inside the high-quality of cases, the herpes virus has a secret defense mechanism. It can produce a unique protein referred to as ICP-forty seven. ICP-47 hides the herpes virus from the immune cells. Since it can not be attacked, the virus can lie dormant. It can adequately travel to specific elements of the frame. If it reaches the brain, it can reason fatal headaches.

The components for Herpesyl has many herbal additives. It is supposed to assist the frame in 3 steps:

● Step 1: The herbal ingredients are absorbed by using the blood. It helps the excellent substances reach the affected elements of the body. The special combination of additives flushes out the herpes virus. It claims as a way to spoil the ICP-forty seven protecting.

—� Step 2: The ingredients reach the brain and begin their work. They help the mind by using strengthening the immune facilities. It can assist the brain discover the virus and mount an powerful response.

—� Step three: The effective substances work with the natural immune response. Together, they flush out the virus and assault it. This blended reaction substantially increases the frame’s immune electricity.

How To Use Herpesyl Correctly?

Herpesyl is a nutritional complement. Users should are looking for qualified clinical advice earlier than taking any dietary supplements. The recommended daily dose as per the legitimate internet site is one tablet. Users should consult their medical doctors earlier than growing the dosage.

Are There Alternative Treatment Options?

Herpesyl is a dietary complement, not a medicine. Herpes is a critical ailment that influences many millions. It requires a right clinical plan of assault and control. Supplements can be capable of decorate the frame’s herbal immune response. But they have to be curious about scientific recommendation.

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Herpesyl Benefits

Herpesyl uses a special herbal mixture of substances to help the immune system. Its recipe is meant to assist the frame’s herbal immune reaction. It is designed to flush out the herpes virus and assist the body target it. Regular customers of Herpesyl have located many notable benefits. People can do not forget these factors:

● The recipe is fully herbal and natural. It does no longer incorporate any synthetic preservatives or chemical compounds. It has no GMO elements. It helps the body’s herbal immune reaction to herpes.

—� It does now not create any addictive outcomes. The frame does not build tolerance.

Side Effects

The formula for Herpesyl is completely natural. The professional website does no longer list any said facet effects. It is not designed for kids underneath 18. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have to seek advice from their docs before use. People with allergies ought to evaluate the ingredients. People dwelling with chronic ailments ought to speak to their physicians.

Pricing Options

Herpesyl is most effective offered on the official internet site. There is no other internet site or save that officially carries this complement. Customers who may additionally have discovered it some other place should pay attention. They may also receive fake merchandise.

The modern rate and fees are:

● One bottle for USD 69 plus shipping.

—� Three bottles for USD 177 with loose delivery.

—� Six bottles for USD 294 with free transport.

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Conclusion: Herpesyl

Herpes is a extreme viral ailment. It can tackle deadly proportions if now not handled successfully. Herpesyl is a dietary supplement. It can help the frame’s herbal immunity in opposition to herpes.

[corvixa]

We just spent nearly an hour discussing the Unicorns in the Witcher Universe.

Some how I got onto illithids.

Ness is unimpressed with my theory to her question about how the horses did things with hooves as they dislike magic I assumed maybe they once had some kind of symbiotic relationship with the humans the elves wiped out.

(Might add, I played the first game when it first came out, I have not yet read the books or watched the show. Its on my list, but hubs is currently rereading after he and Wifey watched the new show. As such, it has come up in conversation in the house a lot. So, my theories are literally just my ADHD brain taking a very, very small concept, grabbing it, and running away madly. Because that's what I do.

Hubs - there were humans, but the elves killed them. Now they're at war with the humans.

Wife - but how do they do things?

Me - *long description of different species evolving that society would be different to what we imagine.* or, my human / unicorn symbiotic relationship that the elves fucked up. With the murder and the slavery.

)

We segwayed into discussing the wild hunt, in various forms. A favourite of mine.

Some how we got onto GMOs for a while (I don't know.)

We did research as to where Elf on the Shelf originated. Discovered Mensch on a Bench.

Had a conversation where me and Hubs were generally pretty well behaved kids and didn't get the do X to get X (my little shit like behaviour spawned later.)

Talking about my Neuro, which segwayed to Brexit and then to how humans come together to hate but also how human nature is to come together and build.

Which, I added that people viewing themselves as a global populace likely won't happen unless we colonise other planets. Then Mars stole nukes and was attacking earth whilst I described some dystopian government because I'm me.

Some how, it came back to the Unicorns. With the portals. And a good 10 minutes discussing different types of unicorn horns. Oh, and the bears, the armoured bears, from Phillip Pullman. They came up to.

I mean, we just had this conversation and I can't remember all the different parts. The three of us just have some very confusing conversations.

We are currently pointing out all the Welsh bits and chuckling at the Isle of Mists that is totally not Avalon and the guys name has nothing to do with apples. Ahem.

I don't even know how to tag this.

I've not even included everything.

There was a section where we discussed Randall Flag, The Stand and the guy from the Witcher Games, Gaunter O'Dimm, Walter O'Dimm and if we lived in a magical thing, or just anywhere near Norse mythology, that we would have developed an abject terror of saying no to drifters who ask for food or a bed.

Polyamory! Is ridiculous conversations at 12:30am.

[janiedesan-blog]

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[banightdyn]

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[nonbinarypastels]

I was reading your tags, and was wondering what are your Strong Thoughts about how food labels are lying capitalist propaganda?

Here's the thing: ideally food labels exist in order to inform consumers about what is in a food product so that we can make informed decisions about what it is we're eating + maintain a diet that is suitable to whatever our health needs and lifestyles are.

The problem is that food labels are lying liars that lie and the goal behind said lying is almost always to make money by preying on people who don't know any better and purposefully misleading even people who do.

Take, for example, cereal serving sizes like I mentioned on that post. Companies who make cereal realize that most people are trying to eat at least a semi-healthy diet while also realizing that Tasteless Cardboard Flakes For Grownups Trying To Be Responsible Adults is not exactly a flavor that anyone is going to be excited to buy, so the trick is trying to make fun cereal flavors like Chocolate Frosted Sugar Puffs sound healthier than they actually are so that people feel good about buying them. This is generally done by putting extremely unrealistic serving sizes on the label which then allows these companies to claim that they have "(tiny amount) of sugar per serving!!"---the problem being that the serving size listed is something like 3/4 of a cup per serving and literally no one only eats that much cereal. The average person probably eats more like 2 cups per bowl, if not more, and when you multiply the amount of sugar in the listed serving x the actual amount you're going to eat...you end up with a lot more sugar in that bowl than you thought you would and probably more than most would have been comfortable buying at the store if the box of cereal straight up said "40 grams of sugar per bowl!".

This is a theme that's present throughout all sorts of packaged food for everything from sugar to sodium to calories and it is 100% purposeful on the part of the food companies for the specific goal of misleading people into thinking their foods are healthier than they actually are so that people will buy them.

Another thing is that there are a lot of labels that go on food that have no regulation whatsoever---meaning that anyone can slap those labels down on any food product whether they're true or not and there's nothing anyone can do about it because the FDA has yet to define exactly what those labels are supposed to mean or list guidelines on what products do/don't qualify for them. "All-natural", for example, is a label that's largely unregulated by the FDA. A lot of people would see a food labeled as "all-natural" in a store and assume that that means it's good for you and doesn't contain artificial ingredients or pesticides or other things people may want to avoid but because the label isn't regulated it means anyone can use it on any product and the words are totally meaningless.

(Also note that shady serving sizes help certain products get around what regulation the FDA does have. Example: the word 'healthy' is regulated by the FDA who says a food can't be listed as healthy if it contains more than 480mg of sodium per serving---but if a company says this tiny can of soup actually has 3 servings in it with 479mg of sodium each, they can get away with calling it healthy even though pretty much everyone is going to eat the whole damn can and not just a third of it and therefore actually consuming close to 1500mg of sodium in the actual serving they're eating.)

Other labels are also misleading: "low-fat", "lightly sweetened", "vitamin fortified", "helps support heart health" would all lead a person to think that these products are healthy (or at least healthier than certain alternatives) but that's not always the case; there are also labels that play on words such as a product that's listed as "organic" vs "made with organic ingredients" - one might think these are the same thing but they're not. The same issue is present with food labeled as "made with whole grains" - that doesn't mean automatically mean that the product is made primarily or only with whole grains like you might believe.

All of this is then supported and furthered by the fact that we're living in a diet culture where we're socialized into feeling guilty about making "bad" food choices (to pressure us into spending $$ on dieting products and certain foods), our diets and the size of our bodies are tied in to our very worth as human beings (again, to pressure us into spending $$ on "improving" ourselves and getting a self-esteem boost from that "improvement"), certain ingredients and aspects of food are constantly demonized as being the Most Unhealthiest Thing Ever even if they don’t deserve it (because $$$$$ is to be made in selling alternatives to those things and foods that are free of them), and we're constantly being sold the latest fad diet or "super food" product (because -- wait for it -- some assholes are making $$ off of us by doing this).

Basically food labels are capitalist propaganda because the entire food industry in the United States is a giant money making machine that is happy to eat you and your entire family alive, shit you out, and turn you into corn pops (only 1g of sugar per serving!) without remorse. It is constantly looking for new ways to market products to a populace that is, on average, becoming more and more health-concerned with what we're putting into our bodies and a lot of that marketing involves misleading (if not outright lying to)  consumers because doing that is cheaper and easier than reworking their food recipes and replacing shoddy (and inexpensive) ingredients with actually healthy (and more expensive) ingredients. Meanwhile, the FDA (who - in theory - exist to protect the consumer from shady practices such as these) is very slow with actually keeping up with the evolving way that food companies have learned to manipulate us into buying their products.

This is all then exacerbated to the nth degree by the fact that most people are not properly educated about health and nutrition at all in school and few have the inclination to look further into these subjects  because we think that the knowledge we’ve picked up offhand and been socialized into knowing (like all fats are bad, MSG is evil, GMOs are literally made by Satan himself to poison all our children and give everyone cancer) are good and true and there’s no reason to question any of it further---though, even if we did have the inclination to look further into it we’re all overworked and underpaid and likely not in a position where we can be choosy about what we eat to begin with---meaning that the average person is highly susceptible to this kind of marketing manipulation.

