Tag: Plant based sources

The body cannot produce alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that must come from the diet, according to the National Institutes of Health. A good source of linolenic acid is found in various plant-based foods, especially seeds, nuts, and certain oils.

Globally, iron deficiency affects over 30% of the population, with plant-based diets representing a major source of non-heme iron. While this iron is harder to absorb than the heme iron from meat, plants are a viable source if consumed strategically.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin D is found naturally in only a handful of foods, such as fatty fish and egg yolks. This brings to question whether other health foods, like almonds, are a significant source of this crucial nutrient, and if relying on them to boost your intake is a viable strategy.

According to the American Heart Association, we should all be eating at least two servings of fatty fish per week to ensure adequate omega-3 intake. But where do you find essential fatty acids if you don't eat fish or need other sources? These vital nutrients are available from a wide variety of both marine and plant-based foods, and understanding the differences between them can help you optimize your diet.

According to nutrition surveys, daily average vitamin C intakes from food sources are often well above recommended levels, even for those on plant-based diets. Vegans can get vitamin C with careful meal planning, as a vast array of common fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of this essential nutrient.

Despite a common misconception, standard nutritional data shows that many common varieties of edible seaweed contain virtually no vitamin D. This article explores the nuanced question of how much vitamin D is in seaweed and whether it's a dependable source.

According to extensive research, adopting a plant-based diet is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases and increased longevity. These health benefits are tied to the six nutrient classes that can be found in plant based foods, and understanding them is key to a nourishing lifestyle.

Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation, but unlike most other vitamins, it is not produced by plants. For those following a plant-based diet, this raises a critical question: can you get B12 from non-animal sources?

Lactose, the sugar found in milk, is a disaccharide made up of glucose and galactose. Understanding where you get galactose from is important for those managing certain health conditions or simply curious about their diet's composition. This simple sugar is naturally present in a variety of foods and is even synthesized within the human body for essential biological processes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, adults aged 19-50 require 1,000 mg of calcium per day, and this doesn't have to come exclusively from dairy. Do you need dairy for calcium? The answer for many is a resounding 'no,' and understanding the facts is key to a balanced diet.