logo
A Looming Dairy Drought Will Stunt the World's Growth

A Looming Dairy Drought Will Stunt the World's Growth

Bloomberg7 days ago
It's every baby's first food, and we can't get enough of it. The world produces close to a billion metric tons of milk each year — more than all the wheat or rice we grow. That lead is set to widen over the coming decade, with dairy consumption expected to grow faster than any other agricultural commodity. On a rapidly warming planet, this poses a host of problems.
Consider demand. There's more than half a billion people under the age of four in developing countries, and about a third of them suffer from stunting — short stature that's associated with health, educational and economic problems in later life. Most could benefit from the policy first proposed by Scottish nutritionist John Boyd Orr in the 1920s: provision of dairy products to give them a more nutritionally rich diet.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I'm a wellness writer, and I get overwhelmed by health advice, too. Here is how I prioritize
I'm a wellness writer, and I get overwhelmed by health advice, too. Here is how I prioritize

CNN

time15 minutes ago

  • CNN

I'm a wellness writer, and I get overwhelmed by health advice, too. Here is how I prioritize

After a long day of work, I climb onto the couch to make plans for the rest of the week, and my mind buzzes with everything I could put on my priority list. I should spend less time on social media, but it is also good to stay connected to long-distance friends. I need to drink water regularly, but does my tap water have endocrine-disrupting chemicals? Eating leftovers rather than restaurant meals is healthier, but I shouldn't store food in plastic because I need to reduce my exposure to microplastics. I hate running, but I should give it a try. Will that one carrot salad that influencers like really make a big difference in my nutrition? What is a wellness writer to do? If I am overwhelmed by all the ways to improve wellness — and it's my job — I am sure you could be, too. Here is what I have learned about finding the balance. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I have received when it comes to wellness is 'first things first.' It is tempting to look for ways to cut sugar and salt out of my diet when I read a study on their health impacts or to spend the whole day researching the chemicals used in my homewares to see whether I should replace them. But then I am reminded to focus on the most immediate things. Am I eating enough? Am I sleeping well? Did I get some good movement in my day? Have I seen my friends and family? If the answer to any of those things is no, or even a not really, then nothing else is important to me. It is better that I make sure I am eating a meal that nourishes me than that I nitpick the calories or contents. It is better to sleep soundly and peacefully than to stress all night about microplastics. It is better to spend time laughing with people I care about than to sit in a room filled with red light panels. These aren't just my personal priorities. Regular exercise, good sleep and a balanced, plant-based diet have consistently shown to be key in a healthy, long life. And more evidence is pointing to the quality of social connections being an important aspect of longevity as well. (My colleagues wrote those stories.) Once those foundational bases are covered, then you and I can move on to fine-tuning the nutrition, exercise, products and wellness practices that make up our lives. Let's say you have those essential aspects of your life mostly managed, and you are ready to get more detailed in your wellness. Making changes often takes time, effort and money. There is a lot of research that many of the products commonly found in homes contain potentially dangerous chemicals such as PFAS or endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The class of chemicals known as PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are sometimes called 'forever chemicals' because they don't fully break down in the environment and are commonly found in household products. They are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, according to the Endocrine Society. Chemicals in PFAS categories have been linked with cancers, endocrine-related conditions and developmental delays in children. It may not be realistic to get rid of everything in your home and start from scratch. Instead, find ways to make a reasonable change that can have a big impact. For example, finding a good water filter is one step that can address endocrine-disrupting chemicals, PFAS and other potential contaminants. The Environmental Working Group also has a tap water database so that people can search their drinking-water quality by ZIP code and use a water filtration guide to pick a system that is right for them. NSF, formerly the National Sanitation Foundation, also has a list of recommended filters. If you are hoping to change some personal care or other home products, start with the things to which you aren't particularly attached, said Dr. Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist on the healthy living team at the Environmental Working Group, in an earlier article. Friedman has curly hair, so she prefers a certain shampoo and conditioner, but she said there are other personal care products in which she might not notice as much of a loss if she were to switch to those with lower levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Plenty of reputable online databases are available to the public to search for safer personal care products, such as developed by allergists and dermatologists with the Mayo Clinic, and Skin Deep from the Environmental Working Group, said Dr. Michael Bloom, a professor of global and community health at George Mason University's College of Public Health in Fairfax, Virginia. Nutrition and exercise are other wellness categories in which an abundance of good guidance also creates plenty of ways to make you feel overwhelmed. How you eat. The Mediterranean diet, which focuses on plants, healthy fat sources, whole grains and lean proteins such as fish, nuts and legumes, has consistently ranked as one of the healthiest dietary patterns and has been linked to many health benefits. Studies have also shown the importance of reducing sodium and sugar for longer lives with less risk of chronic disease. How you move. Likewise, exercise has been linked to better mental health, lower risk of cognitive decline and reduction in chronic diseases. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity and two days of strength training a week, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But if all you can do now is get a couple of thousand more steps in your day, 10 minutes of exercise or more beans in your diet, those are good places to start, experts say. How to create a habit. The most sustainable way to alter diet and exercise habits is to do so in slow, manageable steps, according to a 2017 study. Adding something into your day — exercise, nutrients or even more sleep — takes willpower, which you can wrestle into place in the short term but isn't a good strategy for long-term change, said Katy Milkman, the James G. Dinan Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. But good habits and a well-established routine can help you make the choices you are trying to stick to, Milkman pointed out earlier. Try making small additions of health-promoting behaviors — even just one change a week to make it stick — to what you are already doing rather than scrapping all your habits and starting from scratch. As for me, I am going to keep adding to my small exercise routine next week. And I promise to come back and keep sharing the little changes that can make a big difference so you can try next. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) Finalizes Global Licensing Agreement with 3sbio, Inc.
Pfizer Inc. (PFE) Finalizes Global Licensing Agreement with 3sbio, Inc.

