Plant power ethical protein that packs a punch

Those of us following a meat-free diet, whether for ethical or health reasons, will be no stranger to the idea that it’s diffi cult to ‘get enough’ protein. However, here’s some nutrient packed options with high levels of protein, all from plant sources

First of all let’s look at how much protein we actually need. The World Health Organization recommends the amount of protein we need to eat in order to maintain health is 0.75g per kg of bodyweight per day for both sexes1. Therefore an individual weighing 63.5kg (10st) would require 47.6g of dietary protein per day.

Our dietary protein intake needs to increase as we get older. In those that exercise regularly, protein requirements are also higher.

It’s worth mentioning that while animal proteins are considered ‘complete’ proteins, as they contain the full requirement of amino acids that the body needs to function properly, consuming plant-based ‘incomplete’ proteins can also provide the body with this full list of amino acids – it just requires a little more knowledge about what you are eating (beans on toast, for example, is a complete protein meal).

Also, the plus side to eating a plant-based diet is that you get the benefi t of all those extra vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols from consuming a wider variety of delicious plantbased foods! Best plant sources of protein 1. Tempeh 19g / 100g

Made from fermented soya beans, tempeh is vegan and highly nutritious. It’s low in carbohydrate, approx 5g per 100g, and on average has 6g of healthy fats per 100g, and packs a further punch with high levels of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc for the immune system. Tempeh also contains prebiotics, which may help promote digestive health and reduce infl ammation and even improve cognitive function. 2. Tofu 8g / 100g

Tofu (bean curd) is made by curdling fresh soya milk, and pressing it into a block – in a similar fashion to how traditional dairy cheese is made. Although not as high in protein as other foods listed here, it does contain all nine essential amino acids, along with iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, vitamin B1 and the minerals manganese and phosphorous (trace minerals needed for the healthy function of the brain, nervous system and enzyme systems), and has numerous reported health benefi ts. In the spotlight Natural Spa Supplies

Make ‘spring-like’ water in your home using these time tested amphorae and provide health giving, delicious water for your family, pets and plants. Help make the nation plasticfree by making this simple eco swap now. Find out more at naturalspasupplies.co.uk/ amphora 3. Peanuts 26g / 100g

Peanuts are delicious, proteinrich, full of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Although unrelated to tree nuts, peanuts are actually a legume, and related to beans, lentils, and soy and therefore share similar characteristics. They are good sources of amino acids and essential B vitamins, copper, manganese, vitamin E, phosphorus, and magnesium. Studies have linked them to weight loss and improved heart health. 4. Hemp seeds 25g / 100g

Hemp seeds are the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (yes, that one), and are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and are a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron and zinc. They are exceptionally high in omega-6, omega-3 and fatty acid gamma-Linolenic (GLA), which is linked to numerous health benefi ts and can also be found in the oils of evening primrose, blackcurrant seed, and borage seed. by Barnaby Dracup

Throw away your guilt, not your PPE

It’s not your fault that tonnes of disposable PPE are incinerated or sent to landfi lls every day

PPE waste leads to microplastics bleeding into the environment and toxic fumes unnecessarily polluting the atmosphere. All of this can be avoided.

At EcoTextura, they are accelerating the transition from the current linear model of ‘use and dispose’ PPE, to a circular alternative. They want to create the ‘ultimatePPE’, which both eliminates the environmental damage of its production and disposal, and is inclusively designed so that it suits all abilities of diff erent members of society.

Just like their Clear Panoramic medical face masks that enable a clear view of the mouth while keeping you protected. This PPE would allow more eff ective communication for deaf and hard of hearing individuals and those with learning diffi culties, as well as allowing better understanding for those speaking diff erent languages.

EcoTextura use ecofriendly and waste-reducing manufacturing techniques on their current PPE products and are developing medicalgrade PPE that is non-plastic and can be recycled or industrially composted after use – so less PPE ends up in landfi lls, incinerators and the environment.

No more harmful, polluting PPE, and no more burden on you. Explore their range of inclusive, Clear Panoramic medical masks used by the NHS, reusable masks made from recycled yarn or fabric off cuts, compostable disposable masks and their range of surgical gowns and fasterbiodegrading gloves.

The environmentallyconscious and inclusive solution to medical PPE.

Find out more

Follow EcoTextura’s journey at ecotextura. com or @ecotextura, with code CHECKLIST10 for a discount until 30 November.

Sustainable soap made in the Sussex countryside

Relax, indulge, and cleanse with The English Soap Company, the UK’s home of sustainable products

For over 20 years, The English Soap Company have been perfecting the art of soap making. Beautifully packaged in recyclable illustrated paper wraps, each soap bar is a plastic-free alternative enriched with shea butter and bursting with fi ne fragrance.

All their fragrances are made in England by expert perfumers and off er a wide range of scents from fruity to fl oral, woody to citrus. These fragrant fancies make a perfect gift or stocking fi ller for those eco-conscious friends and family.

At their farm site, nestled just outside Waldron, East Sussex, their family-run business is committed to making cruelty-free, quality products focused on sustainability. They are proud to produce soap bars and toiletries in partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew that go towards supporting their vital environmental research and conservation work.

In addition to plastic-free soaps, they produce products packaged in recyclable aluminum tubes and PCR recycled plastic bottles. They have won Sustainable / Ethical Manufacturer of the Year 2020 Insider – Made in the Southeast Award and have been shortlisted for Best Rural Innovation Award 2021 The Rural Business Awards – East Region – Finalist.

Find out more

Explore their range at theenglishsoapcompany. com. Enter the coupon code SOAP21 at online checkout and enjoy 20% off your fi rst order.