19 processed foods nutritionists swear by – NBC News
Posted: October 28, 2019 at 10:46 pm
Many processed foods earn high marks for convenience but poor marks for health. But the truth is, the term processed spans a wide range of foods, from healthful pre-washed salad greens (some form of processing occurs to wash and bag the greens) to less healthful processed meats. When it comes to processed foods, the magic is in the minimal minimally processed, that is. Minimally processed foods can simplify prepping and cooking so you can enjoy nourishing and filling meals without spending too time in the kitchen. Its still a good idea to limit the overly processed stuff, but in the name of convenience, I rounded up the 19 processed foods nutritionists cant live without. Here are the items that deserve a spot in your kitchen.
Your goal, should you choose to accept it, is to select healthful, minimally processed foods that save time and enable you to eat well. Whole grain brown rice is a stellar example. It can take up to 45 minutes to make brown rice on the stovetop, but the pre-cooked, frozen brown rice is ready in just 3-4 minutes, says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, author of "The Superfood Swap". She recommends adding it to burrito bowls and stir fries.
If youre cooking dried beans from scratch, the Instant Pot shaves some time. But the canned variety saves even more! I love the convenience of canned black beans versus cooking them from scratch, says Keri Gans, RDN, author of "The Small Change Diet" and creator of The Keri Report. Theyre a good source of fiber and plant-based protein and they make a healthy addition to my pasta Bolognese sauce, baked potato, or a bowl of sauted veggies and barley.
When youre using canned beans, be sure to buy no- or low-sodium varieties and if they contain any sodium, give them a good rinse under running water, which reduces the salt count considerably.
While were on the subject of beans, heres another healthy processed food to add to your cart. Roasted garbanzo beans are loaded with plant-protein and fiber so theyre an incredibly satisfying snack, says Jackson Blatner. You can make your own in the oven, but it takes about 30 minutes (and truthfully I can never get them the perfect texture). The pre-made ones come in lots of delish sweet and savory flavors. I love traveling with these in my purse and they also taste great on salads.
A typical bowl of pasta is high in carbs and low in fiber and protein. Since these two substances make meals filling, you may find yourself downing multiple portions to satisfy your appetite. You can balance out your pasta and boost the fiber and protein by tossing in foods like veggies and shrimp, but you could also swap it with some bean-based pasta to get a head start. When I don't have anything prepared for dinner and Im short on time, lentil or chickpea pasta is my go-to, says Angie Asche, RD, of Eleat Sports Nutrition. She points out that they're much higher in protein and fiber than traditional wheat pasta. One serving typically provides at least 20 grams of protein and the only ingredient in the product I use is organic chickpea flour or green lentil flour. Since pasta is always dressed up in sauce, its a nutritious upgrade thats hardly noticeable.
Vegetarians swear by this plant-based protein so whether youre a meat-eater or not, take note. As a vegetarian, I always have a block of tempeh in my fridge to add quick protein to my meals. Technically, tempeh is considered a processed form of soy because its made by fermenting cooked soybeans and then molding them into a dense block with some grains (typically rice). With that, it has a dense and chewy texture that I really like, as well as a nutty flavor, explains NYC-based registered dietitian, Natalie Rizzo.
For all you protein seekers, Rizzo also notes that a half block of tempeh has about 20 grams of protein and just 240 calories. Another bonus: The fermentation process creates beneficial probiotics, she says. If you arent sure how to make it, Rizzo offers this pro tip that doesnt require any skill: Just throw it in a pan with a marinade for a few minutes and add to a rice bowl.
Stocking up on frozen produce makes a ton of sense! A recent study found that people who eat these frozen gems consume more produce than people who dont keep their freezers stocked. The frozen fruit and veggie eaters also had higher intakes of fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D nutrients that many Americans fall short on.
Im a big smoothie lover, so my freezer is always stocked with frozen fruits and veggies. And what I love about frozen produce is that its flash frozen at the peak of freshness, locking in great taste and nutrients, so you can eat it out of season, says Rizzo. Not only can you enjoy fresh fruit and veggies year-round, but buying frozen also makes organic produce more affordable.
Its a common misconception that canned fruit is loaded with added sugar and while it can be canned in heavy syrup, its often canned in juice. While I love fresh pineapple chunks, its challenging to get a sweet, affordable, fresh pineapple in the dead of winter in New England. Thats why I head to the canned fruit aisle for the canned variety packed in juice. A cup of canned chunks provides about 100 calories, over 2 grams of fiber, and almost 30 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C for the bargain price of about a buck, says Joan Salge Blake, RD, a nutrition professor at Boston University and the host of the hit nutrition and wellness podcast, "SpotOn!".
Canned pineapple chunks are a great way to sweeten stir fries without added sugar or you can try serving the drained chunks with some lower-sugar granola, chopped nuts, and a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt for a delicious snack or dessert.
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Notice a theme here? When fresh tomatoes are no longer in season, I rely heavily on canned tomato products, like canned diced tomatoes and tomato puree, says Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist, author of "The Clean & Simple Diabetes Cookbook", and advisor to Lunch Unpacked. In other words, when you want the best out-of-season produce, frozen or canned may be the way to go. Nutritional speaking, tomatoes are canned at their peak of ripeness, nutritional value, flavor and color, says Newgent who also shares that they pack a nutritional advantage. Theyre loaded with lycopene, a health-promoting plant nutrient, which is actually enhanced by the processing.
Heres a fresh, pre-prepped veggie mix that will instantly boost the healthfulness of your next Taco Tuesday. Jackson Blatner points out that cabbage is a superfood thats in the same veggie family as kale and broccoli. Getting it pre-shredded is a major time saver. Plus, to make it from scratch, you need two heads of cabbage (green and red) which is waaaay too much to eat before it goes bad, she explains. The packed mix will minimize food waste. In addition to tacos, Jackson Blatner says she loves it in lunch bowls and stir fries.
