#soybean benefits

[harmeet-saggi]

Health Benefits Of Soyabean : Its Use And Side Effects

Are you looking for a versatile and protein-rich food to add to your balanced diet? Have you ever wondered about the health benefits of soybean and its potential side effects? In this comprehensive blog, we'll explore the world of soybean, from its numerous uses and benefits to its potential drawbacks. So, let's dive right in and discover why soybean deserves a special place in your healthy diet!

[nicearchive]

Source : Google

[reasonsforhope]

The World's Forests Are Doing Much Better Than We Think

You might be surprised to discover... that many of the world’s woodlands are in a surprisingly good condition. The destruction of tropical forests gets so much (justified) attention that we’re at risk of missing how much progress we’re making in cooler climates.

That’s a mistake. The slow recovery of temperate and polar forests won’t be enough to offset global warming, without radical reductions in carbon emissions. Even so, it’s evidence that we’re capable of reversing the damage from the oldest form of human-induced climate change — and can do the same again.

Take England. Forest coverage now is greater than at any time since the Black Death nearly 700 years ago, with some 1.33 million hectares of the country covered in woodlands. The UK as a whole has nearly three times as much forest as it did at the start of the 20th century.

That’s not by a long way the most impressive performance. China’s forests have increased by about 607,000 square kilometers since 1992, a region the size of Ukraine. The European Union has added an area equivalent to Cambodia to its woodlands, while the US and India have together planted forests that would cover Bangladesh in an unbroken canopy of leaves.

Logging in the tropics means that the world as a whole is still losing trees. Brazil alone removed enough woodland since 1992 to counteract all the growth in China, the EU and US put together. Even so, the planet’s forests as a whole may no longer be contributing to the warming of the planet. On net, they probably sucked about 200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year between 2011 and 2020, according to a 2021 study. The CO2 taken up by trees narrowly exceeded the amount released by deforestation. That’s a drop in the ocean next to the 53.8 billion tons of greenhouse gases emitted in 2022 — but it’s a sign that not every climate indicator is pointing toward doom...

More than a quarter of Japan is covered with planted forests that in many cases are so old they’re barely recognized as such. Forest cover reached its lowest extent during World War II, when trees were felled by the million to provide fuel for a resource-poor nation’s war machine. Akita prefecture in the north of Honshu island was so denuded in the early 19th century that it needed to import firewood. These days, its lush woodlands are a major draw for tourists.

It’s a similar picture in Scandinavia and Central Europe, where the spread of forests onto unproductive agricultural land, combined with the decline of wood-based industries and better management of remaining stands, has resulted in extensive regrowth since the mid-20th century. Forests cover about 15% of Denmark, compared to 2% to 3% at the start of the 19th century.

Even tropical deforestation has slowed drastically since the 1990s, possibly because the rise of plantation timber is cutting the need to clear primary forests. Still, political incentives to turn a blind eye to logging, combined with historically high prices for products grown and mined on cleared tropical woodlands such as soybeans, palm oil and nickel, mean that recent gains are fragile.

There’s no cause for complacency in any of this. The carbon benefits from forests aren’t sufficient to offset more than a sliver of our greenhouse pollution. The idea that they’ll be sufficient to cancel out gross emissions and get the world to net zero by the middle of this century depends on extraordinarily optimistic assumptions on both sides of the equation.

Still, we should celebrate our success in slowing a pattern of human deforestation that’s been going on for nearly 100,000 years. Nothing about the damage we do to our planet is inevitable. With effort, it may even be reversible.

-via Bloomburg, January 28, 2024

[alexanderwales]

Polyculture is the agricultural practice of having two or more crops growing together to benefit both of them, as opposed to monoculture, which is when you have only a single crop.

Polyculture is just ... so awesome? It's legitimately one of my favorite things.

This is a fish-rice system, where the flooded rice paddy is home to a bunch of fish. The fish act as pesticides (eating bugs that are attracted to the rice) and herbicides (eating weeds) and fertilizer (by pooping). And then you can eat the fish!

But there's actually a third polycultural element here, which is invisible in most picture: rice paddies are home to cyanobacteria, which provides nitrogen fixing. The nitrogen cycle was unknown to humans for most of human history, but they had figured out that this goop was increasing yields, so they mixed mud from different fields to promote the growth of cyanobacteria, and planted some plants that had symbiosis with it.

You can also do this polyculture with other things too. Partly for cultural reasons and partly because of the water, it's done more often with rice than other crops, and you can add in some ducks to the fish. There are places that have shrimp instead of fish, and apparently a few examples of turtles being raised in the rice fields, but I haven't been able to find a picture of that.

