Canadian Company Unveils Vegan Kaviar: A Sustainable Twist on Luxury

Modern Plant Based Foods Inc., a trailblazing Canadian food company, has unveiled a new line of gourmet products titled Vegan Kaviar. This innovative line, launched with three distinctive flavors, namely, Salmon, Wasabi, and Beluga, is set to revolutionize the plant-based industry. By offering the luxurious taste of traditional caviar at an affordable price point, these products cater to a diverse palate with sustainable and ethical choices.

The Vegan Salmon Caviar is a sustainable alternative for traditional caviar connoisseurs. The Vegan Wasabi Caviar is a flavor-packed product that brings a unique twist to the table with a surprising wasabi kick. Lastly, the Vegan Beluga Caviar is an indulgent delicacy that replicates the taste and texture of the highly prized Beluga caviar.

Avtar Dhaliwal, CEO of Modern Plant-Based Foods, underlines the companys ambition to provide affordable luxury and bridge a market gap. The company strives to offer products that retain the finesse of high-end caviar without the hefty price tag. In doing so, it has placed itself at the forefront of sustainable and ethical food choices.

Modern Plant-Based Foods is committed to a holistic approach towards plant-based living. Its products are free from soy, gluten, nuts, and GMOs, reaffirming the companys dedication to sustainability and ethical food production. The vegan caviar line is available in select gourmet stores and online, making it widely accessible to consumers.

The companys recent launch marks a significant milestone in the plant-based industry. With its forward-looking vision for future operations and potential business activities, Modern Plant-Based Foods Inc. continues to lead the charge in transforming the way food is produced and consumed, for the benefit of people, animals, and the environment.

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Vegan Kaviar: An Affordable Luxury by Modern Plant Based Foods Inc. - BNN Breaking

New year, new you? To start 2024 with a bang (and bank some much-needed inspiration), we asked some of our favorite vegan chefs, celebrities, and social media stars about their goals for the New Year. From spreading the plant-based message to focusing on self-care goals, dive into the inspiring commitments theyve set for the year ahead and start planning your own.

Harper Collins

Instagram/Mena Massoud

Letizia Cigliutti

Spike Mendelsohn

Lauren Toyota

Tracy Nguyen

Zacchary Bird

Reina Montenegro

Toni Okamoto

Nick Cutsumpas/Instagram

Aruka Sanchir(@ruukes) is the Senior Digital Editor at VegNews.

Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the vegan lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include shopping links where we might earn a small commission. In no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.

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These Are the New Year's Resolutions From Your 10 Favorite Vegan Celebrities, Chefs, and Social Media Stars - VegNews

It might not be the first thing you think of in association with the United Kingdom, but its undeniable that Brits love crisps. (Or chips, for US readers.) The savory scents, countless flavors, and satisfying crunch combine to make crisps of all kinds some of the most popular snacks both here and around the world. However, the UKs singular devotion to the salty treat remains unparalleled.

Brits alone consume around 6 billion packets of crisps annually thats an average of around 150 packs each per year plus another 4.4 billion bags of other assorted savory snacks as well, which is more than everyone else in Europe put together. The UK crisp market is predicted to reach a whopping 2.6 billion by 2024, with analysts also noting a drift towards premium and luxury brands in recent years.

Clearly labeled vegan crisps have also become increasingly commonplace, though long before the ongoing boom in plant-based products many different brands and supermarkets were producing accidentally vegan crisps and snacks. Because changing recipes and ingredients can be a little tricky to stay on top of, we at Plant Based News have prepared this comprehensive guide to vegan crisps, organized by brand.

(Please note: many of the crisps included in this list contain no animal products, but are not explicitly labeled as vegan due to the risk of cross-contamination during production. Recipes are subject to change you should always check before you buy. This list concerns crisps in the UK, and recipes may differ in other countries).

Walkers is the single largest brand in the UK for savory snacks. The Leicester-based company produces approximately 11 million bags of crisps per day and uses 800 tons of potatoes to make them. (Thats the weight equivalent of around 20 humpback whales!)

