LANCASTER, N.Y. The owners of two local ice cream shops are expanding with a new vegan caf later this month in Lancaster.

Nick and Alexis Delcarlo are working with business partner Jonathan Kaupa to open Balanced Bite at 5476 Broadway in Lancaster, where Heather and Tim Kaufman most recently operated Flourish Caf, which also offered a plant-based menu.

The Delcarlos also own Frostys Ice Cream, which has a location a few doors down on Broadway as well as a site on George Urban in Depew near Dick Road, which both offer vegan options. As vegans for the past five or six years, the couple were disappointed to hear Flourish was closing.

You can read more on our business partner's page at Buffalo Business First.

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Owners of a Lancaster ice cream shop plan for new vegan caf - WGRZ.com

Health

By Jeanette Settembre

Published Jan. 10, 2024, 5:00 a.m. ET

Its a tale of two twins.

Twins Jevon and John Whittington are identical down to their height (56), weight and what they eat.

Then they decided to go on a polar opposite diet for science: one went vegan, the other chowed down on meat, seafood, eggs and dairy and only one came out more trim.

The 23-year-old Buffalo-based, both recent nursing school graduates, volunteered for a Stanford University experiment putting them on the opposing diets, which are featured in the new Netflix show You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment.

In total 22 pairs took part in the experiment, between May and July 2022, which asked for identical twins because their shared DNA, upbringing and usually lifestyles help cut out other genetic and environmental factors which also affect our health.

John and the 22 other vegan twins followed the vegan diet precisely: not just no meat, but no animal products including milk and eggs.

And Jevon and 22 others were put on the omnivore diet, meanwhile, including chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, dairy and other animal products.

Both diets were designed to be healthy with vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains and lacking sugar, processed food and refined starches.

It was a major change for the Whittingtons. Weve pretty much been eating the same thing our whole lives our diets growing up was a lot of rice, chicken, fish, crab legs, John told The Post. Most people couldnt tell us a part.

The pair started shredded thanks to working out since they were 12, thanks to having a pro-body builder for a dad, John Whittington Jr.

My dad gave us the gift of fit we liken our affinity for taking care of our bodies to him, Jevon told The Post.

At the beginning of the vegan diet, Johns body fat was already an admirable 11.1%, he weighed in at 137.2 pounds with 0.37 pounds, almost precisely 6oz, of visceral fat, the sort which develops around the center of the body and is regarded as being dangerous for long-term health.

Jevon, the meat-eater, had nearly identical body fat 11% at the beginning of the experiment, and weighed just over a pound more at 138.6 with 0.22 pounds of visceral fat.

Within one week, vegan John was already craving his favorites such as lemon pepper chicken wings, but says he satiated the craving with alternative meat products.

I was trying plant-based meat products like plant-based Cajun chicken and veggie burgers, he told The Post.

During the experiment the twins worked out doing cardio a few days a week, weight training and high intensity interval training.

By the end of the study, John lost 0.19 pounds of visceral fat from following the vegan diet, leaving him with just 0.03 pounds less than half an ounce around his middle.

By comparison, on the omnivore diet Jevons visceral fat dropped by one point from 0.22 pounds to 0.21 pounds meaning he lost less than half an ounce of fat.

But a diet which included meat proved to produce more muscle, with Jevon bulking up an extra 7.1 pounds of muscle after the eight weeks, compared to his brother, who gained 2.3 pounds.

Internally, the vegan diet turned out better: it led to a 20% decline in insulin levels, and a 12% drop in bad cholesterol (LDL), along with a decrease in overall body weight although the omnivore diet did not have any negative effects on health.

Whats more important than going strictly vegan is including more plant-based foods into your diet, said Christopher Gardner,Rehnborg Farquhar Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. The study was published in November in the medical journal, JAMA Network Open.

Despite the results, the twins reverted back to their meat-eating ways after the study culminated since their results werent drastically different from how they started.

We cut back on red meat and dairy, Jevon said.

But it proved to us that we can continue to eat way were eating.

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We're identical twins but one of us went vegan and it made one big health difference - New York Post

Each twin pair was divided into different dietary regimes. One sibling followed a strict vegan diet, eliminating all meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. In contrast, their twin consumed an omnivore diet, which included both plant-based foods and animal products. The findings of this study are quite significant. Over the course of eight weeks, the twins on plant-based diets showed remarkable health improvements. These supposedly included increased life expectancy, reduced visceral fat, a lower risk of heart disease, and even an enhanced sex drive. These results highlight the potential health benefits of a vegan diet, making a compelling case for considering a plant-based lifestyle.