I grew up in the Midwest, around what felt like endless fields of corn and soybeans. I worked on a farm in high school and learned how to drive a tractor. But I always hated how it looked, how sterile and samey it was.

The reason that monoculture has mostly won out, even as we understand biology and ecology better, is that our crops are largely planted and harvested by machine, and that's always going to be easier to do if you're monocropping. There are some forms of intercropping where you can still use machines, but there are expenses associated with it. Besides, all the things you'd use polyculture for like pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer can be sprayed over the crops using standardized machines.

But things like this, marigolds used as pest repellant for coconut trees, just makes me wish that somehow it made sense to weave crops together:

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Agroecology can delay effects of climate crisis on Brazilian crops

Excessive heat is impacting soybean, corn, and rice crops in southern Brazil, as well as coffee and fruit plantations in the southeast. Each year, climate change poses a growing threat to food production.

According to climatologist Francis Lacerda, a researcher at the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, agroecology strategies can help slow these effects and mitigate the risk of food insecurity—at least for now. “There are practices that can still reduce these impacts. I say ‘still’ because soon, they may no longer be effective,” warns the expert.

The first step is reforestation. “A common practice in agroecology is intercropping. You plant a fruit tree alongside legumes, beans, or corn—everything together. These plants interact in ways that benefit each other. Some have deep taproots that access water underground, while others do not. Plants that struggle with intense radiation thrive when grown alongside larger trees that provide shade. We need to reforest and implement this agroforestry system,” explains the expert.

She adds that crop diversification enhances soil fertility and protection while reducing the risk of pests and diseases. “This approach helps eliminate the need for pesticides and provides farmers with both environmental and financial benefits, including lower production costs and a more diverse harvest, which reduces economic risks associated with extreme weather conditions,” Lacerda states.

Continue reading.

[fuzzballsheltiepants]

People always want to say that we shouldn't let politics divide us. That used to be true. The thing is, voting for Trump in this election tells me a lot about who you are as a person. So does abstaining, or voting third party.

If you support Trump, you are telling the world that you don't care about disadvantaged people, you don't care about the LGBTQ+ community, you don't care about the Black community, the Indigenous community, the Latino community. You don't care about pregnant people having complications, or those who don't wish to be pregnant. You don't care about seniors, who are looking at loss of Social Security and Medicare prescription benefits, and the retirement age being raised. You don't care about your own right to vote in the future. If you support Trump, you don't care about honesty, or decency, or fidelity. You don't care about competence. You can deny this, but if at the same time you're filling out your ballot for this man, your denials will ring hollow.

In the past 2 weeks, we've seen Trump's campaign have a horrifically racist rally in MSG. We've seen him threaten political enemies with facing a firing squad. We've seen him pretend to fellate a microphone. We've seen him lie about knowing Epstein, and we've gotten access to tapes of Epstein talking about the real Donald Trump, the one who he was friends with for decades. And we've seen him once again dog-whistling the Proud Boys.

You were paying less for groceries in 2019? Yeah, blame the corporations who took advantage of supply chain shortages to jack up prices and then decided those higher prices were what the market would bear. The government doesn't set grocery prices, and Harris actually has a plan to try to stop price gouging and collusion. Trump has a plan to once again add tariffs to China, something he did in his first term that had absolutely catastrophic effects on US farmers when China did the same to us and started getting their soybeans from Brazil instead. You may not remember the 28 billion dollar bailout that was given - ineffectually - to Iowa farmers, but you better believe the farmers do.

You don't agree with the US continuing to fund Israel's actions? Harris has challenged Netanyahu, called the situation a humanitarian crisis, and has, with the rest of the Biden administration, been trying to negotiate a ceasefire, only to be constantly stymied by Trump. Trump brags about being besties with Netanyahu, who he talks to regularly (despite that being, you know, illegal).

You're concerned about the border? Crossings are way down this year, to 2019 levels, and that's DESPITE the bipartisan border bill being crushed in Congress due to - you guessed it - Trump pressuring the GOP not to vote for it because he thought it would help him politically.

Your rent is out of control and you want to buy a house? Harris has a plan to build hundreds of thousands of new affordable homes AND help first-time homebuyers with down payments.

Your health care costs too much? How about the Harris prescription plan, which will cap ALL prescription costs, not just for seniors, and will cap ALL insulin at $35 regardless of age or healthcare plan?

You don't want to vote, or you insist on voting for Stein despite the fact that she has no plans, doesn't know how the government works, and has done zero for this country ever? You're telling us that it's more important to keep your own hands clean instead of helping take one tiny step in the direction of freedom, the direction of equality.

