Muskmelon is emerging as one of the most recommended summer fruits thanks to its high water content, cooling properties, and digestive benefits. Gastroenterologists say a daily bowl of muskmelon can help keep the body hydrated, support gut health, and provide essential vitamins during extreme heat. As temperatures rise, many people are turning to simple seasonal foods like muskmelon to stay refreshed, energized, and healthy naturally throughout the summer.


The Perfect Summer Fruit: Why You Need Muskmelon Today

The study states that young people, especially women, who consumed more fruits and vegetables, were at a higher risk of lung cancer. The researchers categorically stated that these foods are healthy, and the problem area is possibly agricultural practices.

The study states that young people, especially women, who consumed more fruits and vegetables, were at a higher risk of lung cancer. The researchers categorically stated that these foods are healthy, and the problem area is possibly agricultural practices.

Study links fruits and vegetables to lung cancer in non-smokers, but the real culprit could be something else

Indian mangoes, known for their exceptional taste and aroma, have become a highly coveted delicacy around the world. But why are they so expensive compared to other varieties? This report breaks down the data behind the price of indian mangoes.

Mango supply struggles: The cost of exporting

Russia has turned to India, a country that produces significant amount of bananas and other fruits, to&nbsp;meet the demand&nbsp;within the country, said a report. This has happened after Russia stopped import from Ecuador after not being thrilled that the latter sent Russian weapons and hardware to the US. Russia has since been looking for suppliers of not only bananas, but papayas, guavas, mangoes and pineapples.

A report in The Times of India has said that the first shipment of Indian bananas reached Russia in January and another is expected to reach this month.

"The volume of exports of Indian bananas to the Russian market will increase," said Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor as quoted in the report.

Although it is angry at Ecuador for geopolitical reason, Russia has obviously not said so officially. But it has been seen in past that Russia restricts food imports from countries it disagrees with.

Watch | Opposing Ukraine aid bill is playing into Putin's hands, says US President Biden

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The Russian agricultural watchdog has reportedly claimed that Russia stopped banana import from Ecuadorian companies due to detection of pests. Ecuador's food safety authority has refuted Russian claim saying that there was no substantial risk arising from its fruit exports as insects were detected in very small per cent of consignments.

<h2>So why&nbsp;is Moscow angry?</h2>

Just last week, Ecuador decided to hand over Russian-made military hardware to the US. This will eventually be used in Ukraine, the country that Russia is currently invading.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelenskyy-says-two-killed-in-kyiv-after-massive-russian-missiles-drone-attacks-687865">Zelensky says two killed in Kyiv after massive missiles, drone attacks by Russia</a>

Regarding the hardware as "Ukrainian and Russian scrap metal", Ecuador said that it will be swapping it for advanced US equipment which is worth USD 200 million.

Russia reacted strongly on this and called the decision taken by Ecuador 'reckless'.

Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman, told RIA that Ecuador's decision was made under pressure from external forces.

"Such a reckless decision was taken by the Ecuadorian side under serious pressure from outside interested parties," she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has turned to India, a country that produces significant amount of bananas and other fruits, to meet the demand within the country, said a report. This has happened after Russia stopped import from Ecuador after not being thrilled that the latter sent Russian weapons and hardware to the US.

Russia has turned to India, a country that produces significant amount of bananas and other fruits, to meet the demand within the country, said a report. This has happened after Russia stopped import from Ecuador after not being thrilled that the latter sent Russian weapons and hardware to the US. Russia has since been looking for suppliers of not only bananas, but papayas, guavas, mangoes and pineapples. A report in The Times of India has said that the first shipment of Indian bananas reached Russia in January and another is expected to reach this month. "The volume of exports of Indian bananas to the Russian market will increase," said Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor as quoted in the report. Although it is angry at Ecuador for geopolitical reason, Russia has obviously not said so officially. But it has been seen in past that Russia restricts food imports from countries it disagrees with. Watch | Opposing Ukraine aid bill is playing into Putin's hands, says US President Biden × The Russian agricultural watchdog has reportedly claimed that Russia stopped banana import from Ecuadorian companies due to detection of pests. Ecuador's food safety authority has refuted Russian claim saying that there was no substantial risk arising from its fruit exports as insects were detected in very small per cent of consignments. So why is Moscow angry? Just last week, Ecuador decided to hand over Russian-made military hardware to the US. This will eventually be used in Ukraine, the country that Russia is currently invading. Also Read | Zelensky says two killed in Kyiv after massive missiles, drone attacks by Russia Regarding the hardware as "Ukrainian and Russian scrap metal", Ecuador said that it will be swapping it for advanced US equipment which is worth USD 200 million. Russia reacted strongly on this and called the decision taken by Ecuador 'reckless'. Maria Zakharova, the Russian foreign ministry's spokeswoman, told RIA that Ecuador's decision was made under pressure from external forces. "Such a reckless decision was taken by the Ecuadorian side under serious pressure from outside interested parties," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia goes bananas on Ecuador, prefers Indian fruits now

India's southern Kerala state has ramped up testing and contact tracing for Nipah virus following two deaths. Kerala shut some schools and offices this week as officials raced to halt the spread of the virus which has killed two people in the fourth outbreak since 2018. There is no vaccine for the virus, which spreads through contact with the body fluids of infected bats, pigs or people, killing up to 75% of those infected.