Need something to go with that chickpea or lentil pasta? Jarred marinara sauce to the rescue! I have 3 kids and one of them doesnt eat meat, so we eat a fair amount of regular and chickpea pasta. While I love the idea of making marinara from scratch, its time-consuming and I usually only have 20-30 minutes to get dinner on the table," says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN, author of "Eating in Color" and creator of the FLR VIP program. She recommends choosing a marina sauce with no added sugars and a reasonable amount of sodium to make this convenience item a very healthy option. Jarred marinara sauce also offers the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to improving eye, skin and bone health and may help reduce the risk of prostate and breast cancer, she says.
Herbs and seasonings are one way to boost the flavor of wholesome foods, but hot sauce is another. When creating healthful cuisine, I love sneaking in ingredients to assure flavors are as good or better than not-so-healthful options. I find that adding a few drops of hot sauce to select dishes, especially soups and stews, provides that bonus oomph to create extra enjoyment, says Newgent. Hot sauces are vegetable-based usually with peppers making them versatile in cooking. Newgent recommends using one without sodium bisulfite or other preservatives.
Kudos to anyone whos making broth from scratch, but if youve got better things to do with your time (like binge watching two seasons of Killing Eve), theres no shame in taking this shortcut. While I'd love to make my own homemade broth from scratch, it's just not realistic with my work schedule. I always have a few containers of organic vegetable broth in my pantry to use in several last-minute dishes, soups, curries, or even just to boil quinoa and rice for additional flavor, says Asche.
Most Americans arent hitting the recommended two servings of seafood per week, yet its a simple (and tasty) habit that can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. To help you hit your goal, consider canned seafood. Hands down, one of the easiest ways to get more omega-3 packed fish into your diet is with canned tuna, says Largeman-Roth. You can find it in easy to open cans, pouches and more these days, she explains. Largeman-Roth says that three ounces of chunk light tuna packs 16 grams of protein and about 140 milligrams of DHA and EPA omega 3s per each 70-calorie serving. Its a great choice whether youre trying to boost your omega-3 intake or just looking for a lean source of protein, she says.
Maya Feller, RD, author of "The Southern Comfort Food Diabetes Cookbook" is another fan of canned and pouched seafood. There are times when we don't have access to wild or sustainably sourced salmon and wild salmon in a pouch is an economical as well as a convenient way to get your recommended two servings per week, she says. Sardines are also tops on her list of healthy processed foods. Theyre a delicious small fish, rich in protein, heart-healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D. Theres some compelling research around brain health and fatty fish consumption, says Feller.
Yes, you can make your own pesto (like you can make your own broth and stock), but you dont have to go the extra mile. Making pesto can take time that many people don't have, says Feller. Pesto in a jar is generally extra virgin olive oil, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, basil, which is rich in phytonutrients, garlic, which has been researched in relation to blood pressure regulation, and pine nuts, which are a good source of heart-healthy fats, she explains. According to Feller, the combination makes for a nourishing topping that can be used in a number of meals, such as a seasoning for baked fish or a dressing (when thinned with extra EVOO or warm water) for greens. Amy Gorin, RDN, says its also a great base for pizza if youre looking for something other than traditional tomato sauce.
Nut and seed butters check a lot of boxes: Theyre super healthy, really delicious, and offer a lot of versatility. Almond butter is a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and the antioxidant vitamin E, which may help protect our body from damage caused by free radicals, explains Gans. Its a go-to for me in my morning bowl of oatmeal or on a slice of 100 percent whole grain bread for added protein and fiber to start my day.
Largeman-Roth uses peanut butter for after school snacks and for adding a quick and delicious hit of plant-protein (7 grams per 2 tablespoons) at breakfast. We schmear it on frozen waffles (another great convenience item!), apple slices, muffins and more. Besides being totally delicious, I love that its economical and also shelf-stable, she says.
For those who are allergic to nuts (or those who want to branch out), sunflower seed butter is a great alternative. Its become a huge mainstay in my family's kitchen, says Lindsey Janeiro, RDN of Nutrition to Fit. I've had lifelong severe tree nut allergies, but my baby was recently diagnosed with peanut allergies, too. Thats why she uses sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter and other nut butters. Its full of healthy fats and also contains fiber and protein, making it a great addition to homemade sauces and baked goods. It can also be added to a basic apple or crackers for a more macronutrient balanced snack, she adds.
Though its a fan favorite in the fall, pumpkin puree is a processed food RDs love year-round. The puree adds a boost of immune-boosting beta-carotene to breakfast staples like pancakes, smoothies and waffles, says Largeman-Roth. You can certainly make your own pumpkin puree, especially at this time of year, but the fact that all the strings have been removed makes the canned variety so much easier! she says. I think we can all agree on that.
Canned fish scores high on the convenience meter, but dont rule out frozen seafood, which has the same good-for you omega-3 fish fats, DHA and EPA. Much of the fish you buy has been pre-frozen so buying it already frozen is almost like buying it at the fish counter. To make a quick, easy meal for either dinner or even lunch when Im working from home, I keep ready-to-cook salmon filets in the freezer. All I have to do is stick them in the oven! says Gorin.
Gorin suggests using the mercury wallet card from the Natural Resources Defense Council as a guide to choosing fish with less mercury and FishWatch.gov to see which choices are most sustainable. Spotting the MSC blue fish label is another way to identify sustainable seafood.
Plain yogurt and cottage cheese both fall in the camp of healthier processed foods. This often overlooked gem is one of my daily staples. Not only is it fabulous with fruit, on whole grain toast, waffles, oatmeal or salads, but the super high protein content helps to keep you full in between meals, Lauren Harris-Pincus, RDN, author of "The Protein-Packed Breakfast Club". "There are so many culinary uses for cottage cheese! Its the secret to creamy smoothies as its much less tangy than Greek yogurt. Mix it into eggs before scrambling for a cheesy, creamy texture, or use as a protein boost in pancake batter. Mix with goat cheese for a tasty base for a flatbread. The possibilities are endless, and you will benefit from about 13 grams of satisfying protein per 1/2 cup serving, she says.