Walkers launched three new vegan crisp flavors for Veganuary 2024, which are Grilled Cheese Toastie, Vegan BBQ Pork Ribs, and Vegan Flame Grilled Steak. The Unbelievable! range is dedicated to providing meaty and cheesy crisp flavors without animal products.

Walkers Unbelievable! Vegan range of crisps our latest launch signals our commitment to continue to offer choice to consumers, said Rachael Smith, Senior Marketing Manager, in a statement. We always strive to ensure shoppers dont have to compromise on taste when making a dietary choice. You honestly wont believe theyre vegan!

Many of the core Walkers range are already vegan-friendly, including Ready Salted, Prawn Cocktail, Marmite, Worcester Sauce, Pickled Onion, Roast Chicken, and of course, Salt & Vinegar. (Ones to avoid include BBQ Pulled Pork, which includes real animal-derived pork powder, and Cheese & Onion, which contains milk or whey powder.)

Only the Sea Salt, Sticky Barbecue, and Prawn Cocktail flavor Baked crisps are vegan, as the majority of the range contains powdered milk or whey in the seasoning blend. (RIP Salt & Vinegar.) Milk powders might be used for a variety of reasons, including to enhance the flavor or to help the flavorings cake on the crisps.

Sensations (which is technically another Walkers venture, as so many of these varieties are) was created as a fancy alternative to the core range. Sensations come in a mix of flavors, but only a select few are vegan-friendly. However, its worth noting that the Sweet Chili Peanuts are suitable for vegans too!

Walkers Squares are a super-vinegary lunchbox staple thanks to their strong flavor and big crunch. They also come in a mix of flavors but Ready Salted and Salt & Vinegar are vegan.

The Max range was designed by Walkers around a ridged crisp shape, which the company marketed as holding additional flavor. Launched in 1999, Walkers Max crisps were another particularly iconic school lunch item through to the mid-noughties.

Sunbites is another Walkers venture that was launched in 2007 as a healthier alternative to conventional fried potato crisps. Sunbites are made of three whole grains (corn, wheat, and oats) and baked instead of fried. Compared to other varieties, they are relatively high in protein and fiber without sacrificing on flavor or crunch.

Cheesy Quavers might be off-limits for those following a vegan diet, but the new-old flavors of Salt & Vinegar and Prawn Cocktail are both made without dairy products. (Did you know the secret ingredient for Quavers unique texture is potato starch?)

In 1966, Frito-Lays Doritos actually became the very first nationally available tortilla chip in the US. Known for their sharp crunch and bold flavors, UK customers have access to just a small number of Doritos flavors, including two vegan-friendly staples.

Hula Hoops have been a UK staple since 1973 and are unique for their hollow, cylindrical shape. (How many can you fit on your fingers?)

KPs Discos were another 1970s launch and were popularized for their unique texture and strong flavor. There are a few varieties, but currently only Salt & Vinegar are vegan-friendly.

Smiths crisps were established in the UK back in the 1920s before moving production to Australia a decade later. Initially sold simply as salted potato chips in a greaseproof paper bag, by 1956 the company was producing 10 million packets every week. Both Salt & Vinegar and Salt & Shake (arguably the two classic flavors) are suitable for vegans.

Cofresh is a snack brand that was set up in 1974 by an Indian family who initially produced Bombay Mix in their fish and chip shop. Today, Cofresh has a turnover of nearly 30 million. The core range includes potato-based crisps, Ganthiya, poppadom curls, and more. However, its Cofreshs Eat Real label that might be most familiar to vegans with its chickpea and quinoa-based gluten-free snacks, all of which are vegan.

Another classic from KP, Wheat Crunchies are extremely crunchy tube-shaped snacks that come in a mixture of flavors. However, only Crispy Bacon and Worcester Sauce are vegan (RIP Spicy Tomato).

Before Walkers dominance of the UK crisp market, Golden Wonder was the leading national brand. A classic-style potato chip available in a huge range of flavors.

In contrast to the majority of the crisp brands listed here, Skips are designed to melt in the mouth rather than crunch. Made with either tapioca or maize starch, Skips fizz as they dissolve, and while there have been several flavors over the years, only the original is vegan.

