The Dying Off of Large Mammals and Predators is Hurting the Environment

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Large predators have a much greater impact on many ecological processes than previously understood and their decline could severely impact the Earth's ecosystems, according to a recent study from researchers at Oregon State University in conjunction with 21 other scientific and educational institutions in six countries.

"This study is so interesting because it shows how the decline in large predators affects everything from habitat loss to pollution, deforestation, carbon sequestration, climate, the spread of disease, and more," says Phil Lempert, founder of Food Nutrition & Science and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com. "People need to understand that animals, people, the ecosystem and our planet are interrelated and one affects the other."

The study reveals that our planet is in the midst of a sixth mass extinction and the

loss of wolves, lions, sharks, sea otters, and other large predators may represent the most powerful impact we have ever had on Earth's ecosystems. This decline can reduce food chain length, which eventually alters the abundance of plants. This increase in plants can then fuel fires during wildfire season.

Also in the August issue, part one of a series with results from the 2011 IFIC Functional Foods/Foods for Health Survey. The survey asked a random sample of 1,000 U.S. adults about various attitudes toward health and consumer awareness regarding 34 different diet and health relationships. 73 percent surveyed say that food and nutrition are responsible for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and 90 percent can name a food and its associated benefit compared to 77 percent in 1998.

"This is great news as people are getting the message that health and food are connected," says Lempert. "With juvenile and adult diabetes on the rise as a result of obesity, knowing the message isn't enough and people need to make the right food choices that benefit their weight and overall wellness."

Also this month, as children head back to school the School Nutrition Association's 2010 Back to School Trends Survey reports that despite rising food costs, more than nine-out-of-10 school districts have increased whole grain products, fresh fruit and vegetable offerings. In addition, almost three-out-of-four districts are reducing or eliminating sodium in meals and two-thirds are reducing or eliminating added sugars.

Lempert says, "With nearly 26 million lunches served daily, this is important progress that will help improve the dietary health of our kids. I commend these nutritionists who are making the changes despite high food prices and little budget."

Other Food Nutrition & Science articles include: an interview with Irma Shrivastava, vice president Marketing for Odwalla who details the company's environmental commitment; a study on what diet regimen works best; and an interview with 25-year-old, fourth generation farmer Megan Gravois, who grows 3,000 acres of sugarcane and soybeans, and raises Angus cattle and crawfish on her family-owned Blackberry Farms.

The August issue also features news about Phil Lempert's new app "Smarter Shopping with Phil Lempert." In a partnership with ConAgra Foods, this FREE app features the Supermarket Guru's tips to help lead consumers down the path of smarter shopping, so they save money, eat better and expand their palate and knowledge of the latest food news and trends. In addition, the app also has a "Smart Substitutes" feature that gives tips on replacement options for common recipe ingredients for health, allergy or weight control reasons and a "Label Translator" that helps demystify ingredients in one, quick tap.

Food Nutrition & Science is a free monthly newsletter with articles relating to retailers, manufacturers, farmers, nutritionists, educators, government agencies and more. It's also a newsletter that services members of the National Grocer Association and offers breaking food news and articles on food safety and industry-wide green initiatives.  Food Nutrition & Science is committed to covering topics and trends that interest anyone with a stake in the food industry including supermarket retailers, food manufacturers and consumers.  Each issue contains an interview with a farmer.

For more information or to subscribe to Food Nutrition & Science, please visit www.FoodNutritionScience.com.

About Food Nutrition & Science

With more than 26,000 readers, Food Nutrition & Science from The Lempert Report is the only monthly newsletter that provides readers analysis and offers discussions on all issues relating to the food industry. Founded by food industry analyst and CEO of The Lempert Report and SupermarketGuru.com Phil Lempert, Food Nutrition & Science was created so that all industry players could communicate about the safest, most efficient and healthiest way to get food to our plates. For more information or to subscribe to Food Nutrition & Science, please visit www.FoodNutritionScience.com.

SOURCE Food Nutrition & Science