Leading a plant-based life is becoming increasingly more popular in the UK. The Vegan Society states that there are currently 542,000 people in the UK who identify themselves as a vegan. Being on a Plant-based diet comes with many benefits from mental wellbeing (because you’re not hurting a living being) to nourishing your body. Studies have shown that Vegan are less prone to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular mortality and showed a reduced risk of cancer. However, if you are switching your diet to plant-based one then you’ll need to ensure you’re still gaining all the nutrients you need. I am not saying it’s hard to get all the nutrients you need, but I am saying you’ll just need to start eating things you rarely eat or things you wouldn’t normally incorporate into your diet.
Nuts are jam-packed full of nutritional benefits, and adding them to your vegan diet is a great start in having a well-balanced diet. It’s important that you eat a variety of nuts as each nut has its own benefits. However, all nuts are loaded with energy, complex carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index (low in carbohydrates), fibre, essential fatty acids and protein. Did you know 50g pistachios contain more protein than a chicken’s egg?! I know right, it’s crazy. So, you’re best to munch on a few pistachios in-between lunch and dinner instead of having an egg salad for lunch.
That’s not it, nut’s like pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts and brazil nuts are a source of calcium. They’re also a source of iron; however, you will have to eat Vitamin C rich foods help your body absorb the iron.
As you can see nuts can benefit you in many ways especially if you’re on a plant-based diet. Snacking and sneaking nuts into your diet will give you an array of different nutritional benefits that can help keep you happy and healthy.
Got any great vegan recipes that feature pistachios in them? Use our hashtag #nutsaboutborna because we want to see your creation!
Emma Langston, Content Writer at Borna Foods