[techscimarketresearch]

Product Review: PediaLyte Rehydration Products

Optimum hydration is the key for maintaining overall well-being but most people across the world live in a status quo of dehydration due to under consumption of fluids. Inadequate hydration, being in extreme heat, performing intense workouts, vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive sweating, or consuming too much alcohol are some of the common factors of dehydration. While 1% decline in total body water content can negatively affect our mood and cognitive abilities, 2% loss can cause the body to reach dehydration level that could affect the functionality of various organs. If the fluids lost through sweat, urine, vomiting, or diarrhoea are not adequately replaced then an electrolyte imbalance can occur in the body. Electrolytes are essential minerals that possess an electric charge and are found in different parts of the body such as blood, tissue, organs, and other bodily fluids. Electrolytes balance water levels in the body as well as enable mobility of nutrients in and out of cells, thus helps muscles, nerves, and organs work properly.

Although all liquids hydrate the body, some do a much better job than others. For instance, water and fruit juices replenish the hydration levels quickly than soda, coffee, tea, or milk. Nowadays, electrolyte water infused with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are growing in demand due to their ability to improve the functioning of the heart, brain, muscles, and other nervous systems as well as increase strength, speed, and focus. Abbott has recently launched a new range of Pedialyte® rehydration products, Pedialyte with Immune Support, Pedialyte Sport, Pedialyte Organic, and Pedialyte Electrolyte Water with Zero Sugar, formulated to provide the right balance of electrolytes and glucose. Pedialyte's original formulations were created five decades ago to fulfil the much-needed fluid and electrolyte requirement for sick children that showed dehydration symptoms. With the growing demand for healthy drink alternatives owing to increasing awareness about health, now Abbott has expanded its suite of products leveraging its science-led innovation to address the evolving needs.

Pedialyte with Immune Support Pedialyte with Immune Support is a formulation of key nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc that are known to strengthen gut health. Vitamin B12 helps to activate immune cells, vitamin C promotes cell health, vitamin E supports cell membranes, and zinc builds new immune cells. With the rising incidences of coronavirus cases, healthcare providers across the globe are recommending these key nutrients to stay healthy during coronavirus. Consuming a single bottle of Pedialyte with Immune Support can offer 100% of the daily value of vitamins C and B12 per serving. Thus, the drink can also help people to recover from illnesses arising from a lack of hydration or nutrients in the diet. So, if you are looking for healthy drinks that can complete the basic nutritional requirements of the body and restore hydration levels, opt for Pedialyte with Immune Support, available in two flavours, mixed berry, and fruit punch.

Pedialyte Sport Compared to popular calorie-rich and sweet sports drinks, the Pedialyte Sport has three times more electrolytes with about one-fourth the amount of sugar. Thus, the drink helps to keep the overall sugar content down while amplifying the energy levels after intense physical activity. Thus, Pedialyte Sport is the #1 doctor-recommended brand for rehydration since it keeps insulin levels in check and increases electrolytes to help replace what's lost in sweat. Five key nutrients found in the Pedialyte Sport are sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and phosphate. Sodium relieves muscle cramps, chloride retains fluid balance, potassium boosts muscle and nerve function, magnesium support muscle health and phosphate accelerate muscle repair. The Pedialyte Sport rehydrates like IV fluids provided for mild to moderate dehydration so it is one of the best drinks that one can adapt to restore fluids in the body lost after rigorous training and exercise. The Pedialyte sport is available in new fruit punch and lemon-lime flavours and contains artificial sweeteners.

Pedialyte Organic Pedialyte Organic is another offering by Abbott, that is not only great for adults but also kids. The USDA-certified organic drink consists of no artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners, and thus proclaiming it one of the healthiest drinks in the Pedialyte range would not be an exaggeration. Weight watchers and diabetics can choose the organic drink to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes without being concerned about the extra calories or insulin levels. Pedialyte Organics is more effective than sodas, sports drinks, juice, apple juice, or tap water and the drink can also be utilized to prevent dehydration caused by heat exhaustion, travel, exercise, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Pedialyte electrolyte water provides enough hydration with three electrolytes, sodium, chloride, and potassium but with no sugar, artificial flavours, dyes, or colours. The non-GMO and gluten-free drink contains 50% more electrolytes than leading sports drinks and electrolyte water. The unflavoured Pedialyte is a great economical option to replenish electrolytes in the body for athletes, adults, or anyone requiring an electrolyte boost. Carbohydrates or sugars present in the form of dextrose in Pedialyte electrolyte provide a quick boost of energy to anyone feeling under the weather except for children under the age of 5 years. Besides, the electrolyte water contains a high concentration of zinc, essential for supporting immune functioning.

Other Popular Electrolyte Water Alternatives

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Hydration Powder If you are someone who prioritizes taste as well as hydration, then Ultima Replenisher electrolyte can be a good choice as it offers plenty of fruit flavors, including cherry, pomegranate, grape, and orange. The flavors are present in the right balance to provide a refreshing experience. Unlike other electrolyte powders that can become chalky, Ultima mixes well and provided a flavorsome taste. The Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte powder is one of the cleanest and versatile drinks available in the market today as it is a sugar-free, calorie-free, zero-carbohydrate beverage, however, it is sweetened with stevia.

Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Harvest If you are finding the most organic and electrolyte-rich drink, then Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Harvest is the right choice for you. The organic drink is made from young and fresh coconuts sourced from Thailand and it is 100% natural. Unlike other beverages that are highly processed, the Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Harvest is never thermally pasteurized or micro-filtered, instead, the water is prepared with a proprietary process that maintains the great taste and retains quality.

Essentia electrolyte water Essentia is one of the leading ionized alkaline water brands that are widely available in grocery stores and gyms. The Essentia alkaline water is less acidic than tap water and infused with electrolytes such as calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate. Providing more rehydration than regular water, the ionized water improves cardiovascular function and retains more fluids in the body. The water has a clean and smooth taste, better than traditional waters.

Nuun Electrolyte Drink Tablets Nuun electrolyte-boosting tablets are infused with vitamins that create a frizzy beverage when dissolved into water. These tablets are specifically designed for people who undergo heavy exertion after performing physical activities or after a hangover. The tablets help to replenish the lost fluids without stocking up on added carbohydrates. The mix of sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and supports overall muscle relaxation.

Conclusion Hydration is an often-overlooked element of overall health, but chronic dehydration can lead to multiple health problems. The advanced hydration formula of Pedialyte incorporating key nutrients can help individuals to fulfil their hydration needs as well as nutritional requirements. There are many electrolyte drinks that are filled with unhealthy amounts of sugar so one must look for ingredients before making a purchase to choose a healthier alternative. For someone who does not want to depend on electrolyte water to replenish fluids should consumer sufficient amounts of fluids and fruits.

According to TechSci Research report on "United States Vitamin & Mineral Premixes Market, By Type (Vitamins, Minerals and Vitamin & Mineral Combinations), By Application (Feed, Food & Beverages, Healthcare and Personal Care), By Form (Powder Form and Liquid Form), By Functionality (Bone Health, Immunity, Energy, Skin Health and Others), By Company and By Geography, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026", United States Vitamin & Mineral Premixes market is expected to grow at a formidable CAGR during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the rising demand of consumers for supplements as well as increasing consumer preferences.

According to another TechSci Research report on "Global Clinical Nutrition Market By Route of Administration (Oral, Intravenous), By Nutrition Type (Enteral Nutrition, Parental Nutrition), By Application (Metabolic Disorders, Eating Disorders, Stages of Development and Recovery, Others), By End User (Infant & Child, Adults, Geriatrics), By Substrates (Energy, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins & amino acids, Water & electrolyte, Dietary fiber, Antioxidants), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025", the global clinical nutrition market is expected to reach USD 54.85 billion registering a CAGR of 7.36% during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the increasing awareness about health and fitness along with introduction of dietary supplements like minerals, vitamins, and others. However, lack of awareness about clinical nutrients and high costs of dietary supplements might affect the growth of the market.

[trenttrendspotter]

Fresh from Expo West: 10 Top Natural Trends for 2019

The interest in naturals continues to evolve and capture the imagination of consumers. It’s an exciting time for the industry with the popularization of the plant movement, the emergence of CBD and shoppers’ obsession with wellness. The 2019 Natural Products Expo West, held at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 6 – 9, was a convergence of mainstay and up-and-coming brands vying for the spotlight.

There isn’t a trade show that engenders as much passion as Expo West. Everyone who has ever been to an Expo West remembers it and thinks of their time there with great affection. Great news: The show continues to flourish under new management and to lead the way on natural alternative trends and products. 

“Every year at Expo West we foster the connection between emerging brands who are impacting the landscape and industry pioneers who have paved the way for decades,” said Lacey Gautier, group show director at New Hope Network. ”This event highlights the importance of community engagement and the role everyone plays to create a more sustainable packaged goods industry. With so much to celebrate in organic agriculture and ethical business practices, you can feel the energy throughout the campus.”

Here the top 10 trends spotted by globe-trotting trend watcher Nancy Trent:

1. CBD bubble or boom

What’s happening with CBD is reminiscent of the internet bubble of the 90s…or is it?Everyone is racing into the game, but it’s not a game, it’s just the beginning of one aspect of the plant-based revolution we are seeing change the way we live. Just as the Internet bubble resulted in the failure of many individual companies but not the Internet industry itself, the CBD business is likely to thrive but not all of the many companies coming out with CBD products will survive.

According to Sebastien Hebbelinck, founder of Prana Principle, “We are just scratching the surface of the potential of this revolution as we wait for guidance from the FDA.” Hebbelinck, who has been in supplements for over 25 years, began his career in the Netherlands and settled in Colorado as a sought-after expert. Hebbelinck figured out how to maximize the potential of CBD with a line of full spectrum hemp oil extract sublingual tinctures that contain non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids and synergistic compounds such as Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), and a range of naturally preserved terpenes. Terpenes is expected to be the next buzzword in plant-based healing.  

Hebbelinck’s focus is crafting CBD tinctures without THC and he feels there is a lot of confusion in the market about full spectrum vs. broad spectrum, the safety of THC and claims that manufacturers can accurately make. But the country is moving forward and manufacturers need to be responsible to the FDA, retailers and consumers.

2. Shots are the juice

The juicing trend has reached an all-time high.  So has “the awareness of sugar content in our foods, including juice, which has lead to the ‘shot’ movement,” says Kristina Dermody, CEO of California Juice Company. Consumers and people that influence these trends have realized that most of the nutrients we need from juice can be consumed in one delicious shot. This has lead to the success of companies like California Juice Company. The California-grown, organic, nutrient-dense, premium full ingredient fruit and veggies are mindfully formulated to optimize authentic flavors and give the health we need in condensed servings. They are delicious, too!

3. Putting more fun in Functional Foods 

Just the Berries has a special species of Organic New Zealand blackcurrants, which are the most nutrient-rich berries in the world, used primarily for eye and vision health. They are very popular in Asia, as top baseball teams from Japan love this brand. Just the Berries is celebrating its 30th anniversary and is launching its first store in the U.S. 

