Garrett Broad
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garrettbroad.bsky.social
Garrett Broad
@garrettbroad.bsky.social
5.4K followers 1.1K following 510 posts
Faculty at Rowan University. Researcher & teacher focused on food systems/sustainability, media/technology, public opinion/social movements, animals/alternative proteins. Philly/South Jersey guy. Soft pretzel aficionado. Opinions mine.
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garrettbroad.bsky.social
Included in that definition is a note that there are possible exceptions to the claim that all UPFs are inferior to their non-UPF counterparts, noting the examples of infant formula and plant-based meats. It concludes that these exceptions don't "invalidate the general rule." Why not? Because.
Nova group 4 is a broad range of products that vary widely in composition, processing, and nutrient profiles. Some UPFs (eg, yoghurts, breakfast cereals, and packaged breads) might be superior than others (eg, soft drinks, cookies, and reconstituted meat products). However, within each category of food, the composition and processing characteristics of ultra-processed versions make them inferior to their non-ultra-processed counterparts. For instance, ultra-processed yoghurts—often made from skimmed milk powder, modified starches, sugar or non-sugar sweeteners, emulsifiers, flavourings, and colourings—are inferior to plain yoghurts with fresh fruits. Ultra-processed breakfast cereals, made from sugar, extruded starches, and additives, are inferior to minimally processed steel-cut oats. Ultra-processed wholewheat breads, made with refined flour, added bran and germ, and emulsifiers, are inferior to processed breads made with wholewheat flour and without emulsifiers. Soft drinks are clearly less healthy than water or pasteurised, 100% fruit juices; cookies less healthy than fruits and nuts; and reconstituted meat products less healthy than freshly prepared meat dishes. Possible exceptions—such as ultra-processed infant formulas compared with minimally processed cow's milk (although not human milk), or ultra-processed plant-based burgers compared with processed meat burgers (though not processed tofu or tempeh)—do not invalidate the general rule that ultra-processed versions of foods are inferior to their non-ultra-processed counterparts. This rule is what supports the hypotheses that the displacement of dietary patterns based on Nova groups 1–3 by the ultra-processed pattern is linked to worsening diet quality and an increased risk of multiple diseases.
November 20, 2025 at 3:53 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
RFK Jr's right-hand man Calley Means asks the ominous rhetorical question -- why is the Amish cancer rate so low? Meanwhile, the answer is LITERALLY THE NEXT LINE OF THE PAPER'S ABSTRACT -- it's mostly a product of tobacco abstinence.
@calleymeans on X writes: The cancer rate for the Amish is 40% lower than the general population. Why? Followed by screenshot of article from PubMed Central that writes: The age-adjusted cancer incidence rate for all cancers among the Amish adults was 60% of the age-adjusted adult rate in Ohio (389.5/105 vs. 646.9/105; p < 0.0001). The incidence rate for Results The age-adjusted cancer incidence rate for all cancers among the Amish adults was 60% of the age-adjusted adult rate in Ohio (389.5/105 vs. 646.9/105; p < 0.0001). The incidence rate for tobacco-related cancers in the Amish was 37% of the rate for Ohio adults (p < 0.0001). The incidence rate for non-tobacco-related cancers in the Amish was 72% of the age-adjusted adult rate in Ohio (p = 0.0001).
September 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Here's an example of some of the meals on the MPF diet and UPF diets. I would probably enjoy those overnight oats but might be done after half a bowl, especially if I've got to get to work. On the other hand, I could pound a few of those oat and fruit bars at home and then take another for the road.
Supplementary Table 26: Pictures of meals and snacks of the provided MPF and UPF diets. MPF diet *Participants provided with multiple fruits on the diet. Apples and bananas pictured for menus as example fruits. UPF diet *Participants provided with squash and artificially- sweetened beverages to consume at their discretion. Breakfast Cinnamon and apple overnight oats Breakfast Oat and fruit bars
August 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Why did people eat more UPF foods? They claimed to enjoy both diets the same (just like in @kevinh-phd.bsky.social's RCT). But when it came to flavor/taste and delivery/preparation, UPFs scored higher. In other words: PEOPLE EAT MORE WHEN FOOD IS TASTY, LOOKS GOOD, AND IS CONVENIENT/EASY TO EAT.