Your vote is your voice. And we can hear it.

[political-us]

The new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on China, Mexico, and Canada will have widespread effects on American goods and services. Here’s how they are likely to impact different aspects of the economy:

1. Higher Costs for Businesses and Consumers

Many American businesses rely on imported materials, components, and products from these countries. Tariffs increase the cost of these imports, forcing companies to either absorb the costs (reducing profits) or pass them on to consumers.

Industries such as automotive, electronics, manufacturing, and retail will see price hikes, making everyday goods more expensive for American consumers.

2. Inflationary Pressure

Tariffs function like a tax on imported goods, leading to higher prices across the board.

If companies pass increased costs to consumers, inflation could rise, making goods and services more expensive and potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to reconsider interest rate policies.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions & Business Uncertainty

Companies that rely on raw materials, electronics, and auto parts from these countries may face delays and shortages, forcing them to find alternative suppliers or move production, which takes time and money.

Some businesses might restructure their supply chains by sourcing materials from other countries or increasing domestic production, but this transition isn't immediate and could further increase costs.

4. Retaliation from Trading Partners

Canada, Mexico, and China have signaled that they may impose their own tariffs on U.S. exports, which could hurt American industries that depend on international trade, such as agriculture, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Farmers, in particular, could face declining demand for crops like soybeans, corn, and dairy products, which were previously targeted in retaliatory tariffs during the Trump-era trade war.

5. Impact on the Stock Market & Business Investment

Investors dislike uncertainty. If businesses anticipate lower profits due to higher costs or potential trade disruptions, stock markets may react negatively.

Companies may delay hiring or expansion plans due to concerns over higher operational costs and shifting trade dynamics.

6. Possible Job Losses in Affected Industries

If businesses face significantly higher costs and declining demand due to retaliatory tariffs, some industries could see layoffs or reduced hiring.

Manufacturing and export-dependent sectors, such as automotive, steel, and agriculture, may be hit the hardest.

Potential Silver Linings

Some industries, like domestic manufacturing and steel production, could see short-term gains if companies decide to shift production back to the U.S. instead of relying on imports.

The government may use tariff revenues to invest in domestic industries or subsidies, potentially offsetting some negative effects.

Bottom Line

The new tariffs will likely increase costs for businesses and consumers, contribute to inflation, and create uncertainty in financial markets and supply chains. While some domestic industries might benefit, the risk of retaliatory tariffs and economic slowdown poses a challenge for the broader U.S. economy.

[angelacademy]

Clear skin is more than just skincare: Gut Health

(A science based read)

What you eat is shown through your skin and on body. If your constantly shoving junk down your throat, junk is what will be shown on you. Essentially what you eat is what you are.

Eat bad -> bad skin

Eat good -> good skin

If your constantly breaking out and you feel icky. You need to figure out what is up with your gut health.

Research suggests many skin disorders are linked to an altered or unbalanced gut microbiome.

“When the relationship between gut microbiome and the immune system is impaired, subsequent effects can be triggered on the skin, potentially promoting the development of skin diseases.”

“13 Several dermatologic conditions, such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea are linked with intestinal dysbiosis. 223 Many studies have associated gastrointestinal health with skin homeostasis and allostasis, and there is evidence of a bidirectional interaction between the gut and the skin.”

Diet, drugs and other consumed substances affect skin through gut microbiome:

“Several studies have related the diversity and pathogenicity of the gut microbiome to skin disorders, which can be significantly altered by long-term dietary patterns. 43,105–107 Diet can affect the skin condition both positively and negatively through alteration of the gut microbiome, indicating that there is a relationship between the skin and the gut. 16 Not only diet, but also many synthetic and natural products consumed by humans as drugs can provide direct and indirect evidence on the connection between gut microbiome and skin.”

High and low fat diet:

“In the gut, a diet high in industrial trans-fatty acids increases the number of harmful microbes (such as Desulfovibrionaceae and Proteobacteria) while suppressing populations of advantageous microorganisms (e.g. members of Bacteroidetes, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidales). 121 Refined and hydrogenated oils (e.g., soybean, sunflower, safflower, canola, corn, and vegetable oils) can cause inflammation in the gut, which then manifests on the skin.”

Industrially produced trans fat can be found in margarine, vegetable shortening, Vanaspati ghee, fried foods, and baked goods such as crackers, biscuits and pies. Baked and fried street and restaurant foods often contain industrially produced trans fat.

Prebiotics:

“133,134 Prebiotics, such as fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, inulin, polydextrose, lactulose, sorbitol, and xylitol are a promising group of compounds that modulate the gut microbiome and can also provide skin benefits.”

