Nutrition

Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition extends reach in pet food as it acquires Ohio based firm

Emmert is a 140-year-old, family-owned company with manufacturing operations in Cincinnati, Ohio, and 35-plus employees.

The company has a proven track record in animal nutrition, delivering “the right balance of brewer’s yeast, protein, vitamins, and essential amino acids”​ to support companion animal and livestock health, said Wilbur-Ellis.

The acquisition will expand our product and customer base in pet food with value-added products. We also see great potential for Emmert’s research and development capabilities – which complement our own and can be leveraged in the future across the division, including the livestock and aquaculture businesses,” ​Matt Fanta, president of Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition.

Wilbur-Ellis CEO, John Buckley, noted: “Emmert’s capabilities are a great fit for the nutrition business, bringing greater balance and diversification to the division’s portfolio. The acquisition also supports the company’s broader strategy to continue building on our position as a leading agriculture and food company in North America.”

Along with a strong business fit, Buckley and Fanta highlighted the similar values and culture of both firms.

“Wilbur-Ellis has a long history of growth through acquisition,”​ Fanta noted. “And in every case, having similar values has been an important consideration.”

The deal is subject to the customary closing conditions.

Forage focus

July 2021 saw Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition acquire the forage pellet unit of Ametza, based in Holtville, California, with it saying then the acquired business complemented its existing forage manufacturing operations, located nearby. “Going forward, we expect to leverage our respective capabilities as we continue to invest in this business and grow our presence both domestically and internationally.”

If You’re Not Counting Your Macros Yet, Read This

For some people, tracking your daily diet can be a helpful way to make sure you're getting the right amount of fuel each day. Trying to track every single calorie might not be your best bet, though. Instead, consider tracking your macronutrients -- that's basically a fancier word for the major nutrient groups that your body needs, which are carbohydrates, fats and protein.

There are many benefits to tracking macros instead of calories. First, you'll have a more balanced diet by focusing on eating a variety of nutrients that give your body energy and help your digestive system work. Not only can this practice help you reach your health goals faster than focusing on calories alone, this method of food logging can also help you understand which types of food make you feel good or bad, which foods improve your athletic performance and which foods help you focus or make you drag. Counting macros can also help you shift your current eating habits to healthier patterns for the long-term.

You'll need to learn how to read a nutrition facts label for this approach, but the benefits far outweigh the time you'll spend grasping the concept of a macro diet. 

What are macronutrients?

Macronutrients are molecules we need in large amounts, also known as the main nutrients we need to simply survive. Micronutrients, in contrast, are substances required in much smaller amounts, such as vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.

The three macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Despite fad diets, you do need all three: Cutting out any one macronutrient puts you at risk for nutrient deficiencies and illness.

A man's hands opening a loaf of homemade bread.A man's hands opening a loaf of homemade bread.

Hudzilla/Getty Images

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates give you quick energy. When you eat carbs, your body converts them to glucose (sugar) and either uses that sugar immediately or stores it as glycogen for later use, often during exercise and in between meals. Complex carbohydrates — like starchy vegetables and whole grains — also promote digestive health because they're high in dietary fiber.

Protein

Protein helps you grow, repair injuries, build muscle and fend off infections, to name a few functions. Proteins are made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of many structures in your body. You need 20 different amino acids, nine of which are essential amino acids, meaning your body can't produce them on its own and you must obtain them from food.

High-protein foods include poultry, beef, fish, soy, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products. If you stick with a plant-based diet, some starches, vegetables and beans are also good sources of protein.

Fats

Dietary fat is required for your body to do its many jobs. You need fat to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), to insulate your body during cold weather and to go long periods of time without eating. Dietary fat also protects your organs, supports cell growth and induces hormone production.


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Baby Formula Shortage Explained: What You Can Do



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How many calories does each macronutrient have?

Each macronutrient corresponds to a specific calorie amount per gram: 

  • Carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram
  • Proteins have 4 calories per gram
  • Fats have 9 calories per gram

How many macros should I eat?

There's really no answer to this question: Every person is different, and as such, every person's preferable macronutrient intake will be different. However, the federal dietary recommendations suggest this macronutrient ratio:

  • 45 to 60% carbohydrate
  • 20 to 35% fats
  • Remainder from protein 

The federal suggestion is based on the fact that carbs serve as the body's main fuel source, and are the easiest macronutrient for the body to convert from food into energy. The metabolic processes for fat and protein are much more complex and take longer, which wouldn't serve you well when you need quick energy.

Your macro ratio depends on your health and fitness goals, as well as how your body responds to particular foods. For example, many people thrive on a low-carb diet, but the thought of a low-carb diet for myself makes me shudder. I perform at my best when I eat about 50% carbohydrates.

Similarly, you may do well on a high-protein diet, while someone else might experience digestive discomfort from consuming too much protein.

