Latest news with #Keto
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
America's Protein Obsession Is Transforming the Dairy Industry
EDITORS NOTE: EDS: CORRECTS to "Emmett" sted "Emmet" in penultimate graf; RECODES as a Page 1 story.); (Attn: Wis.); (ART ADV: With photos. MARSHFIELD, Wis. -- Ken Heiman is a certified Master Cheesemaker, one of four who ensure that the cheddar, Gouda and other cheeses made at Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield, Wisconsin, taste great. But as proud as he is of his cheese, Heiman knows that his company's profitability these days is thanks less to Colby than it is to whey, the liquid byproduct of cheesemaking that helps to satisfy America's seemingly insatiable appetite for added protein. Nasonville Dairy produces around 150,000 pounds of cheese a day, but just breaks even on most of it, especially the 40-pound blocks of cheddar that are a cheesemaker's stock in trade. What increasingly keeps the lights on is whey. "We ought to be thanking people who are buying whey protein at Aldi's," said Heiman, who, in addition to being a Master Cheesemaker, is Nasonville's CEO. "It definitely enhances the bottom line." Whey is so valuable because it can deliver a lot of protein in a small caloric package, and in case you haven't noticed, exhortations to consume more protein have popped up everywhere over the past two decades. Doctors recommend additional protein for healthy aging. Weightlifters often take protein to build muscle, and more women and members of Generation Z are taking up the sport. Popular eating trends like the Keto diet emphasize eating a good amount of protein and fats. More recently, the demand for whey has been turbocharged by the growing use of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic. Patients taking those drugs are advised to increase their protein intake to avoid muscle loss. Whey protein powders, and the increasing number of whey-protein-enhanced products on grocery store shelves, are an expedient way of consuming a lot of protein. Estimates of the size of the whey protein market vary from around $5 billion to $10 billion, but nearly all analysts say the market will double over the next decade. A pound of the highest-protein whey powder that cost about $3 in 2020 costs almost $10 today, according to insights, an agriculture data company. The demand has trickled down and completely altered the economics of the dairy industry. When Heiman, 72, began his career in the 1960s, whey was pumped down a river, spread on a field or fed to pigs. In other words, it was waste, and the only goal was to get rid of it as cheaply as possible. Times have changed. "In the last decade or so, there are times when cheese is the byproduct of cheese production, and the cheese plants make more money off the whey production," said Mike McCully, a dairy industry consultant. Thank the Meissners' Cows Whey begins its journey to your muscles at dairy farms such as Norm-E-Lane in Chili, Wisconsin, started by Norm and Elaine Meissner in 1946. Wearing a maroon Norm-E-Lane T-shirt, jeans and work boots, Josh Meissner welcomed me to his farm with a crushing dairyman's handshake. The third generation of Meissners to run the dairy (Norm and Elaine were his grandparents), Josh, along with his son Emmett, led me through the milking parlor with its 50 milking stations, three huge barns housing 2,500 cows, and fields of corn. In one of the barns, a cow gave birth, and Josh Meissner walked over to check on the glistening newborn calf. Satisfied that all was in order, he wiped his hands on some straw and resumed talking. Fifteen calves a day are born on the farm; it was no big deal. Norm-E-Lane is a relatively large farm that does everything possible to control costs. Manure, for example, gets pushed into drains and sent to a methane digester to be converted into natural gas. Still, the Meissners have little control over what they are paid for their milk. They are what economists call price takers, not price makers. Milk is not priced like other commodities. Most milk in the United States is sold to dairy co-ops. The minimum price that farmers receive is set by the federal government -- a system set up in the 1930s to bolster milk producers -- and changes monthly depending on the various market forces hitting all milk products (cheeses, butter, yogurt, whey, etc.). Even farmers, like the Meissners, who sell their milk directly to cheese producers get essentially the co-op price for their milk. "There is not a lot of wiggle room of shopping around these days," Josh Meissner said. Marin Bozic, a former agricultural economics professor and the founder of a company that provides dairy and livestock data, calculated that in the early 2000s the value of whey averaged around 2.7%, and never more than 6.4%, of the monthly milk check that dairy farmers received. Since 2021, whey has made up 8.7% of the average milk