We all know its important to take care of our bodies, but one of the most important elements to focus on is, without a doubt, our heart health. After all, heart disease is the leading killer in the United States for both men and women.

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There are many contributors to the development of heart disease, and research suggests that diet is one key factor. But there are things we can do to reduce our risk. Here, we take a closer look at the advice of healthcare professionals who advocate for the power of plant-based food when it comes to heart health.

Without a doubt, our hearts have an extremely important role to play in our bodies. They push blood to every part of us, as well as oxygen, hormones, essential cells, and other compounds. When the heart stops, essential functions fail, some almost instantly, notes Harvard Health. So it makes sense that we need to take care of our hearts as best as we can.

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Given the hearts never-ending workload, its a wonder it performs so well, for so long, for so many people, the medical school publication continues. But it can also fail, brought down by a poor diet and lack of exercise, smoking, infection, unlucky genes, and more.

Currently, around 550 million people globally are living with heart and circulatory diseases. And in the US, one person dies of a heart attackwhich often happens when the blood vessels around the heart become clogged with cholesterolevery 40 seconds. There are many factors that can lead to heart disease, but research suggests that an unhealthy diet is one of them.

Diet is one of the only factors within our control which can prevent heart disease, Yelena Wheeler, MPH, RD, tells VegNews. A balanced diet full of complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, such as a plant-based diet, is instrumental in heart health.

Wheeler isnt alone in her views. A growing body of medical experts believes that a whole food, plant-based diet can help to reduce the risk of fatal heart disease. Here, weve gathered some of their top tips.

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On a bold mission to prevent one million heart attacks, Joel Kahn, MD (aka, Americas Healthy Heart Doc) is a seasoned cardiologist who has written extensively on the topic of heart health and diet. According to him, six basic factorsincluding smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, and a healthy dietcan reduce heart disease risk by 92 percent. He also promotes the concept of Vitamin L (the L is for lifestyle) as the key to preventing early death. Finally, Kahn highlights four foods that are particularly good at reversing artery diseasegarlic, pomegranates, bergamot (a citrus fruit), and green tea, as each offers unique, heart-protecting properties.

Plant-based doctor and professor at New York University School of Medicine, Michelle McMacken, MD often writes about protein myths promoted by doctors. She maintains the belief that we need more protein (and that protein always comes from animals) and fewer carbohydrates to get lean is misleading and dangerous. In fact, McMacken cites research that low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets (as well as eating a lot of dairy) are actually associated with heart disease and early death. She reinforces Kahns point that lifestyle changes are the best approach to dealing with the root causes of heart disease rather than pills, which simply address symptoms.

Neal Barnard, MD and the experts at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a nonprofit health organization, have been leaders in the plant-based movement for decades. They do not back down from making bold statements. While the mainstream likes to repeat the notion that fish is a health food, PCRM counters these alternative facts with four important points. Firstly, fish is high in cholesterol. Secondly, fish is high in saturated fat (which has a strong association with heart disease). Thirdly, fish oil supplements effect on heart health is still inconclusive, while some studies have shown that they can increase your risk of diabetes and cancer. And lastly, fish are full of toxins (such as mercury) that are dangerous to our health. So, if youre looking for foods that reduce your risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, then its time to look toward plants, not fish.

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Leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods on the planet, especially for your heart. This affordable superfood group is packed with heart-healthy nutrients including nitrates that are linked to lower blood pressure and the prevention and reversal of heart disease. Kayli Dice, a registered dietitian at meal planning platform Lighter, suggests loading up on leafy green vegetables every chance you get. Some of her favorite ways include a handful of frozen greens in a morning smoothie, baked into kale chips, or as sandwich fixings wrapped up in chard or collard leaves such as this tasty BLT in a Collard Wrap.

