Pretty Plant Powered #3: Vegan and taking Vitamin D3 supplements?

Hello and welcome to Pretty Plant Powered, a fortnightly newsletter where I share must-know tips, mouth-watering recipes, and restaurant reviews that will amaze you.

This week I turned 28 and was reminded of all the wonderful people around me. I’m feeling very grateful to be healthy and alive and want to extend my thanks to everyone who has supported my Instagram over the past 3 years.

THANK YOU!

On to this week’s read…

Are you a vegan who takes Vitamin D3 supplements? You might want to sit down for this one.

A few years ago, I became obsessed with certain types of cereals with added vitamins and minerals, until I discovered they weren’t vegan.

Why? Well, it turns out that Vitamin D3, the form of Vitamin D commonly found in supplements (and also added to cereals), is not vegan.

Vitamin D3 is typically derived from lanolin, which is extracted from the wool of sheep.

This means that even if you follow a plant-based diet and avoid animal products, your Vitamin D supplement may still contain animal-derived ingredients.

But don't despair just yet. There are alternatives to Vitamin D3 that are vegan-friendly, such as Vitamin D2, which is derived from mushrooms.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether you want to consume products that contain animal-derived ingredients.

For those who want to stick to a strictly plant-based diet, it's important to be aware of where Vitamin D3 comes from and to choose vegan-friendly alternatives when possible.

Feeling anxious or depressed? The answer could lie in your gut microbiome.

Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? While these conditions are often treated with medication or therapy, recent research suggests that the answer could also lie in your gut microbiome.

It is estimated that 90-95% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract and some research has found that probiotics may help boost mood and cognitive function and lower stress and anxiety.

Studies have also found that the bacteria in our digestive system, collectively known as the gut microbiome, can play a crucial role in regulating our mental health. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, allows for communication between the two systems.

When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Luckily, one way to support a healthy gut microbiome is by taking probiotics, which are live bacteria that can help balance the microbiome and improve digestion.

While probiotics are not a cure-all for mental health issues, they can be a valuable tool in conjunction with traditional treatments. So, if you struggle with anxiety or depression, it may be worth considering adding probiotics to your daily routine to support a healthy gut and potentially improve your mental well-being.

I recently tried PrecisionBiotics’ Alflorex which contains a unique bacterial strain Bifidobacterium longum 35624. This strain has been scientifically tested and proven to reach the gut alive and thriving. It can help support your digestive health on a daily basis.

Their probiotic is suitable for vegans and free from gluten, soya, dairy, lactose, and GMOs and it contains calcium, which contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes.

I’ve noticed a positive change to my IBS symptoms whilst using these, and when eating fermented foods. I recommend trying these out and seeing if it makes a difference for you.

Restaurant Review: Grilandia

I had the pleasure of trying out one of Grilandia Wimbledon’s vegan dishes during my recent visit, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

I opted for the vegan moussaka which consisted of baked aubergine and mixed beans in a mouth-watering tomato and onion sauce, served with perfectly cooked rice and their refreshing lemon, rose water and mint drink.

The flavours were incredibly fresh and full of depth, and it was well worth the money.

The interior design, adorned with lush greenery, added to the already enchanting ambiance of the restaurant.

I was thoroughly impressed with the attentive and friendly service, and the fact that there were plenty of vegan and gluten-free options on offer.

With three other locations in London, including Notting Hill, Chiswick, and East Sheen, Grilandia is definitely worth the visit.

All in all, I would give Grilandia a glowing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review!

Recipe: Cashew Stir Fry

This Miguel Barclay recipe is one that I frequently rely on, and I love it no matter the season. This dish is bursting with flavour, and it's incredibly easy to both prepare and cook, always leaving me feeling satisfied.

Quite simply, it's delicious!

Fry garlic, onion, chilli and green pepper in sesame oil.

Add black beans (plus liquid from tin), honey (I used maple syrup), soy sauce and cashews.

I also add in extra firm tofu and serve with basmati rice.

If you try this one, enjoy and let me know what you think!

If you found this week’s newsletter insightful, please share with someone you think it would benefit.

Until next time,

Ami x

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