India's Nipah Updates: Health officials battling deadly outbreak in southern India

According to a new study, people can maintain their brain health by taking a flavonol-rich diet. This means, eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking more tea and wine can be really good for your brain.

WION Fineprint: Tea & wine may slow down memory decline

In comparison between 1940 and now, the amount of key nutrients in the fruits and vegetables available in the UK has reduced by around 50%, said a study. &nbsp;

The depletion has been witnessed in the levels of magnesium, iron, sodium and copper. It also means that citizens in the UK have the risk of facing malnutrition, warned experts. &nbsp;

The adoption of higher-yielding varieties of fruits and vegetables, industrial agriculture, and more reliance on imported produce seems to have led to this situation, said reports.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/with-505-days-patient-in-uk-longest-reported-covid-19-infection-say-experts-472893" hreflang="en">With 505 days, patient in UK longest reported COVID-19 infection, say experts</a>&nbsp;

In order to come up with the findings, the Coventry University researchers checked the nutrients in around 28 types of fruits and vegetables. These include, potatoes and bananas, which were available in the UK in the year of 1940, 1991 and 2019. &nbsp;

The levels of copper reduced by 49 per cent, iron fell by 51 per cent and sodium decreased by 52 per cent, as per the analysis, which was published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The amount of potassium has reduced by 5 per cent, magnesium 10 per cent and calcium 2.5 per cent. &nbsp;

A sufficiently varied diet is not consumed by ‘many people’. Teenagers also have poor diets, the researchers said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several fruits and vegetables nowadays have been bred to increase productivity and profitability and "this focus on yield has largely ignored any implications for nutritional quality", the researchers said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In comparison between 1940 and now, the amount of key nutrients in the fruits and vegetables available in the UK has reduced by around 50%, said a study. The depletion has been witnessed in the levels of magnesium, iron, sodium and copper.

In comparison between 1940 and now, the amount of key nutrients in the fruits and vegetables available in the UK has reduced by around 50%, said a study. The depletion has been witnessed in the levels of magnesium, iron, sodium and copper. It also means that citizens in the UK have the risk of facing malnutrition, warned experts. The adoption of higher-yielding varieties of fruits and vegetables, industrial agriculture, and more reliance on imported produce seems to have led to this situation, said reports. Also Read: With 505 days, patient in UK longest reported COVID-19 infection, say experts In order to come up with the findings, the Coventry University researchers checked the nutrients in around 28 types of fruits and vegetables. These include, potatoes and bananas, which were available in the UK in the year of 1940, 1991 and 2019. The levels of copper reduced by 49 per cent, iron fell by 51 per cent and sodium decreased by 52 per cent, as per the analysis, which was published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. Watch | World Earth day: Are we standing by our climate pledges? × The amount of potassium has reduced by 5 per cent, magnesium 10 per cent and calcium 2.5 per cent. A sufficiently varied diet is not consumed by ‘many people’. Teenagers also have poor diets, the researchers said. Several fruits and vegetables nowadays have been bred to increase productivity and profitability and "this focus on yield has largely ignored any implications for nutritional quality", the researchers said. (With inputs from agencies)

Between 1940 and now, nutrient levels in fruits, vegetables in UK reduced by 50%, says study

Chinese authorities have locked down several supermarkets after coronavirus traces were found in fruits imported from Vietnam.

China shuts market due to virus found in fruits | Dragon fruit | Omicron

From 2022, no vegetables and fruits would be sold in wrapped plastic packaging, as France’s new law banning overwrapped eatables comes into force on Saturday.

A total of 30 varieties, including cucumbers, lemons and oranges, have been banned from being wrapped in plastic. Larger packs, as well as chopped or processed fruit, have been exempted.

President Emmanuel Macron called the ban “a real revolution”, saying it showed the country's commitment to phase out single-use plastics by 2040.

An estimated 37 per cent of fruit and vegetables were reportedly sold wrapped in plastic packaging in France in 2021.

The government believes the ban will cut more than 1 billion items of single-use plastic packaging a year. The environment ministry said there must be curbs on the “outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives”.

Also read |&nbsp;G<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-pulls-the-plug-on-3-of-six-nuclear-power-plants-remaining-to-be-shut-by-2022-end-441562">ermany pulls the plug on 3 of six nuclear power plants, remaining to be shut by 2022-end</a>

Since 2021, the country had already banned plastic straws, cups and cutlery, as well as polystyrene takeaway boxes.

After France, Spain will be following suit as it is planning to introduce prohibitions of the use of single-use plastic for the packaging of fruits and vegetables by 2023.

WWF France, which has campaigned on the impact of&nbsp;plastics&nbsp;on biodiversity and marine life in the Mediterranean and across oceans, did a poll in 2019, where it found that more than 85% of the people were in favour of banning single-use plastic products and packaging.

More than 2 million people have signed a WWF petition calling on world governments to stop the plastics pollution crisis.

Macron's government also announced several other new environmental regulations, including rules calling on car adverts to promote greener alternatives such as walking and cycling.