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) Finalizes Global Licensing Agreement with 3sbio, Inc.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is among the . On July 24, 2025, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) finalized the global licensing agreement with 3SBio, Inc. With this agreement, PFE acquired the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize 3SBio's SSGJ-707, a bispecific antibody for PD-1 and VEGF. Leveraging 3SBio's proprietary CLF2 platform, this innovative treatment enhances Pfizer's oncology pipeline and solidifies its competitive edge in cancer research. The antibody is presently undergoing clinical trials in China for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with promising interim Phase 2 results. It is also under clinical trials for gynecological tumors. By manufacturing the drug in the U.S. and expanding clinical trials globally, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) aims to focus on Phase 3 studies for NSCLC and other solid tumors. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) will make an upfront payment of $1.25 billion to 3SBio and acquire a $100 million equity stake, as per the agreed terms. With up to $150 million in potential payments, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) can exercise the option to extend the agreement for exclusive rights in China. Operating globally, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) discovers, develops, and sells biopharmaceuticals. It is one of the best ESG stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of PFE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Is Eating Too Many Raw Vegetables Hurting Your Gut? Here's What Dietitians Say
Is Eating Too Many Raw Vegetables Hurting Your Gut? Here's What Dietitians Say

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Is Eating Too Many Raw Vegetables Hurting Your Gut? Here's What Dietitians Say