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20 of the best vegan and vegetarian hotels and B&Bs in Europe – The Guardian
Posted: at 10:45 pm
VEGANCasa Albets, Catalonia, Spain
Cashew fondue and gnocchi with shiitake and coconut sauce are among the dishes on the seasonal menu of the organic, vegan restaurant attached to this gorgeous rural hotel in the green hills of Lladurs, between Barcelona and Andorra. The restored 18th-century farmhouse includes rooms with handmade oak furniture and eco-friendly furnishings from local producers. It also offers massage and yoga, and has bikes for rent to explore the Catalonian countryside. Doubles from 88, casaalbets.cat
In a valley in the foothills of the Sierra de Almijara, this vegan B&B and restaurant serves a mix of homemade food, such as vegan sushi, meze, crispy fried cauliflower wings with sweet chilli, and burgers with beefy patties and vegan cheese. The restored 18th-century building is less than 30 minutes drive from the coast, and nearby walking and cycling routes pass the River Turvilla and old flour mills. Or there is the Mudejar Route, which heads through a series of Moorish whitewashed villages and small towns. Doubles from 60 B&B, mesonmudejar.com
Villa Veganas hilltop location, close to the town of Selva, has views through the orchards to the nearby Tramuntana mountains. Lemon, orange, almond and olive trees surround the hotel. Being vegan, even the furnishings, cleaning products and toiletries are cruelty-free. The plant-based hotel restaurant which has published its own cookbook serves a menu of ethnic dishes and comfort food, from a different region of the world each day. Breakfast includes Spanish coca (flatbread) and homemade croissants, and dinners feature Mallorcan aubergine tumbet and tacos with vegan chorizo. The hotel also has an outdoor pool. Doubles from 120 B&B, villavegana.com
An early 20th-century townhouse with futuristic interiors, AM/PM is in Smedenpoort in the historic centre of Bruges, a 15-minute walk from the station, market square and basilica. The vegan breakfast includes breads, spreads, cereals and a vegetable and fruit slowjuice shot. For later in the day, owners Kevin and Tiny recommend nearby restaurants De Brugsche Tafel and Royal Frituur & Eetboetiek for vegan food. Doubles from 80 B&B, bruges-bedandbreakfast.com
This restaurant-with-rooms is on the Nieuwe Merwede canal in Biesbosch national park, a 45-minute train ride from Rotterdam. In the evenings, it serves a vegan tasting menu (four to seven courses, 45 to 66) that includes dishes such as asparagus panna cotta, leaf broccoli with smoked leeks, and beetroot sorbet with citrus crumble, and can be paired with natural and organic wines. Next door is Huiskamercafe Fluitekruid (living room cafe), which serves light veggie meals and snacks. There are boat tours, plus cycling and walking routes throughout the park. Doubles from 89 B&B, kopvanhetland.nl
Vegotel now has four locations in the far north of the Netherlands (in Blije, Heegermeer, Wyns and Schoonoord), each offering different styles of accommodation and activities all serving 100% vegan food. Vegotel Blije is on the Zeedijk, close to the Wadden Sea, in a farmhouse dating to 1885, offering either B&B or full-board. Vegotel Heegermeer has several cottages for two to six people and is close to beaches and watersports. And the cottages at Vegotel Wyns, in the meadows near Leeuwarden, and Vegotel Schoonoord, in the inland province of Drenthe, are good for walkers and cyclists. There are bicycles (both manual and electric) for rent at all properties and electric cars at Blije. All rooms and cottages come with a breakfast of plant-based cheeses, sliced meats, vegan pt, organic bread and jams. Doubles from 87.50 B&B, cottages from 350 B&B for three nights, vegotel.nl
There are quiet reading spots among the strawberry beds and wildflower banks at this rural, vegan eco-hotel in the village of Artalens-Souin. Ingredients grown in the permaculture garden are used for breakfasts, picnic lunches, dinners and homemade cakes in between. The hotel has three double rooms (a dorm house is due to open soon), and is low-chemical, zero-waste and uses solar power and composting toilets. From the garden there are views of the Valle des Gaves and often snow-capped peaks. Doubles from 57 B&B, lamaisondebernadette.com
Close to the ancient stone-terraced vineyards of the Wachau wine region, this vegan hotel serves homemade food and organic wine. The medieval property has been renovated and modernised to offer bedrooms in the former farm buildings, which are set around a courtyard garden. Its accessible by train from Vienna and close to the River Danube, Gttweig Abbey and the ruins of Drnstein Castle. There are thousands of apricot trees in the region, in full rosy-white bloom in mid-April and harvested in July for use in Austrian deserts such as sweet dumplings and strudel. Doubles from 96 B&B (minimum two-night stay), landhaus-furth8.at
Jerusalem artichokes with truffle cream and homemade vegetable charcoal tagliatelle with extra virgin olive oil (produced onsite) are among dishes on the seasonal menu at Coroncina, in Marche, in eastern Italy. The farmstay is in woodland close to the town of Belforte del Chienti, between the Sibillini mountains and the Adriatic coast (both around 30 minutes by car). There are three bedrooms in the main house and a small cabin made from old barrels. Outside, olive groves and orchards are home to roe deer and wild boar (along with the resident cats and dogs). Theres also an outdoor pool and an indoor wellness space with a sauna, herbal steam bath and hot tub. Doubles from 120 B&B, coroncina.it
Le Carrubes menu changes daily, with vegetarian takes on Puglian and other Italian classics such as homemade orecchiette, aubergine parmesan, warm mushroom and chicory salad, and lavender panna cotta with honey and toasted almonds. The farmhouse renovation project has restored the vaulted ceilings, cavernous fireplaces and a paved courtyard and transformed the former sheep pens into two swimming pools. Close by is the citt bianca (white city) of Ostuni, less than 15 minutes by car, and the sandy beaches of the east coast, including Costa Merlata, Lido Morelli and Quarto di Monte, all around a 20-minute drive away. Doubles from 126 B&B, masserialecarrubeostuni.it