Supplementary Table 15: Diet ratings by randomisation arm
August 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
What's going on? Study participants could eat as much as they wanted of the provided foods. Compared to baseline, people ate about 5-600 fewer calories on the MPF diet, but about 250-300 fewer calories on the UPF diet. That helps explain the weight loss for both, and a bit more for MPF.
Supplementary Table 9: ITT: Unadjusted self-reported dietary intakes at baseline, week 4 and week 8 on each ad libitum diet.
August 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
All participants were UPF consumers at baseline, did 4 weeks on one diet, then switched to the other (with measures before and time in between). The big takeaway -- participants lost weight on BOTH diets, but a bit more on MPF. Very few other biomarker changes (blood pressure better on MPF diet).
Fig. 2: Percent weight change on MPF and UPF diets. From: Ultraprocessed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on weight and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, crossover trial
August 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
This study was interesting because it had participants in two groups follow a diet of minimally processed foods (MPF) or UPFs -- BUT both of these were designed to align with UK nutritional guidelines. So we could start to answer the Q -- can UPFs be healthy, or are they all bad?
Fig. 1: UPDATE study design, measurement timepoints and CONSORT diagram. From: Ultraprocessed or minimally processed diets following healthy dietary guidelines on weight and cardiometabolic health: a randomized, crossover trial
August 18, 2025 at 3:58 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
These visuals been super effective for teaching this exact point, thanks!
August 15, 2025 at 8:32 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
August 3, 2025 at 1:54 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
August 3, 2025 at 1:54 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Ahhh that's why it's hazy and my throat is sore...
July 27, 2025 at 1:44 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Mark Hyman warns his followers - BEWARE, do not fall for a fake AI-generated ad that uses his likeness to sell shady supplements! Instead, make sure you only buy your shady supplements directly from Dr Hyman on his website!
Email newsletter from Dr Mark Hyman reads:Hi there, If you come across a social media ad featuring Dr. Hyman interviewing Rebel Wilson about a so-called “strange gelatin trick”—that she used to lose 68 pounds in 77 days—please know: It’s completely fake. This ad is a scam. It uses AI-generated video to create the illusion that Dr. Hyman is endorsing a product that he would never recommend—and didn’t even know existed until members of this community brought it to our attention. The video claims that using this product will “burn 15, 20, or even 35 pounds in the next 30 days” with Dr. Hyman’s cloned voice saying, “I will tear up my diploma if that doesn’t happen.” None of this is true. The footage may look convincing because it pulls from real clips of Dr. Hyman with guests like Gwyneth Paltrow and Dwayne Johnson, and stitches them together with fabricated audio and fake product claims. It also alters footage of Kelly Clarkson, Dr. Oz, and others. It’s an entirely made-up 50-minute narrative (yes, 50 minutes!) that sends you to websites to buy products such “Harmo Slim,” “Lean Vance,” “Gluco Elixir,” and probably many more. Dr. Hyman does not endorse these products, is not affiliated with them in any way, and has never recommended them. Unfortunately, these kinds of AI-driven scams are becoming more common—and more convincing. If you see this ad or others like it, you can help put an end to it by reporting it. How to report it on Instagram and Facebook: Tap the three dots in the top right of the ad. Tap “Report Ad” Select “Scam, fraud, or impersonation” Tap “Impersonation” or “Fraud” (either work!) Then select “Fake celebrity endorsement.” We appreciate your help in shutting down this despicable business practice. If you’re ever unsure about whether something is truly coming from Dr. Hyman, you can always reach out to us at support@drhyman.com. Thank you for helping us protect the integrity of Dr. Hyman’s work—and for looking out for others wh…
July 22, 2025 at 5:33 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Absolute clown shit.
July 20, 2025 at 12:27 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Thanks, just starting to make my way through this. Good to see more focus on food, but still not seeing the kind of reckoning with scale and labor challenges i think is necessary. See for instance this from their degrowth and food system transformation workshop...so we work less but also lots more?
June 29, 2025 at 11:03 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Mamdani absolutely crushing gentrified parts of Brooklyn.
