Are you curious about the vegan lifestyle, or maybe you're already riding the vegan wave?
Well, here at Bunchi, your favourite spot for delicious vegan eats in Wolverhampton, we have complied a list of some of the most mind-blowing facts for you! We're diving into the world of veganism - and trust us, it's not just about munching on veggies. From surprising snacks to environmental heroes, let's uncover the cool, the quirky, and everything in-between about being vegan. And hey, don't forget to check out our delicious vegan menu after you've fed your brain with these facts!
14 Fascinating Vegan Facts:
1. The Birth of 'Vegan
In 1944, Donald Watson, founder of The Vegan Society, created the term 'vegan' – pretty creative, right? But, evidence of people avoiding animal products within their diet has actually been traced back as long as 2,000 years ago! Proving that Vegan diets aren't anything new! Read more about the history of Veganism here.
2. Cookie Surprise!
You may not know that the nations favourite cream filled biscuits, Oreos, are in fact vegan! Many varieties of Oreos don’t actually contain any animal products. Yes, you heard that right! However, we do recommend carefully reading the ingredients list to ensure the biscuits are suitable for your diet as 'traces' may occur. You can view a whole list of the vegan varieties of Oreos on the Vegan Society website, which lets you search foods from A-Z to discover which popular foods are vegan.
3. Planet-Friendly Eating
Researchers at Oxford University have discovered that choosing a vegan diet can slash your environmental footprint by an amazing 73% - that's huge! According to their study a vegan diet is “the single biggest measure” an individual can take to reduce their environmental impact. So even if you don’t go completely vegan, reducing your meat and dairy consumption will have a big impact on your personal footprint, which is another great reason to dine with us here at Bunchi!
4. Protein Power
The common belief that vegans struggle to obtain sufficient protein from a plant-only diet is a widespread myth that has been thoroughly disproven. Plant-based foods can be rich in protein, sometimes offering more protein per calorie compared to meat. Excellent vegan protein sources include lentils, various beans, peas, nuts, mushrooms, broccoli, and soya-based products, not to mention pasta. Similarly, for calcium, vegans don't rely on cheese or dairy products. Instead, they find abundant calcium in foods like pulses, green leafy vegetables, soya-based products, and a variety of plant-based milks, including oat, almond, and hazelnut varieties. This diversity in plant-based nutrition ensures that vegans can maintain a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Luckily our menu here at Bunchi is rich in a vast variety of all the essential nutrients required in a vegan diet!
5. Booze Alert!
While it's true that wine, beer, and vodka are primarily made from plant-based ingredients like grapes, wheat, and potatoes, this does not automatically make them vegan-friendly. The reason lies in the filtration process used in their production. Often, this involves animal-derived substances such as isinglass (extracted from fish bladders), gelatine, egg whites, or milk protein, which are traditional clarifying agents. However, this isn't a universal practice, and many alcoholic beverages are indeed vegan. The key for those adhering to a vegan diet is to check the labels or consult with the manufacturers to ensure that the drinks are free from animal-based products in their filtration process.
6. Burn Baby, Burn!
Its a well known fact that a fast metabolism is a healthy quality and can also help aid weight loss. Vegan diets might get your metabolism racing up to 16% faster than meat-eaters after meals.
7. Cholesterol Crusher!
High cholesterol is a significant health concern because it can lead to serious cardiovascular problems. Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in your blood, is necessary for building healthy cells. However, when its levels are too high, particularly the "bad" cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), it can start to build up in the walls of your arteries. This buildup, called plaque, can make the arteries hard and narrow, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
A vegan diet can be beneficial in managing and potentially lowering cholesterol levels. By focusing on plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, can reduce LDL cholesterol and increase "good" cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which helps transport cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body.
8. Young Vegans on the Rise!
In the UK, veganism is super popular among women aged 18-34 – they’re leading the green revolution! In fact one in eight Britons aged 18 to 24 who aren't vegans (12%) say they'll attempt a vegan lifestyle for a month compared to just 1-4% of the older age groups.
9. Genetic Transformation!
A study conducted by Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn revealed that adopting a vegan diet can have significant effects on gene expression. Within just three months of following a vegan diet, more than 500 genes underwent changes. Specifically, genes associated with disease prevention were activated, while those linked to various illnesses like breast cancer, heart disease, and prostate cancer were deactivated. This demonstrates the profound impact diet can have on our genetic activity, particularly regarding disease prevention and potentially enhancing overall health.
10. Future Forecast!
By 2025, 25% of the UK population could be enjoying the vegan life! This prediction reflects the growing trend towards plant-based diets due to increasing awareness of health, environmental concerns, and animal welfare issues. The shift suggests significant changes in consumer preferences and potential transformations within food industries.
11. Meat Producers Joining In!
Around 80% of top meat producers are now cooking up some vegan options. Recognising the rising demand for vegan products, many traditional meat producers are diversifying their offerings to include plant-based alternatives. This transition addresses changing consumer habits and sustainability concerns, indicating significant potential growth within the vegan market. If you take a well known meat sausage based company such as Richmond, you may not be surprised to hear that they now offer meat-free plant based sausages too!
12. Vegan Products Galore!
The UK is rocking the world with its vegan product launches. In recent years Veganuary reports showed that at least 1,610 new vegan products and menu options were launched globally during January, marking the largest number yet. This reflects the growing global trend towards plant-based diets
13. Bookworms Unite!
As of the most recent data available, Waterstones, a major UK book retailer, has over 10,000 books with the word 'vegan' in their title for sale. This is a significant increase from August 2018, when they had around 994 vegan-related books. This growth in the number of vegan books reflects the rising interest and demand for vegan-related information, covering topics from recipes and diet tips to environmental impacts and ethical considerations of veganism
14. Celebrity Vegan Vibes!
Here are some celebrities who you may not know are famously vegan!
Natalie Portman: An actor who has been vegan since 2011 and is passionate about animal rights.
Bella Ramsey: Known for their roles in "Game of Thrones" and "The Last of Us," Ramsey follows a vegan diet for animal welfare and environmental reasons.
Lizzo: The singer went vegan in 2020 and regularly shares vegan recipes on social media.
Lewis Hamilton: The Formula One champion adopted a vegan lifestyle for health and energy benefits.
Venus Williams: The tennis star adopted a plant-based diet to manage an autoimmune disease.
Romesh Ranganathan: A British comedian who believes veganism aligns with his analytical approach to life and comedy.
So, there you have it – 14 incredible facts about veganism that show it's not just good for you but fun and fascinating too! Whether you’re already living the vegan life or just veggie-curious, remember that embracing veganism is not only cool but also kind to our planet and your health. And whenever you're craving something delicious and totally vegan, remember Bunchi in Wolverhampton is your go-to spot – because who says being eco-conscious can’t be tasty? Check us out here and join the delicious revolution today!
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