Note that some people, especially those on the keto diet, count net carbs instead of total carbs. To get net carbs, subtract the grams of fiber from the total grams of carbs. Why count net carbs? Our bodies don't digest fiber, so it doesn't get absorbed by the small intestine and doesn't provide your body with any energy. In that sense, calories from fiber don't really count. 

How to calculate macronutrients

Now you know what macros are and how many calories they have. Next, you'll need to do some math. That's because your intake ratio is written in percentages but nutrition information is provided in grams. I'll use my macro intake as an example.

1. First, you need to know how many calories you eat (or want to eat) each day. I eat roughly 2,300 calories per day.

2. Next, determine your ideal ratio. I like to eat about 50% carbs, 25% fat and 25% protein.

3. Then, multiply your total daily calories by your percentages.

4. Finally, divide your calorie amounts by its calorie-per-gram number.

Here's how I would calculate my calories for each macronutrient:

  • Carbs: 2,300 x 0.50 equals 1,150. I eat 1,150 calories worth of carbs each day (hello, extra slice of toast).
  • Protein: 2,300 x 0.25 equals 575, so I get 575 calories worth of protein.
  • Fats: 2,300 x 0.25 equals 575. I also get 575 calories comprised of dietary fat. 

To calculate the actual gram amounts: 

  • Carbs (four calories per gram): 1,150 divided by 4 equals 287.5 grams of carbs.
  • Protein (four calories per gram): 575 divided by 4 equals 143.75 grams of protein
  • Fat (nine calories per gram): 575 divided by 9 equals 63.8 grams of fat.

 If you don't like math, don't fret. The internet is home to a range of macronutrient calculators that will do the math for you.

The best macro calculators

IIFYM

Price: Free, but you must provide your email address to get your results.

IIFYM stands for "If It Fits Your Macros" -- a phrase and popular hashtag used by the macro-tracking community to refer to their flexible dieting approach.

This calculator is one of the most comprehensive available. It collects lifestyle and health information that many calculators don't, such as how active you are at work, what kind of cravings you have and whether you have any medical conditions.

Screenshot of the IIFYM calculator.Screenshot of the IIFYM calculator.

The IIFYM calculator takes into account your daily routine and other important factors. 

Healthy Eater

Price: Free

Healthy Eater's macro calculator calculates your macronutrient ratio based on your age, gender, height, weight and activity level. You can customize your ratio based on whether you want to reduce your weight, lose 10% body fat, maintain or gain weight.

I like this macro calculator because you can see your ratio in terms of all day, three meals, four meals or five meals.

Legion Athletics

The Muscle for Life macro calculator dashboard.The Muscle for Life macro calculator dashboard.

This macro calculator uses your lean body mass (LBM), basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) to calculate an accurate ratio. 


Legion Athletics

Price: Free

The Legion Athletics macro calculator is another very detailed calculator. It takes into account your weight, your body fat percentage, and your activity level. From there, this calculator determines your lean body mass, basal metabolic rate and total daily energy expenditure.

The upside to this calculator is that you get a more accurate ratio because it considers more factors. The downside is that you need to know your body composition before using it.

You choose whether you want to gain, lose or maintain your current weight, and you can use the sliders at the bottom to adjust your ratio if the automatic recommendation isn't ideal for you.

How to track your macros

Your macro numbers aren't very helpful if you don't put them to use.

"Tracking macros" refers to the process of logging all your meals throughout the day and breaking down your macro ratio to ensure you're eating according to your goals. It sounds scary, but again, the web comes to the rescue with a slew of digital macro-tracking programs.

The best macro trackers

MyFitnessPal

Price: Free or $20 per month

The free version of MyFitnessPal doesn't allow you to enter gram amounts for macros, only percentages. If you're comfortable with percentages only, then MFP is a great free option because of its barcode scanning feature and massive database of foods and drinks.

Screenshot of MyFitnessPal dashboard.Screenshot of MyFitnessPal dashboard.

The MyFitnessPal dashboard breaks down your macronutrient intake with a helpful pie chart. 


MyFitnessPal

With a premium subscription, you can track by gram amounts and percentages, and you can see macro breakdowns for each meal and snack. A premium subscription also gets you extra features like food analyses (quality of what you're eating), food timestamps (when you eat what) and weekly reports.

MyMacros Plus

MyMacros Plus is another great app with a large food database and barcode scanning feature.

You can also track your body weight and enter custom foods for homemade recipes so you don't have to log the individual ingredients. My favorite thing about MyMacros Plus is that it's usable without the internet, so you can track macros even when you're offline.

Tip: Food databases are helpful, but they often include multiple entries with different information for the same item, which can get confusing. It might be easier to manually log the macronutrients in your meals instead of relying on the food database. 

A screenshot of a Cronometer nutrition report.A screenshot of a Cronometer nutrition report.

Cronometer offers a detailed dashboard and reports feature to easily track macros.


Cronometer

Cronometer

Price: $50 per year. Free version available.

The Cronometer tracker tracks vitamins and minerals in addition to macros. It also allows you to track important biometrics, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, mood, pulse and more — but you first need this information on hand to use the features.