Homemade pasta, risotto and local cheeses are the order of the day at this agriturismo in the Sabine hills, 90 minutes drive north-east of Rome. On a hillside overlooking the countryside, there are valley and river views from the outdoor pool and terrace where dinner is served. Each of the five bedrooms greets the sunrise and some come with a small balcony, or a bath facing out of a large window. This rural location is also home to the ruins of a Roman villa and its ancient olive groves. Doubles from 110 B&B, lemolesulfarfa.com
This hostel makes for an affordable stay in an expensive city. It offers weekly family-style dinners and cooking classes: pasta-making on Thursdays, hand-making tagliatelle(25); and pizza-making on Tuesdays, with tips on cooking them in a domestic oven (20). Its a five-minute walk from Romes central station and 20 minutes to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Theres also a paved garden with a banyan tree and local wine served in the evenings. Dorm beds from 25, doubles from 60 (shared bathroom), the-beehive.com
This former farmhouse an hours drive south of the city of Lugo is named after one of its previous residents, Tia Cabaza (Auntie Pumpkin), nicknamed for her wide, traditional petticoats. Breakfasts feature homemade sourdough bread and organic jams, and the hosts can arrange a meat-free picnic basket of local produce for lunch. Theres also an optional three-course vegetarian dinner or tapas, which is served on the terrace (groups of 4+). There are bikes for rent or horse-riding available to explore further into the Courel mountains and the Os Ancares bioreserve. Doubles from 75 B&B, casacabaza.com
This eco-retreat in Odixere, close to the coast and 7km from Lagos, encourages guests to reconnect with nature. There are floor-to-ceiling windows looking over large gardens with a saltwater pool and firepit, and terraces with hammocks. Breakfast is a Mediterranean-style buffet with ingredients from the gardens, olive, almond, carob, orange and banana trees, and superfood plant moringa also used for meals and products sold in the farm shop. It runs yoga and cooking classes, and has opportunities to get involved with regenerative farming projects and harvesting, including picking herbs for tea infusions. Doubles from 90 B&B, casavaledalama.pt
In the hills of Sintra national park, this small country house has sea views, an outdoor pool and does veggie breakfast, including chocolate salami, homemade apple cake and warm baked apricots. Nearby Sintra town Lord Byrons glorious Eden and a Unesco heritage site has fairytale castles, palaces and botanical gardens to explore. The hotel offers free bus passes to Sintra or Cascais (both around 30 minutes) and a shuttle to Almoageme village and Adraga beach (under 10 minutes). Doubles from 99 B&B, colinaflora.com
Close to the medieval port of Zadar, this small, family-run guesthouse is surrounded by gardens of flowers, organic vegetables, fruit and herbs. Breakfast, which includes smoothies, homemade cakes and herby cheese, is served outside at a large table, where guests can also join the hosts most evenings for a veggie feast. The sea is less than five minutes walk away, and its around 10 minutes to the old town. There are five bedrooms in the modern building, free bikes to use and a patio with loungers. Guided excursions with the hosts are available to Paklenica, Krka and Plitvice Lakes national parks, and the Kornati Islands for sailing or kayaking on the Zrmanja river. Doubles from 73 B&B, bajlo.com
This 300-year-old family manor, comprised of several restored stone houses, is now home to a vegetarian hotel, with a chef, Tea uki, referred to as an alchemist, who turns plants into gold. The regional menu is served at communal tables in the kitchen or in the leafy courtyard including a breakfast of seasonal fruit, yoghurt, local cheese and freshly baked bread. The terrace also hosts live music, art workshops, wine tastings and other events. In the surrounding Vinodol valley, there are hiking routes through karst mountains and woodland. The Adriatic coast with opportunities to paraglide and sail is only 7km away. Doubles from 88, hotel-balatura.hr
Between Rennes-le-Chteau village and the hot springs of Rennes-les-Bains, Lavaldieu is a partially restored former hamlet surrounded by organic vegetable gardens and orchards. The B&B serves homemade vegetarian breakfasts and communal alfresco dinners. Theres also an apartment and a campsite in the garden woodland, set beside meadows of wild flowers, which is home to more than 80 species of butterfly. The region surrounding Lavaldieu is said to have mystical powers being close to the inverted peak of Pic de Bugarach in the Corbires massif, megalithic stone slabs and the Devils Armchair monument. Doubles from 52 B&B, lavaldieu.com
A seaside stay close to the Baltic, the Carpe Diem hotel is certified organic as is the wine, coffee and wholemeal sourdough that is baked onsite for breakfast. Accommodation is available in double rooms and apartments. The wellness area includes a gym, steam room, sauna and Kusatsu pool bath, and alternative therapies on request. A 1km-long white sand beach is a 25-minute walk away, and nearby Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft national park has extensive hiking and biking routes through wild coastal landscapes. Doubles from 140 B&B, carpe-diem-prerow.de
A rooftop spa, central Friedrichshain location and organic vegan as well as veggie options make this a great choice for a city-break stay. Bedrooms are stripped-back in style and come with mats and enough space to practise yoga. The bistro serves breakfast and brunch, including vegan bratwurst, scrambled tofu and homemade bread, along with Mediterranean food throughout the day. The Friedrichshain district is a vegan haven, including cafes such as Emma Pea and Vner, hand-rolled ice-cream at Delabuu, and vegan fashion at Loveco. Doubles from 98, almodovarhotel.de
Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips
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20 of the best vegan and vegetarian hotels and B&Bs in Europe - The Guardian
Complete Shift to Organic Farming Could Intensify Global Warming: Study – The Weather Channel
Posted: at 10:45 pm
Harvest at the Kerala Secretariat as part of the governments organic farming initiative titled Onathinu Oru Muram Pachakkari.
