Mainstream media food propaganda claims CHIPS are better for you than an avocado

 If there’s one nutrient that we need to consume on a daily basis, it’s protein. Not only does protein help us maintain and build up muscle mass, it curbs hunger and makes us less likely to snack in-between meals. Obtaining protein is commonly associated with meat consumption, but eating too much meat can have ill-effects on our bodies. So how then do we go about ensuring we get our daily dose of protein? Definitely not by reaching for a big of chips, that’s for sure.

Potato chips and french fries are not foods that immediately spring to mind when you think of possible protein sources, yet that’s what one article from the DailyMail.co.uk is claiming. Written by one Angela Dowden, the article states outright that McCain brand potato chips can help you meet your recommended daily intake of protein.

“Potatoes are only two percent protein, but this serving size provides a good proportion of our daily needs. The flour coating also contains protein,” wrote Dowden. She then notes that a 220 g bag of 22 McCain chips can deliver 6.6 g of protein in total. Dowden further states that a bag of McCain chips is better than a large avocado in terms of protein content since an avocado is packed with a mere 3.7 g of protein.

If we’re going to judge foods solely by their protein content, then you can definitely do so much better than potato chips. The sheer variety of fruits and vegetables available on the market means that there has to be at least a few reliable sources of plant-based protein. And, blessedly, there are:

• Edamame – One cup of cooked edamame, or boiled green soybeans, can deliver 18 g of protein.
• Tempeh – For every three ounces of tempeh, you get 16 of protein. What’s even better is that tempeh is a fermented food and is therefore easier to digest for some people.
• Lentils – A half-cup serving will provide nine g of protein. Lentils have the added benefit of being low in calories too.
• Black beans – With 7.6 g of protein for every half cup of cooked black beans, a full cup can provide a fair amount of this important nutrient.

Unlike McCain chips, these foods won’t make you pack on fat. According to FatSecret.co.uk, a 100 g serving of McCain Home Chips is composed of 25 percent fat and 69 percent carbohydrates. Never mind that the flour coating is also supposed to be a decent source of protein, in her own words. The cons far outweigh the pros, simple as that.

Dowden doesn’t seem to think so, however, because she wrote: “Although deemed an indulgence, chips can be more effective for diets.”

A lot of other foods are “effective for diets”, and none of them are as heavily processed or fat- and carbohydrate-laden as a big of chips.

Her other suggestions for plant-based protein sources were better than chips (such as quinoa, humus, and cashews), yet she seemed fixated on these unhealthy potato products. (Related: Plant-Based Protein Is Becoming Increasingly Popular.)

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying something indulgent every once in a while, but trying to pass it off as something that’s truly and totally good for you just won’t do.

If the comments section is anything to go by, Dowden’s propaganda-tinged love letter to potato chips was at least met with the reactions it deserved. As the top comment by user Graelwyn goes: “Avocado isn’t about the protein for goodness sake, it is about the healthy fats and vitamins. Do some research before writing such a ridiculously misleading article. Throw half an avocado with some chicken, rice and vegetables and you have a very healthy, balanced meal. It might not be as enticing as fast food, but if packs much more of a nutritional punch and is a lot more filling.”

Visit FoodScience.news for similar stories.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk
Prevention.com
FatSecret.co.uk

Pepsi now experimenting with ground up insects as a source of protein for its snack products

While it may turn the stomach of consumers in America, PepsiCo is betting that snacks and drinks made with ground up bugs will become the next big thing. Although bug protein is already popular in some parts of the world, it will take some time for the West to adapt to the idea.

Recently, Pepsi — the food company known for its sodas and snacks like Doritos, Cheetos, and Quaker Oats cereal — posted an innovation request on the idea portal Nine Sights looking for novel, sustainable, non-GMO protein sources for usage in their products. The firm noted that the protein source should have a minimal impact on the flavor and texture of the end product, and must be easy to process and handle.

Saying they would like “to achieve a protein level that provides a measurable positive impact for consumers while enabling a comparable consumer experience,” Pepsi’s primary focus is finding a plant-based protein source. Though they are also considering fungi- and insect-based protein.

Furthermore, the request also mentioned that they have already done extensive research on soy, moringa (a protein powder made from dried leaves of the horseradish tree), duckweed, cricket powder, pea protein, single cell protein, and mealworm powder. Additionally, the company wrote that it wishes to avoid usage of dairy, egg, meat, and gelatin sourced protein.

Are insects making their way to your kitchen table?

With the request, PepsiCo addresses the growing consumer shift away from traditional protein sources such as dairy, meat, and fish. In 2016, U.S. sales of foods with alternative proteins totaled $4.9 billion, according to the Plant-Based Foods Association.

