Q: Hi Karuna, welcome. Could you tell us a little bit about the incredible origin story of Nature’s Fynd?
Nature’s Fynd was actually started as a research project for NASA. At the time, our chief science officer was a graduate student at Montana State, and was doing some work for NASA to help them understand what kind of conditions would be needed for life to thrive in harsh environments, like outside of Earth. That quest actually took them to Yellowstone National Park, which has a very unique ecosystem. There is a super volcano, and in the volcanic geysers they discovered a microscopic fungi—not a plant, not an animal, but part of the third kingdom—that turned out to be pretty remarkable. It was 50% protein, 30% fiber, with vitamins and minerals. Most importantly, it was thriving in this very harsh environment using very few resources.
That actually led them to do more research. And the company invented a technology called “liquid air interface fermentation,” which allows us to grow the protein. We took a tiny sample from Yellowstone, and we have never had to go back. Using that sample, like a sourdough starter, we were able to create net new protein for the world. We grow the protein here in Chicago, and we do it using trays and fermentation. Every three to four days, we’re able to make new protein, and we’ve created both meatless and dairy free foods. We have three different product categories we’ve launched in Whole Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, and some other regional retailers.
We took a tiny sample, and grew it from there, so it’s highly sustainable; we use 90% less land, and 90 to 95% less water. Fungi, in general, take very little energy to grow—they only emit about 6% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to animal agriculture, we’re using a fraction of the resources.
Q: Can you explain some of the nutritional benefits of fungal protein and their nutritional landscape?
Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Heartfulness eMagazine.
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Denne historien er fra August 2024-utgaven av Heartfulness eMagazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BEYOND the Beat
The Heart’s Intelligence in Compassion and Healing
The Devil's Tree
DR V. RAMAKANTHA, retired forest officer, who lived, raised a family, and worked in forests for most of his adult life, returns to our pages in 2025 to share his vast knowledge of medicinal plants, and the fascinating stories associated with them. In his signature style, this month he weaves together science, folklore, and traditional knowledge to tell the story of the Devil's Tree, Saptaparni.
The Joy of Unity
SARAVANAN SUBRAMANIAM, Director of HeartyCulture Natural Products, India, introduces us to a new type of grafted mango at the nursery in Kanha Shanti Vanam. Not only does this new variety bring diversity to our taste buds, but also symbolizes the unity in diversity we all wish for in ecosystems that include human beings.
The Beauty and Transformative Nature of Prayer
In the first episode for 2025 on spiritual practices, DAAJI offers us an inspiring and scientific explanation of prayer and its importance on the inner journey. He demystifies prayer by going beyond the religious connotations to its true purpose and the benefits it offers us as a means of evolution.
Parenting: A Purifying Experience
MEGHA BAJAJ is a new mother. She celebrates the life-changing joy of parenting, and the way the equilibrium of parental love keeps the world intact.
The Sacredness of Human Development
CHRISTIANNA DEICHMANN is the Director of Education at the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH), where she educates both professionals and parents on fostering the most nurturing environments for welcoming new life into the world. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. With a multidisciplinary approach, Christianna blends Craniosacral Therapy, massage, and pre- and perinatal psychology into her holistic practice. Her work uniquely combines science and spirituality.In part 2 of this interview, Christianna continues to shares her expertise with DR. SNEHAL DESHPANDE, a Developmental Therapist, PPNE, and the Director of Heartfulness Family Connect Programs, offering a rich dialogue on Birth Trauma and Obstetrical Intervention.
ONCE UPON A Saturday
SULOCHANA SANTHOSH is a young and inspired writer who reminds us of the need to care for our ocean and the environment in general. What are you doing to make a difference?
Seven of Us
is a lecturer at the Bangkok School of Management, a wellness coach, and the co-leader of the Bangkok Women's Writers Group. Here, Bhavna writes about her inspiring experience of cleaning up the garbage in the city that is her home.
UNLEASHING OUR Extraordinary Capabilities
LYNNE McTAGGART is one of the central authorities on the new science of consciousness, and the award-winning author of seven books, including the internationally bestselling The Intention Experiment, The Field, The Bond, and The Power of Eight. Here, Lynne is interviewed by PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN about the transformative power of intention, the profound impact of group intention, and the potential for individuals to create significant change in their lives and the world.
FROM Annoyance Serenity ΤΟ
SARALA UPADHYA shares her experience as a college professor to come up with a working model for how to manage annoyance both usefully and kindly. She has now reduced her “annoyance factor” making life more serene for herself and those around her.