“The effect of prebiotics on the skin condition is also obvious. For example, a Lactobacillus extract helps to reduce the size of acne lesions as well as inflammation by reducing skin erythema, improving skin barrier function and lowering the microbial counts on skin.”

types of prebiotics include:

Chicory root

Garlic

Onion

Dandelion greens

Apples

Bananas

Jerusalem artichoke

Asparagus

Probiotics:

“Probiotics can prevent gut colonization by pathogens and support anti-inflammatory responses by producing metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties. The most common probiotic microbes currently in use belong to the genera Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and Streptococcus. 143,144 Several beneficial effects of probiotic consumption have been demonstrated on many dermatological conditions, thus proving the existence of the gut-skin axis.”

Common types of probiotics include:

Lactobacillus: This is a common probiotic found in fermented foods, such as yogurt.

Bifidobacterium: This probiotic is found in some dairy products and helps with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Saccharomyces boulardii: This is a type of yeast found in many probiotics. You can find these probiotics and more in supplements and select foods.

Yogurt

Buttermilk

Cottage cheese

Miso soup

Sauerkraut

Kefir

Kimchi

Tempeh

Protein:

“The proteins from animal-based food sources may have better effects on gut microbiota compared to plant-based food sources due to the higher protein digestibility of animal proteins and the fact that the digestion of plant proteins may be limited by the presence of antinutritional factors found in plants [67]. Animal proteins have more balanced essential amino acids than plant proteins [68,69] and are thus considered higher quality protein.”

“Dairy and meat protein intake at a recommended level increased the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus and maintained a more balanced composition of gut microbiota compared to soy protein, which is beneficial to the host [25,26,28].”

“Your body makes lots of different peptides, each of which has a different role. Scientists can also make synthetic peptides in the lab. Companies have been adding peptides to skin care products for decades.”

High protein foods:

Salmon

Chicken breast

Tuna

Red split lentils

Tofu

Greek yogurt

Fibre:

“Dietary fibre is comprised of plant-based carbohydrates that cannot be metabolised by digestive enzymes encoded in the human genome, such as amylase. Instead, fibre can only be metabolized by certain species of gut microbiota through anaerobic fermentation, with the main product of this reaction being SCFAs.”

“Dietary fibre is a carbohydrate in plant foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and legumes, which have been dominant in human diets for millions of years. From the Paleolithic era, when the hunter-gatherers mainly ate fruit and wild grains, to the agricultural era, when crops began to be cultivated, the ancients consumed more than 100 g of various digestible and indigestible dietary fibre from plants per day [1,2].”

Fibre rich foods:

Chia seeds

Lentils

Broccoli

Avacado

Carrots

Red kidney beans

Raspberries

XOXO

[dandelionh3art]

If the United States were to stop importing goods from BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), it would have significant economic, geopolitical, and domestic consequences. Here are some key implications:

Economic Impact

Higher Prices for Consumers – The U.S. relies heavily on imports from BRICS nations, especially China and India, for electronics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured goods. Cutting off these imports would lead to supply shortages and price increases.

Supply Chain Disruptions – Many American industries depend on raw materials and components from BRICS nations. For example:

China supplies rare earth minerals essential for electronics.

India is a major source of generic pharmaceuticals.

Brazil provides agricultural products like soybeans and beef.

Inflation and Economic Slowdown – Reduced imports could drive inflation higher as businesses struggle to replace affordable BRICS products, impacting U.S. economic growth.

Geopolitical Consequences

Strengthening BRICS' Influence – BRICS nations are already working toward reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar and increasing trade among themselves. A U.S. import ban could push them closer together and accelerate de-dollarization efforts.

Loss of Leverage in Global Trade – The U.S. benefits from economic interdependence, which gives it leverage in trade negotiations. Cutting off BRICS imports could weaken its influence.

Trade Wars and Retaliation – BRICS countries may retaliate by restricting exports to the U.S., which could affect key American industries. China, for instance, could limit its exports of rare earth metals, crippling the U.S. tech sector.

Domestic Challenges

Job Losses in Import-Dependent Sectors – Many U.S. businesses, especially retailers and manufacturers, rely on BRICS imports. Companies that can't afford to shift to alternative suppliers may downsize or shut down.

Need for Domestic Production Growth – While reducing dependency on BRICS could push for more domestic production, it would take years to develop infrastructure, workforce, and supply chains to replace imports.

Possible Long-Term Benefits

Stronger Domestic Manufacturing – If the U.S. successfully shifts production back home or sources from allied nations, it could reduce reliance on geopolitical rivals.