With 92% votes in, Mamdan leads Cuomo 49%-32% in Brooklyn.
June 25, 2025 at 2:52 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
That was a joke
May 12, 2025 at 9:35 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Bernie in Philly! This man is not a fan of billionaires.
May 1, 2025 at 8:36 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Trump's trade war with China might accidentally crush the US beef and pork industries.
Industry News - AM China tariffs halt U.S. red meat trade, risking billions: USMEF By Chris Moore on 4/28/2025 Retaliatory tariffs from China have effectively halted U.S. beef and pork exports, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said China’s effective duty rate on U.S. pork and pork variety meats has reached 172%, while U.S. beef and beef variety meats are facing a 147% tariff. She warned that losing access to China puts more than $150 per fed steer or heifer at risk and could cost the pork industry about $8 to $10 per head in export value. "There's a mad scramble to find new homes for products specifically produced and labeled for China," Borror said. "Without China's demand, we’re looking at industry losses of about $4 billion annually for beef and $1 billion for pork." Borror added that China is a unique market, purchasing specific beef and pork items at premiums other buyers are unwilling to match. Products like short plate, rib fingers, pork feet and intestines are particularly difficult to reroute to other destinations. Adding to the challenge, China has failed to renew export registrations for about 400 U.S. beef facilities and nine pork plants, further restricting shipments. Borror emphasized that even if tariffs are lifted, the lack of renewed facility approvals would continue to block most U.S. red meat exports to China.
April 28, 2025 at 12:11 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
The patron saint
Don’t Be a Victim Fighting Back Against America's Crime Wave By Nancy Grace
April 19, 2025 at 11:17 AM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
"I’m going to support what I support and I’ll oppose what I oppose, and we’ll see where that goes." @marionnestle.bsky.social on RFK's policy platform in conversation with @nytimes.com
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/07/well/marion-nestle-nutrition-food-profile.html Dr. Nestle is still trying to make sense of the about-face by the right and how she should respond to it. Mr. Kennedy’s tendency to go against scientific consensus would seem in conflict with her own evidence-based approach. But she has not offered a full-on condemnation of the health secretary, to the frustration of some of her adherents. Dr. Nestle recently received a “hate letter,” she told me, for not criticizing Mr. Kennedy’s stance toward vaccinations. The dietitian Christy Harrison, who credits Dr. Nestle as a major influence early in her career, has vocalized her disappointment. “I get the impression that Nestle is fiddling over the details of Kennedy’s diet-culture plans while he burns our public-health capacities to the ground,” Ms. Harrison wrote recently in her newsletter. But Dr. Nestle has never tailored her views to suit what’s popular, and she doesn’t appear poised to start. “I’m going to support what I support and I’ll oppose what I oppose, and we’ll see where that goes,” she said.
April 17, 2025 at 6:52 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
"I make a pretty sharp distinction between his medical ideas, which I think are really unsound and dangerous, and his critique of the food system, which has many elements I completely agree with." -- @michaelpollan.bsky.social in conversation with @politico.com 11/21/24
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/11/21/michael-pollan-not-endorsing-rfk-00190878 I want to start with the American Conservative article that you posted. Where might you and others on the left have some common ground with RFK, Jr.? I make a pretty sharp distinction between his medical ideas, which I think are really unsound and dangerous, and his critique of the food system, which has many elements I completely agree with. I think it’s, on balance, a good thing that he’s raised these issues during the campaign and during the transition. What I have in mind is things like trying to get ultra-processed food out of school lunch. We’re feeding food we know to be unhealthy and dangerous to our children routinely. We subsidize the building blocks of fast food by subsidizing corn and soy and monocultural farming. He’s concerned about additives in the food. We have very loose regulation of what kinds of additives you can put in food, but the whole reason you need any additives in food is because you’re processing it, and you need to hide the fact it was cooked a long time ago and far away. And his concern about the epidemic of chronic diseases linked to diet — you know, most of the things that kill us in this country are strongly linked to diet. The way we’re eating is the biggest threat to public health. All that is a critique of the food system that I’ve been making for years, but I’m certainly not alone.