Another ridged crisp, McCoys are named after the Scottish idiom the real McCoy meaning authenticity, or the real deal. They are currently the third biggest brand in the bagged crisps market and the number one crinkle-cut crisp.

Invented in 1968, Pringles were initially marketed as newfangled potato chips. Because Pringles are only 42 percent potato, they have long sparked debate over whether they qualify as chips or not something that both the US Food and Drug Administration and the London High Court have weighed in on. A final fun fact: the precise aerodynamics of Pringles crisps have been optimized for processing with the help of supercomputers.

These teddy bear-shaped crisps are also made with reconstituted potato along with starch and paprika. Produced in the Netherlands, Pom Bears are now available in over 30 countries. They are available in three main flavors, and Original (ready salted) is vegan.

Nik Naks is a corn-based snack that was originally marketed as a crunchy version of Wotsits. The crisps are known for their almost hard texture and strong flavors.

Tyrrells is a widely awarded producer of crisps and snacks, but in recent years has become particularly known for its other root vegetable-based crisps which have a unique flavor. There are a wide variety of vegan options, including both potato and root veg varieties.

Best served fresh from your local corner shop or a leisure center vending machine, Space Raiders are another classic British snack still popular today. Until 2010, each bag featured a short comic strip about aliens, which has now been replaced with a set of alien stats.

In addition to the above is also a huge variety of ever-changing private-label crisps produced by supermarkets every year, and the easiest way to find the latest affordable snacks is to check the ingredients. In fact, many private-label versions of name-brand snacks are vegan whereas the originals are not. (Were looking at you, Frazzles.)

Some specific supermarket honorable mentions include Asdas Free-From Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips, Aldis Snackrite Monster Claws and Original Teddy Faces, Sainsburys Bacon Crispies and Onion Rings, and Tescos Finest Root Vegetables & Sea Salt Potato Chips.

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From Doritos To Walkers: The Ultimate Guide To UK Vegan Crisps - Plant Based News

Wearing animal fur has long been a way for humans to keep warm in the winter. But nowadays, when there are so many alternatives at our fingertips and discussions about animal welfare are starting to enter the mainstream, the need for fur might have become outdated.

But what about vintage and secondhand fur? Should that be seen the same way as a brand new mink coat? According to artist Alexandra Yvette, the two are not the same. Below, youll find a TikTok that Alexandra recently shared detailing how she was denied entry to a bar because of her coat, as well as some of the responses viewers have shared online.

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Image credits: Markus Spiske (not the actual photo)

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Image credits: preraphaelitequeen

I got kicked out of a bar in New York for wearing fur. And I feel like I didnt get the memo that wearing fur in New York is, I guess, really offensive.

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Image credits: preraphaelitequeen

It was vintage, it was a mink coat from the 30s. So it was very old. And I do feel okay with wearing vintage fur. I know some people dont agree with that. But personally, its never bothered me. I would never buy a fur coat new.

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Image credits: preraphaelitequeen

But anyways, I walked up to this bar. It was like a speakeasy. And the man was like, Is your coat real? And I was like, Yes, its real. Its really old. Its from the 30s. And he was like, That doesnt matter. Fur is not allowed here. You need to leave.

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Image credits: preraphaelitequeen

And I thought he was joking. So I kind of just looked at him and I was like, Really? And he was like, Yeah, please go. It was such an intense moment. I almost wanted to cry because it just felt like such a weird rejection. And then I was questioning my morals.

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While a soft fur coat might be your ideal choice to keep warm in during the winter, its important to know where that piece of clothing came from and what sacrifices had to be made to create it. According to PETA, about 100 million animals are killed each year for their fur, and prior to being skinned, these creatures are kept in terrible conditions. They live in cramped, filthy cages before being killed through some of the cheapest and most cruel methods available, such as suffocation, electrocution, gas and poison.

Today, over half of the fur in the United States comes from China, where millions of dogs and cats are skinned alive for their fur, PETA reports. This fur is often intentionally mislabeled as well, meaning that theres no way of truly knowing what animal youre wearing in the winter.