Reduced Economic Influence of China �� Since China is the largest BRICS economy, cutting imports could slow its economic rise, though it would also harm U.S. businesses that rely on Chinese trade.

Conclusion

While reducing reliance on BRICS might align with some U.S. strategic goals, an outright ban on imports would likely cause economic pain, inflation, and geopolitical instability. A more balanced approach—diversifying trade partners and reshoring critical industries—would likely be a more sustainable path.

[mariacallous]

China is the first major country to strike back at the United States with counter-tariffs in response to the global trade war that U.S. President Donald Trump launched this week. The Chinese Ministry of Finance announced on April 4 that Beijing will levy 34 percent tariffs on all U.S. imports, on top of existing tariffs. The new measures will go into effect on April 10, a day after Trump’s “retaliatory tariffs” on China and other U.S. trading partners are scheduled to begin.

China’s announcement matches the U.S. move, eye for eye. On April 2, Trump’s so-called “liberation day,” the United States slapped 34 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, on top of the 20 percent duties already imposed over the past two months and preexisting tariffs. In total, the back-to-back hits will bring the average tariff rate on Chinese imports up to 76 percent, according to Chad Bown, an international trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. That number goes beyond the 60 percent tariffs that Trump threatened to impose on China during his election campaign.

China exports nearly $440 billion in goods to the United States, from iPhones to toys. Trump’s tariffs on those imports are expected to be a drag on U.S. GDP and increase inflation. At the same time, the tariffs will likely deal a blow to the Chinese economy, shaving some 2.4 percent off its GDP this year, according to one projection from Citigroup.

China had taken a measured approach to Trump’s tariffs until this week. But faced with real economic pain, the country decided to swing harder at the United States. Although Beijing’s tariff rate matches Trump’s, the U.S. tariffs include carve-outs for energy and chips, among other products. Beijing provides no such loopholes, making its tariffs more aggressive by some measures. “These new measures can be viewed by the White House as non-proportional and risk a further response from the White House in terms of additional retaliatory steps, including tariffs,” said Wendy Cutler, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

At the same time, China imports far less from the United States than it exports to the country—$143.5 billion. That means China has less leverage when it comes to trade. Still, the new tariffs will put the squeeze on some U.S. industries.

U.S. farmers will be hit particularly hard. China imported more than $29 billion in agricultural goods from the United States in 2024, with its biggest purchases being soybeans, oilseeds, and grains. Last month, China imposed 10 to 15 percent tariffs on key U.S. agricultural products, and the new 34 percent will be layered on top. One trader told Reuters, “It is like shutting down all U.S. agricultural imports. We are not sure if any imports will be viable with 34 percent duty.”

Angry U.S. farmers in Republican-majority states, facing tariffs from China and likely other countries soon, will be hard for Trump to ignore. “I think this is definitely at the high end of escalation, I would say, so I don’t think it’s going to sit very comfortably in the White House at all,” said George Magnus, an economist at Oxford University’s China Center.

Rising prices on U.S. imports will also affect China, of course, but experts said China can still substitute U.S. goods with those from other countries. Brazil is likely to emerge as a winner in the U.S.-China trade war, for instance, as China looks for a new source of soybeans. The country already benefited from new Chinese demand as a result of Trump’s trade war with China during his first term.

Beyond the tariffs, China imposed other retaliatory measures on April 4. They include adding 11 U.S. companies to China’s unreliable entities list, meaning the firms cannot do business in China; adding 16 U.S. companies to China’s export control list, banning Chinese companies from exporting dual-use items to those firms; launching an anti-dumping investigation into a CT X-ray tube maker and an anti-monopoly investigation against U.S. chemical firm Dupont; and blocking certain U.S. sorghum and poultry companies from exporting to China on the basis of food safety concerns.

Of particular note is Beijing’s announcement of export restrictions on seven kinds of heavy rare earth elements, the powerful raw materials that underpin advanced weapons systems and green technologies.

By targeting rare earths, Beijing is highlighting one of Washington’s key vulnerabilities. China largely dominates the supply chains for many of the world’s critical minerals, but its command over global rare earth supply chains is overwhelming. Today, Chinese companies account for some 85 percent of rare earth processing and 92 percent of magnet production. Beijing has previously banned the export of technologies for rare earth magnet production, extraction, and separation.

The announcement is certain to spark alarm in Washington, which has sought to diversify from Beijing’s grip for years and has made forging new critical mineral supply chains a top priority under the second Trump administration. China has already shown its willingness to wield its critical mineral supply chain against the United States in recent trade spats, including by imposing export restrictions on gallium and germanium—two chipmaking inputs—graphite, and antimony.

