Most plant-based milks have less protein and calcium than cow’s milk
Plant-based milks are generally lower in protein than cow’s milk. Nearly a third of them also lack calcium and vitamin D when compared to the dairy alternative. Previous studies have shown that plant-based milks are low in four important minerals: phosphorus (as well as magnesium), zinc, and selenium. Now, Abigail Johnson from the University of…
Your genes may influence how much fruit, fish or salt you eat
Your genes could influence your food preferences, whether you prefer salty foods or fruit as a snack. Understanding how genetic preferences vary from person to person may one day help to create bespoke diet plans that take into account the individual’s genetic preferences. Joanne Cole, a researcher at the University of Colorado, says,…
The five foods that are key to maintaining good gut health
Prebiotic foods like garlic, leeks and onions, Jerusalem artichokes, and dandelion leaves are among the best. Prebiotics is a type of fibre that acts as a source of food for probiotics, which are bacteria that maintain a healthy microbial community in the gastrointestinal system. Cassandra Boyd and John Gieng, both at San Jose State University…
Soya beans made more meat-like by adding genes for pig proteins
The meat substitutes of the future could look more like real meat. A UK-based firm called Moolec claims to have created a genetically modified plant that produces beans, where a quarter are pig proteins. It named its plant Piggy Sooy. Moolec also creates pea plants that are rich in beef protein. It claims that…
Edible and delicious Chinese mitten crabs are invading the UK
The UK has asked people to report any sightings of Chinese Mitten Crabs. This invasive species is of great concern, and its population is believed to be increasing. The Chinese mitten crabs are native East Asian crustaceans named after their brown furry claws that resemble mittens. Their body color can range from greenish brown to…
The world has a new hottest chilli
According to a declaration by Guinness World Records, Pepper X is one of the hottest chilis in the world. The chili is 500 times more desirable that a jalapeno. The greenish-yellow squat pepper measures 2.69 million Scoville units (SHU). The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) is a measure of heat based on the number of capsaicinoids,…
It takes just 108 milliseconds for our brains to spot food
In 10 years, you’re deciding on what to eat for lunch. You’re stuck between a raptor meatball sub or a dodo chorizo burrito. This is either a tasty problem or a scary one. Or both. Sometimes, it can be a shock to realize that we live in the future. The technologies that were portrayed in…
Let’s stop making lab-grown meat weird
In 10 years, you’re deciding on what to eat for lunch. You’re stuck between a raptor meatball sub or a dodo chorizo burrito. This is either a tasty problem, or a scary one. Or both. Sometimes, it can be a shock to realize that we live in the future. The technologies that were portrayed in…
Climate change may be improving the quality of Bordeaux wines
The Bordeaux wines are better when they are produced in years that have wet winters followed by hot, dry summers. Climate Change makes these weather patterns more frequent, which could explain, in part, why Bordeaux wines are improving. To better understand the relationship between the weather and wine quality, Andrew Wood from the University of Oxford and…
How to make sure your chicken is properly cooked
How can you tell if a chicken piece is cooked? The color is a common way to know if a piece of chicken has been cooked. However, this method is not reliable. Chicken is high in Salmonella as well as Campylobacter. These are the two most common causes of foodborne illness. Chicken meat contains these bacteria,…