On his site, nutritionfacts.org, Michael Greger, MD provides information regarding heart disease and diet. As he explains, foods high in antioxidants, fiber, and potassium might be protective against heart disease, especially when they are part of a diet thats low or void of animal-based food, salt, and excess fat and oil. Instead, a diet full of dark greens, beans, nuts, flax seeds, whole grains, vegetables, and spices can promote a long and healthy life.

Micah Risk is the co-founder and Chief Nourishment Officer at Lighter, a powerful tool that helps the world eat better based on the recommendations of food experts.

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We Asked the Experts: How Does a Vegan Diet Support Heart Health? - VegNews

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Flora Moves To 'Disrupt' The Market With New Vegan Cream - Plant Based News

Theres something wild and enthralling about chef Heather Kleins vegan food menu at Hi Flora, which is built on nuts, grains, vegetables, and foraged mushrooms and augmented by masterful dupes of nacho cheese (cashews), fried chicken (maitakes), and chocolate mousse (avocado). (Plus, shes the only local chef throwing down a whole Lions Mane mushroom steak, big as a ribeye and marinated in a tangy beet brine.)Hi Floras bar program is entirely unique, too, merging the Cities nascent THC trend with an entirely no-proof menu, serving punchy kava lemonades, smoked juniper THC tinctures, and electrifying caffeine elixirs.

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Where to Get Great Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Minneapolis and St. Paul - Eater Twin Cities

The metro area has a lot of breakfast burrito options, but plant-based versions are hard to come by. Among the few spots that cater to the vegan crowd, many add health-forward ingredients like kale and black beans, which don't quite hit the spot in the same way. But January Coffee understands that vegan breakfast burritos don't need to be fussy or nutrient-dense. Rather, it dishes out a toasted flour tortilla filled with plant-based Just Egg, Impossible sausage, tater tots, vegan cheddar, chipotle aioli, and green chile with the perfect amount of heat. Pair it with any of several espresso beverages; almond and oat milks don't cost extra here.

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Best Vegan Breakfast Burrito 2024 | January Coffee | Best of Denver | Best Restaurants, Bars, Clubs, Music and ... - Westword

Whats thought to be the UKs first all-vegan animal rights conference is taking place later this month.

The inaugural Vegan Animal Rights Conference (VARC) combines workshops and panels led by industry experts with networking opportunities and information on impactful advocacy. Taking place over two days, VARC has over 43 different sessions in total.

Read more: Vegan Women Summit Announces Celebrity Speakers and More for 2024

The event aims to unify and energize the vegan and animal rights movement by connecting activists of all kinds and fostering a sense of shared purpose through talks and activities.

The organizers say that VARC promises to be an inspiring gathering, aiming to ignite new initiatives, strengthen ongoing efforts, and enhance the sense of community among advocates for animal rights and veganism in the UK.

Speaking to Plant Based News (PBN) VARC Founder and Director Liz Flynn said: The UK is a hive of animal rights and vegan advocacy, imagine what we could achieve with our own conference here, dedicated to looking at our unique challenges and opportunities.

There are now approximately 2.5 million vegans in the UK, a 1.1 million person increase compared to 12 months ago. Meat consumption fell to record lows in 2023, and an increasing number of people are moving away from animal diets for their health, the planet, and the animals.

Along with Flynn, VARC was co-founded by Emily Huang and Esther Salomon, who have collectively spent years within UK animal rights working on training and leadership development, direct action, strategizing, and mobilization in various parts of the movement.

Read more: Vegandale Is Coming To The UK How To Get Tickets

The trio describes VARC as a strictly grassroots effort, involving many different people working in their free time to design and organize. In a statement on the events website, Flynn, Huang, and Salomon write: Each of us believes that in order to achieve animal liberation, the movement needs many people working on a variety of different strategies.

These different strategies include and combine both corporate campaigning and direct action, challenging laws and disrupting the food industry through alternative proteins. The organizers add that VARC welcomes both established strategies and novel ones.

