The science and politics behind the panic over ultraprocessed foods

the gist

Ultraprocessed foods are defined by the NOVA classification, developed by Brazilian epidemiologist Carlos Monteiro, as industrial formulations with ingredients rarely found in a home kitchen, such as chemically modified substances and cosmetic additives like food dyes. Studies consistently link people who eat more of them to higher risk of chronic disease and early death. But the picture is mixed: sweetened drinks and processed meats are tied to heart disease and stroke, while breads, cold cereals, yogurt and savory snacks have correlated with lower rates. Only a few clinical trials exist, and they run for just weeks. Critics argue the category is subjective, since a home-baked cake and an identical store cake are classed differently. Many scientists say improving nutrient profiles matters more than eliminating processing.

how it works

The NOVA system sorts foods into four categories by degree of processing, with category 4 covering products built from extracted substances and additives. Researchers test links between these foods and health with observational studies, which can show correlation but not cause.

so what

The debate shapes food labeling, school meals and public policy. Whether the harm comes from processing itself or from sugar, salt and fat remains open, and that difference determines what should be regulated.

Illustrative photo · Evan-Amos, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

source: The Conversation ↗

historyWikipediaclassic1336–1565 · Karnataka, India

Hampi was once one of the world's largest cities, until its Vijayanagara capital was destroyed in 1565

the gist

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.

how it works

The city was built around a fortified core with temples, markets and water structures along the river, supplied by an extensive network of roads and waterworks. When the empire fell, the city was not rebuilt, so its stone monuments were left standing.

so what

Hampi shows how quickly a great city can vanish after a military defeat, and how a ruined capital can remain sacred. Its ruins give historians a view of medieval South Asia that few other sites can match.

fun fact

The name Hampi comes from Pampa, an old name for the Tungabhadra River.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · text CC BY-SA 4.0

Image: Wikimedia Commons

source: Wikipedia ↗

2 min

politicsshortCNA2:01

False allegations about Singapore’s hand in Indonesia’s markets and a made-up meeting

from CNA

CNA Verify has found close to 400 posts pushing falsehoods tying Singapore to Indonesia’s stock market rout and to a secret meeting that never took place. Together, they drew nearly 12 million views, and some were circulated by accounts that appeared to be working in concert, across multiple social media platforms.

Here’s how the disinformation campaign targeting Singapore was uncovered.

on YouTube: CNA ↗