Reviewed by Dietitian Karen Ansel, M.S., RDN Feeding your gut the right blend of foods and nutrients is key to helping it function at its best. Which begs the question – is eating too many raw veggies helping – or hurting – your gut health? Considering that less than 10% of us consume enough veggies to begin with, we decided it's time to settle the debate. So, we put the question to gut health experts. You might be surprised to learn that the answer isn't the same for everyone. 'Eating a large amount of raw veggies is not inherently bad,' says Kara Hochreiter, M.S., RDN, LD. 'In fact, it can be a great way to boost your intake of fiber, antioxidants and key micronutrients. However, for those with poor digestive function and/or pre-existing gut conditions, too many raw vegetables can trigger or exacerbate symptoms and may even impair nutrient absorption.' Let's explore how raw veggies impact your gut health and if yours could benefit from a quick steam. The Upsides of Raw Veggies They Promote a Healthy Microbiome Fiber is key for gut health. Yet, few of us get the recommended 25 to 38 grams of fiber we need daily. Adding more vegetables, whether raw or cooked, does double duty by helping to close this gap and support a healthy gut. How does the fiber in raw veggies work its magic on your gut? After you eat, say, a crunchy, sliced red bell pepper, its fiber travels to your gut. When it gets there, it's fermented by your good gut bacteria. This process produces beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids, which help keep the lining of your gut strong and healthy. They Contain Compounds that Support Your Gut Raw veggies are also rich in phytochemicals that offer some pretty stellar gut health benefits. These compounds act as antioxidants that help protect your gut–and the rest of your body–from inflammation. This, along with the abundant vitamins and minerals in raw vegetables, provides a trifecta of gut-supporting protection. They May Prevent Constipation Whole grains aren't the only foods that provide the fiber you need to stay regular. Raw veggies are a delicious way to load up on fiber to help keep things moving. Plus, they're rich in water, which helps keep your poop soft and easy to pass. Cucumbers, lettuce, celery and tomatoes are all loaded with fluids. The Downsides of Raw Veggies: They Can Be Difficult for Some People to Digest On the flipside, eating lots of raw veggies isn't for everyone. This is especially true for people with underlying gut conditions, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 'When raw veggies are eaten in large quantities, they can be harder to break down due to their firm texture and high volume, which may lead to bloating or gas,' says gut-health dietitian Jessie Wong, MAcc, RDN, LD. It's not that raw veggies are harmful for people with these conditions. It may simply require more effort for their guts to digest them. If you have IBS or IBD, cooking your vegetables can help, says Wong. 'Essentially, cooking breaks down the fibers and cell walls, making vegetables easier to chew, digest and absorb, especially for those with sensitive digestion,' she explains. May Increase Bloating & Gas If you have IBS or are sensitive to certain difficult-to-digest carbohydrates known as FODMAPs (short for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), some raw veggies can make you gassy and bloated. 'Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale, can be problematic due to their sulfur compounds and high fermentability,' says Hochreiter. 'Onions and garlic are also common culprits, particularly for those with IBS or FODMAP sensitivities.' This doesn't mean you have to avoid all raw vegetables, only the ones that cause discomfort. They May Reduce the Absorption of Certain Nutrients Some vegetables that are often eaten raw, like leafy greens, such as spinach and beet greens, are rich in calcium-binding compounds called oxalates. Oxalates aren't only problematic for calcium absorption. They can increase the risk of kidney stones in some people who are predisposed to this condition. While cooking these leafy greens won't remove all of their oxalates, it may reduce some of them. But if you love a leafy green salad, stick with low-oxalate greens like kale or romaine lettuce. Does Cooking Veggies Get Rid of the Nutrients? 'While cooking can reduce some heat-sensitive, water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and folate, it can also enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients, like beta-carotene in carrots and lycopene in tomatoes, making it easier for the body to absorb after cooking,' says Wong. Hochreiter points out that cooking vegetables may offer advantages for people with digestive issues. "Cooking helps break down tough fibers and may even reduce fermentable compounds, making vegetables easier to digest and less likely to provoke symptoms," she says. The way you cook your veggies can also impact their nutritional value. One study found that the amount of certain minerals in cooked eggplant, potatoes and zucchini varied substantially depending on how they were prepared. For example, both steaming and microwaving reduced the mineral content of potatoes, but zucchini's minerals were largely unchanged whether they were raw or cooked. And the minerals in eggplant actually increased after grilling or microwaving. The take-home message? There's not necessarily a best way to cook veggies to maximize their nutrient absorption since this can vary depending on multiple factors. Instead, Wong recommends this simple rule of thumb when cooking veggies: 'Use gentle cooking methods like steaming, roasting or sautéing with minimal water. While some nutrient loss is inevitable, cooked vegetables remain highly nutritious.' Tips to Enjoy Veggies for Gut Health Any vegetables can be a bonus for your gut, whether raw or cooked. To embrace more vegetables in your gut health routine, try these tips from Wong and Hochreiter. Think Slow and Steady: If you're increasing your vegetable intake, do it gradually to give your gut time to adjust to their fiber. Experiment with Roasting: Roasting is one of the easiest ways to prepare delicious veggies. It softens their tough fibers, brings out their natural sweetness and enhances everything from grain bowls to breakfast scrambles. Blend Them: Blending vegetables into soups, stews, sauces or smoothies is another simple way to sneak in extra nutrients while also making their fiber easier to digest. Switch Them Up: Combine raw and cooked veggies in your meals for a full spectrum of nutrients and different kinds of fiber. Toss roasted peppers into a leafy green salad or top a baked potato with some fiery tomato salsa. Don't Forget Healthy Fats: Cooking veggies with olive oil or pairing raw vegetables with avocado or tahini-based dips can improve absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, which all require fat for absorption. Our Expert Take If you're worried that eating too many raw vegetables is hurting your gut health, you can probably relax. Raw veggies are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants shown to support gut health. However, if you have a sensitive digestive system or are living with IBD or IBS, you may find that steamed or roasted veggies agree with your gut better. These cooking methods can help soften their fibers for a more comfortable vegetable-eating experience. In the end, almost all of us could benefit from eating more vegetables, whether they're raw or cooked. So, choose what feels best for you and eat up! Read the original article on EATINGWELL

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store