If you do have access to that information, Cronometer provides insight into long-term trends and a clear snapshot of your overall health. While Cronometer is impressive, it can be a bit overwhelming if you only want to track macros, and not the rest of the metrics it offers.

Why should I track macros?

Know that you don't need to track macros to be healthy, lose weight, build muscle or reach any other health goal. The only time you actually need to track macros is if your doctor told you so.

In fact, logging your every bite can be frustrating and time-consuming, but it's worth noting that you'll get pretty good at eyeballing portions if you make tracking a habit.

Tracking macros can definitely be useful for some things, such as preparing for a bodybuilding show or optimizing athletic performance. It can also be helpful if you want to implement "flexible dieting," or the practice of eating any foods you want, as long as they fit into your macronutrient ratio. 

Counting your macros may also be the key to finally eating less processed foods, as processed and packaged foods tend to be high in fats and carbs (and not often high in protein), and adding in more superfoods. Many people who want to create a calorie deficit to lose weight prefer tracking macronutrients instead of counting calories, as it takes the emphasis off of weight loss and shifts the focus to nutrition. This is helpful for creating long-term healthy habits.

Additionally, many people enjoy tracking macros because it helps them understand what types of foods work best for their bodies. Give it a try to see if it works for your lifestyle, but don't feel like you ever need to track your macros. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

EXPLAINER: What we know about shuttered baby formula plant

WASHINGTON (AP) — At the center of the nationwide baby formula shortage is a single factory: Abbott Nutrition’s plant that has been closed for more than three months because of contamination problems.

On Monday, U.S. officials announced a deal with Abbott that paves the way to restart production at the Sturgis, Michigan, facility, the largest in the U.S. and source of leading brands like Similac.

But it’s not yet clear how soon the site will be up and running. And even bigger questions remain unanswered, including what caused the contamination and whether U.S. regulators could have alleviated the current formula shortage by stepping in sooner. The plant shutdown exacerbated ongoing supply chain problems among U.S. formula makers.

WHAT CAUSED THE SHUTDOWN?

In mid-February, Abbott announced it was recalling various lots of three powdered infant formulas from the plant, after federal officials began investigating rare bacterial infections in four babies who were fed formula. Two of the infants died. But it’s not certain the bacteria came from the plant; strains found at the plant didn’t match the two available samples from the babies.

The company halted production while Food and Drug Administration inspectors conducted a six-week investigation of the plant.

A preliminary report released in March found traces of a bacteria — cronobacter— on several surfaces throughout the plant, though not in areas used to make the powder. Plant records showed Abbott had detected the bacteria eight times in its products or facility since 2019.

Inspectors also flagged other problems, including standing water on the floor and employees who didn’t properly sanitize their hands.

WHAT IS CRONOBACTER?

The bacteria occurs naturally in soil, water and other parts of the environment. Infections with cronobacter are rare but can be fatal in babies. Almost all previous outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to powdered baby formulas, which don’t undergo the same high temperatures used to kill germs in many other foods.

Sometimes the bacteria can get into powdered formula after its opened at home if a dirty scoop is used or it is mixed with water that’s contaminated with the germ, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cronobacter typically causes fever in infants and can sometimes lead to dangerous blood infections or swelling of the brain.

The four reported illnesses were in Minnesota, Ohio and Texas between September and January.

WHAT ROLE DID ABBOTT’S FORMULA PLAY IN THE ILLNESSES?

It’s still not yet clear. The FDA hasn’t released a final ruling on the problems at the plant and whether they are linked to the infections.

“There are many factors involved in this ongoing investigation and we’re just not in a position to make any definitive statement,” FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said Monday..

Food safety experts say the case underscores the challenges of tracing foodborne illnesses.

Because there were only two samples collected from the four cases, “Right from the get-go we were limited in our ability,” to link the baby formula to the illnesses, said the FDA’s food director Susan Mayne. “We simply don’t have the evidence to demonstrate that causality.”

Abbot says the lack of a strain match indicates “there is no evidence to link our formulas to these infant illnesses.”

SHOULD THE FDA HAVE STEPPED IN SOONER?

The FDA is facing intense scrutiny about what steps it took — and didn’t — in the months before the recall.

FDA inspectors visited the factory in late September for a routine inspection, around the time that the first bacterial infection was reported in Minnesota. Although inspectors uncovered several violations— including standing water and unsanitary conditions — they didn’t find any bacteria and let the plant stay open. It’s unclear if inspectors were even aware of the first reported illness.

After three more cases were reported, the FDA returned to the plant in January and detected the bacteria.

The FDA mainly focuses on assuring the safety of the food supply, with extra regulations and standards on foods for babies and children. But former FDA officials say the agency is supposed to consider potential shortages that result from shutting down plants.

In previous cases, the FDA has worked with companies to shift production to other facilities or find alternative supplies.