Likewise, Wishgarden Herbs, an almost 40-year-old whole herb company, combines the fast-acting power of its whole herb liquid extract formulas with an enjoyable social connection via remedy-drink pairings. “This takes wellness and lifestyle to a whole new level that delivers octaves on ‘functional drink’ efficacy and is also fun, tasty and shareable,” says Catherine Hunziker, CEO of Wishgarden Herbs. 

Move over cauliflower pizza: “There can be no doubt that vegetable crust pizza is of interest. Who doesn’t want healthier and tastier pizza alternatives?” asked Benjamin Frohlichstein, CEO of Cappellos. The latest entry into that category is almond crust, with plant protein, healthy fats, nutrient-dense and grain-free pizza crust perfect for keto appetites.

4. The new superfoods

Buyers are inundated with snacks that are so smart, marketers have to find snacks that are not only Keto, protein-rich and grain-free but also have a certain  je ne sais quoi too. 

“There is a focus on ingredients because people are reading labels and demanding better ingredients,” says Jeff Brinkhoff, CEO of Hopapops. For instance, lotus seeds, the main ingredient in Hopapops, are trending in Europe because they are a true ancient superfood with roots in Aryuvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for helping to maintain health blood sugar levels.

Vegan, all natural TahiniBars are made of sesame seeds with amazing taste and texture, all for only 100 calories. The texture is so appealing, TahiniBars made an ad campaign around their smoothness called “my first crush.” 

Brami Snacks, made with lupini beans from Spain, have more fiber than edamame and fewer calories than almonds. To make them even more appropriate for the U.S. market, they come in scrumptious flavors, too. How did we not know about these incredibly delicious wonder beans before? 

5. Focus on simply healthy ingredients

Elma Farms latest introduction is POSHI, which stands for the “Power Of Simply Healthy Ingredients.” These plant-based snacks are gluten-free, non-GMO, convenient and low-calorie.  Everyone is talking about innovative fermented snacks!

Much of the hummus we buy at the store is pasteurized by heat. Anyone who has had or has made their own fresh hummus knows that it’s all about the freshness of the ingredients. Starting out in farmer’s markets, discovered by Wegman’s, they continue to keep high standards for ingredients. “It’s not about flavor to catch attention,” said Chris Kirby, of Ithaca Cold Crafted.  He buys whole lemons and squeezes them in his hummus, which also includes raw garlic.   

And when hummus is good, it’s easy to eat too much. That was the concept behind Blue Moose, one of the first organic snacking hummus with portion control 100-calorie cups and dehydrated carrot sticks. 

6. Basics, made even better

We all would be eating more beets if they were easier to work with. Thank you Beetroute from the Netherlands for sourcing the most delicious beets and doing the messy prep work. I know I will be eating more beets as you launch in the U.S. market.

Another classic to get a fresh spin: Dates. Joolie’s, with the help of superior technology, produces the most succulent organic Medjool dates I have ever tasted.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the National Peanut Board partnered with Crazy Richards Peanut Butter to roll out an entirely new category with the introduction of its new frozen snack line, Wholly Rollies – Frozen Protein Balls. Wholly Rollies was developed to make healthy snacking simple. “As consumers continue gravitating toward snacking, the National Peanut Board is excited to be part of bringing new products to the freezer case. As a delicious, nutritious and portable snack, Wholly Rollies embodies everything consumers are looking for,” says Ryan Lepicier, SVP, marketing & communications, National Peanut Board.

7. Brands that go above and beyond

“Every year consumers get smarter and more discerning in their decision-making process, whether it’s non-GMO or vegan–these are specific values,” says Sabrina Banadyga, the chief marketing officer of EnerC. EnerC is a caffeine-free, low-sugar vitamin C supplement committed to the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit.

Teatulia, a Bangladesh-based single-garden direct line of organic loose leaf teas, demonstrates a thorough commitment to sustainability by supporting a cooperative and establishing a cattle-lending program. In exchange for maintaining the garden, collective members (who are overwhelmingly female) receive cows instead of the more popular microfinance loans normally associated with Bangladesh. In return for fresh milk, members of the program pay down the loan with milk and cow dung which helps fertilize the tea garden. Teatulia is now introducing a totally innovative line of tea sodas. 

It’s about time people started getting picky about their eggs. “There is an increased desire for eggs from chickens that are pasture raised,” said Ryan Miller of Farmers Hen House. People want more protein, they want better protein and they are willing to pay for it. Another reason these eggs are amazing is they only get eggs from authentic sustainable family farms that produce their grain to feed their chickens. And, their processing plant is 100% solar powered!

8. Hydration cleans up

Hydration was one of the hottest categories. We’re thirsty for natural ways to hydrate. Electrolytes are a great way to stay healthily hydrated, but they are hard to drink without calories, sugar, carbs or caffeine. That’s what lead to the success of Ultima Replenisher, a stick pack containing all 6 macro electrolytes without the things you don’t want. It’s made with all plant-based flavors, colors and sweeteners and vitamin C, another thing we like to add to our water.   

One water company, Essentia, has done some rigorous testing to prove its hydration value.  A clinical trial, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (JISSN), showed Essentia has a 9.5pH or higher alkaline water that is better at rehydrating than regular water.

9. Seriously smart supplements

As people continue to push themselves to new limits, the use of brain-health supplements has become an expanding industry, with expected growth to $11.6 billion by 2024. Quality of life is dependent on the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. Meaningful improvements to cognitive function can impact the quality of communication and connection in relationships. It gives us more of the mental energy we might need to turn our good intentions, in areas like diet, exercise, and sleep, into reality. And, it supports our ability to adapt to environmental stressors. Neurohacker Collective, a company focused on creating best-in-class wellbeing products using a unique research methodology based on complex systems science, understands that different systems in the body don’t act in isolation. Neurohacker’s flagship product, Qualia Mind, is a premium nootropic used to help stimulate and support overall mental performance of the brain. Qualia Mind incorporates high-quality ingredients to ensure optimal results and transcend basic cognitive enhancement. Neurohacker’s brain supplements, while designed to support increased cognition, also are designed to improve the entire body to support peak performance.

10. Chemical free, from cosmetics to OTC remedies

Increasingly, people don’t want to put anything on their body they wouldn’t put in their body. And that means more interest in plant-based ingredients. But even plants can be processed. Skinny & Co provides one of the only chemical-free, additive-free, and non-acidic coconut oil in the world. Every product starts with handpicked, raw coconuts from the jungles of Vietnam, processed through a patented Nutralock System that keeps the oil cool and 100% raw. With 5 or fewer ingredients in each product, these cleansing balms, body scrubs, deodorants and more, are proving that healthy really is beautiful. As the use of essential oils continues to rise with more people leaning toward natural methods of care, Oilogic says its three collections are safe and impactful for babies & toddlers, kids and adults. A trailblazing leader in family natural wellness, Oilogic Essential Oil includes the right concentration of each powerful oil, diluted appropriately to create a safe, yet effective formula that is ready for use. Natural Products Expo West 2020 will be held March 3rd-7th at the Anaheim Convention Center. Natural Products Expo East will take place at the Baltimore Convention Center September 11th-14th, 2019. Follow @NatProdExpo and #ExpoWest on Twitter and Instagram, and visit us on Facebook for ongoing conversations. 

As seen in Whole Foods Magazine

[shakespeareanqueer]

THANK YOU To be "GMO" is not inherently bad. People just don't understand what it is. They think the label means it's been grown in a lab or infused with chemicals or something. I've heard people in grocery stores ask about the 'non-GMO certified seedless watermelons.' Like, you hear yourself right? Plants aren't naturally seedless. In the wild, being seedless is very quickly evolved OUT of the gene pool because seedless fruits CAN'T REPRODUCE. Seedless fruits like grapes and watermelons are purposefully bred to be so. There's nothing harmful about the process, and seedless fruits are just as healthy as those with seeds, but that is the definition of genetically modified. Also, people don't understand what "pesticide" means. It's in the name. It kills pests. Lots of things kill pests, not just dangerous chemicals. There are organic pesticides, and my dad's company is one of the companies that makes them. Without any type of pesticide, you would have dangerously low crop yields that would make food hugely expensive, and would also cause huge amounts of food and land waste. Also salmonella? Caused by raw eggs? Totally preventable. By pasteurization.

Unpopular Opinion

There’s a woman at the grocer who quite possibly has the most obnoxious voice on earth.  “Excuse me, sir, where do you keep the non-GMO carrots? I see the organic, but are those certified non-GMO?”

I’m a hair’s breadth from killing everyone there who stops in an aisle as if it isn’t a thoroughfare and dawdles inexplicably. “Excuse me, but all carrots grown today are GMO. All produce grown today, in fact.”

She stares at me and starts to put on a dirty look. Before she can vocalize her “How do you know?” I cut her off and say…

“I’m a food historian and you really ought to educate yourself about produce lineages if you’re so concerned about GMO. Go buy some purple carrots and leave this poor man lone so that he can do his job.”

And then I walked away…I get testy when I am hungry and she was between me and the butcher. A bad place to be.

I’m not sure if you realize this…but orange carrots like the ones she had in her hand…are a GMO.

The carrots used in most of Europe from the beginning of the Spice Trade up until the 17th century were of Asian stock and were reddish purple in color–rather more like a beet or the purple carrots of today. It was the Dutch who crossed them in hothouses with yellow carrots using new farming methods of fertilization and small beds. The yellow carrots were created by selection among hybrid progenies of yellow Eastern carrots, white carrots and wild pale subspecies grown in the Mediterranean. The first orange carrots originated by intentional bred mutation.

Now…all you non-GMO people blocking the aisles can finally stop harping on, yes?

No…I thought not.

[randallvangundy]

Best Cat Food For Diabetic Cats

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to control blood sugar levels. A hormone called insulin moves sugar from the blood and into the cells. From there, it can either be used for energy or stored. Having diabetes means that the body cannot make enough insulin or it cannot use it effectively. It is crucial to make sure that you find the best cat food for diabetic cats to manage your pet‘s diabetes.

This metabolic disease results in high blood sugar. It can lead to many problems like nerve damage, inflammation, increased risk of infections, and early death. You would think that diabetes only affects humans. But in reality, our feline pets are affected by it as well.

Quick Glance At The Best Diabetic Cat Foods

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Solid Gold Indigo Moon Dry Cat Food

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Editor’s Choice

Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein Formula Cat Food

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Runner Up

Crave Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

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Best Value

Click here to read all of our reviews for the best cat food for diabetic cats.