check, sometimes climbing well above 10%. Dairying is not much of a growth industry. While there have been some gains in production, when accounting for inflation, the price farmers receive for milk today is about the same as it was 25 years ago. One of the main reasons it has not dropped is whey. The rise in the price of whey "stopped the farmer from getting absolutely beat into the ground when the price was so doggone poor," Heiman said. The Whey Maker The Meissners sell the 200,000 pounds of milk their farm makes each day to Heiman at Nasonville Dairy, about 6 miles down the road. Heiman is a gregarious, cheerful man with a large walrus mustache. But the economics of making cheese in Wisconsin are sobering. Although Nasonville is the largest cheesemaker in Wood County, in the heart of America's dairyland, he says it can't compete with West Coast dairies, where multinational conglomerates have built massive cheese plants. "If you are making the same kind of cheese they make, you're roadkill," he said. "Those guys have efficiency that just spooks you." Heiman's main factory is a beige, U-shaped building on Wisconsin's highway 10. Large storage silos dot the property. Outside, in addition to the cars whirring by, construction vehicles beep around, realigning a nearby road and expanding the factory, which was built in 1885 and has been in some form of operation since. The factory makes dozens of cheeses, some to sell under its own brand and some on contract for other companies. The main plant produces huge quantities of feta (the company makes 15% of all feta produced in the United States), cheddar, colby and a few other cheeses, while a much smaller plant 30 miles north makes tiny batches of specialty cheeses such as ghost pepper Jack. Tankerloads of milk from Norm-E-Lane and 200 other farms in the area are pasteurized and then sent into two-story cylindrical cooker vats, where cultures, rennet and other ingredients are added. Once the cheese coagulates, it is pumped to a nearby finishing table that holds about 4,500 pounds of curds. That cheese is salted, finished, compressed, packaged and refrigerated. But since it takes 10 pounds of milk to make 1 pound of cheese, a large part of the process is dealing with the 40,000 or so pounds of liquid that remains. It is sent into a dizzying array of small stainless steel pipes on the steamy whey side of the plant. After separating out the remaining cream and lactose, the remaining whey, which is naturally around 12% protein, is filtered down until it reaches around 65% protein, still in a liquid form. Every 37 minutes a new tankerload completes this entire process, from milk to cheese and whey to a more concentrated protein. At the end of the day, Nasonville Dairy has about 100,000 pounds of high-protein liquid whey. The Protein Powder Boom If Nasonville Dairy built a new factory today, it would include spray dryers, like its West Coast competitors, which turn the whey into a powder and increase its protein percentage. But spending millions of dollars on spray-drying equipment doesn't make economic sense for Wisconsin's small cheesemakers, so nutrition companies, such as Actus Nutrition, have built facilities to transform the region's liquid whey into high-protein powder. In January 2003, plants produced about 8 million pounds of high-protein whey powder, according to data from the Department of Agriculture. That number grew steadily to between 35 million and 40 million pounds per month by 2018, before leveling off. But things really took off in 2023 as a handful of anti-obesity drugs began inching onto the market. In May, 48 million pounds of high-protein whey powder were produced. The boom time will eventually end. A glut of new cheese and whey plants are being built, and like fluid milk and cheddar cheese before it, high-protein whey will become a commodity. Norm-E-Lane and Nasonville Dairy are already looking over the horizon. Emmett Meissner has begun raising Angus steers, taking advantage of historically high beef prices and customers' interest in knowing more about where their beef comes from. Heiman is pushing his specialty cheeses, like the ghost pepper Jack, that the bigger, more streamlined factories cannot make. "The curse of any commodity business," Bozic said, "is that you cannot have extraordinary profits forever." This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Copyright 2025
NDTV
11-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Can A Keto Diet Stop Panic Attacks, Mood Swings, Depression? We Asked Experts
