In 2025, the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) and the University of Antioquia presented the Dietary Guide for the Colombian Population based on Biodiversity and Real Food. This document is not a single recipe or just another technical manual: it is the result of a participatory process with communities from the country’s 13 food-relatedContinue reading “The New Food Guide for Colombia: Biodiversity, identity, and health at the table”
Category Archives: Consumer Behavior
Ultra-processed food consumption is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake: New research
“An international team of scientists has reported that people gain more weight on an ultra-processed diet compared to a minimally processed diet, even when they eat the same number of calories. The study in humans also revealed that a diet high in ultra-processed foods introduces higher levels of pollutants known to affect sperm quality (PrestonContinue reading “Ultra-processed food consumption is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake: New research”
Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy
During my trip to Ecuador in late June, I dined at Somos Restaurant, in Quito, Ecuador. The theme of Somos restaurant is “Ecuadorian Born, Globally Inspired.” Somos restaurant specializes in preparing locally-available, indigenous foods and advocates for sustainable gastronomy. Here are some photos of the impressive restaurant, including the delicious dishes we sampled from theContinue reading “Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy”
Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds
Tearing off plastic wrap from the meat or prepackaged fruit and vegetables you purchased at the supermarket may contaminate your food with micro- and nanoplastics, according to a new research review published in the journal NPJ Science of Food. “Plastic contamination may also occur when you’re unwrapping deli meat and cheese, steeping a tea bagContinue reading “Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds”
The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table
The story of açaí begins in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where local tribes regarded it as a precious source of energy and vitality. It’s no coincidence that the name “açaí” means “fruit that cries” in the Tupi language, referring to how the pulp flows from the fruit. For generations, Amazonian communities have harvested these smallContinue reading “The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table”
Dietary & lifestyle strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics
In a recent commentary published in the journal Brain Medicine, three medical doctors (MDs) identified dietary and lifestyle-based strategies that may reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). This commentary was published shortly after a research study published in Nature Medicine reported that the human brain contains “approximately a spoon’s worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs).”Continue reading “Dietary & lifestyle strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics”
Better food labels may help consumers choose more climate-friendly foods: New study
A new research study published in the journal Appetite has found that carbon food labels can encourage consumers to switch from animal-based to plant-based foods. Globally, there is increasing interest in carbon food labelling, given its potential to nudge consumers towards more sustainable food choices. Carbon Food Labeling: Closing The Knowledge Gap Previous research has shown thatContinue reading “Better food labels may help consumers choose more climate-friendly foods: New study”
World Pulses Day 2025: February 10, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”
February 10, 2025 is World Pulses Day 2025. The theme for World Pulses Day 2025 is, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems.” Pulses bring diversity to our agrifood systems in multiple ways: on the farm, in our diets and through value-added products. They boost biodiversity on farms by enriching cropping systems with more species. WithContinue reading “World Pulses Day 2025: February 10, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems””
New Report: Grains of Truth 2024
A newly published report titled: “Grains of Truth 2024: Taste Price Optimism & Obstacles: Habit Convenience Health” reveals a mixed picture of progress and challenges in the global food system. The report highlights the growing interest in plant-based diets, with 68 percent of people worldwide expressing a desire to eat more plant-based foods. However, onlyContinue reading “New Report: Grains of Truth 2024”
How much food does the world waste? What we know, and what we don’t
Globally, approximately 40% of food is either lost or wasted along the value chain, exposing a major blind spot in food systems. And while 40% of the world’s food is wasted or lost annually, millions of people across the globe face hunger. This fact alone should help us think more critically about the food onContinue reading “How much food does the world waste? What we know, and what we don’t”