A wave of organic farming swept the globe in the late 20th century. Numerous environmentalists and agricultural experts have been promoting a shift to organic farming owing to multiple health and environmental benefits. However, in a new study, a group of scientists from the United Kingdom have proved some unexpected, undesirable outcomes of a drastic shift to organic farming.
The study says that 100% adaptation of organic food production can lead to a nett increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 1.7 times the current levels.
Guy Kirk from the Cranfield University and three other scientists conducted an assessment of changes in greenhouse gas emissions if England and Wales transformed its agriculture to 100% organic. The study was published in the reputed journal Nature Communications on Tuesday. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are known to trap heat resulting in a net warming effect on the planet, worsening ongoing climate crisis.
The results of the study do confirm that the direct GHGs emissions would be reduced with a shift to organic farming. However, when the increased land-use is factored in to compensate for the loss of food production, net emissions would be much higher. The researchers also warn that most of the land needed to make up for the shortfall of agricultural products will be outside the UK. They estimate that the area of overseas land required to compensate for the decreased production would be nearly five times the present.
Direct GHG emissions are reduced with organic farming, but when increased overseas land use to compensate for shortfalls in domestic supply are factored in, net emissions are greater. Enhanced soil carbon sequestration could offset only a small part of the higher overseas emissions, says the study.
The study found that the GHGs emissions would fall by 20% from crops and 4% from livestock if a complete shift to organic farming takes place. However, compared to conventional farming, the drop in agricultural production could be as high as 40%. The researchers argue that instead of organic farming, a shift to reduced meat consumption could be more beneficial in terms of reduced GHGs emissions.
Ultimately it is unlikely that there exists any single optimal approach to achieving environmentally sustainable food production, concludes the study.
The Weather Companys primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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Complete Shift to Organic Farming Could Intensify Global Warming: Study - The Weather Channel
Global Organic Food and Beverages Market Insights, New Project Investment and Potential Growth Scope – Columnist 360
Posted: at 10:45 pm
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By Organic Food ProductOrganic Fruits & Vegetables, Organic Meat, Fish & Poultry Products, Organic Dairy Products, Organic Frozen & Processed Food, Others
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Region Segmentation of Organic Food and Beverages Market
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South America
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Comprehensive Study on Organic Seeds Market 2019 | Trends, Drivers, Strategies, Applications and Competitive Landscape Forecast to 2024 – The Sentient…
Posted: at 10:45 pm
The Organic Seeds Market research report 2019 has been estimated considering the application and regional segments, market share, and size, while the forecast for each product type and application segment has been provided for the global and regional markets. Organic Seeds report offers detailed profiles of the key players to bring out a clear view of the competitive landscape of the Organic Seeds outlook. It also comprehends market new product analysis, financial overview, strategies and marketing trends.
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Key Market Trends:
Rising Health Consciousness and Environmental Awareness
According to the studies conducted by Iko-kai Org, the higher adoption of agricultural chemicals has not only led to the reduction of harmful insects but also beneficial insects. Harmful insects have the highest resistance to chemicals when compared to useful insects. Higher dosages of agricultural chemicals at various frequencies are used to eliminate harmful insects across many parts of the world. This has resulted in the entry of agricultural chemicals into the human body system, resulting in adverse impacts on human health, affecting the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, sense organs, and other human body parts. Consumers have become highly vulnerable to the high chemical residue content in the foods. Owing to the increase in awareness and high adoption of strategies to limit agricultural chemicals use, organic farming has gained more importance in recent years. The rising importance of organic farming and stringent regulations posed by countries to adopt organic farming are encouraging higher sales in the organic seeds market. This is expected to boost the organic seed markets growth potential, globally.
North America Dominates the Global Market
North America is the largest organic seeds market, due to growing organic sales over the years. There are several factors like the increasing trend of home gardening, rising demand for healthy food, and favorable government regulations, which are augmenting the organic seed sales in North America. Some of the major players in North America are High Mowing Organic Seeds, Johnnys Selected Seeds, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. Most of the organic sales were recorded in Canada, came from the field crops seed segment, holding almost 50% of the market share. However, most of the organic farmers in the United States are still relying on conventionally produced seeds, at least to some extent, considering them an economic alternative to organic seeds. This posed a threat to the market in the country as it may hamper the market during the forecast period.
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Detailed TOC of Organic Seeds Market Report 2019-2024:
1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Study Deliverables1.2 Study Assumptions1.3 Scope of the Study
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4 MARKET DYNAMICS4.1 Market Drivers4.1.1 Growing Organic Food Demand4.1.2 Growing Health Conciousness and Environmental Awareness4.1.3 Favourable Regulatory Frameworks4.2 Market Restraints4.2.1 High Cost of Orgnaic Seeds4.2.2 High Demand Supply Imbalance4.3 Industry Attractiveness Porters Five Force Analysis4.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers4.3.3 Threat of New Entrants4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5 MARKET SEGMENTATION5.1 Type5.1.1 Field Crop Seeds5.1.2 Vegetable Seeds5.1.3 Fruit and Nut Seeds5.1.4 Other Crop Seeds5.2 Geography5.2.1 North America5.2.1.1 United States5.2.1.2 Canada5.2.1.3 Mexico5.2.1.4 Rest of North America5.2.2 Europe5.2.2.1 Italy5.2.2.2 United Kingdom5.2.2.3 France5.2.2.4 Germany5.2.2.5 Spain5.2.2.6 Rest of Europe5.2.3 Asia Pacific5.2.3.1 China5.2.3.2 Japan5.2.3.3 India5.2.3.4 Australia5.2.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific5.2.4 South America5.2.4.1 Brazil5.2.4.2 Argentina5.2.4.3 Rest of South America5.2.5 Middle East & Africa5.2.5.1 South Africa5.2.5.2 Rest of Middle East & Africa
6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE6.1 Most Adopted Strategies6.2 Market Share Analysis6.3 Company Profiles6.3.1 Vitalis Organic Seeds6.3.2 Seeds of Change Inc.6.3.3 Seed Savers Exchange6.3.4 Southern Exposure Seed Exchange6.3.5 Johnnys Selected Seeds6.3.6 Wild Garden Seeds6.3.7 Fedco Seeds6.3.8 Fleuren6.3.9 Maas Plant6.3.10 HILD Samen6.3.11 Navdanya6.3.12 Arnica Kwekerij6.3.13 High Mowing Organic Seeds6.3.14 De Bolster6.3.15 Territorial Seed Company
7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
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Why More People Are Turning to Online Education – State-Journal.com
Posted: at 10:44 pm
There are many people who would love to work toward a brighter future and a more successful career. However, some find it difficult because they do not have the experience, skills, or qualifications necessary to get into their chosen career. This can then impact the rest of their lives, making a difference with everything from earnings potential to job satisfaction.