Feline Diabetes

It is unclear why certain cats get diabetes, while others don’t. But just like with us, being overweight is a large contributing factor as fat increases inflammation and affects insulin sensitivity.

A few signs suggest that your cat might be suffering from diabetes. These include excessive hunger, thirst, and urination. More extreme symptoms are dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, poor skin and coat quality, motor dysfunction and weakness, and depression. If your kitty is suffering the advanced stages of the disease, then you might notice your pet losing weight even though he or she is eating enough.

If you suspect that your cat is showing signs of diabetes, it is extremely vital to visit the vet. Feline diabetes is a serious disease and can have fatal consequences if left untreated.

Diet For Diabetic Cats

Cats usually have Type II diabetes. Whereas, dogs typically have Type I diabetes. Type II diabetes means that glucose levels are high because your cat‘s body does not respond as it should with insulin. So, diabetic felines need special diets.

Healthy nutrition is one of the best ways to manage diabetes in humans. This also works with your feline friends. The right diet will help manage diabetes and control blood sugar levels. Exercise, medication, and weight management also come hand-in-hand with improving your cat’s diabetes.

Nutritional Needs

Your cat’s ancestors evolved to be meat-eaters. It is a carnivore that should get the bulk of its calories from protein. A protein-rich diet is especially needed for a diabetic cat. Carbohydrates, fat, and protein are one of the three main macronutrients in your pet’s diet. Carbohydrates are broken down by the body into sugar, which is called glucose when it is in the blood. It is this sugar that a diabetic feline cannot handle. In fact, if you have your kitty on a carb-rich diet, then it might have been what had gotten your cat’s diabetes to develop in the first place.

The ideal nutritional plan for a diabetic kitty is a low-carb, high-protein one. Of course, it has to be rich in vitamins and minerals too. If you buy wet canned food for your pet, the crude protein content should at least be 10 percent or more. But if you end up getting dry food, make sure that the protein content is at 40 percent or more. You should also see to it that the total carb content is at 7 to 15 percent only.

It is also a good idea that your diabetic kitty eats low allergen foods. The disease tends to weaken your cat’s immune system, making your pet more susceptible to allergies. Check the label to see if the food uses natural ingredients. Make sure that it is free from artificial fillers, preservatives, chemicals, and other additives.

Some pet owners also found that a fish-free diet does wonder for their cats with diabetes. Many types of fish have an amino acid that turns into histamine when exposed to air. Histamine promotes inflammation as it is a compound released by cells in response to any injury or allergic reaction. So, stick with you buying products with real meat from animals such as chicken, turkey, quail, duck, rabbit, venison, and lamb.

Check Out These Cat Foods For Your Diabetic Cat

Here are some of the best cat food to help your diabetic kitty in controlling blood glucose levels:

Solid Gold Indigo Moon Dry Cat Food

Check Amazon’s Price Solid Gold has over 40 years of experience in creating recipes made with natural ingredients for your pet’s specific health needs. It has been in operation since 1974 and is a pioneer when it comes to holistic pet food.

Solid Gold Indigo Moon has a high-protein and low-carb recipe. Its first ingredient is USA-raised chicken, which is a highly palatable source of protein. It also contains eggs, which is a good source of amino acids to help with metabolism. This product also has fiber-rich peas so that your cat has a highly digestible energy source.

Your cat’s gut health and immune support are also taken care of as Solid Gold contains selected superfoods, living probiotics, and omega fatty acids. It also has monosaturated fats like canola oil and olive oil to ensure skin and coat health.

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Quick Glance

What’s Good

Contains 42 percent crude protein

Comes in two flavors: chicken and Alaskan pollock

Holistic nutrition that includes live probiotics, high-quality real meat, and nutrient-dense superfoods

Free from grain, gluten, meat by-product, and artificial colorings or preservatives

Produced in USA facilities

What’s Bad

May not work well for picky eaters

Some pet owners found their cats to have upset stomachs after eating it

Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein Formula Dry Cat Food

Check Amazon’s Price Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein Formula Dry Cat Food has higher animal protein levels compared to other brands. Its first ingredient is high-quality animal-based proteins or fish. This way, your pets eat less but stay full longer. It also helps maintain lean mass and promotes a healthy immune system. This high-protein kibble also has Omega-3 fatty acids to encourage overall health in your cat‘s fur and skin.

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Quick Glance

What’s Good

Has 59 percent of crude protein content

Comes in chicken and salmon flavors

Non-GMO, grain-free, and gluten-free

Does not contain fillers or artificial preservatives

Can be fed to adult cats and kittens

What’s Bad

The dried egg product ingredient seems to make sensitive cats vomit

May not do well with picky eaters

CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food

Check Amazon’s Price Crave Adult Cat Food features a variety of protein-rich recipes with real fish or poultry as the first ingredient. It contains all the needed nutrients to aid with digestion as well as help your cat develop muscle and have a healthy immune system. This product is also grain-free, meaning that it has no corn, wheat, or soy protein. It also does not contain any animal by-product, and artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.

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Quick Glance

What’s Good

Comes in different flavors such as chicken, salmon and ocean fish, and chicken and salmon

Free from animal by-products, corn, wheat, and soy

Does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives

Made in the USA

Doesn’t make cat’s feces smell bad

What’s Bad

New formula seems to make cats vomit after eating

May not work well for picky eaters

Kibbles are bigger than the standard

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary

Check Amazon’s Price This dry food from Purina is formulated to help nutritionally manage cats with diabetes. It is a high-protein, low-carb diet that promises great taste while supporting the nutritional needs of your diabetic kitty.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets DM Dietetic Management Formula Dry Cat Food is a prescription formula, meaning you need a prescription from your veterinarian to buy it. It is rich in antioxidants and a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Purina Pro also promotes a urinary environment as a defense against the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

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Quick Glance

What’s Good

High protein content of 51 percent

Low in carbohydrates with only 13 percent

Low in fat to encourage a healthy weight

Taste appeals to cats

Made in the US

What’s Bad

Made with poultry by-product

Contains soy, which isn’t ideal for weight management in some cats

On the expensive side of the spectrum

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Cat Food

Check Amazon’s Price Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Cat Food is packed with real chicken to ensure healthy muscle maintenance. It is also loaded with healthy carbohydrates such as peas and sweet potatoes to make sure that your cat gets the fuel he or she needs for an active lifestyle. The product also contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote good coat and skin health. It also has what the brand calls LifeSource Bits, which is full of essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to boost your cat’s immune system.

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Quick Glance

What’s Good

Cold-formed to preserve potency

No corn, wheat, soy, and any artificial flavors or preservatives

Contains 40 percent crude protein

Made in the US by a well-respected brand

What’s Bad

New recipe seems to make some cats sick after eating

Recipe might cause urinary tract congestion in male cats

And The Best Cat Food For Diabetic Cats Is…

The best cat food for diabetic cats is a low-carb diet that keeps the blood sugar levels under control. At the same time, it should be able to provide the protein, fat, and other nutrients your feline friend needs to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. But just like with humans, every cat is different, and each has unique needs. This should be taken into account whenever you are on the lookout for new cat food for your feline pet.

But of course, there is still a clear winner when it comes to the best cat food on this list. And that is Solid Gold Indigo Moon Dry Cat Food. It is made by Sissy McGill Solid Gold, which has been in business for over 40 years – a clear indication that both pet owners and cats alike trust this brand.

This holistic food product is a low-carb, dry cat food with over 40 percent crude protein content. It is loaded with nutrient-dense superfoods, live, protected probiotics, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids that support your cat’s overall health and immunity. Not only that, but it is free from grains, gluten, meat by-product, and artificial colorings or preservatives. It helps you ensure that your cat is getting all the care he or she deserves.

A close runner-up is Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein Formula Dry Cat Food. It helps in weight management as its high protein crude content makes your cat full longer while eating less. It also contains Omega-3 so that your cat’s coat and skin are shiny and healthy. The kibble also comes in two flavors to help picky eaters when it comes to feeding time. It also does not contain any grain, gluten, GMO, and artificial preservatives and fillers.

On the other hand, the best value cat food is Crave Grain Free High Protein Dry Cat Food. It is a high-protein, low-carb kibble at an affordable price per serving. You can choose from a variety of flavors depending on your cat’s preference. Retailing at $32 per 10-lbs. Pack, it is not an insignificant amount to spend. However, you get 40 servings for this price and this brings down the cost to a reasonable $.0.80 per serving. So, your cat gets all the nutrients without burning a hole through your pocket.

The post Best Cat Food For Diabetic Cats appeared first on Furry Friends Gear.

Best Cat Food For Diabetic Cats published first on https://furryfriendsgear.tumblr.com

[greeneyedguide]

Start with water. Add flavor. Add vitamins. Add color. Add sweetener. At what point does “water” become something else? Consider a drink with only caffeine, water, and flavor – what do we call this?  For this month’s energy drink pick, let’s discuss a beverage contrary to energy drink expectations and the science behind the green coffee beans used to fuel it.

Spectrums and Stereotypes

The FDA has drawn the line for what is allowed to be called “water” [see this FDA Warning Letter here] but no such lines exist for a “water beverage”.

FDA defines water in warning letter 2011 Source: FDA Warning Letters

I’ve studied biochemistry and energy drinks since 2003. It’s remarkable how much the energy drink market has evolved. Energy drinks are not a stereotype, they’re a spectrum, and caffeinated waters are so far on the edge of this spectrum, it barely makes sense to call them “energy drinks”. Of course, even if we give “caffeinated waters” their own separate category and stereotypes, there are products like Monster Energy’s Hydro line to challenge wherever we draw those lines.

If you don’t care about blurred categories or want to deal with the stigmas of energy drinks, good news! There are plenty of non-stereotypical energy drinks on the market. Here at GreenEyedGuide.com, my goal is to highlight these options.

The Energy Drink of the Month for April 2018 is Hint Kick

Normally I try to pick the Energy Drink of the Month based on what kind of caffeinated beverage is most suitable for the holidays and happenings of this time of year (e.g.,. the Superbowl, Back-to-School time, etc). But it’s snowing here in Wisconsin, and it’s April…

Alas, here’s one good reason to pick Hint Kick as the Energy Drink of the Month for April 2018: Hint’s Founder and CEO was nominated Woman of the Month for April 2018:

Kara Goldin Woman of the Month – April 2018; Founder and CEO of GreenEyedGuide’s pick for Energy Drink of the Month – April 2018

Science Behind Hint Kick’s Key Ingredients

Hint Kick has only three ingredients: purified water, natural flavor, and natural caffeine from coffee bean extract.