The FDA is doing that now under a new policy that eases imports of baby formula from foreign manufacturers. But both the agency and the White House are facing questions on why that step wasn’t taken sooner.

“We always believe we can do better in terms of the time frame,” Califf said.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., reported last month that a whistleblower had contacted the FDA in October with allegations about unsafe conditions and practices at the plant, including falsifying plant records and failing to properly test formula for contamination. She said the FDA did not interview the whistleblower until late December. Califf is scheduled to answer questions from DeLauro and other lawmakers on Thursday.

WHEN WILL THE PLANT RESTART PRODUCTION?

Both the FDA and Abbott say they are working as quickly as possible to restart manufacturing at the plant. But FDA officials say the onus is on Abbott to demonstrate its Michigan plant meets rigorous safety standards.

Former FDA officials say fixing the type of problems uncovered at Abbott’s plant takes time, and infant formula facilities receive more scrutiny than other food types. Companies need to exhaustively clean the facility and equipment, retrain staff, repeatedly test and document that there is no contamination.

Even after the facility opens, Abbott says it will take eight-to-ten weeks before new products start shipping to stores. The company continues to produce baby formula at its other plants in the U.S. and overseas.

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Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Abbott Nutrition restarts baby formula production in reopened Michigan plant

Shelves normally meant for baby formula sit nearly empty at a store in downtown Washington, DC, on May 22, 2022.

Samuel Corum | AFP | Getty Images

Abbott Nutrition on Saturday resumed baby formula production at its Sturgis, Michigan, plant, a move toward addressing a nationwide shortage.

The company has been given the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after meeting "initial requirements" as part of a May 16 consent decree.

The company said it will restart the production of EleCare, a formula for children who struggle to digest other products, along with other specialty and metabolic formulas.

Abbott aims for an initial EleCare product release around June 20 and is working to meet guidelines to resume production of Similac and other formulas.

"We understand the urgent need for formula and our top priority is getting high-quality, safe formula into the hands of families across America," a spokesperson for Abbott said in a statement. "We will ramp production as quickly as we can while meeting all requirements."

While supply problems started early in the Covid-19 pandemic, issues worsened in part due to the February closure of the Michigan plant amid scrutiny over contamination.

FDA investigations began after four infants were hospitalized with bacterial infections from drinking its powdered formula. Two of the babies died.

"The FDA is continuing to work diligently to ensure the safe resumption of production of infant formula at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan, facility," the FDA said in a statement.

"The agency expects that the measures and steps it is taking, and the potential for Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan, facility, to safely resume production in the near-term, will mean more and more infant formula is either on the way to or already on store shelves moving forward," the FDA said.  

Abbott Nutrition is the largest baby formula manufacturer in the U.S.

Pregnancy Nutrition: What Foods to Avoid When Pregnant

Pregnancy gives a whole new meaning to food. Not only does what you eat help nourish and grow a human being, but it can also send you running for the bathroom as you discover yet another smell that disgusts you. There's already so much to consider when pregnant that it can hard to remember exactly which foods or beverages you absolutely can't ingest and which are safe in moderation. 

To help you through this exciting yet admittedly stressful time, we rounded up a list of foods and beverages to avoid so you can continue to figure out how best to fill your plate during this important time in your life. We also rounded up a list of foods that experts continue to debate if they are safe to eat during pregnancy. 

Read also: 6 Things Your OB-GYN Wishes You Knew About Pregnancy

Foods to avoid during pregnancy 

Alcohol 

It's not a food, but alcohol continues to sit high on the list experts say to avoid while pregnant. Alcohol can affect fetal development of the brain, facial features and other important body parts as it passes through the pregnant person's blood to the developing fetus. Alcohol can impact a child's life after they're born and cause physical and developmental disabilities, or what's known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there's no safe amount of alcohol to consume at any point during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy and would like help quitting drinking, talk to your doctor or find help near you.

Pregnant woman with a hand on a wine glassPregnant woman with a hand on a wine glass

Experts say to cut out beer, wine and liquor during pregnancy because there's no known "safe" amount of alcohol to drink. 


Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Raw or undercooked seafood and all shellfish

This one might hurt a little, but raw or undercooked fish (like sushi) can contain bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to you and your baby. Importantly, eating raw fish runs you the risk of listeria, which is an infection 10 times more likely to affect pregnant people, and 24 times more likely to affect Hispanic pregnant people, according to the CDC. Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirths, preterm births and death in newborns. 

Some examples of seafood to avoid include sushi, sashimi, ceviche, raw oysters, scallops and clams, per the Mayo Clinic. You should also stay away from refrigerated seafood labeled nova style, lox, kippered, smoked or jerky, according to the clinic. 

High-mercury fish

The bigger and older the fish, according to the Mayo Clinic, the more likely it is to contain levels of mercury that aren't safe during pregnancy. A buildup of mercury in your body can affect your baby's nervous system. Common fish to avoid include bigeye tuna, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, swordfish, shark and tilefish, per the Food and Drug Administration.