(With inputs from agencies)

From 2022, no vegetables and fruits would be sold in wrapped plastic packaging, as France’s new law banning overwrapped eatables comes into force on Saturday. A total of 30 varieties, including cucumbers, lemons and oranges, have been banned from being wrapped in plastic.

From 2022, no vegetables and fruits would be sold in wrapped plastic packaging, as France’s new law banning overwrapped eatables comes into force on Saturday. A total of 30 varieties, including cucumbers, lemons and oranges, have been banned from being wrapped in plastic. Larger packs, as well as chopped or processed fruit, have been exempted. President Emmanuel Macron called the ban “a real revolution”, saying it showed the country's commitment to phase out single-use plastics by 2040. An estimated 37 per cent of fruit and vegetables were reportedly sold wrapped in plastic packaging in France in 2021. The government believes the ban will cut more than 1 billion items of single-use plastic packaging a year. The environment ministry said there must be curbs on the “outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives”. Also read | Germany pulls the plug on 3 of six nuclear power plants, remaining to be shut by 2022-end Since 2021, the country had already banned plastic straws, cups and cutlery, as well as polystyrene takeaway boxes. After France, Spain will be following suit as it is planning to introduce prohibitions of the use of single-use plastic for the packaging of fruits and vegetables by 2023. WWF France, which has campaigned on the impact of plastics on biodiversity and marine life in the Mediterranean and across oceans, did a poll in 2019, where it found that more than 85% of the people were in favour of banning single-use plastic products and packaging. More than 2 million people have signed a WWF petition calling on world governments to stop the plastics pollution crisis. Macron's government also announced several other new environmental regulations, including rules calling on car adverts to promote greener alternatives such as walking and cycling. (With inputs from agencies)

Towards a greener future: France starts banning plastic packaging of fruits and vegetables

A tree, which is standing tall at the back of a suburban home on a leafy Shepparton street, has just claimed a Guinness world record for most types of fruit on a single tree. It bears 10 different fruits. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The tree seems to be the result of a decade’s hard work of Hussam Saraf. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saraf has transformed his modest stretch of grass in regional Victoria into a tropical oasis, which has rare fruit trees and edible natives. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boy-in-us-state-of-alabama-sets-record-as-most-premature-baby-to-survive-428538" hreflang="en">Boy in US state of Alabama sets record as most premature baby to survive</a>

“The previous record was five fruits grafted onto one tree, so I decided to graft 10. But I was waiting to hear back and they told me my application was rejected, because they needed five different species, not varieties,” the planter said. &nbsp;

For two decades, the previous record was held by Luis H Carrasco of Chile of five grafted fruits, apricot, cherry, nectarine, plum and peach. &nbsp;

The initial application of Hussam for grafting white and yellow nectarines, white and yellow peaches, blood and yellow plums, peachcots, apricots, almonds and cherries was deemed to represent only five types of fruit, placing him at a tie with Carrasco. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/docked-49-cents-from-wages-for-2-minute-delay-anguished-japanese-train-driver-sues-employer-for-20000-428459" hreflang="en">Docked 49 cents from wages for 2-minute delay, anguished Japanese train driver sues employer for $20,000</a>

“I told them he had nectarine and peach which they counted as two, when it should have been one. So, they said OK, changed the previous guy to four and me to five,” Hussam added. &nbsp;

Hussam’s record tree was officially accepted for grafting almond, peach, plum, apricot and cherry. Hussam arrived in Australia in 2009 from Iraq. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A tree, which is standing tall at the back of a suburban home on a leafy Shepparton street, has just claimed a Guinness world record for most types of fruit on a single tree.

A tree, which is standing tall at the back of a suburban home on a leafy Shepparton street, has just claimed a Guinness world record for most types of fruit on a single tree. It bears 10 different fruits. The tree seems to be the result of a decade’s hard work of Hussam Saraf. Saraf has transformed his modest stretch of grass in regional Victoria into a tropical oasis, which has rare fruit trees and edible natives. Also Read: Boy in US state of Alabama sets record as most premature baby to survive “The previous record was five fruits grafted onto one tree, so I decided to graft 10. But I was waiting to hear back and they told me my application was rejected, because they needed five different species, not varieties,” the planter said. For two decades, the previous record was held by Luis H Carrasco of Chile of five grafted fruits, apricot, cherry, nectarine, plum and peach. The initial application of Hussam for grafting white and yellow nectarines, white and yellow peaches, blood and yellow plums, peachcots, apricots, almonds and cherries was deemed to represent only five types of fruit, placing him at a tie with Carrasco. Also Read: Docked 49 cents from wages for 2-minute delay, anguished Japanese train driver sues employer for $20,000 “I told them he had nectarine and peach which they counted as two, when it should have been one. So, they said OK, changed the previous guy to four and me to five,” Hussam added. Hussam’s record tree was officially accepted for grafting almond, peach, plum, apricot and cherry. Hussam arrived in Australia in 2009 from Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

One tree, 10 different fruits: Gardener claims world record for rare feat

The impact of food waste on climate emission is an increasing concern for many especially ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow. In Switzerland, a community association is linking orchards, volunteers to ensure that more apples find their way into the food chain.

Community in Switzerland harvest unpicked apples as food waste affects climate change

France will ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, the environment ministry says.

Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1.