The strength of our movement lies in our diversity and unity. With VARC 2024, we aim to showcase the incredible range of voices and tactics within our community, demonstrating that there is not just one way to advocate for animal rights, but a multitude that can unite to form a powerful force for change, explained Flynn.

The event will begin with a keynote speech titled Lessons from 30 Years of Vegan Advocacy by Generation Vegans Director of Communications Kate Fowler, while panel discussions range from How We Can Use Science to Improve Public Support for Animal Freedom to Why We Need to Work Effectively With the Farming Community.

Weve curated sessions that challenge, inspire, and educate. From undercover investigations to legal battles for animal rights, each session is a piece of the larger puzzle of advocacy. Its about showing the multifaceted ways we can fight for change, said Flynn.

Other speakers and discussion leaders include Plant Based Universities Regional Co-ordinator Alistair Stewart; Humane Society UKs Senior Public Affairs Manager Amro Hussain; Animal Justice Project founder Claire Palmer; Animal Think Tank founder Laila Kassam; Viva!s Head of Investigations Lex Rigby; and ALF founder Ronnie Lee.

For the full VARC agenda including timing, read on here.

The inaugural VARC will take place at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel from April 13 14, 2024.

Ticket prices are tiered depending on income from GBP 89 per person up to 168. (There is also an option to donate an additional 10 plus fees to subsidize someone elses entry.)

Read more: The UK Is About To Open Its First Ever Vegan Theater

VARC 2024 is more than an event; its a beacon for change in the animal rights and vegan community. Were crafting a space where advocacy meets action, knowledge meets passion, and individuals become a movement, added Flynn.

Find more information on the VARC website here and purchase tickets here.

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A Major New Vegan Conference Is Coming To The UK - How To Get Tickets - Plant Based News

Cillian Murphy recently revealed that he's adopted a vegan diet, driven by both ethical and health considerations. However, despite his virtuous endeavours, there's still one food he can't part with.

During an episode of the WTF podcast with

During preparations for his role in Oppenheimer, there were rumours that Murphy adhered to an extremely restrictive diet to shed weight. Co-star Emily Blunt remarked, 'He had such a monumental undertaking. And he could only eat, like, an almond every day. He was so emaciated.'

Despite his enthusiasm for plant-based eating, Cillian Murphy admitted, 'I miss cheese terribly,' a sentiment likely amplified by his recent revelation to People that he consumed a significant amount of cheese during filming for Oppenheimer.

'I dont miss the meat, no,' Murphy clarified. 'Ive been off the meat for a long time.' Reflecting on a recent encounter with venison, he confessed, 'It was kind of a relapse, and I didnt feel any better, so Im back off it again. It was very nice, I dont eat it anymore.'

When Maron inquired about his reasons for adopting a vegan diet, Murphy responded, 'Both, now. In the beginning, there was loads of mad cow disease and all that stuff happening. But I just think its better for the planet.'

Reflecting on his dietary journey, Murphy shared, 'I was vegetarian for about 15 years. But it was never a moral decision. It was more that I was worried about getting mad cow disease.'

Kate is a fitness writer for Mens Health UK where she contributes regular workouts, training tips and nutrition guides. She has a post graduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and before joining Mens Health she was a nutritionist, fitness writer and personal trainer with over 5k hours coaching on the gym floor. Kate has a keen interest in volunteering for animal shelters and when she isnt lifting weights in her garden, she can be found walking her rescue dog.

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'Oppenheimer' Star Cillian Murphy Reveals His Most Missed Food Now He's Vegan - Men's Health UK

When it comes to his diet, the top tier actor Cillian Murphy is trying the vegan thing.

Apr. 1 2024, Published 10:34 a.m. ET

Cillian Murphy has been gracing our screens with intense character performances for decades. However, the talented actor has also made the news for other reasons. As it turns out, Murphy has been an on-and-off plant-based eater for years now, following a vegetarian diet and later a vegan diet out of concern for the environment and his overall health.