Singer Neha Bhasin is known for her work in Hindi, Telugu and Tamil cinema, as well as independent music in Indian pop and Punjabi folk genres. She became an overnight sensation when she was selected by Coke [V] Popstars, a nationwide talent hunt conducted by Channel V. She was just 18 at the time. Now 42, Neha has grown up in the public eye and, like many celebrities, has faced constant scrutiny from the paparazzi, online trolls and the public. But things took a darker turn when she started struggling with anxiety, depression and severe panic attacks. She was eventually diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a debilitating form of PMS characterised by intense emotional and behavioural symptoms. Her struggle was compounded by PCOD, and at one point, she even attempted suicide. In a recent YouTube podcast with comedian Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa, Neha opened up about how a change in her diet played a transformative role in her recovery. "Keto has changed my life," she said, explaining how her anxiety and depression have almost completely disappeared and that her mood swings are now much more manageable. According to her, the keto diet, a low-carb, high-fat diet, changed not just her physical but also her mental health. But is that really possible? We asked experts. What Is The Keto Diet? Nidhi Sahai, Head of Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, explains that the keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that forces the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat instead of glucose for fuel. "To do it properly, one must reduce carbohydrate intake to around 20-50 grams a day (that's even less than what you get from two wheat chapatis). The focus should be on consuming healthy fats like nuts, seeds and avocados, eating moderate amounts of protein, and completely avoiding sugar," she says. Kanikka Malhotra, Consultant Dietician and Diabetes Educator, agrees. She adds, "The keto diet shifts the body's metabolism from burning glucose to burning fat, which results in the production of ketones. A standard keto diet typically consists of 70-75% fat, 20-25% protein, and only 5-10% carbohydrates." She also shares tips for following keto safely: Base it on whole foods: healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, nuts; moderate protein from eggs, poultry and fish; and low-carb vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli. Avoid processed foods and prioritise nutrient-dense, minimally processed options. Gradually taper carb intake to ease the transition and supplement with adequate hydration and electrolytes to reduce side effects. Who Should And Should Not Try Keto Sahai says the keto diet can be beneficial for individuals struggling with obesity or Type 2 diabetes (under medical supervision), and for those with epilepsy. Malhotra adds that keto may aid in weight loss and improve glucose control. However, it's not suitable for everyone. "Keto should be avoided by individuals with liver failure, chronic kidney disease, Type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, or those on SGLT-2 inhibitors," Malhotra warns. It's also not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, people with osteoporosis, or those with severe digestive disorders like IBS, unless supervised by a qualified medical professional. Bottom line: Always consult a trained healthcare provider before starting keto, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. How Does Keto Affect Mental Health? Aayrin Memon, Nutritionist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, believes that keto's impact goes well beyond the waistline. "Ketones serve as a stable, efficient source of energy for the brain, which may help reduce brain fog, fatigue, and even improve mood stability," he explains. Ongoing research is also investigating keto's potential to manage mental health conditions and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Malhotra concurs, noting that keto has attracted attention for its positive effects on mood and cognition. "By stabilising blood sugar, reducing neuroinflammation and supplying ketones as brain fuel, keto may help improve mental clarity, energy levels and overall mood," she says. She also points to early research and anecdotal evidence suggesting that a well-formulated keto diet may reduce symptoms, and sometimes even induce remission, in cases of depression and anxiety. This may be due to increased levels of GABA (a calming neurotransmitter) and improved mitochondrial function. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neha Bhasin (NB) (@nehabhasin4u) However, she cautions that the initial phase of keto, especially for those with pre-existing depression, can temporarily worsen symptoms like fatigue or irritability. "The restrictive nature of the diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies or social withdrawal, which might aggravate mental health issues. Supervision is essential," Malhotra says. Sahai adds that ketones can reduce energy crashes and mood swings commonly associated with sugar spikes. "Keto also has anti-inflammatory properties which may support brain health," she says. Some studies even show improved neurotransmitter balance, particularly GABA and glutamate, both of which