The good news is that the digital era has helped those who want to work toward a brighter future, but who cannot go to university or college full-time in order to acquire the necessary qualifications. People these days go online for everything from carrying out aphone number search through to ordering their shopping or watching movies. It comes as no surprise, therefore, to find that many also go online to further their education.
Why Consider Online Education?
So, why should you consider online education if you want to improve yourcareer prospects and look forward to a brighter future? Well, there are many reasons why people decide upon this route in order to develop their skills and knowledge and to gain the qualifications they need.
One of the main benefits of opting for online courses in order to advance your education is because they offer total convenience. For those who have family commitments or who work full-time, attending a college or university simply is not a viable option. With online education, you no longer have to miss out on working toward a brighter future because you can study at times that suit you. So, you can enjoy the convenience of being able to study and do your coursework to fit in with your current schedule and commitments. You can study during the day or night as well as at your own pace, making it an ideal option for those with busy lives.
Most people have heard about the huge levels of student debt that those studying full-time at university often end up with. This can leave you in a very difficult situation financially and many end up with tens, and even hundreds, of thousands of dollars worth of student debt. When you opt for online education, you will find a whole range of educational institutions that will allow you to pay for your course in small installments, which means you can pay for your education without getting yourself into huge amounts of debt. The cost of online education is very affordable in contrast, and you will find some great deals on courses. The added ability to make payments in small installments makes this the perfect solution for thoseon a budget.
The sheer choice of course options available online is yet another benefit of learning online, with many people finding the perfect courses to get them into their chosen careers. You can find courses at a wide range of levels and covering a huge array of subjects, so finding the ideal one for you wont be an issue.
These are just some of the many benefits you can look forward to with online education.
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Why More People Are Turning to Online Education - State-Journal.com
The Ms. Q&A: How Heather Corinna Started the Online Sex Education Revolution – Ms. Magazine
Posted: at 10:44 pm
Information on sexual health permeates the contemporary Internetfrom Instagram moguls with a sex ed agenda to crowdsourced Wikipedia entries on gender identities to Netflix original series on the joys and perils of adolescent sexploration. Unfortunately, much of this information is far from comprehensive, and at times unreliable.
But it could be worse: Heather Corinna remembers a time when this wild west of resources was nothing more than a desolate wasteland. That is, before 1998, when they founded pioneering sex education website Scarleteen to answer the questions of tech-savvy and body-curious youths.
Over two decades later, Corinna opened up to Ms. about how much has changed since they pushed through the tumbleweeds of an early Internetdishing on the origins of their career, their freshly minted graphic novel and the fickle state of sex education.
Tell me a little bit about the original website you hosted that prompted you to start Scarleteen.
Just to backtrack a little bit: starting Scarleteen: It was not something I meant to be a full-time job! [My original website], Scarlet Letters, was meant mostly to focus on womens experiences with sexuality; it had some smut, some advice, some literary pieces. And because it was one of the few things about sex and sexuality that was on the web at the time, I presume thats why young people were ending up there, because they were looking for anything on sex and sexuality. So they started to write in.
This was before abstinence-only education and purity pledges, and because it was then and not now, what they were writing in was not particularly complex stuff. Like: How do I take the birth control pill properly? How do I figure out what I like with my boyfriend?
My mother was in public health my whole life, my dad was an activist and Id been a teacher already for a while, so I could answer their questions. The nature of the questions wasnt very complicated, so putting together Scarleteen I figured I would put up five or 10 pages as a supplement and that would be fine.
Of course, what I wasnt aware of is that even by that point in the mid-90s a lot of people were not getting sex ed in school or anywhere else. So I put up those pages and it kind of exploded and everybody started writing letters. So, naturally, the questions coming in didnt necessarily stay so fast and easy. I had to basically stop teaching in person. I had to make a decision to do Scarleteen full time and once it took off it kind of ate my life.
What went into that decision to choose Scarleteen and make that your full-time passion?
Well, it certainly wasnt the ability to support myself! For me, it was just that I already liked working in sexuality with adults but the need did not feel as compelling. Im not sure if I would have made the same decision if there had been other sites that appeared to be serving this need. A lot of my nature as a person has to do with serviceif somebody needs a thing that I have the ability to provide, then it seems like I should do it. And a lot of the feedback that I was getting when I started doing Scarleteen was young people saying that they had a hard time finding other adults who had [sexual health] information who they could talk to, who wouldnt shame them, who didnt have innate problems with sex, who talked to them with respect, who talked to them like they were people who are becoming adults and who werent embarrassed.
When you were growing up, did you see anything like a pre-Scarleteen?
I cant think of anything like [Scarleteen] when I was growing up, but Id definitely say it has forbearers and parents. I remember as a young person being buried in Our Bodies, Ourselvestheres no way I could do this without that book and all of the little legs of the feminist, self-help health movement in the 70s.
I think about growing up reading Judy Blume; she wrapped quite a bit of really excellent sex and body information into what she did. I think about Free to be You and Me; theres a lot of stuff about gender equity and fairness in relationships. I think about the initial initiatives to provide information about HIV and AIDS, which were very grassroots and street, because health care providers and the whole government in America was denying what was happening. So I think there are a lot of organic parents of Scarleteen.