The list includes leeks, aubergines and round tomatoes as well as apples, bananas and oranges. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-set-to-ban-sale-of-plastic-wrapped-fruits-and-vegetables-from-2023-reports-415346">Also read | Spain set to ban sale of plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables from 2023: Reports</a> 
 
"We use an outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives. The circular economy law aims at cutting back the use of throwaway plastic and boosting its substitution with other materials or reusable and recyclable packaging, " the ministry said in a statement.

It is estimated that 37 per cent of fruit and vegetables are sold with packaging, and it is expected that the measure will prevent the use of more than one billion plastic packaging items per year.

According to Francois Roch, president of the French Fruit Sellers Federation, switching to cardboard will be difficult in such a short period of time.

"Also, selling loose produce is complicated as many customers touch the fruit and people do not want their fruit to be touched by other customers," she said.

The packaging ban is part of a multi-year government programme to phase out plastic.

From 2021, France will ban plastic straws, cups, and cutlery, as well as styrofoam takeaway boxes.

Cut fruits and a limited number of delicate fruits and vegetables can still be sold with plastic packaging for now, but that will be phased out by the end of June 2026.

Plastic packaging will be banned by the end of June 2023 for cherry tomatoes, green beans and peaches and by the end of 2024 for endives, asparagus, mushrooms, some salads and herbs as well as cherries.

By July 2026, raspberries, strawberries and other delicate berries must be sold without plastic.

From 2022, public spaces must provide water fountains to reduce the use of plastic bottles; press and publicity publications must be shipped without plastic wrapping while fast-food restaurants can no longer offer free plastic toys.

From January 2023, France will also ban throwaway crockery in fast-food restaurant for meals consumed on-site.

France will ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, the environment ministry says. Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1.

France will ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, the environment ministry says. Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1. The list includes leeks, aubergines and round tomatoes as well as apples, bananas and oranges. Also read | Spain set to ban sale of plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables from 2023: Reports "We use an outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives. The circular economy law aims at cutting back the use of throwaway plastic and boosting its substitution with other materials or reusable and recyclable packaging, " the ministry said in a statement. It is estimated that 37 per cent of fruit and vegetables are sold with packaging, and it is expected that the measure will prevent the use of more than one billion plastic packaging items per year. According to Francois Roch, president of the French Fruit Sellers Federation, switching to cardboard will be difficult in such a short period of time. "Also, selling loose produce is complicated as many customers touch the fruit and people do not want their fruit to be touched by other customers," she said. The packaging ban is part of a multi-year government programme to phase out plastic. From 2021, France will ban plastic straws, cups, and cutlery, as well as styrofoam takeaway boxes. Cut fruits and a limited number of delicate fruits and vegetables can still be sold with plastic packaging for now, but that will be phased out by the end of June 2026. Plastic packaging will be banned by the end of June 2023 for cherry tomatoes, green beans and peaches and by the end of 2024 for endives, asparagus, mushrooms, some salads and herbs as well as cherries. By July 2026, raspberries, strawberries and other delicate berries must be sold without plastic. From 2022, public spaces must provide water fountains to reduce the use of plastic bottles; press and publicity publications must be shipped without plastic wrapping while fast-food restaurants can no longer offer free plastic toys. From January 2023, France will also ban throwaway crockery in fast-food restaurant for meals consumed on-site.

‘Outrageous amount’: France BANS plastic packaging for 30 fruits and vegetables

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work.

A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us.&nbsp;

World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us.&nbsp;

Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs.&nbsp;

Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change.

But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher.&nbsp;

Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are.

Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells.

Our childhood must have memories of trips to the bustling local bazaar. I remember the mountains of vegetables and fruit stacked in cane baskets. A riot of colours and smells. The sounds of hawkers calling out, and customers haggling and talking. The meats and the fish was in a corner towards the end, fresh flowers and the nariyal paani guy sat at the entrance. The emergence of supermarkets and online grocery stores might have changed things a little in urban centres, but most of India still shop for food from similar ‘wet markets’ in their neighbourhood, either early morning or on their way back from work. A live animal market in Wuhan was held responsible for the pandemic that has dragged the world to a massive slowdown. The exact origins of the virus is unknown, but given that the outbreak in the initial phases was linked to a local wet market in Wuhan, questions are being asked about the safety of such markets. Close proximity of species, unhygienic conditions and stressed animals, which results in lower immunity, can be dangerous. Birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals are all potential threats. There is a real possibility of newer, deadlier viruses making the jump from them to us. World leaders led by the UN, have called for a global ban on wildlife markets to prevent future pandemics such as the COVID-19. There are growing calls, particularly from the western world, to shut down live animal markets. But despite their valid fears, it will not be a sustainable solution. Wet markets are a part of the culinary culture of the east. The tradition is to eat fresh food, not frozen, bought from a vendor you trust, not a faceless corporation who has packaged and neatly labelled your meat. Australia’s Prime Minister is ‘totally puzzled’ by this phenomenon, which is but a way of life for us. Millions of traders, hawkers, butchers and vendors in India make their living through markets like these. The size of our meat, poultry and fish business is well over billions of dollars. Over 70 per cent of our country is non-vegetarian, and although poultry is most consumed, we also eat porcupine, deer, frogs, boar, worms, rabbits, snakes, snails, quails, tortoise, bison and dogs. Wet markets are cheaper, more personal and no doubt they are fresher. Yes, rules are flouted, exotic animals sold, livestock stacked mercilessly and entrails, faecus, blood and feather clot the drains. Most of the meat we consume is farmed, where animals are reared, pumped with antibiotics and bred solely to be consumed. All of that ideally should change. But a total ban is unfair. It doesn’t solve the problem. There is a risk of infection every time we encroach on forests to build settlements. Animals are slaughtered not just in the markets, but for religious ceremonies. They are killed for food and medicine. A ban will only lead to a thriving black market, where controls will be even tougher. Food is essential for life. So much of our culture, memories, habits and customs are associated with food. There is enough historical evidence to show that we ate a vast variety of meats even thousands of years ago. The Vedas listed around fifty animals that were suitable for sacrifice, and hence could be consumed. This diversity is our culinary heritage. What we eat, how we source it, cook it and eat it, defines our choices and who we are. Traditional markets are under the scanner for the right reasons, but banning them is not a solution. Even contemplating such a move, is inherently unfair. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Local markets are a way of life