Because of how brutal the fur industry is, activists have been taking a stand against fur for decades. You may have seen people get red paint thrown on their real fur coats, particularly during the 1990s, and apparently a handful of NYC establishments have banned patrons from entering if theyre wearing real fur.

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The Back Room, which viewers have guessed was the bar Alexandra was visiting, states, The Back Room does not allow real fur on their site. Vegan restaurant Spicy Moon has a similar message on their door: We prefer that you not wear fur. If youre wearing animals fur, we still warmly welcome you to our establishment but we hope youll open your heart to animals and go fur-free.

While the fur industry is undeniably cruel, as with anything else in the world, this topic requires nuance. Yes, it is better to avoid buying fur than to purchase a new mink coat. But what about leather, suede and wool? Those industries are cruel to animals as well, yet most people dont seem to have a problem with them, the same way most people dont have an issue with eating meat. Cognitive dissonance is prevalent in how many people say that feel about animals versus which industries they choose to support.

And shouldnt we consider secondhand goods to be in a different category than products bought brand new? Our world is producing 92 million tons of textile waste each year, The Round Up reports. Yet still, between 80-100 billion new clothing items are produced around the globe annually. Shopping secondhand whenever possible is much better for the environment. While some might argue that wearing a fur coat from the 30s is still driving up demand because others might see it and try to purchase a similar look, Alexandra did not contribute to creating clothing waste by purchasing it.

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Image credits: Jakayla Toney(not the actual photo)

Personally, Ive been vegan for 7 years, and I will still occasionally buy leather or wool items from a thrift store, as I know theyre high quality and are a better choice than buying something brand new. No, I dont love the idea of wearing animal products, but I still have pairs of shoes that I bought before going vegan that have leather on them as well. Its understandable why Alexandra might not have had a problem with vintage fur, while also saying that she would never buy a new fur coat.

Whether or not its acceptable to wear secondhand animal products is a gray area for vegans. Some choose to avoid them all, while others would rather choose something that was created decades ago than create more demand in the current fashion industry. But as far as whether or not we can tell others what is acceptable to wear, Im not sure thats our business.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, pandas. Then, if youre interested in reading another Bored Panda article discussing a similar topic, look no fur-ther than right here!

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Image credits: Adri Jimnez (not the actual photo)

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Vegan Gets Kicked Out Of A Bar For Wearing Fur, Starts Questioning Her Morals - Bored Panda

Pasta is one of lifes greatest comfort foods, and this vegan mac and cheese recipe is no exception! It is made with a base of potato, carrot, and cashew nuts and flavored with nutritional yeast, turmeric, onion, and garlic.

Not only is this a realistic take on a dairy-based macaroni cheese dish, but it is also much more nutritious. So we wont judge you if you eat this on the regular.

Before we show you how to make this delicious plant-based recipe we will first shed some light on the magic behind making vegan mac and cheese taste cheesy. We will also let you in on some secrets on transforming this macaroni cheese into a variety of other exciting dishes.

There are a few different ways in which you can create vegan mac and cheese. Most recipes simply substitute the ingredients with vegan versions. For example, the grated cheese will be swapped with grated vegan cheese and the dairy milk will be replaced with plant-based milk. This would allow you to use an existing mac and cheese recipe that you already know and love.

However, we are certain you are going to enjoy this take on mac and cheese, which comes from vegan recipe developer Molly Patrick (owner of Clean Food Dirty Girl). Instead of using vegan dairy alternatives, it uses vegetables and nuts. As well as some clever seasoning. It has a great depth of flavor and creates a wonderfully creamy mac and cheese.

No vegan mac and cheese is going to taste the same as its dairy counterpart unless you get your hands on a realistic vegan cheese alternative. But the flavors of this recipe do come pretty close!

The nutritional yeast brings a lovely umami cheese-like flavor whilst the cashews make it wonderfully creamy. Mac and cheese is all about comfort and this variation is like a big hug in a bowl.

We believe that mac and cheese is a tasty dish on its own, but if you want to serve it with some sides, we suggest pairing it with strong umami flavors, such as BBQ-seasoned mushroom steak.