The plant-based diet has become more and more popular over recent years. The Good Food Institute reported that, in 2021, the market for plant-based foods expanded at a rate triple that of the overall food industry. This study encompassed a variety of plant-based alternatives, including products like milk, eggs, cheese, meat, yogurt, butter, and creamers. The Harris Poll in 2016, 2019, and 2020 found that about 3% of Americans were vegan, but as of 2022, that increased to 5%.

Its no surprise that documentaries like You Are What You Eat are becoming more and more popular. But is there any truth to the claims? Is veganism really healthier for us than all other diets?

Max Lugavere, nutrition expert and author of Genius Foods, broke it down on X so people could really understand the context of this new documentary. The lead researcher behind the study is funded by Beyond Meat, he writes. Its right there in the paper. Thats a huge red flag as it is, but Lugavere was willing to give the program the benefit of the doubt until he discovered more.

The study proved there was a small decrease in LDL in the group of vegans. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a type of cholesterol often referred to as bad cholesterol. It's composed of fat and protein, transporting cholesterol to various parts of the body. High levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to heart diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, maintaining a healthy level of LDL is crucial for cardiovascular health, as elevated LDL levels significantly increase the risk of heart-related ailments. Managing LDL often involves diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.

Plant-based activists love to fixate on LDL and claim that the vegan diet significantly lowers it, but Lugavere points out that the decrease in LDL in this particular study was most likely because the vegan twins ate fewer calories and more fiber while also eating less saturated fat. You could easily achieve this with a diet that includes meat, he says.

An important factor that wasnt covered enough was the fact that there were different lifestyle factors between the twins, such as exercise habits and diet preferences. Its impossible to fully understand the context and impact of diet without also taking into account all the other lifestyle factors (even things like sleep and stress) that would affect someones overall health.

Overall, it was a short-term study (8 weeks), and the vegan diet did have drawbacks that are swept under the rug less protein, lower B12 intake, and lower dietary satisfaction, for example. We dont know how these changes would play out over the long term, Lugavere writes. We simply dont have enough information to make the broad claim that the vegan diet is best.

Viewers are also told that the beef and cattle industry is inherently evil and burning down the whole Amazon rainforest, all farmers are abusive to both the animals and land, and the fish you eat are parasitic and diseased. Of course, there may be some truth to these, but to claim that this is true across the board is obviously false. It may all seem harmless, but there are many women who are falling for the lies of veganism and its harming their health and fertility.

Miley Cyrus, a well-known animal enthusiast, has rescued numerous dogs and cares for a variety of animals at her properties in Nashville and Calabasas. A staunch advocate for animal rights, Miley has long been vocal about the ethical and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. However, in a striking revelation during a 2020 interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, Miley announced that she had abandoned her vegan diet due to health concerns, particularly regarding her brain function.

Miley, who was 27 at the time, explained that despite being vegan from 2013 to 2019, she had to reintroduce fish and omega-3 fatty acids into her diet. My brain wasnt functioning properly, she confessed, indicating that the decision to alter her diet was not taken lightly. She acknowledged experiencing signs of malnutrition and felt that she was "running on empty," despite taking supplements and consuming protein shakes. Joe Rogan joked that Miley's departure from veganism might attract criticism from vegan activists. Miley responded with acceptance, indicating that her health was her priority over adhering to a diet that was not meeting her nutritional needs.

Miley's situation is not unique, as vegan diets can sometimes lead to various nutritional deficiencies. These can include low levels of vitamin B12, iron, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. By reintroducing fish and meat into her diet, Miley reported feeling sharper and more nourished.

Key nutrients that are often lacking in a vegan diet include zinc, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine.

A recent caution from fertility experts also suggests that a vegan diet might pose challenges for women attempting to conceive. Grace Dugdale, a reproductive biologist, acknowledges the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes. However, she warns that the growing trend of veganism might lead to nutrient deficiencies detrimental to women's fertility. Key nutrients that are often lacking in a vegan diet include zinc, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine. These nutrients are crucial for reproductive health and are typically found in meat, oily fish, dairy, and white fish.

Dugdale, who advises infertile couples on nutrition, spoke at the Fertility Show in London, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition for conceiving. She understands the ethical and environmental motivations behind veganism but suggests that women with depleted nutrient levels might benefit from reintroducing a small amount of meat and fish into their diets. This advice is based on the fact that vegan diets, if not properly supplemented, can lead to low levels of vital nutrients necessary for the development of the baby.

Plant-based milks often lack iodine, a nutrient readily available in cow's milk. Similarly, while leafy green vegetables are a source of iron, the iron from these plants is not as easily absorbed by the body as the iron found in meat. Additionally, zinc and omega 3, both found in meat, are known to enhance men's sperm count and motility.