Coffee bean extract, also referred to as green coffee bean extract, comes from coffee beans that don’t go through the roasting process of coffee beans used for, you know, real coffee.

There are many health benefits associated with drinking coffee (Caffeine Informer lists at least 25) but the antioxidant activity of coffee is attributed to an antioxidant named chlorogenic acid (or “CGA” for short). However, roasting can break this little CGA guy, thus diminishing the benefits he’d bring us. And therein lies the appeal of unroasted coffee beans.

More proof food processing is evil…totally joking! Let’s not really go there.

Green coffee beans have gotten some attention in recent years as the latest plant to enable weight loss. First of all, ALL SOURCES of caffeine can be associated with weight loss because of how caffeine affects reactions all over the body to encourage the use of fat molecules over carbs for fuel. Second of all, let’s skip the miracles and skepticism and instead talk about what the latest research papers say:

Green coffee extract can’t help control blood sugar or insulin concentration (at least not post-exercise). When cyclists got sugar and a placebo or caffeine or green coffee extract after a workout, there were no significant differences in blood glucose or insulin levels. (This was with 5 mg per kg bodyweight CGA, too! So we can’t blame “ineffective doses” for lack of an effect) [2015, Nutrition] .

Roasting coffee beans reduces the amount of CGA [2009, J Agric Food Chem] BUT…

Total Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity isn’t always superior for green coffee bean extract. Some varieties of the green coffee beans had smaller polyphenol content than the roasted ones. (Same genus, same species, different variety, different Polyphenol Content!) [2015, Mol Med Rep] .

When coffee beans are roasted, the CGA content goes down, but OTHER polyphenols, like polymeric melonoidins, are formed during the roasting process thanks to the Maillard Reaction. [2017, Phytochem Anal]

Thanks, nerd, but what do I do with this information?

What this means is green coffee beans are not the miracle plant some people are hoping for, but it’s still a source of antioxidants. Also, these green coffee extracts sure help take the coffee-taste out of non-coffee caffeinated beverages. This means more options for those who like to get their caffeine from something other than soda, coffee, tea, or the stereotypical energy drink!

Hint Kick versus other Caffeinated Waters

Caffeine is bitter, so different companies will find different ways to combat the bitterness. Some companies use caffeine anhydrous (the non-natural source of caffeine); some companies add flavor enhancers like citric acid which help preserve the beverage and combat the bitterness; other companies add sweeteners, whether it’s artificial or natural.

When trying to compare Hint Kick to other caffeinated waters, I can only help you with the science, not the sensory. YOUR OWN flavor preferences, sensitivity to bitterness, aversion to GMOs, artificial sweeteners, etc. will greatly impact which brand(s) you prefer.

Caffeine Content and the 5 Levels of Fatigue

You don’t wear the same color clothes every day (unless you’re Batman or Black Widow), so why would you drink the same exact caffeinated beverage every single day? What if you’re not as tired one day as you were the next?

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/415105290648061852/

The 5 Levels of Fatigue is a system I developed while studying biochemistry and energy drinks in grad school which takes advantage of the spectrum of caffeinated beverages available. If you’re bored-kind-of-tired, you don’t want to drink the same thing you’d rely on for an all-nighter-kind-of-tired. Hence, the different levels and their corresponding beverage recommendations.

FATIGUE LEVEL 2

At Fatigue Level 1, you’re tired because you’re dehydrated, so you should drink a non-caffeinated water beverage (you know, like real water).

At Fatigue Level 2, you’re officially tired, but you don’t need a high-powered shove, just a little boost or a…KICK?

If you accidentally confuse Hint with Hint Kick, don’t worry – there’s only 60 mg caffeine per bottle, AND it’s non-carbonated, so you’re unlikely to feel super-charged and jittery unless you’re sensitive to caffeine.

Let’s compare this amount to other caffeinated beverages because there is no such thing as a standard cup of coffee (despite what you’ve read elsewhere, c’mon, you KNOW this is true if you’ve ever tried coffee from gas stations, hotels, your parents’ house, etc.)

Source: Caffeine Informer

Bottom Line

In 2013, congressmen Durbin, Blumenthal and Markey published a report called “What’s All The Buzz About” wherein they provided their definition of energy drinks:

“The term ‘energy drink’ generally represents a class of products in liquid form that contains high levels of caffeine frequently combined with other stimulants and specialty ingredients.”

– “What’s All the Buzz About”

One of the points the congressmen brought up in this report was that, prior to energy drinks, the FDA had acknowledged 71 mg caffeine per 12 oz as the amount recognized as safe for sodas.

Hint Kick is below that 71 mg/12 oz limit, and it fails to meet the typical definition of “energy drink”.

Hint Kick provides only 60 mg caffeine per 16 oz bottle, with only water and flavor as the other ingredients. This may not be enough caffeine for some people (like me) or PLENTY of caffeine for others (like my husband), and your opinion of this beverage may come down to how much you want something that tastes like water.

The most important thing about this beverage is it becomes another example of how not all energy drinks are created equal.

Hint Kick Main Page

—————————————–

Review the entire ENERGY DRINK OF THE MONTH SERIES

I’ve researched the science and safety behind energy drinks and their ingredients since 2003. This book is the culmination of my research:

Get your copy of MY BOOK: “Are You a Monster or a Rock Star: A Guide to Energy Drinks — How They Work, Why They Work, How to Use Them Safely” on Amazon and NOW ON AUDIBLE***

Explore the CAFFEINE INFORMER database

Need help with quitting caffeine?

If you’ve decided you want caffeine out of your life entirely, I HIGHLY recommend this Caffeine Informer guide: Awake: How to Quit from Caffeine for Good or this set of capsules to help you Wean Caffeine

  When is Caffeinated Water an Energy Drink? Hint Kick – Energy Drink of the Month – April 2018 Start with water. Add flavor. Add vitamins. Add color. Add sweetener. At what point does "water" become something else?

[glenmenlow]

The Scoop on Dannon: 5 Questions With DanoneWave’s Michael Neuwirth

Proud of its 75-year history in America, Dannon resides at the top of the $8.5 billion U.S. yogurt business and has every intention of staying there. The U.S. subsidiary of France’s Danone, recently rebranded as DanoneWave North America with the acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, helped introduce Americans to yogurt, proving its chops as an innovator in the category with brands such as Activia and Danimals.

It’s intent on expanding its marketshare as the yogurt continues to expand and supermarket yogurt sections keep getting bigger.

The Dannon brand’s 34% share of the U.S. yogurt market makes it the anchor for a family of brands including Activia, Light & Fit plus its Oikos Greek yogurt franchise. It all started with Daniel Carasso, who arrived in New York from Spain in 1942 wanting to make yogurt as popular in the U.S., where it was virtually unknown before his arrival, as it was in Europe.

Legendary graphic designer Raymond Loewy helped with the visual design, and advised Carasso to use the spelling “Dannon” to make the French product easier to pronounce than Danone. Loewy created a wordmark logo, incorporating the phrase “real yogurt,” with three stars over the N’s in Dannon.

Fruit on the bottom came to Dannon in 1947 as the brand sought to disguise some of the natural acidity of yogurt that Americans weren’t used to. This innovation propelled the company to growth, along with flavors including raspberry, blueberry, orange and lemon. In 1973, Dannon launched the memorable “Soviet Georgian” ad campaign in which fit seniors credited yogurt for their longevity and vitality.

With its Fort Worth, Texas, plant opening Dannon became the first branded perishable dairy product to be sold coast to coast in the United States. By the late 1980s, Dannon was bringing more innovation to the growing U.S. yogurt market with Dannon Light (1988) for the weight-conscious and Danimals for kids (1994). Dannon scored another hit in 2006 with the introduction of probiotic yogurt in the Activia brand.

While Chobani helped make Greek yogurt mainstream in the U.S., Dannon launched Oikos in 2010 and has managed to fight Chobani for leadership in the U.S. It has also refined its purpose—parent DanoneWave is the largest public benefit corporation in the U.S., and Danone corporate is seeking a global B Corp certification.

#TheMoreYouKnow: What's the difference between a #PublicBenefitCorporation and a #BCorp? pic.twitter.com/OAFs7pMhD2

— DanoneWave (@DanoneWave) November 6, 2017

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

We spoke with Michael Neuwirth (right), senior director of external communications for DanoneWave, about Dannon’s past and future.

Looking back over Dannon’s 75 years, people may be surprised to learn it launched in New York City, and didn’t really take off until fruit was added in 1947 and marketing started in the 1970’s. Any other surprising facts you tell people who think they know their yogurt?

I love meeting people who are fans of their favorite yogurt brand and they say, “I love this product Activia, you guys should make that.” Or Light & Fit Greek-style. It’s surprising to people to learn that those and many other brands are part of the Dannon family. A lot of people don’t associate those brands—which are leaders in their segments—with Dannon. Our family is bigger than the sum of its parts.

Let’s talk about product innovation, which consumers expect today, such as unusual flavors and savory yogurt. Do you see the focus going back on the yogurt itself?

Yogurt began years ago with a simple accident: the mixing of milk with cultures. The power of that mixture is still the basic formula recipe of how it’s made. There is a focus back on yogurt itself and also fermented foods and these cultures, and how they can benefit consumers’ health and enjoyment of them. It’s not just yogurts. The rise of interest in—and continued quick growth of—plant-based yogurt and almond- and soy-based products are also a bright and growing spot in the yogurt category.

Consumers want sustainability in their food products, and Dannon has been active in the Non-GMO Project, announcing the Dannon Pledge in 2016 as well as the new DanoneWave’s promise to make sustainability and transparency central to your brands. Can you update us on that front?

About a month ago we finished a conversion of Danimals drinkables to all non-GMO as well as select varieties of the Dannon brand—and more to come on that. We’ve evolved, and basically this means that not only are the ingredients that we use to make the product non-GMO-verified but also the feed for the cows is Non-GMO Project-verified.

It’s the first time a large yogurt company—or any yogurt company—has made such a conversion, because we believe, and we hear from our shoppers, that they want those choices and expect them from companies and brands that they trust.

We're pleased to share that select Dannon yogurts & Danimals Smoothies have the @NonGMOProject seal! #KnowYourYogurt pic.twitter.com/Sai9at0H39

— The Dannon Company (@Dannon) September 25, 2017

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

We’re now able to start telling the stories about our farmers. We’ve posted our first video from our farmers about why this is important to them on the Dannon Pledge website. It’s unparalleled in the yogurt space and brings the product back to its roots.

When we made this pledge a year and a half ago we didn’t know exactly how we’d accomplish it or realize our ambitions, and a year and a half later we’re ahead on total volume of product that’s been converted to Non-GMO Project-verified, and farming partners are thrilled to be on the journey with us and they believe in this and are wonderfully supportive.