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As a prominent figure in film and television, including being an Academy Award winner for his portrayal of Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer, Murphy holds a lot of influence on his followers and fans. So, lets find out the details on Cillian Murphy going vegan.

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Yes, Cillian Murphy has been following a vegan diet since 2023. In a July 2023 episode of the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, Murphy told the host: Ive been trying the vegan thing.

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Like many actors, it seems that Murphy has switched up his diet quite a few times in the past decades. According to an interview with Mr Porter in 2017, Cillian had just begun eating meat after being vegetarian for 15 years.

He told Mr Porter at the time, For the first series of Peaky Blinders, they were anxious that I shouldnt look like a skinny Irish fella, and my trainer recommended meat. The star explained that his vegetarianism had been based on his fear of mad cow disease, not his morals.

But since then, there have been further developments in Cillian Murphys diet.

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While on the WTF with Marc Maron Podcast in summer 2023, he told the host that his decision to go vegan was for the planet and his health. According to Plant Based News, Murphy explained on the podcast that eating meat didnt make him feel his best, and he doesn't miss it from his diet.

"I dont miss the meat. Ive been off the meat for a long time," he said on the podcast, per Plant Based News. "I did have a kind of a relapse and I didnt feel any better, so Im back off it again."

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Although Murphys original inclinations towards a more plant-based lifestyle were once based in his fear of mad cow disease, the actor made it clear that this step towards veganism was for the planet. However, according to The Daily Mail, when "pressed" on whether he missed any animal foods, he stated that he missed cheese.

Although Murphy hasnt explicitly said whether he is fully abstaining from animal products in all aspects of his life (such as fashion and entertainment), he has made clear that he sees his plant-based diet as a conscious decision for himself and the planet, per Plant Based News. And being an influential actor and public figure, even seemingly small decisions like this can have a major influence on the public.

The Oppenheimer star will make a return to his role in Peaky Blinders in an upcoming movie adaptation of the show, per NME. Perhaps this time he will opt for building muscle the vegan way.

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Is Cillian Murphy Vegan? 'Oppenheimer' Star Is Eating Plant-Based - Green Matters

Apr 2, 2024 1:50 pm EDT | Updated Apr 2, 2024 1:51 pm EDT

LONG ISLAND, NY The state's Department of Agriculture and Markets has tested samples of bakery products from The Savory Fig, which has been caught up in a controversy over alleged fake vegan and gluten-free donuts, but there is "a dispute" that the bakery is the source of the goods in question, a spokesperson said Monday.

"The department obtained and tested samples of the bakery products one business stated it had purchased from the home processor," a spokesperson wrote in an email. "However, there is a dispute concerning whether the home processor was the source of the tested products."

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The department is also working with the business to determine if any other businesses may have received products from them "and will continue its investigation as appropriate," according to the spokesperson.

The Savory Fig is registered with the department as a home processor, meaning that while it is exempt from obtaining the state's food processing license and retail food store license, it is subject to laws and regulations concerning food production.

This includes identifying all allergens, such as eggs, milk, shellfish, soybeans, tree nuts, and wheat, in the product statement.

An investigation was opened last month after the department received several complaints regarding the business, the spokesperson said.

Patch has reached out to The Savory Fig's reported owner, Michelle Siriani, for comment.

A woman claiming to be her mother has defended her, according to a report in Greater Long Island.

In attempting to reach Siriani, a writer reached a woman who identified herself as her mother, and she defended her to the outlet, saying the accusations are totally untrue."

The controversy surrounding the donuts began Feb. 23 with an Instagram post from the owners of Cindy Snacks in Huntington, claiming the Suffolk County-based bakery, dropped off a batch of donuts and one was similar to that of Dunkin, featuring its signature orange and pink icing, as well as sprinkles of little Ds, according to a photo in the post.

