Post by veggiewoman on Nov 8, 2006 8:48:35 GMT
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=green-for-go-if-you-re-vegan-&method=full&objectid=18017649&siteid=66633-name_page.html
31 October 2006
GREEN FOR GO IF YOU'RE VEGAN
By Maria Croce
MORE people are giving up eating and wearing animal products by turning vegan.
In the UK alone, veganism has risen by 200 per cent in the past decade and there are now an estimated 300,000 people in Britain choosing the strict lifestyle.
It's thought more people are changing their diet because of wider consumer choice.
With more alternatives available in shops, it's easier for vegans to get a healthy, balanced diet.
Vegans opt for a plant-based diet free of all animal products - including milk, eggs and honey.
Most also choose not to wear leather, wool or silk.
Most cite the cruelty of modern farming methods as one of the main reasons for their decision, as well as the fear of perceived food dangers including salmonella in eggs, CJD - the human form of Mad Cow Disease - or the SARS bird flu.
Even non-vegans wishing to follow a healthier diet are opting for some aspects of the vegan regime, such as eating more vegetables, pulses and nuts.
To mark World Vegan Day tomorrow, here is a closer look at veganism.
Celebrity vegans include actors Alicia Silverstone, Woody Harrelson and Martin Shaw, singers Pink, Bryan Adams and Heather Small and designer Stella McCartney.
In addition to those following a vegan lifestyle, there are more than three million vegetarians in the UK, while 5.5 million avoid dairy products due to problems with lactose intolerance or allergies.
Even among non-vegans, the overall consumption of meat and dairy products has declined over the past 50 years, with milk and cream intake down by around 17 per cent.
Meat consumption peaked in 1979, when the average person ate in excess of 2.5lb of meat per week - equivalent to scoffing more than five 8oz steaks. By the year 2000 the figure was down to just 2.13 lb - just more than four steaks. We've also dropped three eggs per person per week since 1965.
According to studies, eating an appropriate vegan diet can reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you're going vegan, it's best to eat a wide variety of plant foods, including plenty of strongly-coloured vegetables and fruits. Each food has different strengths, so the fewer foods you eat the less likely it is that all your nutritional needs will be met. You may need to take a vitamin supplement.
Traditionally, animal products are seen as a key source of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12, while dairy is a good source of calcium. If you're going vegan, instead source your zinc and iron from wholegrains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Protein is found in in most plant foods. It's fairly low in fruit, potatoes and rice, yet is high in legumes. To get calcium,3.5oz (100 grams)of spring greens, kale, mustard greens or Chinese cabbage provide the same amount as a cup of cow's milk. If you don't like them, try two cups of fortified soya milk to get 0.02 oz (600mg).The greens provide folate, vitamin K and vitamin C and the fortified soya milk provides protein, usually together with vitamins B12 and D.
The Co-op labels all products which are suitable for vegans, including their wines. They also have a strict animal testing policy on ownbrand toiletries and household goods.
Pizza Express bases are vegan and staff are usually willing to make up a vegan pizza.
Beyond Skin produce a funky range of handmade shoes for women. Their winter range is now available on 01494 871 655 or www.beyondskin.co.uk.
Snapz Crisps are a vegan alternative to potato crisps. These dehydrated fruit and veg snacks - made by a firm in Leith, Edinburgh - aren't fried or baked, and are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. Phone 0870 7776279 or visit www.snapzcrisps.com
For everything from deodorants to candles, check out The Vegan Store. Phone 01273 302979 or go to www.veganstore.co.uk.
For specialist restaurants try Mono in King's Court, Glasgow, for bistro-style vegan food. There's a half price food offer tomorrow for World Vegan Day. Phone 0141 553 2400. In Edinburgh, David Bann in St Mary's Street have a menu ranging from Eastern flavour to 1970s-style foods. Call 0131 556 5888 or visit www.davidbann.co.uk.
Plamil is an exclusively vegan company with a large selection of vegan chocolate bars, two of which - Martello and Expressions - taste very like milk chocolate and are available at Tesco or at www.plamilfoods.co.uk
On World Vegan Day, vegans will highlight damage to the planet through eating meat, dairy, fish and eggs. Members of the Vegan Society believe a plant-based vegan diet uses substantially less energy than a diet based on animal products.