Alternatively, you can use it as a topping on pizza, mix it into chili-flavored beans, or layer it on a burger patty. We have also heard on the grapevine that it makes a delicious toastie.

This vegan mac and cheese is a great base recipe that is perfect for experimenting with. If you like batch cooking, this means you can keep things exciting throughout the week. It also means that if you have any preferences, dietary or personal, then you can adapt the recipe to suit you.

Here are some of our favorite variations for this plant-based macaroni cheese recipe:

Make sure to prepare extra of this tasty vegan cheese sauce since it goes well with many dishes. You can use it as a sauce for vegan nachos, lasagna, or any other pasta dish. Alternatively, you could use it as a dip for bread and chips.

This recipe is really easy to make. You will need a few simple ingredients and a blender to turn them into a wonderfully creamy sauce to coat your pasta in!

Duration1 hr

Cook Time50 mins

Prep Time10 mins

Servings4 servings

Place the potato, carrot, onion, turmeric, and garlic in a medium-sized pot, cover with 2 cups of water, and place lid on the pot. Bring just to a light boil, lower the heat, and simmer with the lid on until the veggies are fork-tender about 20 minutes.

Follow the manufacturers instructions to cook as much pasta as youd like. Serving guidance can be found on the label. Drain and set aside once its ready.

Remove your cooked veggies from the heat and set aside to cool for about 10 minutes. Then carefully add everything from the veggie pot, including the remaining water, to your blender. Drain the cashews (discard the water) and add the cashews to the blender, along with the nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, salt, and the remaining cup of water. Blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Return your pasta to its pot and place it over very low heat. Pour as much cheesy sauce over the pasta as you like and stir to coat everything. Add black pepper to taste.

Dish up and serve!

This recipe was created by Molly Patrick of Clean Food Dirty Girl. Start a trial to Plant Fueled Life for more plant-based and oil-free recipes like this. Photos by Amber Asakura.

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The Most Comforting Vegan Mac And Cheese Recipe - Plant Based News

Dean Ornish, MD, is renowned for putting former president Bill Clinton on a heart-healthy diet. As a growing body of scientific evidence emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, Ornish continues to advocate for a plant-based lifestyle that not only sheds pounds but also promises surprising benefits for various aspects of life, including a natural alternative to Viagra.

Clintons journey to a healthier life began with Ornishs plant-based programnow reimbursed by Medicare when accessed virtually. The regimen is not just about cutting calories but centers around a low-fat, low-sugar diet that excludes most animal foods and fatty fruits such as olives, avocados, and coconut.

Nuts and seeds are included in moderation, along with a comprehensive approach that involves exercise, stress management, and social support. It encapsulates Ornishs mantra: Eat well, move more, stress less, love more.

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Contrary to the notion that a health-focused diet might be a joyless experience, Ornish insists that the benefits extend beyond physical well-being. Your brain is getting more blood, so your cognitive function improves. Your skin is getting more blood, so you look younger, Ornish told AARP.

Your heart gets more blood flow so you can often reverse heart disease. Your sex organs are getting more blood in a way that works like Viagra, he added.

In addition to these health benefits, Ornish and his wife, Anne Ornish, the founder of Ornish Lifestyle Medicine, emphasize the importance of savoring every moment, especially during meals. Anne encourages what she calls full-sensory meditations, advocating for mindful eating to enhance the overall enjoyment of food. According to her, slowing down and fully experiencing each bite can be more pleasurable than mindlessly consuming large quantities.

When we give our full attention to what were eating, we enjoy it much more fully, Anne says. After the first of couple bites, most of us go into autopilot. When we slow down and recruit our senses, one by one, we can spend several minutes savoring a high-quality piece of dark chocolate and get far more from it than mindlessly consuming a whole chocolate bar.

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Because of these benefits, the Ornishs are committed to a plant-based lifestyle. They incorporate more affordable frozen fruits, making it a year-round option. Dairy alternatives like almond and soy milk take precedence, while tofu, tempeh, beans, vegan yogurt, and vegan cheese are staples in their diet.