The city of Bengaluru produces over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every day. While the city administration has attempted to impose no-plastic and segregation-at-source rules strictly, there is no 100 per cent adherence from the citizens and workers. But a juice cafe owner in the city is now proving that it is possible to go the zero-waste route.&nbsp;

Raja, a radio jockey, emcee, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed waste engineer runs the city's first zero-waste juice bar. The outlet has been drawing quite a buzz as Raja serves his special drinks in organic cups that are nothing but fruit shells and peels. This zero-waste cafe has completely done away with plastic and paper usage to promote sustainability.&nbsp;

"This is a 100 per cent zero-waste cafe. We have nothing that we throw out. We don’t use paper, plastic, carry bag, cups or straws since 2018. There is no dry waste at all. The only waste being generated is the fruit waste of which we do factory level segregation. We segregate the fruit waste at source into citrus, non-citrus. The citrus fruits are used to make bio-enzyme and the rest of it either gets composted or is used as cow feed. The seeds are used to make art-work, jewellery and rangolis. The whole idea was to repurpose everything that is thrown as waste" Raja tells WION. &nbsp;

Raja was inspired to transform his cafe into a zero-waste eatery when he saw the South African city of Cape Town go dry in 2018. Some studies had also predicted that Bengaluru could be the next city to follow.&nbsp;

"I realised that at my juice centre, we were using nearly 250ml of water to wash each glass. If I was selling 100 glasses of juice a day, it meant that I was flushing out 25 litres of water down the drain. I realised it was a criminal waste of water, especially when the whole world is facing a crisis. So I got thinking if we can do something better. Since I am an engineer, I realised if I do not engineer the process of saving something then there is no point in studying the course. I looked at the fruits and I saw that the smaller watermelons, when halved, could be used to serve the juice that was made from its pulp," he says.&nbsp;

Using fruit shells as cups has not only helped save water but also reduced waste and minimised labour time for his staff. The used shells are then supplied to cattle owners as fodder. Today, Raja uses fruits like watermelons, musk melons, sun melons, oranges, guavas, bananas and several other fruits to serve the juices.&nbsp;

"Now I have 22 different varieties of fruits and vegetables that I serve my juices in. I am the owner of India’s first juice bar to serve juices only in fruit shells. We don’t use glasses at all," says Raja, exuding pride.&nbsp;

Raja does not see this model just as a service to the society but believes that waste is wealth which can be monetised. He is currently working to build a network of juice centres that can segregate the waste supply it to farms and cattle owners.&nbsp;

"I see myself as a waste engineer because there is a lot to be monetised from waste. I hold workshops where we say you can make cash out of trash. I am planning to ask cattle owners to give me milk in exchange for the fodder as I have stopped using milk packets because it generates plastic waste. There is economy in waste" Raja concludes.&nbsp;

The city of Bengaluru produces over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every day. While the city administration has attempted to impose no-plastic and segregation-at-source rules strictly, there is no 100 per cent adherence from the citizens and workers.