If you catch your own fish, or eat locally sourced fish, check local advisories for mercury levels and possible pollution.

Raw and undercooked meat 

Pregnant people are at a higher risk for foodborne illness because pregnancy affects their immune system's ability to fight off those infections, according to the FDA. Meat served raw or undercooked can carry harmful bacteria such as listeria, E. coli, salmonella, toxoplasma and make you and your unborn baby (who doesn't have a functioning immune system yet) severely ill. 

So while you're pregnant, it's best to order that burger or steak well-done. 

Aerial photo of a salmon and veggie dinnerAerial photo of a salmon and veggie dinner

There's a long list of fish to avoid while expecting, but well-done salmon or other low-mercury fish are healthy options for you and your pregnancy. 


Aniko Hobel/Getty Images

Processed meat 

Hot dogs, cold cuts and deli meat are all examples of things you might want to avoid eating while pregnant. These "ready to eat" meats can also contain harmful bacteria or viruses. The FDA does say it's OK to eat these types of meat, though, if they're "reheated to steaming hot." Piping hot bologna, anyone? 

Raw eggs 

Undercooked or raw eggs pose the same foodborne illness threat to pregnant people, so it's best to avoid them. Some popular homemade food items that might contain raw eggs include hollandaise sauce, Caesar dressing, aioli dip and mayonnaise (but store-bought dressings and dips are typically safe because they're made with pasteurized eggs, according to the FDA). It's also important to cook your eggs thoroughly. That means firm scrambled eggs and hard yolks. 

Unwashed fruits and vegetables

You can blame listeria and the other common foodborne illnesses again, but the FDA recommends pregnant people wash their fruits and veggies in the case they've been contaminated. You should use plain water, scrub away the dirt with a vegetable brush (if you have one) and remove bruises or cuts that can harbor bacteria, per the FDA

Unpasteurized milk and cheese

If your cheese or milk product has "unpasteurized" on the label, it's best to skip because the potential infection with Listeria could lead to miscarriage, preterm delivery or affect a newborn. Goat cheese, feta, Brie, blue cheese, Camembert and queso fresco or blanco typically contain unpasteurized milk and are best to avoid, Parents reported. 

Hispanic people who are pregnant might be much more susceptible to listeriosis because their diets are more likely to include soft cheeses like queso fresco or blanco, panela and asadero. If queso blanco and queso fresco are made with pasteurized milk, it's safe to eat. (As a note of caution, the CDC says that some cases of listeriosis have been linked to contamination in products that were made with pasteurized milk.) 

Pregnant woman holding a plate of salad and a plate of donutsPregnant woman holding a plate of salad and a plate of donuts

It's best to eat small amounts of highly processed foods during pregnancy because they usually offer little nutritional value. 


Oscar Wong/Getty Images

Raw sprouts

Sprouts, though delicious and healthy, can be contaminated with salmonella -- a bacteria which causes about 1.35 million infections a year in the US, according to the CDC. While pregnant, it might be best to pass on the sprouts. 

Organ meat

Organ meats, especially liver, contain very high amounts of vitamin A which is harmful during pregnancy, sometimes leading to birth defects or miscarriage. Types of synthetic vitamin A like retinol and the acne medication isotretinoin (formerly called Accutane) should also be avoided during pregnancy for this reason. 

'Proceed with caution' foods 

Sugar substitutes

Expert advice for pregnant people on artificial sweeteners and "fake sugar" seems to be a mixed bag. Doctors advise that pregnant people avoid saccharin, the sugar substitute found in Sweet'N Low, because it can cross the placenta and stay in fetal tissue. Others cite a possible link to low-calorie sweeteners and high birth weights or child obesity. But other guidance, like that from the Mayo Clinic, is that artificial sweeteners are fine if consumed in small amounts or in moderation. 

Bottom line: a diet soda here and there likely won't be harmful to you and your baby. But if you think your diet is too sugary, talk to your doctor before replacing the real stuff with artificial or low-calorie sweeteners.

Caffeine

If you're one of the many people who need a cup of joe to start the day, you might be wondering if you need to quit the habit. Current guidance is that, while cutting out caffeine entirely is ideal, moderate consumption of less than 200mg a day doesn't cause miscarriage or preterm birth, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (A typical 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 96 mg of caffeine, for scale, but amounts vary based on the brew). 

In addition to coffee, caffeine can be found in soda, chocolate, tea, energy drinks and other food and beverages. If you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, it might be best to keep your caffeine intake under 100mg, Healthline reported.

Caffeine, like a lot of substances that you can metabolize efficiently, crosses the placental barrier, so it's best to keep intake low for your growing baby. A study found that consuming 200 mg or more of caffeine a day increases the risk of miscarriage, but other research suggests even moderate caffeine consumption has been linked to low birth weight. If you have a history of miscarriage or are concerned about your caffeine intake, talk with your doctor.

A hand sprinkling sugar into a mug with coffeeA hand sprinkling sugar into a mug with coffee

Limit caffeine intake during pregnancy and be careful with sugar substitutes.


