Dirt to Dinner: Digging In

Dirt to Dinner
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Dirt to Dinner: Digging In explores the future of food and agriculture.

  1. 36M AGO

    What is the Lymphatic System?

    If you've spent any time on social media lately, you've likely seen the viral claims: wooden brushes, detox drinks, and elaborate massage routines promising to fix a "stalled" lymphatic system to cure bloating and fatigue. The narrative is seductive—that your lymph is like a clogged kitchen sink—but the reality is far more interesting.   In today's Digging In episode, we're moving past the "detox" myths to look at the actual science of this living transportation network. Think of your bloodstream as the interstate highway, while your lymphatic system is the network of service roads and shipping ports running alongside it. It doesn't have a central pump like your heart; instead, it relies on your movement, breathing, and the very food on your plate to keep things flowing.   We're going to explore how this system does so much more than just move fluid—it's actually a critical part of your digestion, responsible for transporting nearly all the long-chain fats and fat-soluble vitamins you eat. We'll also discuss why inflammation from modern diets can make this system "leaky" and sluggish, leading to that heavy, puffy feeling.   Most importantly, we're going to break down the foundational nutrients that truly support lymphatic health, including: Water and electrolytes to keep lymph fluid moving. Fiber to lower the systemic inflammation that slows down vessel contractions. Protein to maintain the "albumin" levels that keep fluid where it belongs. Omega-3s to protect the delicate structure of your lymphatic vessels. Forget the trendy rituals. Today is about the quiet structure of everyday meals and how the same foods that support your metabolic health are the ones that keep this hidden network running smoothly. For more information, read the original post here.   Let's dive in.

    15 min

  2. FEB 13

    Stalled Trade Deal Threatens U.S. Food System Gains

    In this episode of Digging In, we're talking about the ongoing negotions between the United States and European Union. These nations are negotiating "The Cooperation Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade" to stabilize their $1.5 trillion economic relationship and reduce the long-standing U.S. agricultural trade deficit. This agreement is critical for U.S. agricultural interests, as it aims to boost demand for products like meat, soybeans, and corn while opening the EU market to $750 billion in American energy exports by 2028. Although political disputes over Greenland recently stalled progress and led the European Parliament to pause considerations, recent diplomatic resolutions have sparked hope that the ratification process will soon resume. For more information, read our recent post here.

    13 min

  3. FEB 5

    Raw Milk: Science vs. Wellness Culture

    This episode of "Digging In" examines the modern resurgence of raw milk, which has transitioned from a niche farm product into a wellness status symbol for approximately 11 million Americans seeking more "natural" foods. Crucially, there's a significant safety disparity in the dairy aisle, with raw milk accounting for 95% of all milk-related illnesses. We also debunk the "clean farm" myth, explaining that even healthy cows can shed dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Listeria that cannot be eliminated by sanitation alone. We also clarify that homogenization is a mechanical process for texture rather than a health hazard and suggests pasteurized, non-homogenized milk as a safe middle ground for consumers who desire a traditional sensory experience without the biological gamble. Read our original post here and access the transcript to this podcast here.

    13 min

  4. JAN 29

    The New U.S. Nutrition Guidelines: A 'Real Food' Reset

    This podcast explores the newly released 2025-2030 USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This health reboot represents a fundamental shift toward real, whole foods to combat the rising tide of chronic disease and obesity.  Moving away from clinical calculations, the new standards prioritize protein intake at every meal, the consumption of full-fat dairy without added sugars, and a diet rich in produce and healthy fats. This policy overhaul explicitly discourages ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates, aiming to simplify nutritional advice into a common-sense framework. Ultimately, the success of this nutrition reboot depends on making these nutrient-dense options affordable and accessible for the average family. You can read the full post here and access the transcript for this episode here.

    16 min

  5. JAN 23

    Venezuela: A Study in Economic Mismanagement

    After decades of government mismanagement of the economy, can Venezuela get back on the road to real food security? Here's the full post.

    15 min

  6. JAN 8

    Why aren't we eating cultivated meat yet?

    Cultivated meat is no longer science fiction, but it isn't quite mainstream reality either. It is stuck in a fascinating limbo of regulatory battles, scaling challenges, and consumer skepticism. But the technology is marching forward, often funded by the very meat companies you might expect to oppose it. Do you think it will be on your grill by next summer? Let us know by filling out our reader poll at the bottom of this post. And read the transcript here. Happy eating!

    14 min

  7. 05/22/2025

    Beef Tallow's Return: Trend or Truth?

    This week's we're xamining the surprising return of beef tallow as a popular ingredient in cooking and wellness and contrasting its health concerns against vegetable oils. Is this trend driven by scientific evidence or a preference for "ancestral" and "natural" practices over established public health guidelines? There's been a historical shift away from saturated fats like tallow due to concerns about heart disease, noting that the science on the risks of high saturated fat intake remains consistent despite contradictory social media narratives. We're also creating parallels between the comeback of tallow and that of raw milk. How much are these trends fueled by a desire for perceived traditional authenticity rather than proven safety or nutritional benefits? Listen to find out. For the original post, visit "The Curious Comeback of Beef Tallow" and you can click here for the transcript. Also you can visit our D2D podcast page to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!

    8 min

  8. 04/16/2025

    Digging In: The Future of Food with Lucy Stitzer

    At a recent event addressing a New York State farming community, Lucy Stitzer speaks about the evolving landscape of agriculture, emphasizing the crucial relationships between farmers, governments, and consumers.  Lucy highlights the remarkable growth in agricultural output alongside a surging global population and the imperative for increased production. She also discusses the impact of governmental policies, particularly concerning trade, tariffs and biofuels, on the profitability of American farms. Lucy also digs into the transformative role of technology, such as precision agriculture and autonomous robotics, in enhancing efficiency and sustainability, and ends with the need for consumer education to understand food production and supporting informed choices. To visit the related post on our site, visit "Digging In: The Future of Food" and you can click here for the transcript. Also you can visit our D2D podcast page to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!

    19 min
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Dirt to Dinner: Digging In explores the future of food and agriculture.

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