The city of Bengaluru produces over 5,000 tonnes of garbage every day. While the city administration has attempted to impose no-plastic and segregation-at-source rules strictly, there is no 100 per cent adherence from the citizens and workers. But a juice cafe owner in the city is now proving that it is possible to go the zero-waste route. Raja, a radio jockey, emcee, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed waste engineer runs the city's first zero-waste juice bar. The outlet has been drawing quite a buzz as Raja serves his special drinks in organic cups that are nothing but fruit shells and peels. This zero-waste cafe has completely done away with plastic and paper usage to promote sustainability. "This is a 100 per cent zero-waste cafe. We have nothing that we throw out. We don’t use paper, plastic, carry bag, cups or straws since 2018. There is no dry waste at all. The only waste being generated is the fruit waste of which we do factory level segregation. We segregate the fruit waste at source into citrus, non-citrus. The citrus fruits are used to make bio-enzyme and the rest of it either gets composted or is used as cow feed. The seeds are used to make art-work, jewellery and rangolis. The whole idea was to repurpose everything that is thrown as waste" Raja tells WION. Raja was inspired to transform his cafe into a zero-waste eatery when he saw the South African city of Cape Town go dry in 2018. Some studies had also predicted that Bengaluru could be the next city to follow. "I realised that at my juice centre, we were using nearly 250ml of water to wash each glass. If I was selling 100 glasses of juice a day, it meant that I was flushing out 25 litres of water down the drain. I realised it was a criminal waste of water, especially when the whole world is facing a crisis. So I got thinking if we can do something better. Since I am an engineer, I realised if I do not engineer the process of saving something then there is no point in studying the course. I looked at the fruits and I saw that the smaller watermelons, when halved, could be used to serve the juice that was made from its pulp," he says. Using fruit shells as cups has not only helped save water but also reduced waste and minimised labour time for his staff. The used shells are then supplied to cattle owners as fodder. Today, Raja uses fruits like watermelons, musk melons, sun melons, oranges, guavas, bananas and several other fruits to serve the juices. "Now I have 22 different varieties of fruits and vegetables that I serve my juices in. I am the owner of India’s first juice bar to serve juices only in fruit shells. We don’t use glasses at all," says Raja, exuding pride. Raja does not see this model just as a service to the society but believes that waste is wealth which can be monetised. He is currently working to build a network of juice centres that can segregate the waste supply it to farms and cattle owners. "I see myself as a waste engineer because there is a lot to be monetised from waste. I hold workshops where we say you can make cash out of trash. I am planning to ask cattle owners to give me milk in exchange for the fodder as I have stopped using milk packets because it generates plastic waste. There is economy in waste" Raja concludes.

Bengaluru's first zero-waste cafe uses fruit shells as cups

Scientists reveal 'ideal diet' for peoples' and planet's health

Saudi Arabia has banned the import of frozen and processed fruits and vegetables from Kerala after the outbreak of the Nipah virus there, news reports said Tuesday.&nbsp

The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala.&nbsp

The Nipah virus can cause encephalitis — a dangerous swelling of the brain.

Symptoms of the virus vary from none to fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and confusion. This may worsen into a coma over a day or two.

The main host of the virus is said to be the fruit bat, with the virus passing from the bat to the fruits it touches.&nbsp

The virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans.&nbsp

Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 16 have died while two are recovering well.&nbsp

Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala.&nbsp

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meanwhile said on Monday that the spread of the virus has been contained, but that people should continue to be alert.

The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. Sixteen people have so far died from the virus in Kerala

Saudi Arabia has banned the import of frozen and processed fruits and vegetables from Kerala after the outbreak of the Nipah virus there, news reports said Tuesday. The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. The Nipah virus can cause encephalitis — a dangerous swelling of the brain. Symptoms of the virus vary from none to fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and confusion. This may worsen into a coma over a day or two. The main host of the virus is said to be the fruit bat, with the virus passing from the bat to the fruits it touches. The virus can also be transmitted from animals to humans. Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 16 have died while two are recovering well. Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan meanwhile said on Monday that the spread of the virus has been contained, but that people should continue to be alert.

Nipah virus scare: Saudi Arabia bans import of fruits, vegetables from Kerala

A day after farmers in the country went on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">strike</a>, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbsp;

ANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen.

PTI added that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected.

"All milk dairies in the (Nashik) district are closed and collection centres for milk has been affected. Agitating farmers poured milk on the roads at Visapur in Yeola taluka in the morning today. Arrival of vegetables at APMC is also low," PTI quoted Raju Desale, working president of the All India Kisan Sabha, as saying.

The farmers began their 10-day strike — called Gaon Bandh — on Friday, saying they would not transport their produce to the cities. The farmers have also threatened a Bharat Bandh on the last day of their strike, June 10.&nbsp;

The farmers are demanding a waiver of their loans, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, and a minimum income guarantee scheme.&nbsp;

Farmers were seen in Punjab and Maharashtra dumping fruit, vegetables, and milk on the streets.&nbsp;

PTI reported that farmer organisations have called for a boycott of mandis&nbsp;in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra, but that Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh convenor Shivkumar Sharma claimed in Bhopal that the farmer strike is being observed across 22 states.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: Vendors at Okhla vegetable market say prices have shot up due to country-wide farmers' protest. <a href="https://t.co/beS3IxBN9L">pic.twitter.com/beS3IxBN9L</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002759175087067136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, despite photographic evidence to the contrary, a number of politicians on Saturday continued to say there was no farmer strike taking place in the country.&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Mandsaur on 10-day 'Kisan Avkash' strike prepared 'Kheer' and distributed it among villagers. The farmers during the ten-day strike are not supplying vegetables, fruits, grains and milk to cities. (01.06.2018) <a href="https://t.co/c9aCnb4zKf">pic.twitter.com/c9aCnb4zKf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002833759014551553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Its 2nd June today,where is the strike happening? No farmers are participating in the strike. Farmers are happy with the schemes CM has launched for them.They have faith that state¢ral govt will solve their problems: Balkrishna Patidar, Madhya Pradesh minister for Agriculture <a href="https://t.co/EKmKVowGAJ">pic.twitter.com/EKmKVowGAJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002783290024067073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar speaks on farmers' strike, says, 'they don't have any issues, they are just focusing on unnecessary things, not selling produce will bring losses to farmers.' (01.06.2018) <a href="https://t.co/CFY7dzgj2g">pic.twitter.com/CFY7dzgj2g</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002773802013503488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Wholesalers at Delhi's Okhla mandi said prices had risen. PTI reported that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected

A day after farmers in the country went on strike, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up. ANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen. PTI added that the arrival of vegetables at various market committees and the collection of milk in Maharashtra's Nashik district had also been affected. "All milk dairies in the (Nashik) district are closed and collection centres for milk has been affected. Agitating farmers poured milk on the roads at Visapur in Yeola taluka in the morning today. Arrival of vegetables at APMC is also low," PTI quoted Raju Desale, working president of the All India Kisan Sabha, as saying. The farmers began their 10-day strike — called Gaon Bandh — on Friday, saying they would not transport their produce to the cities. The farmers have also threatened a Bharat Bandh on the last day of their strike, June 10. The farmers are demanding a waiver of their loans, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report, and a minimum income guarantee scheme. Farmers were seen in Punjab and Maharashtra dumping fruit, vegetables, and milk on the streets. PTI reported that farmer organisations have called for a boycott of mandis in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mahrashtra, but that Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Mahasangh convenor Shivkumar Sharma claimed in Bhopal that the farmer strike is being observed across 22 states. #Delhi: Vendors at Okhla vegetable market say prices have shot up due to country-wide farmers' protest. pic.twitter.com/beS3IxBN9L — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × Meanwhile, despite photographic evidence to the contrary, a number of politicians on Saturday continued to say there was no farmer strike taking place in the country. Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Mandsaur on 10-day 'Kisan Avkash' strike prepared 'Kheer' and distributed it among villagers. The farmers during the ten-day strike are not supplying vegetables, fruits, grains and milk to cities. (01.06.2018) pic.twitter.com/c9aCnb4zKf — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × Its 2nd June today,where is the strike happening? No farmers are participating in the strike. Farmers are happy with the schemes CM has launched for them.They have faith that state¢ral govt will solve their problems: Balkrishna Patidar, Madhya Pradesh minister for Agriculture pic.twitter.com/EKmKVowGAJ — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 × #WATCH: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar speaks on farmers' strike, says, 'they don't have any issues, they are just focusing on unnecessary things, not selling produce will bring losses to farmers.' (01.06.2018) pic.twitter.com/CFY7dzgj2g — ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2018 ×

Day after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up

By Kacie Dickinson*, Jodi Bernstein**

We hear regularly from health organisations and experts that we should eat less sugar. But we&rsquo;re also told we should eat more fruit.

All types of sugar will give us the same amount of calories, whether they are from fruit or soft drink. But the health risks of eating sugar are related to consuming too many &ldquo;free sugars&rdquo; in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk.

Types of sugar in food

Sugar in food and drinks comes in various forms. Sugar molecules are classified as monosaccharides (single sugar molecules such as glucose and fructose) and disaccharides (more complex structures such as sucrose and lactose).

Fruit contains natural sugars, which are a mix of sucrose, fructose and glucose. Many people have heard that sugar is bad, and think that this must also therefore apply to fruits.

But fructose is only harmful in excess amounts, and not when it comes from fruit. It would be incredibly difficult to consume excessive amounts of fructose by eating whole fruits.

It&rsquo;s much easier to consume excess sugar from foods and drinks that contain &ldquo;free sugars&rdquo;.

Free sugars include these same sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), but in this case they have been removed from their naturally occurring source (rather than being eaten as natural parts of fruits, dairy products, and some vegetables and grains). This includes sugar that is added to food and drinks by food companies, cooks or consumers.&nbsp;

Health risks come from free sugars, not fruits 
Evidence shows that the health risks from sugars, such as tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain, are related to consuming too many free sugars in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk.

For this reason it is recommended that no more than 10% of your daily calories come from free sugars. For the average adult, this is about 50g or only slightly more than the amount of sugar in a can of regular soft drink or soda. It&rsquo;s estimated that Australians get around 60% (65g) of their sugar intake from free sugars.

Foods that are sources of free sugars, such as juices, soft drinks, biscuits and lollies, are often high in calories and have little other nutritional value. It is often easy to consume more of them compared with fresh fruit and they also may be replacing other nutritious foods in the diet.

Consider a bottle of fruit juice &ndash; you would have to eat six whole oranges to get the same amount of sugar you consume in the juice. And because the fruit is in juice form, it counts towards your daily limit of free sugars.

Calories from drinks that contain sugar often become an addition to the calories you are eating from food, which may lead to weight gain over time.

Eating large amounts of dried fruit is also not a good idea if you are limiting your sugar intake. Through the process of removing water from the fruit, nutrients are concentrated, such that dried apricots, for example, contain about six times as much sugar (40g per 100g) as fresh apricots (6g per 100g).&nbsp;

We need to eat fruit

Unlike many foods that are high in free sugars, fruits are packaged with lots of nutrients that help provide us with a balanced diet for good health.

For starters, fruit is an excellent source of fibre. An average banana will provide 20-25% (6g) of your recommended daily fibre intake. Getting enough fibre in the diet is important for protecting against bowel cancer. There is clear room for improvement in our fibre intake &ndash; adults in many countries consume only about half of the recommended amount each day (25g for Aussie women and 30g for Aussie men).