Tetra Images/Getty Images

Herbal tea

Caffeine is found in some teas, but herbal tea in pregnancy is a whole separate issue. The Mayo Clinic says to avoid drinking herbal tea while pregnant, unless your health care provider says it's OK, because of limited data on the safety for you and your baby. 

Herbal teas have been used by midwives and other people as cures for morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms, but there's still a lot we don't know about the amount of herbs that are safe for pregnant people. Some herbal teas that might be safe to drink in the first trimester are ginger tea and green tea (which contains caffeine) according to Australia's Department of Health. You might add red raspberry leaf tea to the list in the second trimester (the tea is associated with uterine contractions, so the agency suggests you wait out the first three months). Be careful not to drink too much as drinking three or more cups a day has been linked to an increased chance for spina bifida

Some herbal teas to absolutely avoid during pregnancy include sage and parsley tea, which have both been linked to miscarriage, according to the Australian agency. 

Bottom line: Ask your doctor before you drink, or continue drinking, herbal tea while pregnant. And that includes tea marketed as "pregnancy" tea.

Fish

Fish are an excellent source of protein
and many have other awesome nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and, despite the long list of fish you can't eat, there are a few you can include as part of a balanced diet. The FDA recommends eating 8 to 12 ounces (about two or three servings) a week of safe-to-eat fish. Some of these fish to consider, per the Mayo Clinic, include: anchovies, catfish, cod, herring, light canned tuna, pacific oysters, pollock, salmon, sardines, shad, shrimp, tilapia and trout. White tuna is also OK, but stick to 6 ounces a week instead.

<img src="https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/242d3a3806aa7c7341cc8b515dbc20f3f9ba99f2/2021/08/13/9bf8d410-ae5b-4daa-bee6-1c2f1242206d/gettyimages-654400237.jpg?auto=webp&width=1200" class=" lazy" alt="Tea pot of herbal tea pouring into a teacup" height="801" width="1200"/>Tea pot of herbal tea pouring into a teacup

There are a lot of unknowns about tea, especially herbal tea, during pregnancy. Check in with your doctor if you're a tea drinker.


ATU Images/Getty Images

That's a long list 

Like every person, every pregnancy has different needs and finding a diet that works best for one person may not be sustainable for you. While it's important to find foods that provide nutrients for you and your pregnancy, asking questions and considering your individual health can make eating healthy during pregnancy feel less restrictive. If you have questions about whether a food is safe to eat during pregnancy, contact your health care provider. 

More from CNET Parenting

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Oat milk: nutrition facts and health benefits

If you’re considering switching from dairy to plant-based milk, you may be wondering how oat milk compares in terms of nutrition. There are many reasons why you may consider the switch – lactose intolerance, environmental concerns, animal welfare and simple curiosity, to name just a few. 

For many, picking the best milk alternative is a growing challenge. One look at the supermarket shelves will tell you that the range of available options is constantly expanding and more and more brands are offering plant-based products. According to Statista (opens in new tab), oat milk is the second most popular plant-based milk alternative in the US right now, right after almond milk. 

Coconut milk: nutrition facts and health benefits

Due to its distinctive flavor and creamy texture, coconut milk can add a nice twist to coffees, protein shakes and desserts. Although it’s nowhere near as popular as other plant-based milk alternatives in the US, it retains a loyal fan base.But how nutritious is this drink? And can it bring about any tangible health benefits

Coconuts are well-known for their high saturated fat content. For decades, this nutrient has been linked to the obesity epidemic and a host of chronic diseases. However, recent years have seen a steep increase in studies (opens in new tab) challenging these findings, and even contradicting them. 

Creators of Muscle Milk Launch New Hemp Infused Sports Nutrition Brand GYM WEED in U.S. Market | National Business

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 22, 2022--

GYM WEED™, a hemp infused energy drink, officially launched today in the U.S. market with three unique flavors: Pear Pineapple, Stone Fruit and Tropical Berry. GYM WEED provides balanced energy without the jittery, anxious feeling typically associated with energy drinks. With zero sugar and only 10 calories per can, GYM WEED’s additional ingredients include Lion’s Mane and L-Theanine, for an alert and focused feel, along with B-vitamins and electrolytes.

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Hemp infused energy drink GYM WEED™ launched with three unique flavors: Stone Fruit, Pear Pineapple and Tropical Berry. (Photo: Business Wire)

THC-free, gluten-free and non-GMO, GYW WEED is currently stocked in more than 500 gym locations in select markets nationwide. The suggested retail price of each can is $3.49 - $3.99 and is available for purchase at www.gymweed.com and select retailers.

Developed by Alternative Biologics, Inc., whose founders and team created protein drink category leader MUSCLE MILK, GYM WEED is the Pickett family's newest venture of products to help people feel great, train harder and live each moment to the fullest.

