You are what you eat, and to science it is true. People live longer based on what they choose to eat. With such a thought, Canadians took on to a UK-based challenge of eating vegan for a month. The challenge is called Veganuary (Vegan + January). For many, it is not a hidden fact that eating less meat and more plants is good for our health and it can cut food-related emissions, which make up to a third of the greenhouse causing climate change. However, going vegan isn't really a smooth change, rather a big step. It means to revamp our entire diet.

The good news is, that there have been researches that prove that even relatively small substitutions of red meat with plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils and beans can add months, sometimes years to our expected lifespan. It can also make a noticeable dent in our carbon footprint.

The Rise Of Vegetarianism

As per 2018, only 7.1% of Canadians were vegetarian and 2.3% were vegan. Olivia Auclair, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, who researched on Canadian's eating habits told CBC that Canadians get 65% of their protein from animal sources. Only 5% of the protein comes from the high-protein plant-based sources. Some of these are also included in Canada's Food Guide.

It is true that eating habits, along with shopping habits are hard to change, this is why Auclair's research tried to bring people more in line with the food guide. The Canada Food Guide recommends lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grain, along with protein from both animal and plant sources.

ALSO READ: Is Plant-Based Cheese The Future?

What is the study all about?

Her research was published last year in the journal Nature Food, titled Partial substitutions of animal with plant protein foods in Canadian diets have synergies and trade-offs among nutrition, health and climate outcomes, found that replacing half their red and processed meat would increase people's life expectancy an average of nine months, while cutting their diet-related carbon footprint by 25%.

For her research, she analyzed what 13,600 Canadians ate based on the Statistics Canada data from "food diaries" recorded by them in 2015. After that, she modelled what could happen if the same people substituted 25 to 50% of the red and processed meat they had been consuming with plant-based proteins. However, they did not change their poultry, fish or seafood intake.

The results were great, as mentioned above. In fact, there was more. The health benefits were double for men compared to women!

Men gained one full year of increased life expectancy, on average. This is also because men eat more red and processed meats and the climate benefits were also higher for men cutting down on the meat.

CHECK OUT: Can A Vegan Diet Help You Loose Weight ?

Plant-based Diets

In 2019, an international group of scientist recommended a planetary health diet, a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grain, with small amounts of meat, dairy and fish, similar to what is recommended by the Canada Food Guide. The reason for such a recommendation was also to prevent 11 million deaths per year from processed meats and help keep greenhouse gas emission from food.

Another US study that looked at 200,000 US healthcare workers found that eating a plant-based diet could reduce a person's risk of dying by 30% from heart diseases, cancers, and respiratory diseases. Another 2021 Swedish study found a similar benefit, where it saw a 25% drop in mortality for those who adhere to a plant-based diets.

New Delhi: Talk of a classic Indian meal, and the key components are dal, roti, vegetable curry, and rice. One of the most popular flatbreads, roti is an essential component of a basic North Indian meal—but little do we realise that it can provide approximately 100 calories per piece. For a diabetes patient, this can be a concern due to blood sugar fluctuations. So, what alternative can one fall back on? It is South Indian cuisine that can come to your rescue, as it not only satisfies the taste buds but is also considered diabetes-friendly and weight-loss-friendly.

Read more: Eating Right, Working Out - Still Gaining Weight? Here’s Why

Why are South Indian breads healthier?

The key component of roti or chapati is wheat. Despite being a decent source of fibre, it has a high glycemic index that can result in spikes or drops in blood sugar levels. South Indian breads such as dosa are rice- and lentil-based or sometimes made with sooji. These are cooked on low heat on a tava, or sometimes even steamed. This, in turn, keeps the calorie count low while delivering fibre, protein, and essential vitamins in a meal. A number of South Indian breads are also gluten-free. Take a look at the top five healthy South Indian breads that are far better than roti.

Dosa: Talk of South Indian food, and dosa always takes the cake for being versatile, delicious, and healthy. What more can one ask for? It is a fermented crepe made from lentils and rice. Its calorie count is as low as 100–120 calories. A filling option, this bread is worth mentioning in a series of healthy Indian breads.

Appam: Naturally low in fat, appam is also a healthy South Indian flatbread made from rice flour and coconut milk. The batter is fermented for a period of time and then prepared like a soft, fluffy pancake. Appams generally provide 100–150 calories per piece.

Uttapam: If you are looking for a more elaborate preparation with lots of vegetables, then uttapam can be your pick. This South Indian bread is a popular breakfast food, as it is nutrient-dense, filling, and incredibly delicious. This fermented dish packs protein, fibre, probiotics, and other essential vitamins. It is good for weight loss and also benefits diabetics managing blood sugar fluctuations.

Akki roti: Akki roti is gluten-free and made from rice flour. Native to Karnataka, this flatbread is generally served for breakfast and is prepared by mixing rice flour with onions, green chilies, or vegetables like carrots and cucumber.

Puttu: Native to Kerala, this South Indian bread is made with steamed white rice and coconut shavings. It is gluten-free, low in calories, and also has a low glycemic index. Therefore, it is a good choice for diabetes patients.

E. coli outbreak was linked to raw cheddar cheese. This has allegedly sickened seven people across multiple states. Federal regulators on Sunday announced that an E. coli outbreak infected seven people in three states and it has been traced to raw cheddar cheese product. Individuals who have been affected are children, ages 3 or younger across California, Texas, and Florida. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that out of the seven cases, fiver were in California, one in Florida and another in Texas.

