What Would Thomas Edison Say?
Thomas Edison once made an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to invent an improved version of the light bulb. When asked about the project, he said, "I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways not to make a light bulb." The meaning of this quote is that the essence of scientific research is to keep trying to improve things. In effect, Edison understood the dignity of being a scientist so well, that he turned a tale of failure into an instructive example. But would he have come across as dignified if he had taken to alerting the press every time he set out to try a new method in his light bulb project? Probably not.
Yogurt Health Benefits
Yogurt is probably the healthiest dairy product in the world. It is one of the few dishes that holds a place of respect in both nutrition & taste from East to West. Among other things, it:
1. Balances the metabolic rate
2. Maintains the digestive tract
3. Lowers stress & high blood pressure
4. Builds muscle stamina
5. Increases resistance to allergies & viruses
6. Maintains gum health
7. Is a source of protein & calcium to vegans & the lactose intolerant.
There are several other benefits too numerous to list. So many, in fact that medical science hasn't even begun to fathom the mechanism behind the benefits of yogurt. They just know those benefits are real.
Research As A Concept
There is no such thing as a stupid question. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. If research & development were based on what constitutes a "sensible" question, the wheel would never have been invented.
Europe is considered a center of knowledge & research; but recently, it has made quite a 180-degree turn & even started publicly endorsing the most erroneous studies as genuine science. A few weeks ago, there was an odd study that purported to find a link between bleach-based cleaning products & an increased incidence of respiratory tract infections in minors.
The latest is a study that firmly debunks the beneficial effects of yogurt. According to the researchers, yogurt health benefits, which have been demonstrated repeatedly since centuries, are a giant hoax! Yogurt does not contain any more nutrients than a cup of ice cream! The belief in yogurt is as inaccurate as the ancient idea that the world is flat!
The researchers went on to add that, while they fully believe in the veracity of their observations, they haven't quite found the evidence to support said observations yet.
Now, there is obviously no harm in investigating (or even trying to disprove) an accepted theory or practice. That is the essence of progress. But, until there is concrete scientific evidence to support a hypothesis, the least that scientists can do is be a little discrete in how they phrase their descriptions of what they are doing with their time these days.
Europe is considered a center of knowledge & research; but recently, it has made quite a 180-degree turn & even started publicly endorsing the most erroneous studies as genuine science. A few weeks ago, there was an odd study that purported to find a link between bleach-based cleaning products & an increased incidence of respiratory tract infections in minors.
The latest is a study that firmly debunks the beneficial effects of yogurt. According to the researchers, yogurt health benefits, which have been demonstrated repeatedly since centuries, are a giant hoax! Yogurt does not contain any more nutrients than a cup of ice cream! The belief in yogurt is as inaccurate as the ancient idea that the world is flat!
The researchers went on to add that, while they fully believe in the veracity of their observations, they haven't quite found the evidence to support said observations yet.
Now, there is obviously no harm in investigating (or even trying to disprove) an accepted theory or practice. That is the essence of progress. But, until there is concrete scientific evidence to support a hypothesis, the least that scientists can do is be a little discrete in how they phrase their descriptions of what they are doing with their time these days.
The Commercial Implications Of The Yogurt Study
Blue Bell Creameries is a century-old, privately-owned Texas producer of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet & frozen treats. Their products are consumed across the Southern United States, as well as Camp David & the International Space Station. But, on April 20, 2015, the firm suffered a serious setback. Samples of Blue Bell products were found contaminated with listeria. Since then, Blue Bell Creameries has issued an all-product recall & closed all 3 of their creameries for a thorough cleaning, re-training & safety check. Being privately-owned, there is no way to confirm the extent of financial loss the company will sustain for the duration of the closure, but in general, a full shut-down & all-product recall is a serious matter.
Meanwhile, across the world in Pakistan, Nestle is the premier producer of canned yogurt. While Nestle is beginning to face a certain degree of competition from Pakistan-based Adam's Milk Foods (Pvt.) Ltd., according to the latest figures, it is still on a roll at the Karachi Stock Exchange.
While professional nutritionists are unlikely to raid the fridge with the sole purpose of throwing their yogurt supplies in the trash, there will be at least a few heads that will be turned by this improperly-presented concept...& whether it is a successful company like Nestle or one that is currently in the doldrums like Blue Bell, such a move would be very bad for business.
Potential Supplementary Goods
However, there are some products that could, at least temporarily, garner more attention & a greater market share, if this idea about yogurt gains traction. Some examples are ice cream, soy milk, rice milk, almond milk & coconut milk. These are all very healthful items in their own right, but they do not really qualify as substitutes for yogurt.
In addition, it is hypothesized that saurkraut could be used as a substitute for the Lactobacillus that is used to make genuine yogurt. The result would be a far cry from the real deal, but something is better than nothing, right?
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