How would you say sex educators have changed since you entered the field?
About five years ago, we had an intern start who was 19 and who was talking about how she knew she wanted to be a sex educator since she was 12. It was lovely, because when I was 12, that wasnt a job! There was no way I would have ever gotten the idea that was a job, whereas someone whos 12 now, if theyre just watching YouTube, they can see that its a job.
I do think that one of the biggest changes is that you have young people, when they are still young people, identifying that this is an area of work that they want to get started in and get involved with. And thats a massive difference.
If you were to compare the sexual education climate when you started Scarleteen to the climate today, what would you say has changed or stayed the same?
Its interesting because theres definitely some things that have gotten worse in the interim and some things that have gotten better. Adults in general are still scared of speaking to their kids about sex and sexuality but you know, the 80s and 90s was kind of the hay day for really good sex information. It wasnt very highly policed and massive conservatism in the United States was kind of at a low. When I first started Scarleteen in 98, I wasnt answering questions from people who were in deep, deep shame from having been sexual because you didnt have all of this purity culture.
Then, of course, when the Bush administration came in, and you had billions of dollars going to abstinence-based initiativesthe opposite of sex education. So right now, were still at a point where people are fighting to get back good sex ed. But now that fight includes people saying: Oh, and by the way, we want our sex ed to include queer people, we want it to include trans and gender nonconforming people and we want it to recognize that not everybody is going to get married and have babies.
What are some of the biggest challenges at Scarleteen?
One of the biggest challenges right now is that Im the oldest person at Scarleteen by a very serious long shot, but thats by design. Coming from a generational place that was very, very sex positive and really sexual to a generation that is full of purity culture and has a lot of shame and extra fear is definitely challenging. Its not the easiest thing for me to relate to. I had a lot of things that I was scared of growing up, but sex was one of the few things that I wasnt scared of. From a personal perspective, I need to work a little bit harder to connect.
What are some aspects of traditional classroom sex ed that youve consciously brought into Scarleteen, versus ones that youve consciously ditched?
My teaching background is Montessori and Unschooling, so Im not a fan of compulsory education. One of the things I like best about Scarleteen is that nobody is forced to be here. So nobodys suffering through an education that theyre not ready for, that they dont want or isnt relevant to them. Having things be opt-in, rather than compulsory is a really big thing for me.
So, we try to make sure that what were doing is based on what young people are asking for, whether that ask is super explicit, or whether that ask is based on a trend that were noticing. In a lot of any education, whats being presented is being decided by the educators. One of the things Ill often hear as a sex educator is, when I was a teenager, I wanted [to learn] Xwhich would be great if we were going back in time, but generally, thats not a good basis for figuring out what somebody whos an adolescent now wants. They could be a radically different person from you, so what you wanted or needed 20 or 30 years ago is not necessarily helpful in figuring out what an adolescent right now wants.
Are there any projects or programs that you really feel fulfilled by right now with Scarleteen?
On September 3rd, our comic, Wait, What? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up came out! The comic is for middle readers and what we wanted to focus on is how young people10 to 11- or 15-year-oldscan talk with each other about basic issues, so that readers in this age group can see a good model of how to be supportive of each other. For example, how to talk about gender roles, boyfriends and girlfriends, crushes and feeling awkward in bodies. Theres absolutely some sexual anatomy [in the book]; theres some stuff about gender identity, orientation, how to build a support group, how people use virginity constructs to make other people feel bad for 75 pages, theres a lot! For example, theres one character who says hes worried that his genitals are weird, and our approach is to say that genitals are weirdso, we have two pages of illustrations of different ways genitals can look!
Separate from Scarleteen, I just got a contract to write a guide to perimenopause and menopause: What Fresh Hell is This: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and YouA Guide. By and large, a lot of [the perimenopause and menopause literature] out there assumes that youre cisgender, assumes that youre straight, assumes that you had kids, assumes that youre married to a man. Its meant for a very different generation than Gen Xers.
[This book]s pretty much going to be: youre in this, this is going to be terrible, this is whats going to happen, this is how were going to keep from killing people and hopefully come out on the other side. I want to make a list of everyone thats been in perimenopause and hasnt killed anyone. Just as a little inspiration just to be like: see, if they did it, you can do it. YOU can not kill anyone through this process.
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The Ms. Q&A: How Heather Corinna Started the Online Sex Education Revolution - Ms. Magazine
The Learning with MOOCs Conference Honored Innovators in Online Education – IBL News
Posted: at 10:44 pm
IBL News | Milwaukee, WI
IEEEs Learning with MOOCS awarded Anant Agarwal, CEO at edX, for his meritorious service for outstanding contribution. Meanwhile, Dr. Russ Meier, professor at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), received recognition as Chair of the conference.
Both scholars were awarded during the sixth edition of the Learning with MOOCs Conference this week in Milwaukee, WI.
[In the picture above, Manuel Castro, IEEE fellow and organizer of the conference, with Anant Agarwal on the left]
Two universities were honored for the Best Paper Award:
The is a vibrant community of investigators researching and the future is very bright, said Russ Meier, who read the 37 papers presented at the conference.
He summarized the conclusions of the event in the video below.
The 2020 Learning with MOOCS event will be celebrated in Antigua, Guatemala, from September 30 to October 2. Universidad Galileo will host the gathering.[Disclosure: IBL was one of the sponsors of the conference, along with Future Learn, edX, Class Central and the Milwaukee School of Engineering]
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The Learning with MOOCs Conference Honored Innovators in Online Education - IBL News
Online courses are filling in the education gaps – The Australian Financial Review
Posted: at 10:44 pm
Short online self-education videos and modules can substitute for work-related training courses. They offer targeted and quick increases in knowledge. Work-related training courses are suffering from sharing this market.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures on work-related training courses, in 2013, 37 per cent of employees had taken such a course in the last 12 months. By 2017, that proportion had fallen to 30 per cent.