The fibre in fruit, which is often absent in many foods and drinks with free sugars, may also help to fill you up, which means you eat less overall at a meal. It&rsquo;s not clear exactly why this is, but it could be related to the volume of the food (especially compared with liquids) and the chewing involved.

Fruit is also a good source of other nutrients such as potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, and flavonoids, which may reduce your risk of heart disease.

There is evidence that eating whole fruits (alone and in combination with vegetables) reduces your chances of dying from cancer, obesity and heart disease.

Despite this, only about 50% of Australians eat at least two pieces of fruit per day.

Most national dietary guidelines encourage eating fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on the vegetables. To try and eat your recommended two pieces of fruit per day remember that a piece could be a banana, apple or orange, or two smaller fruits like plums or apricots, or a cup of grapes or berries.&nbsp;

When it comes to other sources of sugars, try to choose foods that have little or no sugar listed in the ingredient list, and drink water instead of sugary beverages when you are thirsty.

&nbsp;

*Kacie Dickinson is an accredited practicing Dietitian; Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University

**Jodi Bernstein&nbsp;is a PhD Candidate in Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When it comes to other sources of sugars, try to choose foods that have little or no sugar listed in the ingredient list, and drink water instead of sugary beverages when you are thirsty.

By Kacie Dickinson*, Jodi Bernstein** We hear regularly from health organisations and experts that we should eat less sugar. But we’re also told we should eat more fruit. All types of sugar will give us the same amount of calories, whether they are from fruit or soft drink. But the health risks of eating sugar are related to consuming too many “free sugars” in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk. Types of sugar in food Sugar in food and drinks comes in various forms. Sugar molecules are classified as monosaccharides (single sugar molecules such as glucose and fructose) and disaccharides (more complex structures such as sucrose and lactose). Fruit contains natural sugars, which are a mix of sucrose, fructose and glucose. Many people have heard that sugar is bad, and think that this must also therefore apply to fruits. But fructose is only harmful in excess amounts, and not when it comes from fruit. It would be incredibly difficult to consume excessive amounts of fructose by eating whole fruits. It’s much easier to consume excess sugar from foods and drinks that contain “free sugars”. Free sugars include these same sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), but in this case they have been removed from their naturally occurring source (rather than being eaten as natural parts of fruits, dairy products, and some vegetables and grains). This includes sugar that is added to food and drinks by food companies, cooks or consumers. Health risks come from free sugars, not fruits Evidence shows that the health risks from sugars, such as tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain, are related to consuming too many free sugars in the diet, not from eating sugars that are naturally present in fruits or milk. For this reason it is recommended that no more than 10% of your daily calories come from free sugars. For the average adult, this is about 50g or only slightly more than the amount of sugar in a can of regular soft drink or soda. It’s estimated that Australians get around 60% (65g) of their sugar intake from free sugars. Foods that are sources of free sugars, such as juices, soft drinks, biscuits and lollies, are often high in calories and have little other nutritional value. It is often easy to consume more of them compared with fresh fruit and they also may be replacing other nutritious foods in the diet. Consider a bottle of fruit juice – you would have to eat six whole oranges to get the same amount of sugar you consume in the juice. And because the fruit is in juice form, it counts towards your daily limit of free sugars. Calories from drinks that contain sugar often become an addition to the calories you are eating from food, which may lead to weight gain over time. Eating large amounts of dried fruit is also not a good idea if you are limiting your sugar intake. Through the process of removing water from the fruit, nutrients are concentrated, such that dried apricots, for example, contain about six times as much sugar (40g per 100g) as fresh apricots (6g per 100g). We need to eat fruit Unlike many foods that are high in free sugars, fruits are packaged with lots of nutrients that help provide us with a balanced diet for good health. For starters, fruit is an excellent source of fibre. An average banana will provide 20-25% (6g) of your recommended daily fibre intake. Getting enough fibre in the diet is important for protecting against bowel cancer. There is clear room for improvement in our fibre intake – adults in many countries consume only about half of the recommended amount each day (25g for Aussie women and 30g for Aussie men). The fibre in fruit, which is often absent in many foods and drinks with free sugars, may also help to fill you up, which means you eat less overall at a meal. It’s not clear exactly why this is, but it could be related to the volume of the food (especially compared with liquids) and the chewing involved. Fruit is also a good source of other nutrients such as potassium, which can help lower blood pressure, and flavonoids, which may reduce your risk of heart disease. There is evidence that eating whole fruits (alone and in combination with vegetables) reduces your chances of dying from cancer, obesity and heart disease. Despite this, only about 50% of Australians eat at least two pieces of fruit per day. Most national dietary guidelines encourage eating fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on the vegetables. To try and eat your recommended two pieces of fruit per day remember that a piece could be a banana, apple or orange, or two smaller fruits like plums or apricots, or a cup of grapes or berries. When it comes to other sources of sugars, try to choose foods that have little or no sugar listed in the ingredient list, and drink water instead of sugary beverages when you are thirsty. *Kacie Dickinson is an accredited practicing Dietitian; Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, Flinders University **Jodi Bernstein is a PhD Candidate in Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: If sugar is so bad for us, why is the sugar in fruit ok?

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