Plant-Based Diets a Solution for Better Health
Plant-based diets have gained popularity in the UK and throughout other industrialized nations. Two diets hold the top spots for these diets—veganism and vegetarianism. Veganism accounts for four percent of the British population. The diet is 100 percent fully plant-based but allows no meat, animal byproducts, or ingredients. Vegetarians account for seven percent of the population in the UK. This diet is mostly plant-based, although vegetarians occasionally eat eggs and animal products.
Religion can account for part of the growing numbers of vegans and vegetarians. According to Statista, young consumers in their 20s are more likely to follow one of these diets. London is considered the vegan capital of the UK. Some nutrition experts favor eating a partial or full plant-based diet as a cost-effective and sustainable food today. https://www.statista.com/topics/7297/veganism-in-the-united-kingdom/. This blog explores vegan and vegetarian diets, the health benefits and pitfalls, recipes, and food gifting options.
Plant-Based Diets. Vegan Health Benefits
Many health advantages come with a vegan diet. These include lowering blood sugar levels, preventing cancer, lowering diabetes risk, improving renal function, lowering the risk of heart disease, and reducing arthritic pain. Certain nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, potassium, folate, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E are more abundant in the diet. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-diet-benefits#get-more-nutrients.
Plant-Based Diets. Downside
Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals may result from an unbalanced vegan diet. The body takes longer to absorb iron from plants than from diets with animal products. Second, vegan diets may leave a person deficient in vitamin D, calcium, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, selenium, niacin, or riboflavin. Supplementation may be necessary to maintain proper health and vigor. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegan-diet-benefits#get-more-nutrients.
Vegetarian Health Benefits
Compared to a vegan diet, a vegetarian diet is less strict. Major illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, are prevented by eating a healthy diet. It might also decrease cholesterol and blood sugar. Fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, and calcium (if dairy products are used) are all abundant in a vegetarian diet. It varies according to the kind of vegetarian. Certain customers follow a half-vegetarian, lacto-ovo, or lacto-ovo diet. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian.
Plant-Based Diets. Downside
There’s a risk for bone health issues if vegetarians don’t plan their diet well. They could be at risk for deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin K, and vitamin B12. Green leafy plans can supply calcium and iron in a vegetarian diet; however, the body may have difficulty metabolising and absorbing iron and calcium. Supplementation is needful for good health. Consider soy milk, rice milk, orange juice, and fortified breakfast cereals. A vitamin D supplement is also essential. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/becoming-a-vegetarian.
Vegan Recipes
- Sweet potato and peanut curry—https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/satay-sweet-potato-curry
- Jackfruit bolognese with vegan parmesan— https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/jackfruit-bolognese-vegan-parmesan.
- Vegan brownies— https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-brownies.
- Roasted aubergine and tomato curry— https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/roasted-aubergine-tomato-curry.
Vegetarian Recipes
- Creamy Mushroom Pie with Chestnuts—https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/mushroom-chestnut-pie/.
- Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie— https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-shepherds-pie/.
- Smoked Tofu Kedgeree— https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/smoked-tofu-kedgeree/.
- How to Make Perfect Roast Potatoes— https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/perfect-roast-potatoes/.
Food Gifting Options
Finding food gift options that are vegan or vegetarian doesn’t have to be complicated. Several companies in the UK can help consumers make the best selection for themselves or loved ones.
Walnut Tree
Walnut Tree has the finest edible luxury treats for vegans and vegetarians. Founded in 1997 and based in the UK. Their gourmet goodies are sourced globally. All items are hand-packed in Britain and available at affordable prices. The Dried Fruit Star and Dried Fruit Gift Basket have apricots, oranges, strawberries, pineapple, cranberries, and kiwi to delight any taste bud. Order the Dried Fruit Gift Basket (£15) with SKU Code: MORN and Dried Fruit Star (£16) with SKU Code: BBSF at walnut.gifts. Both choices are award-winning products from the Great Taste Gold Star Award-Winning Edible Treats.
Yumbles
Yumbles is a food marketplace committing to all-natural foods for vegetarians or sustainability-conscious eaters in the UK. They focus on helping customers live a healthy lifestyle with food that tastes great. Give a special vegetarian The Cake and Brownie Tasting Box by The Cake Tasting Club. Consumers get to try a variety of tasty vegetarian treats. All packing is plastics-free, and postage is free. Tea time can’t get any better! The monthly subscription price is £21.25. Order online at https://www.yumbles.com/the-cake-tasting-club/.
The British Hamper Company
The British Hamper Company is a gift basket specialist. This family-owned business began in 2014, and they celebrate artisan makers, bakers, and growers across the country. The company’s gourmet treats will delight vegan food lovers. The Vegan Treat Gift Box includes Dark Chocolate Almonds, Mexican Sweet Chilli Mixed Nuts, Isle of Skye Sea Salt Dark Chocolate, and Crunchy Sea Salt Corn Bites. Priced at £33.75 including delivery. Visit the British Hamper Company and see what else they have in stock at https://www.britishhamper.com/us/theme/dietary-specific/vegan-gift-baskets/vegan-treats-gift-box.
A plant-based diet is very trendy today. It has been gaining popularity worldwide in the last 20 years. Some consumers are vegan or vegetarians for religious reasons, and for others, it is a personal choice for health. Both diets have their benefits and downsides. Nutritional deficiencies are avoidable with proper planning and adequate supplementation where necessary. Plant-based diets are considered more affordable and sustainable than traditional Western diets, yet some are still reluctant to embrace the full diet. Despite that, everyone can still benefit from additional grains, lentils, beans, fruits, and vegetables in their diets.
About Walnut Tree- the finest edible gifts
Great Taste Awards
With Great Taste Awards for nougat, dried fruit, marron glacé, glacé fruit and pate de fruit. You’ll always be purchasing quality products from Walnut Tree.
Who we supply
Supplied under own brand or white label to prestigious stores, palaces, castles, stately homes, garden centres, delicatessens, farm shops, hamper companies, department stores and gift shops.
Why buy from us?
You’re buying directly from the source and will get excellent value for money. If you’re not happy with your purchase, we’ll refund or replace it. The website is open 24/7, orders despatched within 48 hours.
Our charitable contributions
Walnut Tree supports Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity with dried fruit for their care packages. www.futuredreams.org.uk
Local areas to our factory
AL1 | AL2 | AL3 | AL9 | AL10 | EN6 | EN5 | EN4 | NW4 | NW7 | NW9 | WD6 | WD7 | WD17 | | WD19 | WD23 | WD24 | WD25 | Aldenham | Barnet | Borehamwood | Brent X | Bushey | Colney Street | Edgware | Elstree | Finchley | Frogmore | Hatfield | Hendon | Hertfordshire | Hertsmere | Leavesden | London Colney | Mill Hill | New Barnet | North London | Potters Bar | Radlett | Shenley | South Mimms | Stanmore | St. Albans | Southgate | Watford | Welham Green | Whetstone | Woodside Park