are key to mood regulation and focus. However, not everyone agrees. Ushakiran Sisodia, Chief Dietitian at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, cautions that more research is needed. "While ketones bypass the need for glucose and insulin in the brain, which can help in some cases, this could also lead to complications or mental disturbances in others. Keto therapy for mental health still remains a somewhat contradictory area," Sisodia warns. Despite the debate, all three experts agree on one point - keto must be done under professional guidance. If not followed correctly, or followed for too long, the diet can have unwanted side effects. The 'Keto Flu' And Other Side Effects One of the most common short-term effects initially of the keto diet is what's known as the "keto flu". "This can include irritability, headache, fatigue, nausea, constipation, dehydration and even bad breath," Malhotra explains. Memon and Sisodia list additional side effects: Lethargy, light-headedness, and headaches Mood swings, bad breath (halitosis) Muscle cramps, reduced stamina during workouts Fat-induced diarrhoea or constipation Risk of nutrient deficiencies without proper planning Possible muscle loss if not accompanied by resistance training Another concern is that the long-term effects of keto are still not fully understood, especially in the context of mental health. The Final Bite The keto diet - when done right and under expert supervision - can offer significant benefits for physical health, weight management, and potentially even mental well-being, as seen in Neha Bhasin's case. But that doesn't mean it's a one-size-fits-all solution or something you should start overnight. A drastic change in diet requires thoughtful planning, proper nutritional guidance and a full understanding of your body's needs and medical history. Keto might help you feel better, but only if done responsibly, and not just because it worked for someone else.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Acai bowl shop opens fifth central Ohio location
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A tropical chain known for juices and acai bowls has opened another central Ohio location. Playa Bowls is now welcoming customers at 1515 Gemini Place near Polaris Fashion Place after hosting a grand opening celebration on May 24. The Polaris spot marks the brand's fifth in central Ohio, with other locations in Dublin at 6704 Perimeter Loop Road, New Albany at 5765 N. Hamilton Road, and near Ohio State University at 1952 N. High St. Disease affecting central Ohio strawberries The New Jersey-based chain opened its fourth Columbus-area storefront in Quarry Trails at 2193 Quarry Trails Drive in March 2024. Watch a previous NBC4 report on the Quarry Trails location in the video player above. Guests at Playa can pick from an extensive menu of bowls or customize their own. They can choose from a variety of blends made with acai, pitaya, coconut, kale, banana, oatmeal and mango. Toppings, such as fresh-cut fruits, seeds, nuts, granola, dried berries and nut butter, are also available as add-ons. The bowl shop also offers a selection of juices, smoothies, cold brews and other grab and go items. Playa's bowls can be made vegan or gluten-free, and can be adapted to integrate into Whole30, Keto and Paleo diets, its website states. Top places to find TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate treats in Columbus Playa started in Belmar, New Jersey, before expanding with more than 300 locations nationwide. The smoothie chain opened 74 stores in 2024 and 13 in the first quarter of 2025, with an additional 90-plus shops set to open before year's end and more than 350 units in the development pipeline. Along with its five Columbus-area locations, the chain operates other Ohio storefronts in Dayton, Loveland and Springboro. The Polaris shop is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Revealing Analyst Questions From Flowers Foods's Q1 Earnings Call
Flowers Foods' first quarter results reflected ongoing challenges in the packaged bakery sector, as sales volumes and organic revenue declined amid persistent category headwinds. Management pointed to softer consumer demand and a shift toward value products, with CEO Ryals McMullian noting that "things actually weakened further than we had anticipated." The company maintained unit share, particularly in differentiated brands such as Dave's Killer Bread and its Keto offerings, but broader softness in traditional bread segments weighed on overall performance. Management acknowledged the difficult environment and highlighted that improvements are unlikely in the near term, citing a combination of consumer health trends and economic uncertainty. Is now the time to buy FLO? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $1.55 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.60 billion (1.4% year-on-year decline, 2.7% miss) Adjusted EPS: $0.35 vs analyst expectations of $0.37 (6.3% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $162 million vs analyst estimates of $167.9 million (10.4% margin, 3.5% miss) The company dropped its revenue guidance for the full year to $5.35 billion at the midpoint from $5.45 billion, a 1.8% decrease Management lowered its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance to $1.10 at the midpoint, a 6.4% decrease EBITDA guidance for the full year is $548 million at the midpoint, below analyst estimates of $570.2 million Operating Margin: 7.3%, in line with the same quarter last year Organic Revenue was down 3% year on year Sales Volumes fell 2.7% year on year (-0.8% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $3.40 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Jim Salera (Stephens) asked if unit share stabilization is likely in the near term. CEO Ryals McMullian responded that meaningful improvement is unlikely this year and may not occur until 2026, given current trends. Max Gumport (BNP Paribas) inquired about increased promotional activity and its implications for price mix. McMullian explained that Flowers Foods uses promotions selectively to drive trial, especially for differentiated brands, and avoids heavy discounting that could hurt long-term value. Mitchell Pinheiro (Sturdivant & Company) questioned the long-term EBITDA margin target given current margin compression. McMullian emphasized no change to the long-term outlook but acknowledged that progress may be slower due to near-term setbacks. Steve Powers (Deutsche Bank) asked about the performance and outlook for new product initiatives such as Simple Mills and DKB snacking. McMullian confirmed both are performing well but that guidance now incorporates consumer caution and macro pressures. Scott Marks (Jefferies) sought details on the impact of private label and away-from-home business weakness. McMullian noted foodservice softness but said restructuring has improved margins, while new private label contracts are expected to help regain lost volume. In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) early results from new product launches addressing health and wellness trends, (2) the company's ability to manage input cost pressures from tariffs and other inflationary factors, and (3) evidence of stabilization or improvement in bread category volumes and Flowers Foods' market share. The effectiveness of supply chain optimization efforts and progress in growing differentiated brands will also be important markers of success. Flowers Foods currently trades at $15.86, down from $17.06 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?The answer lies in our full research report (it's free). Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
#HEALTH: Diets should be balanced, not extreme
THE desire for a slimmer, fitter body can turn into a silent killer, as extreme approaches to popular diets — such as Keto, intermittent fasting, and high-protein plans — may put individuals at serious risk of heart complications. KPJ Tawakkal KL cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Rohith Stanislaus says that while some of these regimens offer short-term benefits including weight loss and improved blood sugar control, their long-term effects on cardiac health may be mixed. The Keto diet, for instance, could lead to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream, which may result in blood clots or atherosclerosis — a condition where arteries become narrowed, disrupting blood flow to vital organs and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Other dietary practices such as prolonged fasting and high protein intake, also pose risks to heart health. "Long-term fasting can lead to electrolyte imbalances, especially in those with underlying medical conditions or those on prescribed medications," says Dr Rohith. A high-protein diet, on the other hand, may put undue strain on the kidneys and increase inflammation in the body. The influence of social media personalities who appear fit and healthy while promoting extreme diets often misleads the public into thinking such regimes are safe and without consequences. "A balanced diet has always been a healthier option than extreme dieting patterns," adds Dr Rohith. Extreme diets may also pose greater danger to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions as they can trigger fluctuations in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and electrolytes. Most Malaysians develop heart complications due to poor diets and unhealthy lifestyles. Dr Rohith recommends consulting a doctor and undergoing proper health screenings before attempting any form of dieting to help detect early signs of cardiovascular disease. Diet and lifestyle changes should be personalised to an individual's needs and closely monitored, especially among those with preexisting health conditions.