April 17, 2025 at 6:51 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Accidentally read this @theintercept.com headline as Hegseth trying to reduce civilian casualties, but he's actually trying to reduce the reduction of civilian casualties.
Pete Hegseth Is Gutting Pentagon Programs to Reduce Civilian Casualties The defense secretary’s focus on “lethality” could lead to “wanton killing and wholesale destruction and disregard for law,” one Pentagon official said.
April 17, 2025 at 12:55 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Note that a majority of the mixtures they tested showed no association with diabetes!
Methods and Findings Participants (n = 108,643, mean follow-up =  7.7 years (standard deviation (SD) =  4.6), age =  42.5 years (SD =  14.6), 79.2% women) were adults from the French NutriNet-Santé cohort (2009–2023). Dietary intakes were assessed using repeated 24h-dietary records, including industrial food brands. Exposure to food additives was evaluated through multiple food composition databases and laboratory assays. Mixtures were identified through nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF), and associations with type 2 diabetes incidence were assessed using Cox models adjusted for potential socio-demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle and dietary confounders. A total of 1,131 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Two out of the five identified food additive mixtures were associated with higher type 2 diabetes incidence: the first mixture included modified starches, pectin, guar gum, carrageenan, polyphosphates, potassium sorbates, curcumin, and xanthan gum (hazard ratio (HR)per an increment of 1SD of the NMF mixture score = 1.08 [1.02, 1.15], p = 0.006), and the other mixture included citric acid, sodium citrates, phosphoric acid, sulphite ammonia caramel, acesulfame-K, aspartame, sucralose, arabic gum, malic acid, carnauba wax, paprika extract, anthocyanins, guar gum, and pectin (HR = 1.13 [1.08,1.18], p < 0.001). No association was detected for the three remaining mixtures: HR =  0.98 [0.91, 1.06], p = 0.67; HR =  1.02 [0.94, 1.10], p = 0.68; and HR =  0.99 [0.92, 1.07], p = 0.78. Several synergistic and antagonist interactions between food additives were detected in exploratory analyses. Residual confounding as well as exposure or outcome misclassifications cannot be entirely ruled out and causality cannot be established based on this single observational study.
April 11, 2025 at 5:16 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
Catching up on some the Trump admin's latest actions on the environment and agriculture and my god it just keeps getting worse. Hollowing out all the good stuff at USDA, promoting the myth of "beautiful clean coal," trying to stop states from taking any action on climate. Make it stop.
Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241 Presidential Actions, Executive Orders April 8, 2025 Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy Presidential Actions, Proclamations April 8, 2025 Protecting American Energy From State Overreach Presidential Actions, Executive Orders April 8, 2025 Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid Presidential Actions, Executive Orders April 8, 2025 USDA to slash headquarters, other staff and relocate some to new 'hubs' around the country Mass layoffs at the Agriculture Department coming within weeks, with Washington facing significant cuts but regional employees also seeing reductions. https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2025/04/usda-slash-headquarters-other-staff-and-relocate-some-new-hubs-around-country/404371/?oref=ge-featured-river-top
April 9, 2025 at 1:51 PM
garrettbroad.bsky.social
One of the reasons we conflated those terms, at times, is because they are frequently conflated by advocates of the various approaches. This includes throughout much of Kiss the Ground (and in the trailer to Common Ground), and in work like this from Vandana Shiva.
Agroecological systems can improve soil health, reduce erosion and increase resilience against the impacts of climate change through biodiversity conservation. Agroecology and organic farming also reduce the need for external inputs through integration of agroecosystem, increase crop diversification and soil management. By increasing carbon sequestration, organic agriculture has a lower climate impact than industrial agriculture. Regenerative agroecology, if systemised, has the regenerative potential to reverse the course and serve as an important tool for climate change mitigation. There are two ways of seeing ourselves and our relationship with the Earth. Either we think of ourselves as separate from Nature or as one with it. It only takes putting a seed in the ground to create this vision. And every additional community that lives ecologically, lives a better life. It is a very exciting time to be alive to regenerate life. From https://navdanyainternational.org/regenerative-agroecology-the-necessary-solution-to-counter-climate-change/
April 1, 2025 at 6:23 PM