“We created GYM WEED to give people an energy drink that actually makes you feel good to help you power through your toughest workouts,” says Shane McCassy, President at Alternative Biologics, Inc. “Throughout its development, we sent samples of GYM WEED to our friends, industry leading trainers and athletes, and what we learned is what we claim: it tastes great and it provides the energy and focus athletes want when hitting the gym, without the jitters or crash.”

On the U.S. market for just a few weeks, GYM WEED is rapidly expanding within gym and specialty distributors including Europa Sports, DNA Distributors, NYB Distributors and L&E Distributors.

The brand has exciting brand partnerships in the works, including model/wellness influencer Alexis Ren and celebrity trainer Melissa Alcantara. Both will be producing branded content as well as many more exciting things to come with GYM WEED.

GYM WEED Product Range - available for purchase at www.gymweed.com

Pear Pineapple - a bright combination of juicy, ripe pear mixed with fresh, sweet pineapple

  • 20 mg of Hemp Extract
  • 200 mg of Caffeine
  • THC Free
  • 100mg of Lion’s Mane
  • 100mg of L-Theanine
  • 10 Calories
  • 0 Sugar
  • Vegan, Non GMO and Gluten-Free

Tropical Berry - pairs fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and passion fruit with the classic flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry

  • 20 mg of Hemp Extract
  • 200 mg of Caffeine
  • THC Free
  • 100mg of Lion’s Mane
  • 100mg of L-Theanine
  • 10 Calories
  • 0 Sugar
  • Vegan, Non GMO and Gluten-Free

Stone Fruit - a fresh orchard loaded with ripe and juicy peaches and plums

  • 20 mg of Hemp Extract
  • 200 mg of Caffeine
  • THC Free
  • 100mg of Lion’s Mane
  • 100mg of L-Theanine
  • 10 Calories
  • 0 Sugar
  • Vegan, Non GMO and Gluten-Free

Lifestyle photos HERE.

Product photos HERE.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220622005787/en/

CONTACT: Famous Last Words PR

Fred Shank:[email protected]

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KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL SPECIALTY FOOD/BEVERAGE

SOURCE: GYM WEED

Copyright Business Wire 2022.

PUB: 06/22/2022 11:51 AM/DISC: 06/22/2022 11:52 AM

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Copyright Business Wire 2022.

What Is Tofu? Nutrition, Health Benefits, Cooking Uses

Old thinking: Tofu is a lackluster source of protein that, in extreme cases, can give you man boobs.

New thinking: More recent research shows that not is tofu an excellent source of protein, but the phytoestrogens-gynemastia connection was completely overblown.

A healthy diet can include tofu and, actually, should.

"Eating various foods is one of the best things you can do for your health," says Brittany Lubeck, M.S., R.D., consultant for Oh So Spotless. "Eating different sources of nutrients regularly ensures you're getting all the vitamins, minerals, protein, fat, and carbs your body needs."

And, Lubeck adds, tofu, which comes from soy, can be a great addition to anyone’s diet. Along with being a good source of protein, tofu has vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, selenium, iron, and zinc.

But seriously, what about those phytoestrogens?

"Tofu has received a bad rap for years, mostly because it contains phytoestrogens, compounds that are similar to the hormone estrogen," says Lubeck. "Because of this, many people falsely believe that tofu and other soy products would cause estrogen activity and levels to rise in their bodies," says Lubeck.

"In fact, the thought that soy products like tofu can lead to cancer has been debunked, and soy may even help prevent cancers like prostate and breast," she says. Lubeck elaborates that much of the negative research on soy products has been performed on animals or other subjects other than humans. "Human studies on soy tend to show positive results."

"Tofu is an extremely healthy source of protein for anyone, including men," echos Dana Ellis Hunnes Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., senior clinical dietitian at UCLA medical center, assistant professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and author of the book Recipe For Survival.

"Tofu is a very high-quality protein that has all the amino acids in it and can be incorporated into many types of meals," Ellis Hunnes says.

If you want to learn more about this nutrient-dense "blank canvas" of a protein—from its nutrition stats to how it’s made—we got you.

What is the nutritional profile of tofu?

Pretty solid.

One-half cup of firm tofu contains 181 calories, 22 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of which are fiber, no added sugar, and 11 grams of fat.

In terms of micronutrients (if you're into that kind of thing), tofu has 861 milligrams calcium, 3 grams iron, and 299 milligrams potassium, among others.

    Let’s take an extra moment to appreciate that protein content: Just half a cup of tofu has just as much protein in it as a serving of most meats. “In fact, three ounces of beef also contains 22 grams of protein," Lubeck says.

    One more thing to note: The nutrition stats of tofu “depend on whether it is soft/silkened tofu, which has more water in it, or super-firm tofu, which has less water in it,” says Ellis Hunnes. “Firm tofus with less water have higher amounts of protein, and are a little higher in calories and fat ounce-for-ounce compared to silkened/soft tofus,” she says, noting that all types of tofus contain all the amino acids.

    How is tofu made?

