NYU’s Institute of Public Knowledge is hosting the launch of Practicing Food Studies, edited by Amy Bentley, Fabio Parasecoli, and Krishnendu Ray. I wrote the Foreword. We will all provide brief perspectives on our quarter century of teaching food studies. For information and registration, click here. For 30% off on the book, click here.
Do whole grains do any good?
At the request (and expense) of Kellogg’s, the Life Science Research Organization convened an expert panel to evaluate studies linking consumption of whole grains – as defined by FDA – to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Using the FDA’s definition, the panel judged the studies insufficient to support a claim that whole grains reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The FDA defines whole grains as whole: grains that are ground, cracked, or flaked but include all the parts in their original proportions. When the panel expanded the definition of whole grains to include supplements of bran, germ, or fiber, the results came out better. Supplements work better than the real thing! Kellogg’s must be pleased with the results of its investment.