All articles tagged with #vegan
A long-term study found that consuming plant-based omega-3s, specifically alpha-linolenic acid from flaxseed oil, significantly increases levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids like EPA, DPA, and DHA in the blood, even among vegans and vegetarians, suggesting the importance of regular intake of plant-based omega-3 sources.
Many people are surprised to learn that traditional Parmesan cheese is made using rennet derived from the stomachs of baby cows, which has led some to consider vegan alternatives or vegetarian options that use vegetable rennet. The process involves aging cow's milk with enzymes from calf stomachs to coagulate the milk and develop flavor.
A detailed study of nearly 80,000 Seventh-day Adventists found that vegetarians, especially vegans, have a significantly lower risk of developing various cancers, including colorectal, stomach, and lymphoproliferative cancers, compared to meat eaters, suggesting plant-based diets may be beneficial for cancer prevention.
A small study suggests that a low-fat vegan diet, including processed plant foods and soy, can significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, with a 92% decrease observed after 12 weeks. The research challenges the notion that only minimally processed plant foods are effective and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating more plant-based foods into the diet for menopausal symptom relief. However, it also emphasizes the importance of balanced nutrition and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that reducing or eliminating meat from your diet can lead to significant health benefits, including weight loss and reduced inflammation, by lowering dietary acid load. Participants on a vegan diet lost about 13 pounds on average, highlighting the potential advantages of plant-based foods over meat for overall health and weight management.
The article highlights six common mistakes that can make vegan meals unhealthy, such as relying on refined carbs, neglecting protein and micronutrients, consuming processed vegan foods, avoiding healthy fats, and lacking variety. It offers practical tips to balance meals with whole grains, plant-based proteins, essential nutrients, healthy fats, and colorful produce to optimize energy and health.
Most commercially available figs are self-pollinating and do not contain dead wasps, addressing common concerns about whether figs are vegan due to their natural pollination process involving wasps, which typically digest inside the fruit before sale.
A well-balanced diet requires adequate protein intake, which varies based on individual health and activity levels. Aiming for around 100 grams of protein daily is a common goal, but consulting a dietician is recommended for personalized needs. This guide illustrates how different diets—omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan—can achieve 100 grams of protein using various food sources. For omnivores, a mix of eggs, tuna, and meats can easily meet the target, while vegetarians and vegans can rely on eggs, dairy, nuts, seeds, and plant-based protein powders, though vegans may need to include high-protein substitutes like tofu or tempeh.
The article reviews the healthiest cheese crackers available, highlighting options that are lower in sodium, made with whole food ingredients, and have less saturated fat. It lists top picks like Simple Mills Farmhouse Cheddar Almond Flour Crackers and Annie's Cheese Cracker with Hidden Veggies, while also identifying less healthy options such as Lance ToastChee Sandwich Crackers and Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers.
Plant-based meat products are vegan or vegetarian substitutes for real meat, made from plant-based ingredients like legumes, grains, vegetables, and seasonings to mimic the texture, appearance, mouthfeel, and flavor of the real thing. They are often free of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat, making them a popular choice for those looking to reduce their risk of heart disease and other health conditions. A registered dietitian recommends 10 plant-based options that closely mimic the taste and texture of real meat, including chicken, ground beef, burgers, chicken patties, chicken wings, steak, breakfast sausage, bratwurst, nuggets, and deli meat, providing a nutritious and delicious alternative for plant-based eaters.
A study suggests that plant-based meat products offer no clear benefit for heart health and may even lead to worse blood pressure compared to consuming real meat. The experiment involved vegan participants swapping meat for ultra-processed alternatives from various brands. Researchers urge the food industry to re-evaluate the development of meat alternatives to improve their nutritional attributes. The study highlights that the health benefits of traditional plant-based diets should not be conflated with plant-based meat diets. Interest in plant-based diets has increased, but recent research indicates a slowdown in demand for meat-free products.
A study suggests that switching to plant-based meat products may not offer clear health benefits, as participants who consumed fake sausages, burgers, and mince had worse blood pressure than meat-eaters. The study found that plant-based meat alternatives can be high in salt, saturated fat, and additives, and may not provide the same health advantages as a traditional plant-based diet consisting of whole foods. Researchers urge the food industry to re-evaluate the development of meat alternatives to improve their nutritional attributes. The study also revealed that interest in plant-based diets has increased, but sales of plant-based meat products have slowed down, with some companies struggling due to decreased demand.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consuming plant-based fake meat products like Beyond and Impossible burgers may increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes due to their high carbohydrate and low protein content. The study found that participants who ate a diet high in fake meats for eight weeks had higher blood sugars compared to those who consumed real meat, putting them at a higher risk for developing heart disease and diabetes. The rise in popularity of plant-based meat products has led to increased revenue for companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, but research indicates that these highly-processed products are high in saturated fats and salt, potentially contributing to health issues.
Ikea's new food hall, Saluhall, in downtown San Francisco offers a variety of mostly vegan local food offerings, including options from Curry Up Now, Kayma Algerian Eatery, Casa Borinqueña, Momo Noodle, and Taqueria la Venganza. Initial reviews suggest mixed opinions on the food, with some finding the offerings tasty but overpriced, while others feel the flavors don't quite hit the mark. The food hall's opening is seen as a potential boost for the city's struggling downtown area, with hopes that it will attract more visitors.
Identical twins participated in a study where one followed a plant-based diet while the other consumed an omnivorous diet for 12 weeks, with both maintaining the same calorie intake and exercise routine. The vegan twin experienced consistent energy levels and a drop in cholesterol, while the meat-eating twin noticed fluctuations in energy and an increase in processed food consumption. However, there were no significant differences in overall results, indicating that individual responses to diet may vary.