Microplastics are released from everyday items like disposable cups, posing health risks such as inflammation and toxicity. Studies show significant shedding of particles during use, particularly when heated. Experts recommend alternatives like glass and stainless steel, urging consumers to avoid plastic to reduce exposure and mitigate environmental damage.

Sodium is a crucial mineral for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction, yet it receives less attention in plant-based diets. While these diets typically have lower sodium, excessive intake from processed foods poses health risks. Balancing sodium is essential; individuals should prioritize whole foods while being mindful of sodium sources.

Tiamat Sciences, a biotech company founded in 2019, aims to transform plant molecular farming by producing recombinant proteins cost-effectively. Utilizing plants as biofactories, they offer faster, cheaper, and sustainable alternatives to traditional methods. Their innovations, including mRNA enzyme production and strategic partnerships, position Tiamat as a leader in affordable biomanufacturing solutions.

A Japanese team has developed a groundbreaking plastic-like material that dissolves completely in seawater within 2-3 hours, leaving no microplastics or toxins. This innovation could significantly impact environmental sustainability, mimicking traditional plastic's strength while offering rapid degradation. The research addresses the urgent need to combat plastic pollution effectively.

Plant-based diets offer numerous health benefits but often overlook essential trace minerals, which are critical for metabolism, immunity, and overall health. The "Trace Squad," including zinc, selenium, iodine, iron, copper, manganese, and chromium, highlights minerals vital for plant-based eaters. Soil quality affects mineral absorption, making awareness and potential supplementation crucial.

Magnesium is vital for human health, essential for numerous bodily functions including energy production, nerve function, and bone health. Many people, especially those on plant-based diets, may face deficiencies. This guide highlights magnesium-rich plant sources, daily requirements, absorption factors, and the potential need for supplementation to maintain optimal health.

Whole-food diets focus on unprocessed, plant-based nutrition, but soil quality greatly impacts food nutrient density. Modern agricultural practices lead to soil depletion, reducing essential minera…

Savor, a food tech company, is creating a cow-free butter alternative using a thermochemical process that synthesizes fats from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. Launched in 2022, its innovative product offers sustainability, supply chain security, and health benefits while mimicking traditional fats. Challenges include scaling, regulation, and consumer acceptance.

MetaTexture offers a plant-based egg alternative, SweetEgg, addressing concerns with conventional egg production, such as cost volatility, health risks, and animal welfare. Made from mung beans, pumpkin, and soy, SweetEgg replicates texture and taste while being cholesterol-free and environmentally friendly. Future plans include expanding product formats and partnerships in the growing plant-based market.

Samsara Eco, an Australian biotech start-up, is revolutionizing recycling by employing AI-driven enzyme technology to depolymerize plastics and textiles into their original monomers. This "infinite recycling" process aims to eliminate waste while enabling the creation of new materials identical to virgin sources, addressing challenges in recycling efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

Adopting a plant-based or vegan diet requires awareness of hidden animal-derived additives, including E-numbers. This guide outlines globally recognized animal-based E-numbers found in foods, cosmetics, and supplements, their origins, and labeling conventions in various regions, emphasizing the need for careful ingredient scrutiny to maintain a vegan lifestyle.

South Korean scientists developed a self-healing polymer scaffold for cell-cultivated meat that mimics marbling in traditional beef. This innovative scaffold facilitates the seamless assembly of fat and muscle cells, enhancing flavor and texture. The advances allow for the creation of nutritionally valid, marbled meat products that could revolutionize the cultured meat industry.

Omega-3 fatty acids, vital for health, include ALA, EPA, and DHA. ALA is plant-based, whereas EPA and DHA are found in marine sources. The body inefficiently converts ALA to EPA and DHA. Plant-based diets can benefit from ALA-rich foods and algal oil supplements for optimal omega-3 levels, supporting heart, brain, and joint health.

Selenium is a vital trace mineral crucial for thyroid function, immune health, and antioxidant defense. Individuals on plant-based diets may struggle to meet selenium needs due to soil variability and limited sources. Incorporating selenium-rich foods, considering supplements, and monitoring levels can help maintain adequate intake and support overall health.

Moolec Science is advancing food technology through molecular farming, which enables plants to produce animal proteins by integrating animal genes into crops. This sustainable method enhances plant-based nutrition, offering scalable and cost-effective alternatives to animal farming. The company's achievements in regulatory approvals position it as a leader in innovative food solutions.

MUU, a Thai startup, is transforming the dairy industry by producing animal-free milk through precision fermentation. This method addresses animal welfare, environmental impact, and health concerns linked to traditional dairy. MUU's innovative process reduces greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption. As products develop, the company aims to revolutionize dairy alternatives for mainstream markets.

Iodine is essential for thyroid function and development. Plant-based diets may lack sufficient iodine, increasing deficiency risks, particularly in vegans and vegetarians. Consider iodized salt an…

The article discusses how plant-based foods vary in digestion time and satiety, emphasizing the roles of fiber, water, fat, and protein in these processes for effective meal planning.

Calcium is vital for bone health and bodily functions. Plant-based dieters face challenges in intake but can optimize calcium through low-oxalate foods, fortified products, and adequate vitamin D levels.

Nutraceuticals, blending nutrition and pharmaceuticals, provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition but face regulation, scientific validation, and quality challenges. Responsible integration in…

Pureture is revolutionizing plant-based casein protein production through fermentation, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and functionality, while facing scaling, market acceptance, and regulatory challenges.

Precision fermentation utilizes engineered microorganisms to produce specific components, revolutionizing food, pharmaceuticals, and materials while addressing sustainability and ethical challenges in production.

As global consumption raises environmental concerns, the shift towards sustainable materials is crucial. Innovations in biodegradable alternatives and challenges require a comprehensive approach to foster ecological integrity.

Vitamin D is essential for health, especially in plant-based diets. Deficiencies are common; sunlight and supplements are key for maintaining adequate levels.

Ohoskin, founded in 2019, transforms agricultural waste into sustainable, durable materials for various industries, promoting environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and economic revitalization in Sicily.