For Washington, this will “add more fuel to the fire,” said Christopher Ecclestone, a mining strategist at the financial advisory firm Hallgarten & Company.

Still, such export restrictions are relatively mild compared to imposing tariffs, quotas, or bans, said Gracelin Baskaran, a critical mineral security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “These are of the lowest level,” she said.

“It’s a warning shot with some consequence, obviously—but not nearly as bad as it could be,” Baskaran said. “There’s significant room for this to get worse if the administration chooses to escalate the trade war with China.”

Where does this flurry of tit-for-tat measures leave the two countries? Over recent months, Trump has signaled his interest in negotiating a new trade deal with China to close the trade deficit, his long-standing complaint. That was already going to be a challenge given the export-centric nature of China’s economy. China failed to hit the purchase targets for U.S. goods established in the phase one trade deal brokered in Trump’s first term.

The sweeping tariffs have soured the mood for a renewal of talks. “I think with each new step in actions by the United States or China, the prospects of getting back to the table and negotiating a trade agreement in good faith becomes more difficult,” Cutler said.

Still, the economic pain ratcheting up on both sides of the Pacific could eventually force the United States and China to negotiate. The S&P 500 fell nearly 5 percent in the wake of Trump’s announcement—a drop not seen since 2020. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that the tariffs will lead to higher inflation.

“The more adverse the trade relationship gets between the United States and China, I suppose you could argue that the more likely it is that someone will blink and then they’ll basically try to call the dogs off for a while through some sort of arrangement,” Magnus said. “It’s neither of their national interest to basically go down this route.”

[rjzimmerman]

E.P.A. Again Seeks Limits on a Harmful Pesticide. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this story from the New York Times:

Almost 25 years after federal regulators curbed household use of a pesticide linked to learning disorders in children, and three years after a total ban on its use on food crops, the chemical is again being applied to everything from bananas to turnips in most states.

The saga of this pesticide, which has the unwieldy name chlorpyrifos, is a stark reminder of why so many Americans are alarmed about industrial farming and the food supply. The concern helped propel Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential candidacy and subsequent selection to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

The issue is also a vivid illustration of the obstacles that regulators will face if they try to make good on campaign promises to remove harmful chemicals from the food supply, as Mr. Kennedy often has.

The latest twist arrived on Monday, when the Environmental Protection Agency proposed outlawing the use of chlorpyrifos on farmed foods — except on 11 crops, including fruits children tend to eat in large quantities, such as apples, oranges, peaches and cherries.

In an interview, Dr. Michal Freedhoff, assistant administrator of the office of chemical safety and pollution prevention at the E.P.A., said the proposed rule would provide the greatest benefit to children’s health while still abiding by a federal-court decision last year that overturned the agency’s original ban.

The proposal will lower the amount of the pesticide applied to fields and orchards annually by 3.9 million pounds, from the 5.3 million pounds used each year from 2014 to 2018, according to a preliminary E.P.A. analysis.

“This will result in a 70 percent reduction from the historic total amounts of chlorpyrifos used on food before this all started,” Dr. Freedhoff said.

The new permitted crops will include alfalfa, asparagus, soybeans, strawberries, wheat, sugar beets and cotton. The pesticide would also be allowed on Christmas tree farms and golf courses, and on tobacco and crops grown for seed, as well as for public mosquito control and in enclosed ant and roach bait.

The public has 60 days to comment on the rule.

Chlorpyrifos manufacturers have indicated they will not challenge the proposed limits and will not pursue broader food crop use, Dr. Freedhoff said. Gharda Chemicals, the manufacturer based in Mumbai, India, that sued over the original ban, did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Mr. Kennedy also did not respond to requests for comment.

[vezlayfood1]

Vezlay Soya Chaap – The Perfect Plant-Based Meat Alternative

Introduction to Soya Chaap

In the evolving landscape of plant-based diets, Soya Chaap has emerged as a prominent meat alternative, especially among vegetarians and vegans. Derived primarily from soybeans and wheat gluten, Soya Chaap offers a texture and flavor profile remarkably similar to meat, making it a favored choice for those seeking nutritious and sustainable options.​

Also try Veg Egg: Vezlay Foods

Nutritional Profile of Vezlay Soya Chaap

Vezlay Soya Chaap stands out not just for its taste but also for its impressive nutritional content:

High Protein Content: With approximately 20-22 grams of protein per 100 grams, it serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. ​

Complete Amino Acid Profile: Unlike many plant proteins, Soya Chaap contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source comparable to animal-based proteins. ​

Low in Saturated Fats: Its minimal saturated fat content contributes to heart health and aids in maintaining optimal cholesterol levels.​