Dean Ornish emphasizes the role of pleasure in eating when it comes to diet satisfaction. Food has a way of bringing people together. And intimacy is healing, he says. The couples holistic approach to health underscores the idea that a plant-based lifestyle not only fosters physical well-being but also promotes joy, connection, and surprising benefits in areas such as cognitive function and intimacy.

Dean Ornish is not the first to emphasize that a plant-based diet has similar effects to taking Viagra. In 2020, the medical group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) urged the Food and Drug Administration to inform users of drugs such as Viagra that artery disease is an underlying cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) and can be treated with a plant-based diet.

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ED is very common, affecting approximately 30 million men in the United States. It is a sign of narrowed arteries throughout the body and can be an indication of heart disease. PCRM, supported by scientific research, links the disorder to poor cardiovascular healthwhich can be improved by following a whole foods plant-based diet.

PCRM urged the FDA to include a notice on ED drugs that states: Erectile dysfunction is caused by artery disease, a condition that this drug will not improve. Artery disease can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and early death. A plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management, and lack of smoking can, in combination, improve and often reverse artery disease.

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PCRM cited several scientific studies to support the links between maintaining heart healthand therefore optimal penile functionand a plant-based diet. According to a study published in the journal Urology, each additional daily serving of fruits or vegetables reduced ED risk in men with diabetes by 10 percent.

Strawberries, apples, blueberries, and citrus fruits may be especially beneficial. A 2016 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition observed 25,096 men during the span of 10 years and found that a diet high in fruit reduced ED by 14 percent.

A prescription for Viagra should include a lifesaving wake-up call for men with ED to adopt a heart-healthy diet, PCRM President Neal Barnard, MD, FACC, said in a statement. Erectile dysfunction is a sign of narrowed arteries throughout a mans body, including the arteries to his heart and brain, putting him at high risk for heart attack, stroke, and death.

Nicole Axworthy is the News Editor at VegNews and author of the cookbook DIY Vegan.

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This Former Clinton Health Advisor Says Eating Vegetables Is Like Taking Viagra - VegNews

I was perusing TikTok for dinner ideas one day (all roads lead to TikTokIve learned to embrace it) and came across a few Indian-inspired chickpea and red lentil stews that looked simply delicious.

Theres nothing like a hearty bowl of stew when the weather outside is frightful.

But Im weird about recipes, in that its difficult for me to follow one exactly as its written. I dont mean that in an added an extra clove of garlic and more salt, youre so bad, Carol kinda way.

Its more like forgot to get a couple ingredients or cant decide which to try so combine different elements from each and hope it works. This method has not failed me yet (well, at least not in the past two months since I entered my cooking era).

So the recipe below is an amalgamation of several different recipes, and its incredibly easy to make. Plus, even my carnivorous husband loves it and requests it once a week.

It can also be made with mostly pantry items, so its perfect for those nights where you have no idea what to make. Ive made it both on the stove and in a slow cooker, and it tastes amazing either way. Got extra veggies you want to use? Throw those in there too.

Its packed with protein, thanks to the chickpeas, lentils, and, surprisingly, nutritional yeast. I was flabbergasted to find that just two teaspoons of nooch (as its also known) contains three grams of protein.

Like, what? That adds up quickly. Plus, nooch gives recipes a savory, umami flavor that really works here.

Hungry yet? I know what Im having for dinner. Heres the recipe, with notes for modifications if you want to make it in a slow cooker.

Show us how you recreate (or modify) this delicious recipe and use hashtag #pooshpalate for a chance to be featured on our social.

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The Protein-Packed Vegan Stew Our Wellness Editor Makes at Least Once a Week - Poosh

An Expert Shares How And Why You Should Go Vegan This January  VOGUE PHILIPPINES

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An Expert Shares How And Why You Should Go Vegan This January - VOGUE PHILIPPINES

You Are What You Eat was guilty of cherry-picking statistics that project vegan diets to be the healthier alternative for people of all age groups and physiological make-up

Half the world is worried that artificial intelligence will take over the world, and the other half is certain vegans will. At least the makers of the Netflix docu-series You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment have tried their best to establish that veganism is the Captain America shield against every kind of chronic illness and planetary destruction. Without it, neither will the human race survive, nor will the planet.