Take the Probiotic 2 Week Challenge as part of a healthy lifestyle & add #probiotics to your routine to take care of your #GutHealth. (3/4) pic.twitter.com/aOAMJT2BoB

— Activia US (@Activia) April 12, 2017

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Health and wellness is another driving force for consumers over the years with yogurt, and Dannon was early in the game with probiotics and Activia. How do consumers regard probiotics now? 

The proliferation of probiotics and their benefits has been remarkable in 12 years since we launched Activia in the U.S. But shoppers are increasingly savvy about claims on products and are doing their homework. “How has this been studied? Is this a claim that holds up?” Activia had its challenges years ago [in legal language over its health claim], but the claim is fundamentally the same as it’s always been: a clear and well-defined digestive well-being benefit. What has changed is the expectation for great taste and convenience for probiotics. The introduction of smoothies for Activia is an indication of that.

To all of our plant-based eaters and flexitarians, this one’s for you. https://t.co/GaDkLeMko3

— DanoneWave (@DanoneWave) October 27, 2017

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

When you think about growth in the industry and for Dannon, where do you see the brand’s position in the next 5 years?

We will see continued market leadership because of the strategy we’ve pursued. We make products for all the different need states for yogurt, and there are many. We will see the versatility of yogurt continue to amaze us with ranges for weight management, digestive well-being, kids, snacking, protein. These different need states will continue to grow and new ones will be added over time.

My personal belief is that over time you will see more usage occasions in cooking and light meal preparation—dips, sauces, smoothies, things like that—and about the health-related benefits of nutrient-dense foods like yogurt. Plus the obesity issue hasn’t gone away and yogurt continues to score so highly on the nutrient-rich foods index. As the role of diet continues to grow in managing health, yogurt is well-positioned and Dannon is the best-positioned company based on the breadth of offerings in our portfolio.

Get more insights in our Q&A series and suggest a Q&A via editor@brandchannel.com.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter for more.

The post The Scoop on Dannon: 5 Questions With DanoneWave’s Michael Neuwirth appeared first on brandchannel:.

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[joejstrickl]

The Scoop on Dannon: 5 Questions With DanoneWave’s Michael Neuwirth

Proud of its 75-year history in America, Dannon resides at the top of the $8.5 billion U.S. yogurt business and has every intention of staying there. The U.S. subsidiary of France’s Danone, recently rebranded as DanoneWave North America with the acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, helped introduce Americans to yogurt, proving its chops as an innovator in the category with brands such as Activia and Danimals.

It’s intent on expanding its marketshare as the yogurt continues to expand and supermarket yogurt sections keep getting bigger.

The Dannon brand’s 34% share of the U.S. yogurt market makes it the anchor for a family of brands including Activia, Light & Fit plus its Oikos Greek yogurt franchise. It all started with Daniel Carasso, who arrived in New York from Spain in 1942 wanting to make yogurt as popular in the U.S., where it was virtually unknown before his arrival, as it was in Europe.

Legendary graphic designer Raymond Loewy helped with the visual design, and advised Carasso to use the spelling “Dannon” to make the French product easier to pronounce than Danone. Loewy created a wordmark logo, incorporating the phrase “real yogurt,” with three stars over the N’s in Dannon.

Fruit on the bottom came to Dannon in 1947 as the brand sought to disguise some of the natural acidity of yogurt that Americans weren’t used to. This innovation propelled the company to growth, along with flavors including raspberry, blueberry, orange and lemon. In 1973, Dannon launched the memorable “Soviet Georgian” ad campaign in which fit seniors credited yogurt for their longevity and vitality.

With its Fort Worth, Texas, plant opening Dannon became the first branded perishable dairy product to be sold coast to coast in the United States. By the late 1980s, Dannon was bringing more innovation to the growing U.S. yogurt market with Dannon Light (1988) for the weight-conscious and Danimals for kids (1994). Dannon scored another hit in 2006 with the introduction of probiotic yogurt in the Activia brand.

While Chobani helped make Greek yogurt mainstream in the U.S., Dannon launched Oikos in 2010 and has managed to fight Chobani for leadership in the U.S. It has also refined its purpose—parent DanoneWave is the largest public benefit corporation in the U.S., and Danone corporate is seeking a global B Corp certification.

#TheMoreYouKnow: What's the difference between a #PublicBenefitCorporation and a #BCorp? pic.twitter.com/OAFs7pMhD2

— DanoneWave (@DanoneWave) November 6, 2017

We spoke with Michael Neuwirth (right), senior director of external communications for DanoneWave, about Dannon’s past and future.

Looking back over Dannon’s 75 years, people may be surprised to learn it launched in New York City, and didn’t really take off until fruit was added in 1947 and marketing started in the 1970’s. Any other surprising facts you tell people who think they know their yogurt?

I love meeting people who are fans of their favorite yogurt brand and they say, “I love this product Activia, you guys should make that.” Or Light & Fit Greek-style. It’s surprising to people to learn that those and many other brands are part of the Dannon family. A lot of people don’t associate those brands—which are leaders in their segments—with Dannon. Our family is bigger than the sum of its parts.

Let’s talk about product innovation, which consumers expect today, such as unusual flavors and savory yogurt. Do you see the focus going back on the yogurt itself?

Yogurt began years ago with a simple accident: the mixing of milk with cultures. The power of that mixture is still the basic formula recipe of how it’s made. There is a focus back on yogurt itself and also fermented foods and these cultures, and how they can benefit consumers’ health and enjoyment of them. It’s not just yogurts. The rise of interest in—and continued quick growth of—plant-based yogurt and almond- and soy-based products are also a bright and growing spot in the yogurt category.

Consumers want sustainability in their food products, and Dannon has been active in the Non-GMO Project, announcing the Dannon Pledge in 2016 as well as the new DanoneWave’s promise to make sustainability and transparency central to your brands. Can you update us on that front?

About a month ago we finished a conversion of Danimals drinkables to all non-GMO as well as select varieties of the Dannon brand—and more to come on that. We’ve evolved, and basically this means that not only are the ingredients that we use to make the product non-GMO-verified but also the feed for the cows is Non-GMO Project-verified.

It’s the first time a large yogurt company—or any yogurt company—has made such a conversion, because we believe, and we hear from our shoppers, that they want those choices and expect them from companies and brands that they trust.

We're pleased to share that select Dannon yogurts & Danimals Smoothies have the @NonGMOProject seal! #KnowYourYogurt pic.twitter.com/Sai9at0H39

— The Dannon Company (@Dannon) September 25, 2017

We’re now able to start telling the stories about our farmers. We’ve posted our first video from our farmers about why this is important to them on the Dannon Pledge website. It’s unparalleled in the yogurt space and brings the product back to its roots.

When we made this pledge a year and a half ago we didn’t know exactly how we’d accomplish it or realize our ambitions, and a year and a half later we’re ahead on total volume of product that’s been converted to Non-GMO Project-verified, and farming partners are thrilled to be on the journey with us and they believe in this and are wonderfully supportive.

Take the Probiotic 2 Week Challenge as part of a healthy lifestyle & add #probiotics to your routine to take care of your #GutHealth. (3/4) pic.twitter.com/aOAMJT2BoB

— Activia US (@Activia) April 12, 2017

Health and wellness is another driving force for consumers over the years with yogurt, and Dannon was early in the game with probiotics and Activia. How do consumers regard probiotics now? 

The proliferation of probiotics and their benefits has been remarkable in 12 years since we launched Activia in the U.S. But shoppers are increasingly savvy about claims on products and are doing their homework. “How has this been studied? Is this a claim that holds up?” Activia had its challenges years ago [in legal language over its health claim], but the claim is fundamentally the same as it’s always been: a clear and well-defined digestive well-being benefit. What has changed is the expectation for great taste and convenience for probiotics. The introduction of smoothies for Activia is an indication of that.

To all of our plant-based eaters and flexitarians, this one’s for you. https://t.co/GaDkLeMko3

— DanoneWave (@DanoneWave) October 27, 2017

When you think about growth in the industry and for Dannon, where do you see the brand’s position in the next 5 years?

We will see continued market leadership because of the strategy we’ve pursued. We make products for all the different need states for yogurt, and there are many. We will see the versatility of yogurt continue to amaze us with ranges for weight management, digestive well-being, kids, snacking, protein. These different need states will continue to grow and new ones will be added over time.

My personal belief is that over time you will see more usage occasions in cooking and light meal preparation—dips, sauces, smoothies, things like that—and about the health-related benefits of nutrient-dense foods like yogurt. Plus the obesity issue hasn’t gone away and yogurt continues to score so highly on the nutrient-rich foods index. As the role of diet continues to grow in managing health, yogurt is well-positioned and Dannon is the best-positioned company based on the breadth of offerings in our portfolio.

Get more insights in our Q&A series and suggest a Q&A via editor@brandchannel.com.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter for more.

The post The Scoop on Dannon: 5 Questions With DanoneWave’s Michael Neuwirth appeared first on brandchannel:.

[markjsousa]

The Scoop on Dannon: 5 Questions With DanoneWave’s Michael Neuwirth

Proud of its 75-year history in America, Dannon resides at the top of the $8.5 billion U.S. yogurt business and has every intention of staying there. The U.S. subsidiary of France’s Danone, recently rebranded as DanoneWave North America with the acquisition of WhiteWave Foods, helped introduce Americans to yogurt, proving its chops as an innovator in the category with brands such as Activia and Danimals.

It’s intent on expanding its marketshare as the yogurt continues to expand and supermarket yogurt sections keep getting bigger.

The Dannon brand’s 34% share of the U.S. yogurt market makes it the anchor for a family of brands including Activia, Light & Fit plus its Oikos Greek yogurt franchise. It all started with Daniel Carasso, who arrived in New York from Spain in 1942 wanting to make yogurt as popular in the U.S., where it was virtually unknown before his arrival, as it was in Europe.

Legendary graphic designer Raymond Loewy helped with the visual design, and advised Carasso to use the spelling “Dannon” to make the French product easier to pronounce than Danone. Loewy created a wordmark logo, incorporating the phrase “real yogurt,” with three stars over the N’s in Dannon.

Fruit on the bottom came to Dannon in 1947 as the brand sought to disguise some of the natural acidity of yogurt that Americans weren’t used to. This innovation propelled the company to growth, along with flavors including raspberry, blueberry, orange and lemon. In 1973, Dannon launched the memorable “Soviet Georgian” ad campaign in which fit seniors credited yogurt for their longevity and vitality.

