World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Our land. Our home. Our future. 

Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one-third of the world‘s land area, are extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing, and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.

Over 250 million people are directly affected by desertification, and about one billion people in over one hundred countries are at risk. These people include many of the world‘s poorest, most marginalized, and politically weak citizens.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day is a unique moment to remind everyone of land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement, and cooperation at all levels.

“Land Degradation and Migration”

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought examines the important link between land degradation and migration. Among others, environmental degradation, food insecurity, and poverty are causes of migration and development challenges.   

In just 15 years, the number of international migrants worldwide has risen from 173 million in 2000 to 244 million in 2015.

Nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s ice-free land has been altered by humans to meet an ever-growing demand for food, raw materials, highways, and homes. Avoiding, slowing, and reversing the loss of productive land and natural ecosystems now is both urgent and important for guaranteeing the long-term survival of people and the planet.

What do we envisage in a world where land degradation neutrality provides a solid basis for poverty reduction, food, water security as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation?

 Goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development declares that “we are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations”. Specifically, Goal 15 states our resolve to halt and reverse land degradation.

Resource
United Nations, World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Prunes: Nature's Sweet Dried Plums

Prunes are dried plums that are known for their sweet-tangy flavor and chewy texture. They have been consumed for centuries and are popular worldwide due to their unique taste and potential health benefits.

Prunes come from varieties of freestone European plum trees, meaning the pit is easier to remove, while fresh plums tend to be clingstone. Today, California is responsible for the majority of the world's prunes.

Nutritional Profile: Prunes are packed with nutrients and are considered a healthy snack. They are a good dietary fiber source, providing soluble and insoluble fiber.


Storage.

Prunes should be stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to keep them plump and moist. Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two months or in the refrigerator for four months.

Prunes can be frozen for long-term storage. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months. Thaw frozen prunes in the refrigerator before consuming. Freezing may compromise the texture.

Culinary Uses: Prunes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They can be eaten as a standalone snack or added to trail mixes. Chopped prunes can be added to cereal or breakfast oatmeal, blended in smoothies, or topped on a salad. They're used as a pastry filling or added to baked goods like cookies, muffins, and bread. Prunes themselves can be stuffed with chocolate, almond paste, or nuts. Wrapping them with bacon is a popular appetizer.

Prunes do well when sparingly used in savory dishes, such as soups, stews, and poultry stuffing. Pureed prunes make a good butter substitute, in addition to vinaigrette dressings, and make jam.

Digestive Health: Prunes are renowned for their natural laxative effect, primarily due to their high fiber content. Insoluble fiber helps keep your bowel movements regular, while soluble fiber helps to moderate digestion and absorb nutrients from your food. Prunes also contain sorbitol and chlorogenic acid, which can increase stool frequency.

Eating a serving or two of prunes can help you maintain gastrointestinal health by promoting regular bowel movements.

Warning. Eating too many prunes can have a laxative effect due to their high fiber and sorbitol content. Both can have a laxative effect on the body and may cause dehydration.

Bone Health: According to clinical research, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of prunes may help prevent bone loss and aid in maintaining healthy bone density and formation. The higher amounts of vitamin K in prunes also help to improve bone health.

Antioxidants: Prunes are a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress associated with various chronic diseases and aging. They also support overall health and immune function.

Weight Management: Prunes can be a part of a healthy weight management plan. The fiber content in prunes helps promote a feeling of fullness. They can be a satisfying and nutritious alternative to sugary snacks.

Prunes are delicious and nutritious fruit that can contribute to a balanced and healthy diet. However, individual dietary needs and considerations should be taken into account, so it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Fun Fact.Name change
In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration authorized plum growers in the United States to call prunes "dried plums." Due to a perception that prunes relieve constipation (perceived as derogatory), some distributors stopped using the word "prune" on packaging labels in favor of "dried plums."

During Mens Health Month, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Reminds Men To Eat Right For Every Decade Of Life

CHICAGO – Gentlemen, do you think your nutrition needs stay the same your whole adult life? Every decade has its own health concerns, from weight creep to heart disease, all which change the types and amounts of food you need to eat during each life stage. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages men to take time during Men’s Health Month to ensure they have developed a healthful eating plan that is most appropriate and beneficial for their age.

“Each life stage has its own nutritional requirements to keep your body running in peak form,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson Jim White. “Eating right at every age will help you sail through the decades feeling great.”

The Academy and its expert registered dietitian nutritionists offer tips to help men understand which foods will help boost their health at every decade of life.

20s: High Energy
“A higher metabolism and an active lifestyle can help younger men maintain a better weight, even if their diet isn’t stellar,” White says. “Eating foods like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit instead of snacks like chips, soda, and candy can satisfy your hunger and give a nutrient boost at the same time.”

Active guys need to be sure they're getting enough protein. Choose a variety of foods like seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. “Heart-healthy fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, too,” White says.

30s: Weight Doesn't Wait
“While your appetite may stay the same in your 30s as in your 20s, your lifestyle has likely slowed a little due to marriage, kids and jobs. So now is the time to change to a more regular eating pattern,” White says.

Eating smaller, more regular and more frequent meals throughout the day will help you keep from getting too hungry and then overeating at a meal later in the day. “Plan healthy meals and snacks for your day, whether you’re at work or at home,” White says.

40s: Feed the Heart and Bones
As men age, the risk of heart disease becomes greater, and your 40s are the time to put more focus on heart health. “Fiber, especially soluble fiber found in peas, beans, oats, apples, and citrus fruit, can help keep your heart healthy because it works like a sponge to soak up cholesterol,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson Ximena Jimenez.

Now is also a good time to reinforce strong teeth and bones. “Calcium from low-fat or fat-free dairy, dark green leafy vegetables or tofu, and vitamin D from fortified foods like milk and cereal are two of the best nutrients for your bones and teeth,” Jimenez says.

50s: Busting Disease
As certain diseases like cancer, especially prostate cancer, become more likely in the 50s and beyond, including plenty of antioxidants in your diet is key, like those found in berries and colorful vegetables.
While lycopene, vitamin E, and selenium are marketed to men as tools to reduce the chance of developing prostate cancer, there is no definitive science to back up these claims. “Whether there is a direct correlation between prostate cancer and these minerals or not, an overall healthy diet should contain both selenium and lycopene,” White says.

60s and Beyond: Maintain the Muscle

In your 60s and beyond, men start losing muscle mass, so protein is important. Replace protein foods that are higher in solid fats with choices that are lower in solid fats and calories or are sources of oils, such as salmon and tuna. “Also look at beans and peas. Because of their high nutrient content, they are considered both a vegetable and protein food,” White says.

For more information on men’s health, visit Healthy Eating for Men.

All registered dietitians are nutritionists – but not all nutritionists are registered dietitians. The Academy’s Board of Directors and Commission on Dietetic Registration have determined that those who hold the credential registered dietitian (RD) may optionally use “registered dietitian nutritionist” (RDN) instead. The two credentials have identical meanings.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy. Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org

Resources

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Men's Health

US Department of Health and Human Services: Men's Health

Men's Health Network (MHN) 

International Men's Health Week