The Netflix synopsis for the show was convincing and sincere: A set of twins from different demographics are put on different diets one vegan and the other omnivore for eight weeks, and a before-after comparison is done of their body composition, epigenome or biological clock, the gut microbiome and the brain.

But the execution was frustratingly over-literal, lacking nuance and unbiased science to the extent that barely 15 minutes into the pilot, it flew dangerously close to the mockumentary zone. Or, as a dismayed reviewer on Google wrote: It felt like a four-episode vegan commercial.

It was based on an actual study done by Stanford University on 22 twins, of which the filmmakers of the Netflix docu-series followed four throughout the duration. In the first four weeks, the subjects were provided packaged meals tailored for their diet and in the latter leg, they had to make their own food sticking to their respective regime.

The camera followed each of the twins grocery shopping at different aisles of the supermarket, preparing their food, working out and taking various kinds of tests. But apart from the home-video style camera movements, nothing felt like the fimmakers were honestly trying to give us an inside view of the lives of each sibling.

Every interaction, even the inside jokes, seemed forced. So, apart from blatantly trying to sway the opinion of the viewers towards vegan or plant-based diets, it also has low entertainment value, unless one loves to binge on heavily-scripted reality television.

The research led by Christopher D Gardner was funded by Vogt Foundation, which also funds the Oceanic Preservation Society, which was founded by Louie Psihoyos, who incidentally directed the docu-series. The foundation also produced some other documentaries by Psihoyos Academy 2009 favourite The Cove, a documentary on dolphin hunting in Japan, 2015 Racing Extinction on human-caused biodiversity loss and 2019 Game Changers, which is basically a tutorial on how to get jacked up without animal protein. Some news reports had established that mock-meat industry leaders financially backed the film.

Both Gardner and Psihoyos are celebrity vegans. Gardner is also the director of Stanford's Plant-Based Diet Initiative, a programme financially supported by Beyond Meat, one of Americas top plant-based meat substitute makers.

Like was the biggest complaint about Game Changers, You Are What You Eat also was guilty of cherry-picking statistics that project vegan diets to be the healthier alternative for people of all age groups and physiological make-up.

In fact, vegan diets have limitations and without supplementation can be inadequate to meet the bodys nutritional needs. Vegan diets are technically feasible, (but) the successful provision of a nutritionally complete vegan diet for a child requires substantial commitment, expert guidance, planning, resources, supervision and supplementation.

Moreover, some micronutrients have lower bioavailability from plant sources than animal sources. Besides proper fortification and supplementation, vegan children are at a risk of insufficient supply and deficiency of some critical nutrients such as protein, long chain fatty acids, cholesterol, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamin A, B12 and D. Deficiency of these nutrients could lead to various developmental and sometimes irreversible disorders, according to a study in the journal Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease 2022.

For adults, too, an unscientifically planned vegan diet can put endanger ones nutritional security. For instance, Plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is less bioavailable than the heme iron found in animal products, potentially leading to iron-deficiency anemia, according to Iron and Vegetarian Diets in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Although it lacks scientific rigour, the documentary brings attention to two important issues that can be relevant for everyone, whether they eat steak or just salad.

One, is the focus on epigentics. It is the branch of science concerned with the chemicals that tag genomes to tell it how to act, governing how the body reads our DNA sequences. Our environment, diet and lifestyle can cause epigenetic changes, which are reversible, thus changing the way our genes express themselves, without changing the DNA sequence.

Unlike the genome, the epigenome is variable by cell, tissue type, and developmental stage. These mechanisms also represent an adaptive intermediary that interprets and responds to environmental stimuli, resulting in alterations in gene expression, the authors of a review article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives noted.

While the docu-series oversimplifies the correlations, a gamut of studies have explored the link between epigenetics and disease predisposition.

Recent research in epigenomics has revealed that diet plays a crucial role in influencing these epigenetic markers, according to a review article in International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

For instance, foods rich in folate, such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, can promote DNA-methylation, a process vital for normal development and associated with reduced risk of cancer, the authors of the piece added.