With its Fort Worth, Texas, plant opening Dannon became the first branded perishable dairy product to be sold coast to coast in the United States. By the late 1980s, Dannon was bringing more innovation to the growing U.S. yogurt market with Dannon Light (1988) for the weight-conscious and Danimals for kids (1994). Dannon scored another hit in 2006 with the introduction of probiotic yogurt in the Activia brand.

While Chobani helped make Greek yogurt mainstream in the U.S., Dannon launched Oikos in 2010 and has managed to fight Chobani for leadership in the U.S. It has also refined its purpose—parent DanoneWave is the largest public benefit corporation in the U.S., and Danone corporate is seeking a global B Corp certification.

#TheMoreYouKnow: What's the difference between a #PublicBenefitCorporation and a #BCorp? http://pic.twitter.com/OAFs7pMhD2

— DanoneWave (@DanoneWave) November 6, 2017

We spoke with Michael Neuwirth (right), senior director of external communications for DanoneWave, about Dannon’s past and future.

Looking back over Dannon’s 75 years, people may be surprised to learn it launched in New York City, and didn’t really take off until fruit was added in 1947 and marketing started in the 1970’s. Any other surprising facts you tell people who think they know their yogurt?

I love meeting people who are fans of their favorite yogurt brand and they say, “I love this product Activia, you guys should make that.” Or Light & Fit Greek-style. It’s surprising to people to learn that those and many other brands are part of the Dannon family. A lot of people don’t associate those brands—which are leaders in their segments—with Dannon. Our family is bigger than the sum of its parts.

Let’s talk about product innovation, which consumers expect today, such as unusual flavors and savory yogurt. Do you see the focus going back on the yogurt itself?

Yogurt began years ago with a simple accident: the mixing of milk with cultures. The power of that mixture is still the basic formula recipe of how it’s made. There is a focus back on yogurt itself and also fermented foods and these cultures, and how they can benefit consumers’ health and enjoyment of them. It’s not just yogurts. The rise of interest in—and continued quick growth of—plant-based yogurt and almond- and soy-based products are also a bright and growing spot in the yogurt category.

Consumers want sustainability in their food products, and Dannon has been active in the Non-GMO Project, announcing the Dannon Pledge in 2016 as well as the new DanoneWave’s promise to make sustainability and transparency central to your brands. Can you update us on that front?

About a month ago we finished a conversion of Danimals drinkables to all non-GMO as well as select varieties of the Dannon brand—and more to come on that. We’ve evolved, and basically this means that not only are the ingredients that we use to make the product non-GMO-verified but also the feed for the cows is Non-GMO Project-verified.

It’s the first time a large yogurt company—or any yogurt company—has made such a conversion, because we believe, and we hear from our shoppers, that they want those choices and expect them from companies and brands that they trust.

We're pleased to share that select Dannon yogurts & Danimals Smoothies have the @NonGMOProject seal! #KnowYourYogurt http://pic.twitter.com/Sai9at0H39

— The Dannon Company (@Dannon) September 25, 2017

We’re now able to start telling the stories about our farmers. We’ve posted our first video from our farmers about why this is important to them on the Dannon Pledge website. It’s unparalleled in the yogurt space and brings the product back to its roots.

When we made this pledge a year and a half ago we didn’t know exactly how we’d accomplish it or realize our ambitions, and a year and a half later we’re ahead on total volume of product that’s been converted to Non-GMO Project-verified, and farming partners are thrilled to be on the journey with us and they believe in this and are wonderfully supportive.

Take the Probiotic 2 Week Challenge as part of a healthy lifestyle & add #probiotics to your routine to take care of your #GutHealth. (3/4) http://pic.twitter.com/aOAMJT2BoB

— Activia US (@Activia) April 12, 2017

Health and wellness is another driving force for consumers over the years with yogurt, and Dannon was early in the game with probiotics and Activia. How do consumers regard probiotics now? 

The proliferation of probiotics and their benefits has been remarkable in 12 years since we launched Activia in the U.S. But shoppers are increasingly savvy about claims on products and are doing their homework. “How has this been studied? Is this a claim that holds up?” Activia had its challenges years ago [in legal language over its health claim], but the claim is fundamentally the same as it’s always been: a clear and well-defined digestive well-being benefit. What has changed is the expectation for great taste and convenience for probiotics. The introduction of smoothies for Activia is an indication of that.

To all of our plant-based eaters and flexitarians, this one’s for you. https://t.co/GaDkLeMko3

— DanoneWave (@DanoneWave) October 27, 2017

When you think about growth in the industry and for Dannon, where do you see the brand’s position in the next 5 years?

We will see continued market leadership because of the strategy we’ve pursued. We make products for all the different need states for yogurt, and there are many. We will see the versatility of yogurt continue to amaze us with ranges for weight management, digestive well-being, kids, snacking, protein. These different need states will continue to grow and new ones will be added over time.

My personal belief is that over time you will see more usage occasions in cooking and light meal preparation—dips, sauces, smoothies, things like that—and about the health-related benefits of nutrient-dense foods like yogurt. Plus the obesity issue hasn’t gone away and yogurt continues to score so highly on the nutrient-rich foods index. As the role of diet continues to grow in managing health, yogurt is well-positioned and Dannon is the best-positioned company based on the breadth of offerings in our portfolio.

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The post The Scoop on Dannon: 5 Questions With DanoneWave’s Michael Neuwirth appeared first on brandchannel:.

[organicfruitsindavao-blog]

Organic Farming in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the term “organic farming” is very loosely used. What is really the true meaning of the term?

It evolves on three issues. One is the non-usage of chemical inputs in terms of fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Second, it has to be non-GMO—meaning, no use of genetically modified organisms. The third one, which is the most important, is the issue of sustainability. This means that any farming system that is based on non-renewable resource like petroleum, cannot be sustainable. In other words, our farming system should not create pollution or poison. Everything should be recycled.

But some people say it’s so hard to prove that you are really doing 100% organic farming?

This is where the certification comes in. Like I can be 100% organic by practice but if my farm is in Davao, for example, and my neighbor happens to engage in the aerial spray of banana trees, I cannot be certified as organic because I’m contaminated.

Why has this certification issue become complicated?

Basically the problem lies in lobbying. There is a heavy lobbying for chemicals because there is big business in chemicals rather than going organic. Like if I teach you how to make your own fertilizer, I have no more business for you. In the same way if I teach you how to make botanical pesticide, I have no business for you. We are more pro-poor, pro-farmer. This is not just an issue of clean environment, it has also become a political issue. We teach the farmers how to breed hybrid inbred seeds so that they don’t need to buy anymore from the multinational seed companies. We have to understand that whoever controls the seeds controls everything. Those who control the seeds, they also control the pesticides, among many other things.

How organized is the organic farming industry?

It has a lot of fragments but there are also a surge of growing interest in organic farming. Like now, there is already an organization called Go-Organic Philippines. During the late ’90s, there were very few participants. Now there are many people going into this. Remember, we now have Executive Order 481, which aims to promote the organic farming industry in the country. I think they have a proposal of putting in excess of Php6oo million until 2010. So a lot of people really got interested.

Historically speaking, for the industry to grow, there has to be government help in the form of subsidy. If the government subsidizes the chemical industry they should also subsidize the organic industry. Secondly, the industry should be able to penetrate the mainstream supermarkets. Now, organic products are in supermarkets but it’s very loose. Most of them, they are not even certified.

Do we have any figures to show how many people are already engaged in organic farming?

We don’t have a benchmark figure yet, but let me put it this way. When we first proposed to the government, we were asking for 2% to 5% of total arable area to be devoted to organic farming. In terms of arable area, we are looking for about 5,000 to 7,000 hectares. There are many people who are going into this—like organic rice farming, but it’s only sold in the market as a regular rice.

One of my targets is to create a book or a booklet. It’s like a consumer guide on organic and natural foods. Like for example, coconuts are organic by neglect. Nobody uses fertilizers and sprays on the coconut tree, the same is true with saging na saba and talbos ng kamote. So there are really identifiable produce that are really grown naturally.

Is organic farming difficult to do?

It’s not that difficult than it was 10-15 years ago. Before I had poor yield. But now, after learning the technologies from the Japanese and the Koreans, and when I studied in the States, I found out it wasn’t that difficult. I said to myself, they were doing 10,000 acres of organic carrots in the US, why cannot we do it here? I am promoting three basic technologies. I developed a technique called 10-day composting without turning the pile. Second, I’ve learned a technique in the US — you only use two kilos of compost and it can fertilize one hectare of land.

Third, I’ve learned from the Japanese and the Koreans how to culture beneficial microorganisms. So I culture my own. We don’t have to buy microbes. We also learned how to do valuable extraction. Like if I need liquid nitrogen, instead of buying urea or ammonium sulfate, we just ferment wastes like fish scraps. We also extract malunggay. In the same way, if we want to make pesticides, we use the neem tree, kakawate and many other things. So these technologies are now available.

How would you describe the Philippine organic market?

There is always a market. In my experience, the defined market is composed of the health conscious people—these people have heard the sad stories of people who got poisoned by chemicals and pesticide. Then perhaps 30% of our market is composed of cancer patients. Because if you’re sick, you don’t want to ingest more poison. The third are the expats and the balikbayans — these are the people who are more aware of the benefits of consuming organic products. But I must agree that those who can afford to buy these still belong to the AB market.

How much are these products sold?

Internationally, organic produce are 20%-30% more expensive than the traditional produce. Here, it all depends. It can be 1,000% more or less. Let me give you an example. You can buy a conventional pechay in the market for P20/kilo. Some organic markets will see an organic pechay for P40/kilo, some would even sell for as much as P120/kilo. There are no standards or set rules. It’s a law of supply and demand. If it’s an unusual product, I can price that heavily. Lettuce, for example. The wholesale price of an organic lettuce is P8o-P1oo/kilo, which means that the retail price should be double. So it’s sold at a range of P120-P240/kilo.

How do you see the organic farming industry five to ten years from now?

I’ll still say the same thing that I said several years ago: whether you like it or not, the norm of the future is to go organic because we have no choice. If we do not take care of the environment, we are at the losing end. We kill the soil, we kill the environment and we eventually kill ourselves. There is no other way. If we want to survive as human species, we have to adapt a sustainable approach to food production and one of them is organic farming.

Five years, from now, it’s a matter of mainstreaming. In the US now, organic produce are in the mainstream market. You go to a supermarket you will find some organic products. When I left the States, there is no such thing—only specialty shops and stores. But right now, Walmart has announced that they will go organic. Here, it is through government subsidy and mainstreaming in the supermarkets that will spell the progress of the organic farming industry.