Rehan Salim, a consultant in gynecology and reproductive medicine at Imperial College Healthcare, also spoke at the Fertility Show. He advised women, especially those considering freezing their eggs, on the importance of protein in their diet, recommending the consumption of both meat and vegetables. Both Dugdale and Salim stress that men also require a balanced diet rich in these nutrients for the production of good quality sperm. Dugdale, along with Professor Adam Balen, has authored The Fertility Book, a guide to achieving a healthy pregnancy, which underscores the significance of proper nutrition in fertility for both men and women.

If someone insists on going vegan for ethical reasons, thats one thing, but its quite another to claim that the diet is healthier for everyone and will lead to better physical outcomes for us all. While there are certainly some people who do just fine on a vegan diet (at least temporarily), we have to figure out from an honest perspective whats best for ourselves, and that will rarely include an extreme elimination diet like veganism.

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The Latest Vegan Propaganda Just Dropped: You Are What You EatHere's What They Got Wrong - Evie Magazine

From Kraft to Goodles, the 9 Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Brands  Green Queen Media

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From Kraft to Goodles, the 9 Best Vegan Mac and Cheese Brands - Green Queen Media

In the grocery store you can find many vegan milk options, the dairy section is now full of as many plant-based products as cow milk.

Unsure about these new "milks"? They are simply alternatives to traditional cow's milk and come from sources like almonds and rice. Each has its own set of pros and cons.

Choosing vegan milk is common among vegans, lactose-intolerant individuals, or those allergic to dairy.

Many people also choose to avoid animal products for ethical or environmental purposes.

When weighed against cow's milk, almond milk has more unsaturated fat and less saturated fat. The healthy fats in almond milk may help with weight loss as well as maintenance. Almond milk may not be suitable for everyone, particularly small children, due to its small calorie and protein content.

Not everyone's on a diet! If you're aiming to pile on calories, choose wisely. Go for healthy protein options. Many brands infuse almond milk with calcium, all to mimic cow's milk nutritionally.

Cashew milk has a somewhat nutty flavor and can be used in cooking and baking. The fat in this product is primarily unsaturated fat, making it an excellent alternative for people with high cholesterol or who need to limit their fat intake.

Each cup of cashew milk contains only about two grams of carbs. It is appropriate to use in espresso and lends a lovely thickness to a latte.

Oat milk has recently seen a boom in popularity, as it checks several boxes in terms of sustainability. Because it is adaptable and frequently gluten-free, it may be good for people with Coeliac disease.

They have more fiber, especially soluble fiber known as beta-glucans, that may help decrease cholesterol. However, oat milk does still possess some disadvantages, so consult your doctor before any dietary changes are advised.

Soy milk, filled with protein and less fat, is the top dairy milk alternative out there. It's got isoflavones, similar to female hormones, which may cut cholesterol, ease menopausal woes, and boost bone strength.

Hence, choosing soy milk as your vegan milk option can prove to be a smart choice.

Rice milk is considered to offer numerous health advantages due to its naturally occurring antioxidants, as well as being thought to enhance metabolism. It's a terrific, dairy-free alternative to cow's milk.

Because the flavor of non-sweetened rice milk isn't particularly appealing to a lot of individuals, manufacturers frequently sweeten it to more closely resemble typical cow's milk.

Coconut milk is made from brown coconut flesh and water. The diluted milk made from coconuts for drinking, as opposed to the concentrated variety sold in cans that are used for cooking, has a creamy consistency with a mildly sweet coconut flavor.

Although coconut milk lacks nutritional value, it does make an excellent substitute in hot chocolates, drinks with few calories that require milk, and as a tropical touch in granola, cereal, and smoothies.

Macadamia nut milk includes more good monounsaturated fats, which are thought to reduce inflammation throughout the body, lower harmful cholesterol levels, and improve cell function.

In other words, they're high in healthy fat and low in dangerous trans fats. Because macadamia milk contains more fat and less sugar than almond milk, it is a superior choice for Keto as well as Paleo diet enthusiasts.

One cup of pea milk contains eight grams of protein and is nut-free for individuals who are allergic to soy as well as other nut-based milk. It has a mild, toasted flavor and is thicker compared to other milk replacements.

Pea milk is one of the most similar plant-based substitutes for cow's milk.

While cow's milk is high in protein and calcium, vegan milk can be high in these nutrients as well, based on the kind of plant used.

Vegan milk is frequently lower in fat and calorie content than cow's milk, which makes it a popular choice for dieters.

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8 Fantastic vegan milk options and their benefits - Sportskeeda

Veganuary 2024: Celebrities Share Why They Went Vegan  Slurrp

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Veganuary 2024: Celebrities Share Why They Went Vegan - Slurrp

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

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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Image credits: preraphaelitequeen

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Image credits: preraphaelitequeen

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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Image credits: Clem Onojeghuo (not the actual photo)

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