Bohemia, N.Y. (PRWEB) January 10, 2013
On January 10, Quorn U.S., purveyor of meatless meals, comments on various ways that vegetarians can get enough nutrients as the healthy food movement continues to pick up steam.
According to an article published by UT San Diego, the rise in popularity of vegetarianism and other restrictive dietary regimes has left many wondering how to pack enough nutrition into a meatless or low-meat diet. The article points out that, despite the difficulties, “[it] has been proven that diet influences athletic performance and a vegetarian diet is able to supply all of the energy and nutrients that athletes need to successfully complete their next workout or competition.”
But the vegetarian approach isn’t merely adequate, says the article. It brings many health benefits along with it: “Vegetarian diets are linked to various health benefits including decreased incidence of heart disease, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, lower rates of type 2 diabetes and lower body mass index. These benefits are a result of increased consumption of whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts and beans and their associated beneficial nutrients – fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (compounds in plants).”
However, the article acknowledges that vegetarians, especially athlete vegetarians, require a little extra planning to meet their nutritional goals: “Careful attention needs to be given to several different nutrients, such as protein, iron, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.” Offering various tips for how to include these essential nutrients in a vegetarian diet, the article says diversity is the key.
Getting enough iron, in particular, can be tricky, since “plant foods contain a form of iron called non-heme iron that is not as well absorbed as the heme iron found in animal foods." As a result, vegetarians must take extra care to emphasize iron-rich components in their diets. The article recommends whole grains, leafy green vegetables, "pistachios, cashews, chickpeas, dried apricots, sesame seeds and tahini." You can buttress the impact of these foods with foods containing Vitamin C, says the article, since it helps to boost iron absorption.
David Wilson, a representative of Quorn Foods Inc., responds to the article by stating, “Vegetarianism, done right, is not only great for human health but is also a better dietary approach for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.” Wilson continues, “It’s never been easier for people to commit to eating and living better. Reducing meat intake, the smart way, is a great starting point. Quorn’s unique great tasting meals can make the transition easier because you can still prepare all your favorite meat-based recipes. Quorn foods go a long way toward filling the meat niche in your diet, being high in protein and dietary fiber, but low in sodium and saturated fats.”
Quorn Foods launched nationally in the US in 2002. Unlike other vegetarian food companies, Quorn foods use mycoprotein: a naturally occurring, healthy form of protein that replicates the taste and texture of meat while being significantly lower in saturated fats and calories. Quorn Foods offer a wide range of products including ready to serve meals, food for your barbecue, breaded meat substitutes, snacks and components to make your own meals from scratch. The wonderful taste of Quorn meatless meals provides the taste of the foods you love without sacrificing nutrition.