And now, because of the financial crisis, this is my belief. You see, we have organized ourselves— this is an adaptation of what they did in the US which is called the 4H club. It was developed in the US during the Great Depression. The main philosophy of this is really for people in the city to try to go to the countryside and produce their own food.

Who needs to drink softdrinks and all the non-essentials in time of deep crisis? We have to go back to the basics. So going back to the countryside is really a way to curb our financial crisis. And going organic is one of the ways not only to help protect our environment and maintain good health. It’s also a way to sustain food production and empower our farmers!

SOURCE: http://www.mixph.com/organic-farming-in-the-philippines/

[organiclifestylemagazine]

Can Environmentalists Eat Steak? Is Grass-fed, Free-range Better?

Healthy animals mean a healthy environment, right? What about concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)? These “factory farms” must be cancerous to the environment.

This all seems like common sense, but our common sense can sometimes lead us in the wrong direction.

Gassy Cows and Global Warming

Many studies point to the fact that the production of beef pollutes the atmosphere with more greenhouse gases than the production of any other food. This is because cows are ruminants — a type of animal that acquires nutrients from plant-based food by fermenting their food in a specialized stomach. Because of this fermentation process, cows burp, fart, pee, and poop persistently throughout the day, which adds more greenhouse gases — like methane gas and nitrous oxide — to the environment.

Although fluorinated gases that are commonly used as refrigerants and aerosol propellants are the most potent and longest lasting greenhouse gasses, methane gas and nitrous oxide still have a 25 and 300 times greater impact respectively on global warming than carbon dioxide. Cows and other ruminants also eat plenty of oxygen-producing, carbon-dioxide-absorbing plants.

The Case Against Raising Healthy and Happy Cows

At this point, you may be thinking that cows that live long and healthy lives on pasture are bad for the environment, and you are not alone. Dr. Bill Ripple is a prominent ecologist known for his work researching the roles of large carnivores in ecological systems around the world, and he agrees with you.

Ripple took his expertise to climate change and found that pastured cattle contributed two to four times more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere than cows raised in CAFOs.

This isn’t even the worst of it. Cattle have also been found to destroy ecosystems with their grazing. In 1990, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service banished grazing cattle from a 278,000-acre refuge called Hart Mountain to try to restore the ecosystem that was presumably destroyed by grazing cattle. After two decades, trees, shrubs, and flowers flourished providing a beautiful environment for birds, antelopes, and other species to thrive.

This suggests that healthy and happy cows destroy the environment in multiple ways. They produce potent greenhouses gases with their inefficient digestive system and make it hard for ecosystems to thrive. But what do you do if you want to have a big juicy steak and stop global warming?

Bill Ripple’s findings suggest that you should get that steak from a sick and diseased cow that is confined to a jail cell and has a shorter lifespan. Or just give up steak all together and become a vegetarian or vegan. Problem solved!

Hold on, what about all of the cattle? Even if we don’t eat them they will still be grazing, burping, and farting. Should we — dare I say — kill them?

The Bigger Picture: Joel Salatin and Sustainable Farming Practices

The amount of methane emitted by fermentation is the same whether it occurs in the cow or outside.” – Joel Salatin

That’s a brief excerpt from Joel’s rebuttal to the assertion that sustainable grass-fed beef is bad for the environment.

Joel Salatin is the owner of Polyface Farms in Virginia — a farm that produces pasture-raised, beyond organic beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and rabbits.

In his rebuttal, Joel continues by explaining that “…wetlands emit some 95% of all methane in the world.” If you were to fact-check his statement you’d find it to be true, which suggests that if you are going to blame happy and healthy livestock for global warming, you should blame nature as well. Better yet, blame your trash, too — it should know by now not to produce methane gas.

But still, according to Dr. Ripples, findings at Hart Mountain, Salatin’s farm should be struggling to maintain lush green pastures. Although this may be true for other farms that Salatin claims are under “neanderthal management”, Polyface farms uses many different methods like rotational grazing to get the most out of the land while keeping it lush and fertile.

Regardless of what Joel Salatin says, CAFOs are still known to be a much more efficient use of land, and the animals they produce add much less greenhouse gas to the atmosphere due to their shorter lifespans.

Should we just give up on raising happy and healthy livestock?

CAFOs are a NONO

It is a fact that CAFO beef produces less greenhouse gas emissions than grass-fed beef, but this reductionist approach to climate change leaves out many other factors.

For example, animals raised in CAFOs are usually fed GMO soybean, GMO corn, and GMO grain feed. GMOs themselves may not be an issue for the animal (which is debatable), but these GMO crops are covered in pesticides. These pesticides contaminate the meat, the soil, and the water, while the synthetic fertilizers that are used contribute a substantial amount of nitrous oxide — the second most potent greenhouse gas — to the atmosphere.

These growing practices deplete the soil of its nutrients and mycorrhiza ( soil probiotics), which causes us to use more pesticides and fertilizers to yield the same amount of food. These poor farming practices contribute 75% of all the nitrous oxide found in the atmosphere.

The way that animal waste is handled in CAFOs is also a problem that contributes excess nitrous oxide and methane gas to the atmosphere. The manure and urine often accumulate into a “poo lagoon” that contaminates the soil and water with pesticide and antibiotic residues, methane, and nitrous oxide.

When we consider all of the evidence, both Bill Ripple and Joel Salatin are right. Pasture-raised cattle — without a doubt — produce more greenhouse gases than any other animal. But — at the same time — livestock can be raised in a way that is much better for the environment (as a whole) than CAFO-raised livestock.

The beyond organic farming practices that farms like Polyface and White Oak Pastures use are making it possible for this to happen — making it possible to have healthy meat, healthy humans, and a healthy environment at the same time.

Must Read: Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods

The Future of Food Production

Joel Salatin is ahead of his time when it comes to farming. He uses ingenious methods that work together with nature to create healthy meat and a healthy ecosystem.

For example, instead of letting the manure and urine sit in “poo lagoons” and contaminate the water, it is used as a natural soil fertilizer. The bugs and pests that are attracted to the manure and urine are then eaten by the chickens, who act as natural “pesticides”. This helps maintain the health of the soil and foliage while reducing the amount of methane gas and nitrous oxide that is released into the atmosphere. Joel also moves the animals to different pastures so they do not overgraze specific plots of land. By doing things in this way, he maximizes efficiency and maintains a healthy ecosystem.

As Joel Salatin’s methods — and the methods of many other farmers like Will Harris at White Oak Pastures — continue to evolve, we will be able to ensure a happy and healthy life for us, the animals, and the environment without the need for CAFOs and mono-cropping.

But we still didn’t figure out how to stop global warming, and the solution is not to keep cows from burping, farting, pooping, and peeing.

Related: Permaculture Agriculture – The Transition to a Sustainable Future

The Real Cause of Global Warming

Although this article focuses heavily on the effects that meat production has on the environment — here’s the punchline — agriculture (including livestock) only contributes 9% to the total greenhouse gas emissions.

This is why you can’t blame the cow for burping and farting so much — the problem is us.

We dug out fossil fuels that weren’t a part of the environment anymore and added them back to the atmosphere at such rapid rates that we are causing the planet to change just as rapidly. Even 7.5 billion cows burping and farting at the same time couldn’t do that.

The solution to global warming doesn’t solely rely on our meat consumption. Saving our planet requires a multi-faceted approach.

How To Stop Global Warming

It all starts with using less electricity and gas and using more energy from renewable resources. Rather than driving to the gym to get your exercise, combine exercise with other activities you will do anyway. To conserve electricity, use natural light or lights that are powered by a hand crank or the sun.

When it comes to food, buy the highest quality food that is as local as possible. High-quality, bio-dynamic, or beyond-organic foods are much better for your health and the health of the environment, and eating local ensures that less gas will be used to get the food to your house. But what about meat?

When it comes to eating meat, moderation is key. Meat — without a doubt — is packed with nutrition, but most of us consume much more meat than is necessary.

An NPR article from 2012 found that the United States had the second highest meat consumption in the world — consuming 270.7 pounds per person every year. This works out to 3/4 of a pound of meat per day. But how do we know how much meat is enough?

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — “…to effectively combat malnutrition and under-nourishment…” — they suggest consuming 20g of animal protein per person per day.

This means that eating around 1/4 pound of lean meat or fish or 3 eggs a day is just enough to prevent some vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It would be even better for the environment, however, to limit your consumption of beef and replace it with other animal proteins that have the lowest environmental impact like eggs, mussels, and oysters.

A Better Lifestyle for You and the Environment

Let’s make the complex topic of climate change simple. Here are some practical steps you can use to build a life that is healthy for you and the environment:

Source all of your foods from local organic farms

Combine your daily exercise with practical tasks to cut down on gas and electricity

Get all of your fruits and vegetables from beyond organic and/or bio-dynamic farms

Get all of your animal products from sustainable farms like Polyface or White Oak Pastures

Limit your animal protein servings to a quarter pound of meat a day

Eat most of your animal proteins from animals that have the lowest environmental impact like eggs, mussels, and oysters.

Reuse, repurpose, and recycle as many food scraps as possible to limit the amount of methane produced by landfills. To find out how, read our article on how to reduce food waste.

Limit your use of air conditioners (especially in cars) and aerosol sprays to reduce the amount of fluorinated gas that accumulates in the atmosphere.

When cooking your food, follow the suggestions here, Does Meat Cause Cancer? Yes and No…

By making as many of these adjustments as we can, we will improve our health, animal health, and environmental health — so that we can clean up the mess that we created.

Recommended Reading:

Is Wheat Poison? What’s Behind the Rise of Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

How to Cure Lyme Disease and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally

Textile Industry’s Health and Environmental Impacts – What Are You Wearing?

Can Progressive, Cutting-edge Organic Agriculture Feed Everyone?

My Journey into Organic Farming

Sources:

Joel Salatin responds to New York Times’ ‘Myth of Sustainable Meat’ — Grist

No, Grass-Fed Beef is Not Better for the Planet — Forks Over Knives

Why Go Organic, Grass-Fed and Pasture-Raised? — EWG

Meat Consumption — FAO

Understanding Global Warming Potentials — EPA

Overview of Greenhouse Gases — EPA

Ruminants, climate change and climate policy — Climate & Clean Air Coalition

A Nation Of Meat Eaters: See How It All Adds Up — NPR

Meatifest destiny: How Big Meat is taking over the Midwest — Grist

How much does animal agriculture and eating meat contribute to global warming? — Skeptical Science

Main sources of fluorinated gas emissions — What’s Your Impact

Can Environmentalists Eat Steak? Is Grass-fed, Free-range Better? was originally published on Organic Lifestyle Magazine