Usually used as bird feed or fishing bait, Pepsi isn’t the only one to experiment with baked or fried ground mealworms and other exotic sounding sources of protein, the Daily Mail Online reported.

In 2016, Campbell Soup Co. launched a line of non-dairy, plant-based milk made from pea protein. In the same year, Tyson Foods started a venture capital fund worth $150 million to invest in companies that produce meat substitutes, while General Mills’ VC firm, 301 Inc., invested in meat-alternative companies such as Beyond Meat and Kite Hill. These companies mainly use nuts and other plant proteins in their products.

Speaking to The Epoch Times, Gabi Lewis, co-founder of Exo, a company that makes protein bars with cricket flour, noted that the adoption of insects will be similar to Americans’ experience with sushi.

“Thirty years ago, the idea of eating raw fish was pretty disgusting to most Westerners. … It became more mainstream through the invention of the California roll in Hollywood, when a chef there basically replaced the tuna with avocado and hid the raw fish, making it less obvious,” he said. “We had to create some kind of California roll for insects, and that is where the protein bars come in,” he added.

Jarrod Goldin, the second co-founder of the Ontario-based company Exo, said that their business is booming. Worldwide the demand for insect protein is growing, with the United States as one of their biggest customers. Furthermore, in addition to startups that jumped on the insect trend, big corporations such as Pepsi, Kellogg, Cargill, and Disney are buying the cricket powders for their research and development of new products.

Will these new types of bug protein revolutionize the food world and make their way to your kitchen table soon? Or are they just another trend or food fad? Though PepsiCo hasn’t revealed its plans for the future yet, last year Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi named bugs the go-to snack food of the future. Are you ready for a cricket snack?

Find more news about rising food trends at FoodSupply.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NineSights.NineSigma.com

NYTimes.com

TheEpochTimes.com

20 Protein Rich Fruits to Include In Your Diet

The very word protein usually forms up images of meat, fish, and eggs in our mind. But protein can be obtained by consuming fruits and vegetables as well. Eating fruit for intake of protein becomes all the more logical due to its supplementary benefits in the form of low saturated fiber and high dietary fiber. Here we have comprised a list of protein rich fruits for bodybuilding, weight loss and many more benefits that they exude.

Complete List of Top 12 Protein Rich Fruits

Dried Apricots

So in the list of protein rich fruits dried apricots top the list. They consist of 3.4 g of protein in 100 g. Apart from being protein rich source that they are, apricots are a good source of vitamin A. These are readily available throughout the year. You can always consume these in form of pancake or salad though fresh apricots would taste better.

Raisins

The second richest fruit in protein is Raisins. Besides being rich in protein they are a good source of calcium, iron, and potassium. They contain 3.1 g of protein per 100 g. Raisins can always be combined with oatmeal and salads for a change of taste.

Guava

Guava consists of 2.6 g of the protein of 100 g. Besides bagging the third spot here, they are a rich source of vitamin C. Their vitamin C content exceeds that of Orange, which helps the immunity system.

Dates

Dates can provide you with 5% of the daily recommended value. They consist of 2.5 g of protein per 100 g. Dates are the kind of protein rich portable snacks that you can eat while on the go. These can be included in baking for their natural sweetness.

Prunes

With 2.2 g of protein per 100 g Prunes fall at the fifth spot in this hierarchy. Prunes are high in sugar and so it is advisable to consume them in a limited amount. Apart from this, they are known for their high-fiber content which can help with constipation among others.

Avocado

Avocados make a surprise entry though they are advised to consume in a limited amount due to their fat content. Avocados consist of 2 g of protein per 100 g. The best part about Avocados is that they can be a part of your breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner.

Kumquat

Kumquat is certainly not the most well-known fruit though they form a part of this list. They have 1.9 g of protein per 100 g. However, there is an interesting this about kumquat is that their inside is all tangy but it is their peel which tastes sweet. This creates an interesting mix of taste when eaten as a whole.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. But here we are talking of protein rich fruits, which brings us to the point of them having 1.7 g of protein per 100 g. This makes them another alternative to meat and all. Jackfruit provides us with 3% of recommended intake.

Currants

Currants are also called as Zante currants or Corinthian raisins. They taste a bit like grapes. Currants consist of 1.4 g of protein per 100 g. Currants is another great combination of nutrients with its protein content working in tandem with its fiber content.

Raspberries

Coming in at the 10th position in this list of protein rich fruits are raspberries. They consist of 1.2 g of protein which equals to which equals to 2% of optimal consumption of protein.

They form a tasty combination along with yogurt. This forms for a healthy breakfast.