The ABS survey asks respondents about courses so it misses less structured learning. But another of its questions supports the conclusion that more educational needs are being met despite fewer course enrolments. The proportion of employees wanting to take more courses than they had declined by four percentage points, to 12 per cent, between 2013 and 2017.
In each years survey, a lack of time was the most common explanation for not taking a work-related training course, with financial reasons the second most frequently given reason. As online self-education resources are mostly short and usually free or cheap, they help satisfy previously unmetdemand.
Qualification-awarding courses should be more protected from online self-education than work-related training. Certificates, diploma and degree qualifications offer significant advantages over informal self-education for people planning to start, change or significantly advance their careers.
Award courses offer structured content across related topics, personal assistance, assessment and a well-understood credential. These qualifications give employers evidence that a job applicant has the required bundle of knowledge and skills. For job applicants, its hard to prove what they learned from watching instructional videos.
Although online self-education and traditional qualifications mostly serve different markets, online self-education may be taking market share.
Like many commentators, I had put falling vocational education enrolments down to funding cuts, policy chaos, and reputationaldamage. But the decline is so widespread that it raises the possibility that while all these factors have taken their toll, something else is going on as well.
Workers who can demonstrate their skills to their current employer are shifting to online self-education.
Andrew Norton
For people who already have jobs, student numbers are down over recent years in every field of education and every qualification level.
A National Centre for Vocational Education Research survey asks government-funded vocational students about their reasons for study. Enrolments by people giving reasons related to their current job have fallen much more than from people trying to change jobs or careers.
This supports the theory that workers who can directly demonstrate their skills to their current employer are shifting to online self-education, while people hoping for a different job still see value in credentials.
Higher education is less exposed than vocational or work-related training courses to the quick skill upgrade market. University courses are better suited to people wanting a career change. But there is evidence that higher education is feeling the broader trends in skills development.
Domestic postgraduate commencing enrolments have declined since their 2014 peak. Business and education courses are leading the fall. Business-related subjects are very common on the online self-education platforms.
Only health and IT postgraduate commencements are above their 2014 levels and showing year-on-year growth.
University leaders understand that career education is changing. Some are investing in micro-credentials to target time-poor prospective students. Micro-credentials are an idea worth exploring, as university brands are valuable commodities.
But micro-credentials are in a tough part of the market. They are vulnerable to shorter and cheaper online self-education in the market for quick skills development, and to longer, more comprehensive and better-recognised qualifications in the market for third-party authenticated education.
The early-decade pundits exaggerated the threat to universities from online education. But short and cheap skill development is what many current workers prefer, and they are finding it through online self-education.
Andrew Norton is an honorary fellow at the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at Melbourne University. Twitter: @andrewjnorton
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Online courses are filling in the education gaps - The Australian Financial Review
Dwyer retires after eight years on Fairfield Board of Education – Fairfield Citizen
Posted: at 10:44 pm
Dwyer chairing a 2018 meeting of the Board of Education.
Dwyer chairing a 2018 meeting of the Board of Education.
Photo: Genevieve Reilly / Hearst Connecticut Media
Dwyer chairing a 2018 meeting of the Board of Education.
Dwyer chairing a 2018 meeting of the Board of Education.
Dwyer retires after eight years on Fairfield Board of Education
FAIRFIELD Philip Dwyer is retiring from the Board of Education after an eight-year career, six of which he served as the boards chair.
Throughout his time on the Board of Education, Dwyer has been a patient and thoughtful leader, no matter the challenge.
He won his first term in November 2011 and chaired the board through 2018. The journey began after he retired from a 42-year career at the YMCA and saw an opportunity to leverage his experience as a long-time community leader.
The YMCA is a community-based organization, so my job was essentially saying, What does the community needs, and how can we deliver on meeting those needs? Dwyer explained. And thats exactly what the Board of Education does.
Dwyer chaired the board through a contentious six years, during which the goals and strategies of different members were often at odds. Throughout that time, he always strove towards empathy.
I tried my best to be patient, whether it was a parent, a staff member or a board member who was very excitedly offering a different viewpoint, he said.
He noted that whenever a community member would apologize for being forward at a meeting, he would always reply in the same way.
I would say to them, If you do not advocate for the needs of your child, who will? he said. So dont ever be shy about being an advocate for the needs of your child or what you believe in.
This patient leadership style proved effective, with Dwyer overseeing multiple school building projects, hiring former superintendent Toni Jones and consistently advocating for teachers and students in front of town bodies.
The Board of Education thanked him for this and more at his final meeting on Oct. 23, seeing him out with a standing ovation.
Youve been such a source of guidance for me as Ive assumed this position, said Chair Christine Vitale, who took over as Chair from Dwyer in 2018. I thank you for your positive impact. Thousands of childrens lives are better because of your guidance.
Dwyer believes hes leaving the Board of Education in good hands, and hes optimistic about the future of Fairfield Public Schools.
The board is in a better position today to address some of the real challenges that are facing our school system, Dwyer said. It has always been my hope that Fairfield is the kind of town that can look at serious issues, push away the rhetoric and come to a good decision thats in the long-term best interest of this town and its students.
Although hes leaving the Board of Education, Dwyer is by no means done being involved in the community. He has always engaged broadly with Fairfield through his church, Fairfield CARES Community Coalition and the Democratic Town Committee.
In 2016, Dwyer was endorsed as the Democratic candidate for State Senator in Connecticuts 28th District. He lost to Republican Tony Hwang, who was seeking his second term and won re-election again in 2018.
Dwyer is also looking forward to continuing to have an impact on the YMCA, which he called his first love, as chair of the World Federation of YMCA Retirees.
As my friends will tell me, when I retired in 2010, essentially I flunked retirement, he said. Im an engaged person. I will continue to be engaged, and Ill just pick and choose where my talents might be best used.
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Dwyer retires after eight years on Fairfield Board of Education - Fairfield Citizen