FDA said, "The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. As of March 14, 2026, a total of 7 confirmed infections have been reported from three states."

Also Read: Meningitis Outbreak: University of Kent Student Among Two Who Died of the ‘Invasive’ Disease

The officials have been able to trace the California producer RAW FARM, which is a family-owned company and is recognized as nation's largest producer of raw dairy products. FDA also noted that RAW FARM has declined to issue a voluntary recall despite agency's recommendation.

What Is RAW FARM's Response To The E.coli Outbreak?

The dairy farm denied any such allegations on its social media page. On Monday, it claimed that the health agency has made "false allegations" against the brand and that no tests have confirmed a positive match for the E.coli strain.

The statement by RAW FARM noted: "We disagree 100% with the allegations made by the FDA and CDC," the company said. "All of our products have been CONFIRMED to be negative for all harmful bacteria, including Ecoli 0157-H7. FDA has found NO Raw Farm products to be tested positive for Ecoli in the marketplace."

"Inaccurate statements made by the FDA and CDC linking our brand to an outbreak is egregious and extreme harassment towards our brand," it added.

Also Read: Does Heating Food Kill E.Coli?

What Have The Tests Shown?

However, the FDA confirmed that no RAW FARM-brand cheddar cheese products have been tested positive for E.coli. State partners have begun collecting product samples. FDA added that the investigators were able to track the infections using epidemiological data, which is a scientific method that analyzes the distribution, patterns, and causes of health-related events.

"Epidemiologic evidence indicates that RAW FARM-brand raw cheddar cheese products made by RAW FARM, LLC are the likely source of this outbreak," the agency said.

Of the three individuals who were interviewed, all reported eating RAW FARM-brand cheese, noted the federal regulators. They also added that local officials are working to gather more information for the other four cases.

As of now, two patients have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

While the company denied FDA's allegations, the agency released a notice urging consumers and retailers to exercise caution with the cheese and to sanitize any surface to prevent cross-contamination.

What Is E. Coli?

Escherichia coli, or E.coli is a bacterium that lives in the human intestine and is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the US and the UK. In June 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that E.coli cases reported across the UK were part of a single outbreak. It also issued a list of recalled products to parents as the outbreak spread.

There are multiple species of E.coli, and some of them are also harmless. However, there are others that can result in mild symptoms, including nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea, while some can be even more serious and can lead to life-threatening symptoms.

Few foods feel as comforting as a warm bowl of pasta. Yet, despite its popularity across the world, pasta often gets a bad reputation when people talk about healthy eating.

For years, it has been labelled as the villain of many diets. People blame it for weight gain, bloating, and that sleepy feeling that sometimes follows a heavy meal. Because pasta is rich in carbohydrates, many assume it is automatically unhealthy or something that must be avoided while trying to lose weight.

Nutrition experts say that idea is far from the truth.

In reality, pasta can absolutely fit into a balanced diet. The key lies not just in the pasta itself but in how it is cooked, served, and paired with other foods.

Understanding What Pasta Really Offers

At its core, pasta is a source of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates break down into glucose in the body, which provides energy for everyday functions. This energy fuels the brain, supports muscle activity, and keeps the nervous system running smoothly. That is one reason athletes and physically active people often include pasta in their meals.

Wholewheat pasta brings additional benefits to the table. Because it uses the entire grain, it contains more fibre than refined white pasta. Fiber helps slow digestion, keeps you feeling full for longer, and supports healthy digestion.

There are also newer alternatives now widely available. Pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or split peas often contains higher levels of protein and fiber than traditional wheat pasta. These options can be particularly helpful for people looking to increase plant based protein in their diet.

Even regular white pasta contains nutrients that many people overlook. During production, some varieties are fortified with important vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins including thiamine and folate.

Portion Size and Balance Matter

When it comes to including pasta in a healthy diet, portion size plays an important role. A typical serving is around 75 grams of dried pasta per adult, which becomes roughly 180 to 200 grams once cooked.

The bigger issue often lies in how pasta dishes are prepared. Creamy sauces, excessive cheese, butter, and processed meats can quickly push the calorie count much higher. In contrast, pairing pasta with vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats creates a far more balanced meal.

Simple additions like tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, beans, lentils, seafood, or grilled chicken can transform pasta into a nutrient rich dish. A drizzle of olive oil and a generous portion of vegetables can make the meal satisfying without making it overly heavy.

Why Some People Feel Bloated After Pasta

Bloating after eating pasta is fairly common, but the cause can vary.

For some people, gluten may be the trigger. Individuals with coeliac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, and eating wheat based pasta can cause serious digestive issues.

In other cases, the problem may be certain carbohydrates found in wheat known as FODMAPs. These compounds can be difficult for some people to digest. When they reach the large intestine, bacteria ferment them, producing gas that may lead to bloating, cramps, or discomfort.

The way pasta is cooked can also make a difference. Pasta cooked al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite, is digested more slowly than overcooked pasta. Cooling pasta after cooking, such as in pasta salads, can also increase resistant starch. This type of starch digests more slowly and may support gut health.

In the end, pasta itself is not the problem many people believe it to be. When eaten in sensible portions and paired with nourishing ingredients, it can be a satisfying and perfectly healthy part of everyday meals.