Rich in Fiber: The fiber content supports digestive health and promotes a feeling of fullness, assisting in weight management.​

Health Benefits of Incorporating Soya Chaap

Integrating Soya Chaap into your diet offers multiple health advantages:

Weight Management: The high protein and fiber content help in controlling appetite and reducing overall calorie intake.​

Heart Health: Being low in saturated fats and cholesterol-free, Soya Chaap supports cardiovascular well-being.​

Bone Health: Rich in calcium and iron, it contributes to stronger bones and improved blood health.​

Diabetes Management: The low glycemic index of soy products aids in regulating blood sugar levels.​

Culinary Versatility of Vezlay Soya Chaap

Vezlay Soya Chaap is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen:

Tandoori Soya Chaap: Marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, it serves as a delectable appetizer.​

Soya Chaap Curry: Cooked in rich gravies, it pairs well with rice or bread, offering a hearty meal.​

Stir-Fried Soya Chaap: Quickly sautéed with vegetables and sauces, it makes for a healthy and flavorful dish.​

Soya Chaap Rolls: Wrapped in flatbreads with fresh veggies and sauces, it becomes a convenient on-the-go snack.​

Also Try Vegan Food: Vezlay Foods

Environmental Impact of Choosing Soya Chaap

Opting for Soya Chaap over traditional meat has significant environmental benefits:

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Soy production emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to livestock farming.​

Lower Water Usage: Cultivating soybeans requires less water than raising animals for meat.​

Decreased Land Degradation: Plant-based protein production minimizes deforestation and soil erosion.​

Vezlay's Commitment to Quality

Vezlay Foods ensures that their Soya Chaap products are:

Made from Non-GMO Soybeans: Guaranteeing safety and nutritional integrity.​

Free from Artificial Preservatives: Offering a natural and wholesome product.​

Conveniently Packaged: Available in ready-to-cook formats, making meal preparation effortless.​

Conclusion

Vezlay Soya Chaap exemplifies the perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and sustainability. Its rich protein content, health benefits, and culinary adaptability make it an ideal choice for those seeking a plant-based meat alternative. Embracing Soya Chaap not only enhances your diet but also contributes positively to environmental conservation.​

[beardedmrbean]

CHANCAY, Peru (AP) — On the edge of Peru’s coastal desert, a remote fishing town where a third of all residents have no running water is being transformed into a huge deep-water port to cash in on the inexorable rise of Chinese interest in resource-rich South America.

The megaport of Chancay, a $1.3 billion project majority-owned by the Chinese shipping giant Cosco, is turning this outpost of bobbing fishing boats into an important node of the global economy.

From the presidential palace in Lima, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the port inauguration ceremony, China’s President Xi Jinping watched a livestream of the ribbon-cutting alongside his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, late Thursday.

The leaders' faces appeared on a giant screen in Chancay, where engineers in bright orange safety vests declared the port operational to the swell of string instruments. Chinese dancers with red dragon-costume heads seemingly burst out of nowhere to prance around the docking station as a crane lowered the first aluminum containers onto a berthed cargo ship.

“Considerable income and enormous job opportunities will be generated for Peru,” Xi said from Lima, where world leaders were preparing to gather for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. “This will generate tangible results for the people of the region.”

But the development — expected to encompass 15 quays and a large industrial park drawing more than $3.5 billion in investment over a decade — has met a skeptical response from impoverished villagers, who say it is depriving them of fishing waters and bringing no economic benefit to locals.

“Our fishing spots no longer exist here. They destroyed them,” said 78-year-old fisherman Julius Caesar — “like the emperor of Rome” — gesturing toward the dockside cranes. “I don't blame the Chinese for trying to mine this place for all it's worth. I blame our government for not protecting us.”

The Peruvian government hopes the port will become a strategic transshipment hub for the region, opening a new line connecting South America to Asia and speeding trade across the Pacific for Peru's blueberries, Brazil's soybeans and Chile's copper, among other exports.

Officials cite the port's potential to generate millions of dollars in revenues and turn coastal cities into so-called special economic zones with tax breaks to lure investment.

“We Peruvians are focused primarily on the well-being of Peruvians,” Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer told The Associated Press.

But many of Chancay's 60,000 residents are unconvinced. Fishermen returning to port with smaller catches complain that they have already lost out.

The dredging of the port — which sucked sediment from the seabed to create a shipping channel 17 meters (56 feet) deep — has ruined fish breeding grounds, locals said.

“I’ve been out in the water all day and I’m always needing to venture farther,” said Rafael Ávila, a 28-year-old fisherman with sand in his hair, returning to shore empty-handed and exhausted.