Bananas

Though consisting of 1.1 g of protein, bananas provide us with as little as 2% of daily recommended value. The thing to note here is that they make a great choice due to being highly rich in several nutrients.

They work great alongside oatmeal or cereal. And can also be used to form a smoothie.

Peaches

Peaches though providing with just 1% of recommended amount make it to the list of protein rich fruits. These contain other nutrients in a small amount as well. They are a source of beta-Carotene which makes them helpful for improvement in eyesight.

To add to all these protein rich fruits, there are few more fruits which can be consumed for adequate protein intake. These include:

1. Figs: 0.8 g of protein (1% DV)
2. Grapefruit: 0.8g of protein (1% DV)
3. Cantaloupe: 0.8g of protein (1% DV)

While fruits don’t offer as much fat as some of the non-vegetarian food sources they certainly make for a great option for two reasons. Firstly in case, you don’t eat non-vegetarian food and secondly if you are looking to get nutrients more than just protein. These are also highly rich in fiber, vitamin & mineral which makes all the more sense for these fruits to be included in our diet.

Help your hair by eating these 10 foods full of healthy hair growth properties

With too many risks involved in making the hair more beautiful, it might prove beneficial to opt for a more natural approach. This article lists down certain vitamins and minerals that are essential for hair health, and the food sources where they can be found.

1. Protein – Protein is the hair’s main component. Eat ample amounts of protein to make hair strong and healthy. Foods high in protein include poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs. Vegetable protein sources also include legumes and nuts.
2. Vitamin A – This vitamin is essential in producing sebum, an oily compound that acts as a natural conditioner for the scalp. Foods high in beta-carotene such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes may help boost the hair’s condition.
3. Vitamin E – Sun exposure causes hair damage. Eating foods high in vitamin E may help protect the hair from the harmful effects of UV rays. Nuts are an excellent source of vitamin E.
4. Zinc and selenium – Both minerals are known to help protect the scalp from damage. Fortified cereals and whole grains are packed with zinc. Oysters, beef and eggs are also excellent mineral sources.
5. Iron – Iron is easily an important mineral for the hair. Iron deficiency leads to anemia, which in turn results in inadequate nutrient supply and subsequent hair loss. Animal products such as poultry, red meat, and fish are excellent sources of iron. Vegetables such as spinach, lentils, and other greens such as broccoli and kale are all packed with iron.
6. Vitamin C – This vitamin facilitates iron absorption. Vitamin C also bolsters collagen production, which strengthens the capillaries in the hair shafts. Berries, citrus fruits, and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C.
7. Biotin – Low biotin levels may result in brittle hair and subsequent hair loss. Foods such as whole grains, liver, and egg yolk as well as soy flour and yeast are rich in biotin.
8. Omega-3 – Omega-3 fatty acids line the scalp and keep it hydrated. Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel are known sources of omega-3 acids.
9. Magnesium – This mineral helps fortify the hair and prevent hair loss. Foods rich in magnesium include leafy greens, bananas, avocados and yogurt.
10. Vitamin B-complex – This vitamin is essential for cell growth and division. Grains, nuts, and eggs are excellent sources of vitamin B-complex.

Toxins are “hair” to stay

Hair care services continue to gain steam in the U.S., according to the Professional Consultants & Resources‘ 2015 Professional Salon Industry Haircare Study. According to the report, hair coloring remains to be an important service among U.S. salons. Hair coloring treatments attract customers to go for other related services such as hair cuts, styles and straightening. Hair coloring services show a four percent increase, thanks largely to an aging baby boomer population and greater demands for fashion hair color. The report also reveals that keratin straightening services increased by about  3.2 percent, while cutting and styling services increased by 2.6 percent.

Unfortunately, certain hair treatments are known to cause quite intensive damage to the hair. Keratin treatment, for instance, has been labeled a potential health hazard by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the FDA, the treatment poses risks to both the customer and the salon worker. The agency’s main concern is the treatment’s formula that contains traces of formaldehyde and methylene glycol, both of which are known to cause cancer.

“It’s a semi-permanent hair smoothing system that targets the cuticle, or the outside layer, of the hair. It deposits a liquid version of the protein keratin that your hair is made up of along with a chemical preservative—this is then blown dried directly into the hair followed by flat ironing the strand into a straight position…The other negative aspect to these treatments is the temperature at which you must heat the hair to accomplish the goal. Subjecting a fine or heavily highlighted head of hair to a 450 degree flat iron, too, may not leave your hair feeling as wonderful as these treatments tend to claim,” said celebrity hair stylist David Babaii in an article in HarpersBazaar.com.

Sources include:

BBCGoodFood.com

AmericanSalon.com

HarpersBazaar.com

SlickWellness.com