One of the owners raised his concerns "respectfully, hoping a simple explanation with confirming evidence would clear this up" but he and his partner were "not given satisfactory answers nor evidence, and in that moment, knew deep down how bad this was," according to the post.

"Still trying to hold out hope that our trusted fellow vegan small business wasnt doing something so horrific, we scoured the internet for possible sprinkle dupes that would make it make sense," he wrote.

They ordered the sprinkles the owner claimed were the ones used, but they are not labeled vegan and they do not even match the ones on the donut, he wrote, adding that they then ordered an at-home gluten test trusted and used by gluten-sensitive and allergic individuals and the donut contained "substantial amounts of gluten."

"We can only assume, given this recognizable logo design, where these donuts really came from and what other ingredients they might contain," he wrote. "We have cut all personal and business ties with this person effective immediately. We are mortified that we provided any of her products to our customers and our own family. We trusted a well-known, highly recommended vegan and gluten-free baker who has claimed to be working as a pastry chef for over 15 years."

In a series of reported texts between he and Siriani, which he shared on Instagram, he expressed concern over mistakenly selling a donut that could he believed could possibly kill someone with "a severe food allergy."

She replied that the donuts were "definitely not Dunkin' Donuts!"

"If you don't wanna put them out, don't! But they are not Dunkin Donuts!" she added.

And when he wrote that he did not mean to insult her, she said that she would send a photo of the ingredients later, and he responded that the sprinkles look like those of Dunkin. She then exclaims, "I would never do that!" She later sent him a photo of the sprinkles she says were used, but they are different with multiple colors and spell out the phrase, "Happy Birthday!"

The owners later claimed that they filed complaints with a supervisor of Food Safety and Inspection at the state's Department of Agriculture and Markets.

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LI Bakery Disputed As Source Of Alleged Fake Vegan Donuts: State - Patch

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Nicki Minaj is adding another feather to her cap with her latest fashion venture. Teaming up with the urban-lux vegan sneaker and Apparel brand LCI, Minaj is set to unveil her very own sneaker collection. The drop, scheduled for April 12, will feature 11 custom pairs, each meticulously curated by Minaj herself.

Known for her bold and vibrant style, Minajs collection promises to blend street-cool aesthetics with high-fashion chic, offering fans a taste of her iconic fashion sense. Amidst her electrifying North American Pink Friday 2 tour, Minaj took to Instagram to announce the partnership, sharing a sneak peek of the collection and expressing her excitement.

In her announcement, Minaj made it clear that this collaboration is not just a sponsorship shes an owner and partner in the venture. While the brands website hasnt updated its status to reflect Minajs ownership, her involvement adds another layer of star power to the brand, which already boasts investors like Leonardo DiCaprio.

Fans eager to get their hands on these exclusive kicks can register now on LCIs official website to be among the first to purchase them on April 12.

Vegan But Make It Fashion TeeBy Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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Nicki Minaj is Launching 11 Pairs of Vegan Sneakers! - One Green Planet

Amid the Great Depression, Grant Leslie, a St. Louis, Missouri, salesman, came up with the ingenious idea of selling packaged macaroni pasta alongside cheese. The meal itself was cheap yet palatable and nourishing. So, Leslie went about attaching packets of grated cheese to boxes of pasta, which quickly became a huge hit.

In 1937, Kraft took inspiration from Leslie and introduced its own brand of boxed macaroni and cheese. Priced at less than 20 cents per box, Krafts newfound, nonperishable product was revered as an affordable option for Americans looking to feed their families. Kraft sold over 8 million boxes in just one year and has since enjoyed many successes both during times of hardship and prosperity.

Kraft Mac & Cheese remains a favorite comfort food amongst budget-conscious consumers today. The packaged food item may not be the healthiest meal option available, but it does offer something thats simple to make and delicious. Then, in November, news of the brands first-ever plant-based product made headlines. Called Kraft NotMac&Cheese, the new mac and cheese alternative is currently available in two flavors original and white cheddar with shells each priced at $3.49 per box. Its also made in partnership with TheNotCompany, Inc., a food-tech company producing plant-based alternatives to animal-based food products.