For advice on veganism, contact The Vegan Society at www.vegansociety.com or phone 0845 458 8244.
31 October 2006
GREEN FOR GO IF YOU'RE VEGAN
By Maria Croce
MORE people are giving up eating and wearing animal products by turning vegan.
In the UK alone, veganism has risen by 200 per cent in the past decade and there are now an estimated 300,000 people in Britain choosing the strict lifestyle.
It's thought more people are changing their diet because of wider consumer choice.
With more alternatives available in shops, it's easier for vegans to get a healthy, balanced diet.
Vegans opt for a plant-based diet free of all animal products - including milk, eggs and honey.
Most also choose not to wear leather, wool or silk.
Most cite the cruelty of modern farming methods as one of the main reasons for their decision, as well as the fear of perceived food dangers including salmonella in eggs, CJD - the human form of Mad Cow Disease - or the SARS bird flu.
Even non-vegans wishing to follow a healthier diet are opting for some aspects of the vegan regime, such as eating more vegetables, pulses and nuts.
To mark World Vegan Day tomorrow, here is a closer look at veganism.
Celebrity vegans include actors Alicia Silverstone, Woody Harrelson and Martin Shaw, singers Pink, Bryan Adams and Heather Small and designer Stella McCartney.
In addition to those following a vegan lifestyle, there are more than three million vegetarians in the UK, while 5.5 million avoid dairy products due to problems with lactose intolerance or allergies.
Even among non-vegans, the overall consumption of meat and dairy products has declined over the past 50 years, with milk and cream intake down by around 17 per cent.
Meat consumption peaked in 1979, when the average person ate in excess of 2.5lb of meat per week - equivalent to scoffing more than five 8oz steaks. By the year 2000 the figure was down to just 2.13 lb - just more than four steaks. We've also dropped three eggs per person per week since 1965.
According to studies, eating an appropriate vegan diet can reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you're going vegan, it's best to eat a wide variety of plant foods, including plenty of strongly-coloured vegetables and fruits. Each food has different strengths, so the fewer foods you eat the less likely it is that all your nutritional needs will be met. You may need to take a vitamin supplement.
Traditionally, animal products are seen as a key source of protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12, while dairy is a good source of calcium. If you're going vegan, instead source your zinc and iron from wholegrains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Protein is found in in most plant foods. It's fairly low in fruit, potatoes and rice, yet is high in legumes. To get calcium,3.5oz (100 grams)of spring greens, kale, mustard greens or Chinese cabbage provide the same amount as a cup of cow's milk. If you don't like them, try two cups of fortified soya milk to get 0.02 oz (600mg).The greens provide folate, vitamin K and vitamin C and the fortified soya milk provides protein, usually together with vitamins B12 and D.
The Co-op labels all products which are suitable for vegans, including their wines. They also have a strict animal testing policy on ownbrand toiletries and household goods.
Pizza Express bases are vegan and staff are usually willing to make up a vegan pizza.
Beyond Skin produce a funky range of handmade shoes for women. Their winter range is now available on 01494 871 655 or www.beyondskin.co.uk.
Snapz Crisps are a vegan alternative to potato crisps. These dehydrated fruit and veg snacks - made by a firm in Leith, Edinburgh - aren't fried or baked, and are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. Phone 0870 7776279 or visit www.snapzcrisps.com
For everything from deodorants to candles, check out The Vegan Store. Phone 01273 302979 or go to www.veganstore.co.uk.
For specialist restaurants try Mono in King's Court, Glasgow, for bistro-style vegan food. There's a half price food offer tomorrow for World Vegan Day. Phone 0141 553 2400. In Edinburgh, David Bann in St Mary's Street have a menu ranging from Eastern flavour to 1970s-style foods. Call 0131 556 5888 or visit www.davidbann.co.uk.
Plamil is an exclusively vegan company with a large selection of vegan chocolate bars, two of which - Martello and Expressions - taste very like milk chocolate and are available at Tesco or at www.plamilfoods.co.uk
On World Vegan Day, vegans will highlight damage to the planet through eating meat, dairy, fish and eggs. Members of the Vegan Society believe a plant-based vegan diet uses substantially less energy than a diet based on animal products.
For advice on veganism, contact The Vegan Society at www.vegansociety.com or phone 0845 458 8244.