Delicious Vegan Pantry Delights 1
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Maple Syrup
With some 24 antioxidants, darker maple syrup is more plentiful in these free radical-busters than lighter versions, but either are no-brainers for sugar replacement. Furthermore, its zinc content is thought to help keep the heart healthy, bolster immunity, and protect endothelial cells from cholesterol. There are even believed benefits to the magic of maple syrup on male fertility – pancakes on a Sunday morning, anyone?
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A great source of fibre, cacao is thought to be beneficial to IBS sufferers and those seeking better digestive health in general. The flavonoids are thought to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of Type-II diabetes and inflammation in the body. High in potassium, it is also a worthy inclusion in any heart-healthy diet.
Avocado Oil
Almost 70% of avocado oil consists of the heart-healthy oleic acid, a monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acid. Studies have seen an increase in HDL (or “good”) cholesterol when avocado oil is taken, as well as a lowering of blood pressure. Also containing a substantial amount of lutein, an antioxidant especially beneficial for eyesight, avocado oil is certainly one oil to keep alongside olive oil and coconut oil.
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Coconut Milk
Electrolyte-rich, replete with potassium, iron, and magnesium – as well as MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) – coconut milk can be used for an almost limitless range of recipes, from summer-apt ice lollies and creamy smoothies, to rich curries and tropical-inspired porridge for those cooler days this season. Advertising Feature
Peanut Butter
The deity of vegan ingredients, the king protein go-to of any plant-based kitchen: peanut butter is not the same sugar-laden pasty creature it was only a mere decade or so ago. Containing vitamins A, E, and even C, peanuts are a rich source of unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and are as similarly cardiovascularly beneficial as olive oil. Smooth versus crunchy is a matter of personal choice, but look for unsweetened and organic every time.
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Cacao Powder
Chickpeas
If peanut butter is the king of the vegan diet, then chickpeas are its queen, and now most of us know the water chickpeas come in is useful for budding plant-based chefs everywhere, too (if you’re scratching your head, we’re talking about aquafaba). Full of protein and iron and just generally deliciously diverse – if you haven’t got a tin of chickpeas (or five) in your kitchen cupboards, are you even vegan?
Discover Clearspring’s incredible Sea Vegetables range Sea Vegetables (seaweed) are increasingly being lauded as a food for the future. Not only are they nutrient rich, vegan and delicious, they are also sustainable; they can be grown without the need for land, fresh water or fertiliser. Clearspring has offered a range of Japanese Sea Vegetables for many years including Sushi Nori, Wakame and Arame. They have recently expanded the range with the launch of a new Organic Atlantic range including Agar Flakes, Dulse, Sea Salad and Sea Spaghetti. The entire range is sustainably farmed in the Atlantic Ocean by a family producer, and comes in innovative, 100% sustainable packaging which features a home compostable inner pouch. justnaturalhealth.co.uk | Just Natural Health & Beauty
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