    Tofu is made from soybeans which are soaked with water and then ground down to a cooked pulp. The soy milk is separated from the mixture before calcium or magnesium salts are added as a coagulant, which gives tofu its solid form. While you can make tofu at home, it’s a labor-intensive endeavor, so you likely want to buy it in pre-made blocks at the grocery store.

    Will tofu cause man boobs?

    Short answer? Nope.

    Longer answer: "Although a case study has been published noting that soy-eating resulted in gynecomastia (man boobs) and decreased libido, it was determined that this man eats a huge amount of soy daily that most people would not come close to consuming," says Lubeck. "In other studies, it has been proven that eating soy foods will not increase estrogen or decrease testosterone. Estrogen is a hormone primarily present in women, and testosterone is a hormone mostly present in men, although all genders have a bit of each."

    It has been proven that eating soy foods will not increase estrogen or decrease testosterone.

    While estrogen was found to be increased in the previously mentioned case study, says Lubeck, other reports using much larger participant fields found that estrogen levels did not increase after people consumed soy. "In short, eating normal, recommended amounts of tofu and other soy products won't cause hormone changes in men."

    Is tofu healthy?

    Yes.

    Along with countless plant-based foods like beans and lentils, tofu is in good company as a healthy choice to add in your diet. “Tofu and other soy products have impressive research behind them. Eating soy has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Soy has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of other issues like depression and skin health,” says Lubeck, adding that “soy has also been linked to improved cognition and prevention of dementia.”

    tofu cubes fried and served with black and white sesame in a bowl

    zoranmGetty Images

    Ellis Hunnes says some major health benefits of tofu include “lowering the risk of heart disease because of its fatty acid profile, lowering inflammation because it is a plant-based protein, and lowering the risk of cancers because it is a healthy plant-based protein that can help lower the risk of cancers."

    In terms of micronutrients, Lubeck reiterates that “tofu is an excellent source of calcium, selenium, and manganese,” sharing that people can get more than half their daily needs for calcium and manganese in just half a cup of tofu. “It's also a great source of magnesium, iron, and zinc,” she says.

    Lubeck also appreciates that tofu is low in carbs and contains no added sugar, making it a healthy choice for people with diabetes. “And the fact that tofu has a bit of fiber in it as well makes it even better, as fiber will help slow the digestion process and reduce the blood sugar response.”

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ELSE NUTRITION ANNOUNCES SIZE OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED MARKETED PUBLIC OFFERING OF UNITS

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES./

VANCOUVER, BC, June 22, 2022 /CNW/ - Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. (TSX: BABY) (the "Company" or "Else"), a leading producer of plant-based baby, toddler and children's food products, is pleased to announce that its previously announced marketed public offering (the "Offering") of units (the "Units") of the Company, which will be sold at an issue price of $1.05 per Unit (the "Issue Price"), will be for an aggregate of 6,940,000 Units for total gross proceeds of $7,287,000.

The Units will be offered for sale by the Company in the Offering, which will be conducted through a syndicate of underwriters (the "Underwriters") led by Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. as sole bookrunner.  Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 60 months following the closing of the Offering (the "Closing") at an exercise price per Warrant Share of $1.25.

The Company has granted the Underwriters an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part at any time on or up to 30 days after the Closing, to purchase, or to find substituted purchasers for, up to an additional 1,041,000 Units, equal to 15% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering at the Issue Price to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes, for additional gross proceeds of up to $1,093,050, for total gross proceeds of up to $8,380,050. The Over-Allotment Option shall be exercisable for Units, Common Shares or Warrants (or any combination thereof).

The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund research and development including clinical studies, fund sales and marketing, acquire inventory, establish a manufacturing facility, and for general corporate purposes.

The Offering is scheduled to close on, or around, June 28, 2022 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX.

On June 21, 2022, in connection with the Offering, the Company filed a preliminary supplement (the "Preliminary Supplement") to its short form base shelf prospectus dated April 20, 2021 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada, excluding Quebec.

The Preliminary Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus contain important detailed information about the Company and the proposed Offering. Prospective investors should read the Preliminary Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the other documents the Company has filed before making an investment decision. Copies of the Prospectus Supplement, following filing thereof, and the Base Shelf Prospectus will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities to be offered have not been, and will not be registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws.

About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.

Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean, and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at Milan's Global Food Innovation Summit. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top Seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The Company recently received the World Plant-Based Award for "Best dairy alternative product" in New York at World Plant-Based Expo in late 2021. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives include leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics, and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.

For more information, visit: elsenutrition.com or @elsenutrition on Facebook and Instagram.

Toronto Stock Exchange

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "will" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the anticipated dates for filing the Company's disclosure documents. Such forward-looking statements reflect current estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. No assurance can be given that the foregoing will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements made in this press release assume, among others, the expectation that there will be no interruptions or supply chain failures as a result of COVID 19 and that the manufacturing, broker and supply logistic agreement with the Company do not terminate. Actual results may differ from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.   Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

SOURCE Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.

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