Nutrients and bioactive food components can therefore reversibly alter the DNA methylation status, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling, subsequently altering gene expression and having an impact on overall health, the article noted, adding:

Moreover, For instance, at its extreme, the Dutch Famine Birth Cohort resulting from the Dutch Famine of 19441945 has been used to study the effects of starvation during pregnancy and subsequent health and developmental outcomes including, but not limited to, increased risk of type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and decreased cognitive function in later life.

Several studies on epigenetics highlighted the harmful effects of high-fat western diets. One illustrated how such a poor diet can lead to obesity and stress, subsequently affecting gastrointestinal physiology and potentially leading to chronic diseases through epigenetic changes.

Epigenetics can also influence the severity of diseases like COVID-19 in patients with chronic lung diseases, which are associated with gene expression programs favoring SARS-CoV-2 entry and severity, according to a 2021 research paper in Nature Communications.

The documentary also highlights the negative aspects of modern food production, such as the farming of salmon. Farmed salmon, often raised in crowded conditions, are prone to diseases and parasites, which can spread to wild salmon populations, posing ecological and health risks.

In India, the farming of prawns and fish faces similar issues. Intensive aquaculture practices have led to environmental degradation and disease spread to wild populations. The use of antibiotics and chemicals in these farms raises significant health concerns.

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You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment: Two truths about nutrition amid plenty of half-truths - Down To Earth Magazine

If youre considering going vegan, or if youre simply interested in the movement, here are the best Netflix shows for vegans, and about veganism.

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Just in time for Veganuary the challenge to follow a plant-based diet for the month of January Netflix has released a docuseries based on scientific research presenting the positive health benefits of a plant-based diet. Its a hard-hitting series thats already provoking much reaction and debate, yet its far from being the only small- or big-screen project to tackle the sometimes sensitive subject of veganism. Here are five shows you should watch if youre considering going vegan, or if youre simply interested in the movement.

[Hero Image Credit: Appolo Films / Nation Earth / polyband Medien GmbH]

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This is the latest documentary project to demonstrate the benefits of a plant-based diet. Recently released on Netflix, this docuseries is based on the results of a Stanford University study released last November, which compared the impact of a vegan diet versus a meat-eating diet in 22 pairs of identical twins. Landing just in time for the Veganuary challenge, Louie Psihoyos film sets out to highlight the influence of lifestyle factors, more than genetics, on health. Leading figures from the vegan world, such as star New York chef Daniel Humm, who went vegan in 2021, and the founder of the alt-meat startup Impossible Foods, feature in this project hailing the benefits of a plant-based diet.

Ten years ago, Netflix released a documentary highlighting the consequences of intensive livestock farming. Kip Andersens film uses shock and sensational tactics to expose the role of giant farms in climate disruption, species extinction and water resource depletion. With its investigative format, the film above all encourages political reflection, calling out public authorities and environmental associations alike, denouncing their lack of commitment to finding sustainable solutions.

In 2021, the French comedian Fabrice Ebou used veganism as a theme in this darkly humorous and irreverent cartoonish comedy starring the actress, Marina Fos. The comedian plays a butcher who mistakenly kills a vegan activist, then ends up selling the body as meat in a bid to conceal the murder. But the commercial success of his customer-pleasing preparation gives the butcher new ideas

Narrated by the actor Joaquin Phoenix, who makes no secret of his vegan diet especially since he has lent his support to the Veganuary challenge this documentary shocked viewers when it was released in 2005, using hidden cameras to show the real fate of farm animals. The subject covers not only the animals we eat, but also those used in the fur industry, medical research and entertainment, such as circuses. Shaun Monsons film illustrates all the consequences of animal exploitation.

In 2011, the filmmaker Marisa Miller Wolfson unveiled her documentary project following three New Yorkers, self-confessed lovers of meat and cheese, who agreed to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. The aim of the project was to show just how difficult this choice can be on a day-to-day basis, requiring perseverance and tenacity.

This story is published via AFP Relaxnews.

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5 Netflix shows that tackle the sensitive subject of veganism - Lifestyle Asia Bangkok