By Davina C.
Are you participating in Veganuary? Since the annual event, which encourages people to eat vegan for the month of January, started in 2014, each year participants have doubled, with 2020 recording 400,000 people signed up.
Set up by British entrepreneurs, Matthew Glover and animal rights campaigner, Jane Land, the challenge (and not for profit organisation of the same name) seeks to promote veganism throughout the year via the January event: Vegan, (note it differs from vegetarian) means being devoid of all animal products, so that involves not eating meat, dairy, eggs or fish or gelatine.
Due largely to the spotlight on the climate crisis in recent years, supermarkets, independent food stores and restaurants have made following Veganuary or adopting a plant-based lifestyle much easier.
A 2018 report published in the journal, Science, which showed that while meat and dairy provide just 18% of calories and 37% protein, it uses the vast majority – 83% – of farmland and produces 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions. The authors concluded that ‘avoiding meat and dairy is the single biggest way to reduce your environmental impact on the planet.’
Indeed researchers at Oxford University found that cutting meat and dairy from your diet could reduce each individual's carbon footprint from food by up to 73%.
However, if you are attempting Veganuary for the first time this month or have done so before, there are Vitamin and supplements that should be added to your daily regime, inhouse nutrition expert, Ella Owen, comments:
'A vegan and plant-based diet offers a wonderful array of whole foods- vegetables, pulses, beans, nuts, seeds and wholegrains- and if planned carefully can supply a host of phytonutrients, fibre, plant protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. However, even the most nutritiously balanced vegan diet risks a shortfall in specific nutrients. Notably, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3 and Omega 3 Fatty Acids can be lacking in a diet devoid of animal products. This is where supplementation is recommended'
Garden of Life mykind Organics range of multi and single nutrients are formulated with vegans in mind. This unique range is co-founded by actress Alicia Silverstone also known for her animal rights and environmental activism. The formulas are independently certified organic, non-GMO, gluten free, vegan and kosher. Moreover, they are made from nothing but real whole foods!
mykind Organics Vitamin B12 Spray
Vegans may find themselves deficient in B-12 since this vitamin is usually found in meat and dairy. Vitamin B12 is important for the nervous system and energy levels. Common symptoms of low levels of B12 include tiredness and low mood. It also supports a healthy immune system and normal psychological functions such as concentration. Research also refers to Vitamin B-12 as the 'memory vitamin'. mykind Organics Vitamin B12 Spray is a certified organic spray offering a more bioavailable format that reaches the bloodstream quicker, enhancing efficient utilisation by the body. Each spray supplies 500 mcg of Vitamin B12 in its natural and active form, methylcobalamin. All in a delicious organic raspberry flavour whole food formula - completely free of artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives.
Shop it: mykind Organics Vitamin B12 Spray
mykind Organics Vegan Vitamin D3 Spray
It is difficult for anyone to achieve enough Vitamin D from diet alone and those following a plant-based diet are particularly at risk. Supplementation of this nutrient between October and March is therefore officially recommended for all, and of course some individuals will benefit from supplementing all year round. Vitamin D3 contributes to the normal function of the immune system and blood calcium levels, which in turn supports the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. mykind Organics offer a certified Vegan Vitamin D3 Organic Spray in its biologically active form, delivering 1000 IU per delicious spray. Since vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin, Vegan D3 is delivered in base of organic pumpkin seed oil and organic cranberry seed oil for better absorption.
Shop it: mykind Organics Vegan Vitamin D3 Organic Spray
Ahiflower Oil Capsules & Liquid
Natural Traditions Plant-based Ahiflower Oil Omega 3-6-9 fills the nutritional gap where essential fatty acids are missing from a plant-based diet. Those on a vegan diet may find themselves deficient in Omega-3, as it is typically found in oily fish and fish oil supplementation. Ahiflower Oil (available in both liquid and capsules) is 100% Plant-Based Omega-3, delivering a 3.5 to 1 balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6. It contains GLA and demonstrates a very efficient conversion to EPA (up to 4 times greater EPA conversion than flax seed oil). Sustainably grown and fully traceable, it is an eco-conscious vegan choice without depleting marine life.
Alternatively if you don't feel ready to switch up your food regime yet, why not switch up your everyday beauty essentials to include eco-friendly Vegan items.
Shop it: Natural Traditions Plant-based Ahiflower Oil Omega 3-6-9
Balade En Provence
A waste-free organic cosmetics company from France, offering sensorial beauty bars for hair, face and body!
Shop it: Balade En Provence Range
*The claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
