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The emerging role of ultra-processed foods in mental health
A recent study reported by Medscape associates consumption of highly refined ultra-processed foods with a 22% increased risk of future depression which takes an average of two to 10 years to develop. In many Western societies, about half of a given consumer’s daily calories will come from these products; Given that they are virtually devoid of nutrition, it’s no wonder obesity skyrockets while mental health crumbles. The link between ultra-processed foods and depression supports other strong evidence that traditional and less processed diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, reduce our risk and help manage depression.
What influences the increase in candy sales this year?
The pre-Halloween candy-buying period is seeing high sales compared to recent years, according to The Food Institute. Seasonal omnichannel candy sales from July 1 to October 3 are up 29% from a year ago and 43% from the same period of 2019. Experts say excessive candy purchases may be in effect. Partly attributed to consumers’ desire to indulge themselves throughout the pandemic, but healthier sweets (think sugar-free chocolate and the like) are the real winner here due to the stress that coincides with staying well. Notably, store brands are almost always ignored for the proven manufacturer brands that consumers grew up with.
People use marijuana to treat anxiety and depression, but the science is obscure
Mental health professionals are seeing more clients turning to marijuana instead of common antidepressants to manage their symptoms of anxiety and depression, although some scientific evidence points to the substance’s ability to make these symptoms worse. The Wall Street Journal writes that although clinical trials on the effects of cannabis on mental and physical health are in their infancy, the American Psychiatric Association released a statement in 2019 stating that there is “no evidence. current scientist that cannabis is in any way beneficial for the treatment of any psychiatric disorder â€and noted a“ strong association between cannabis use and the onset of psychiatric disorders â€.
Nations are making new commitments to reduce climate pollution. They are not enough
Global pledges to limit heat-trapping greenhouse gases don’t go far enough to prevent climate catastrophe, a new report from the United Nations Environment Program reveals. Global emissions must fall 55% by 2030 from previous commitments in order to limit warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. Without a significant change in policies, global temperatures will reach around 4.8 degrees Fahrenheit , a level where dangerous heat waves could be greater than 10 times more likely, and sea level rise would displace millions of people along the coasts. In the United States, the Biden administration has announced a new national pledge: to reduce emissions by 50 to 52 percent by 2030, from 2005 emissions levels. NPR has the scoop.
Micro-Execution Robots Specialist Fabric Raises $ 200 Million on $ 1 Billion Valuation
Fabric today announced that it has raised $ 200 million in funding round of Series C, maker of robotic micro-execution solutions for grocery and e-commerce retailers; this latest investment sets the company’s valuation at $ 1 billion. The funding, which takes Fabric to what its executives describe as “robocorn” status, is not surprising given the company’s rapid growth and the larger micro-execution market. Fabric will use the money to develop its fulfillment solution in the general merchandise market and create a network of micro-fulfillment centers in cities across the country. Its model relies heavily on building warehouse distribution centers that allow food retailers to outsource micro-fulfillment to Fabric. Learn more about The Spoon.
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