“This used to be enough,” he said, pointing at his painted dinghy. “Now I need a larger, more expensive boat to reach the fish."

To make extra cash, Ávila started offering occasional joyrides to selfie-taking visitors wanting to get a glimpse at the hulking Chinese ships.

With some of the world's largest container ships to berth at Chancay Port in January 2025, residents also fear the arrival of pollution and oil spills. In 2022, a botched tanker delivery at La Pampilla refinery nearby sent thousands of barrels of crude oil spilling into Peru's famously biodiverse waters, killing countless fish and putting legions of fishermen out of work.

Today a glance at the moribund town center, featuring mostly empty seafood restaurants, tells the story of diminished fishing stocks and decimated tourism even without the port being operational.

The port's breakwater changed the currents and destroyed good surfing conditions, locals said, affecting everyone from ice vendors to truckers to restaurant owners. “No to the megaport” is spray-painted on a wall overlooking the waterfront.

“This port is a monster that's come here to screw us,” said 40-year-old Rosa Collantes, cleaning and gutting slimy drum fish on the shore. “People come to the port and they say ‘Wow, tremendous!' but they don't see the reality.”

Port authorities say they're aware of the stark contrast between the sleek modern port and the surrounding village of Chancay, where many live on unpaved roads lined with ragged shacks and littered with trash.

“You cannot build a state-of-the-art port and have a city next to it that has no drinking water, no sewage, a collapsing hospital and no educational centers,” said Mario de las Casas, a manager for Cosco in Chancay, adding that the company had already launched studies to determine how the port could help reduce inequality and spur local growth.

“The port should not be a blemish,” De las Casas said.

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, rice, or barley. This fermented food offers a variety of health benefits due to the presence of beneficial probiotics, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are produced during the fermentation process. Some of the potential benefits of miso include:

1. Probiotic support: Miso is a natural source of probiotics, such as beneficial bacteria and yeast strains, that can help promote a healthy balance of gut microbiota. Consuming miso regularly may support digestion, improve gut health, and boost the immune system.

2. Digestive health: The probiotics and enzymes found in miso can aid in digestion, promote nutrient absorption, and support overall digestive health. Miso can help maintain a healthy gut environment, reduce inflammation, and alleviate digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.

3. Immune system support: A healthy gut microbiome is essential for a strong immune system. The probiotics in miso can help strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support overall immune function.

4. Nutrient-rich: Miso is a good source of vitamins (such as B vitamins), minerals (such as manganese, zinc, and copper), and protein. These nutrients are important for overall health, immune function, energy metabolism, and cell function.

5. Antioxidant properties: The fermentation process used to make miso can increase the availability of antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and promote overall well-being.

6. Heart health: The probiotics, antioxidants, and minerals in miso may help support heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels, and promoting overall cardiovascular health.

7. Bone health: Miso is a good source of nutrients like calcium and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and may help support bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Incorporating miso into your diet as a seasoning for soups, marinades, dressings, and other dishes can provide a range of health benefits. It's important to choose traditionally fermented miso to ensure the presence of live probiotic cultures. As with any food, moderation is key, and individual responses to miso may vary. If you have specific health concerns or medical conditions, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Brazilian agribusiness faces uncertainty over impact of Trump’s return on trade

Industry anticipates intensified U.S.-China trade tensions, but implications for Brazil remain unclear

Four years after concluding his first term as president of the United States, Donald Trump has returned to office. Since his victory in November last year, Brazil’s agribusiness representatives have been evaluating the potential consequences of a renewed trade war between the U.S. and China.

In 2018, Trump imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on hundreds of Chinese imports, including agricultural and other products. Beijing retaliated by restricting imports of U.S. goods. These measures ultimately benefited certain segments of Brazilian agribusiness, such as the soybean sector, which gained market share in China due to the tariffs imposed on U.S. soybeans.

Experts consulted by Valor indicate that the direction of U.S. trade policy under Mr. Trump’s second term is still uncertain. “First, we need to see if Trump follows through on the 100 measures promised for inauguration day. Then, we need to analyze and understand those announcements. Without concrete details, it’s difficult to assess the direct impact on agribusiness,” said Marcello Brito, professor and technical coordinator at the Dom Cabral Agroenvironmental Foundation.

Despite the lack of clarity regarding Mr. Trump’s trade policies, Mr. Brito believes there will be no immediate disruption to the agricultural trade flow between Brazil and the U.S. In 2024, the U.S. was Brazil’s second-largest importer of agricultural products, with purchases rising 23% year-on-year to $12.1 billion, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture. Green coffee sales led the way, surging 67.6% to $765 million.

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