While many may regard boxed mac and cheese as junk food, Kraft is not alone in adapting their formula to be more focused on customers health and dietary goals.

The company faces competition from several pasta-focused brands that have marketed themselves as healthy options. Goodles, the noodle company that partnered with Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot in 2021 and contains added fiber and protein, sells two plant-based mac and cheese items: the gluten-free Vegan Be Heroes pasta and the Vegan Is Believin pasta. Banza, Daiya and Annies also offer similar dairy-free products.

A simple trip to the supermarket shows just how much the macaroni and cheese aisle has expanded in recent years, with a kaleidoscopic array of products touting the nutritional benefits of their contents. But how did we get to the point where boxed macaroni and cheese is now a health food (or at least a healthier food than it used to be)?

A large part of this development mimics the way the overall market has adapted to meet customers increasing interest in plant-based eating.

The Kraft Heinz Not Company creates plant-based versions of fan-favorite foods that taste like the real thing, yet dont require people to drastically change their eating habits, said Lucho Lopez-May, CEO of The Kraft Heinz Not Co., per Food Business News. Leveraging the strengths of both companies, were offering the creamy and comforting experience Kraft Mac & Cheese fans have loved for over 85 years without the dairy.

Krafts latest initiative is part of an ongoing trend of boxed mac and cheese brands embracing veganism. Plant-based product sales surged 44.5% in 2022 to an astounding $8 billion, according to the Plant-Based Foods Association. Studies show that consumers also have a huge appetite for vegan goods. And many are even intent on eating more plant-based foods.

Last year, market research firm Wakefield Research surveyed 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults for Saputo Dairy USA's Vitalite dairy-free cheese brand. The firm found that a third (31%) of Americans substituted meat, cheese or dairy with a plant-based alternative in an average of eight meals a week. It also revealed that 34% of Americans expressed some interest in adopting a vegan lifestyle, and 18% said theyd be more open to doing so if they could make non-vegan exceptions, which indicates that the plant-based food market has room to grow.

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This is especially true among younger consumers. Multiple studies have shown that Gen Z is consuming less meat and dairy than prior generations and are making purchasing decisions based on those preferences as the Brightfield Group, a marketing research firm, noted in 2023.

Although Gen Z is not any more vegan or vegetarian than other generations, almost 60% of these consumers report that plant-based foods are not only better for the environment but also healthier, they wrote. Even over the last year, [data] reveals a decline in purchases of traditional animal-based products. With about a 9% decline in purchases of bacon (pork) and a 7% decline in purchases of chicken, it's clear that Gen Z's preferences are making an impact.

In 2019, The Guardian described a phenomenon called the vegan halo effect, by which companies that have gone plant-based have reaped the rewards: boosts in sales. Indeed thats what the Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) seeks to accomplish as it looks to satisfy changing consumer tastes for processed foods. KHC, which previously admitted that some of its most iconic products have become a little bit dusty, has since been innovating its selection of foods in hopes of increasing the companys net sales by $2 billion through 2027.

Krafts all-new vegan cheese sauce is made with fava bean protein and coconut oil powder, and has a similar taste, look and feel to dairy-based mac and cheese, the company told CNN. Those who have taste-tested Kraft NotMac&Cheese said they were pleasantly surprised. The texture and consistency were nearly identical to the dairy version, but its taste was not nearly as similar, said one reviewer for The Kitchn. In fact, the taste was described as almost sweet, akin to a butternut squash mac and cheese and not the Kraft Original.

Kraft NotMac&Cheese is certainly catching the attention of its consumers. As for whether it will fare well and help boost company profits, only time will tell.

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"Vegan halo": Why the boxed macaroni and cheese market is increasingly going plant-based - Salon