Latest news with #vegans
The Independent
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Matcha could have little-known side effect that could affect your blood
Nutritionists warn that excessive consumption of matcha, a popular Japanese green tea, can contribute to iron deficiency. The polyphenols in matcha, such as catechins and tannins, bind to non-haem iron found in plant-based foods, significantly reducing its absorption in the body. Vegetarians and vegans are particularly susceptible to this risk as their diets primarily rely on non-haem iron sources like lentils, tofu, and leafy greens. To mitigate the risk of iron deficiency, it is advised to avoid drinking matcha with meals, especially for those with plant-based diets or who are already iron deficient. Iron deficiency, also known as anaemia, can lead to symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin, and is common among teenage girls, vegans, and vegetarians.
Daily Mail
28-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The signs your body is deficient in vital mineral linked to development and immune function
An overlooked vitamin might actually be one of the most important for every part of the body. Zinc is the second most abundant metal vitamin found in the body behind calcium, regulating metabolism, immune health, wound healing and cell growth. But about one in six Americans don't get enough of it through foods like meat, eggs and dairy, as well as legumes and whole grains. The body doesn't produce the mineral on its own, so food and supplements are key for getting enough. Deficiencies could lead to an increased risk of severe infections, infertility and even growth delays. It's rare to be deficient in zinc, though people with eating disorders, substance use disorders or gastrointestinal conditions, as well as vegans and vegetarians, might be at a greater risk. Additionally, older adults often consume fewer foods high in zinc, and their bodies may not absorb or utilize zinc as efficiently, increasing their risk of deficiency. Doctors warn that too much zinc can be toxic, however, leading to nausea vomiting and headaches, so it's important to discuss with a professional before considering supplement use. Slow-healing wounds One of the most common symptoms for people who are deficient in zinc, especially in older adults, is slow-healing wounds. Zinc is a control master of the immune system, especially in all stages of wound healing. It helps promote platelet activity, which is essential for blood clotting, and has been shown to lower inflammation from damaged tissue. It also plays a role in skin cell migration, replacing the outer layer of skin and rebuilding skin structure to close cuts and scrapes. Additionally, the mineral has antioxidant properties, which protects cells from damage throughout the healing process. Fast wound healing is critical because it prevents infections and other contaminants from entering through the open spaces and traveling to the bloodstream. Experts recommend using topical zinc sulfate creams on wounds to speed up the healing process. Hair loss Notice hair clumps in the shower or signs of balding? Zinc - or a lack thereof - may be to blame. One of zinc's many responsibilities includes regulating hair growth and hair follicle health by helping to produce keratin, a protein that provides the structural foundation for hair strands. This means not getting enough may disrupt the hair growth cycle, as it makes hair follicles weaker. Zinc may also regulate the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can contribute to hair loss. Over time, a zinc deficiency may cause hair thinning and shedding, eventually resulting in conditions like alopecia areata and male pattern baldness. Acne Acne and breakouts may be common among adolescents and teens in puberty, but a zinc deficiency in a person of any age may also lead to unsightly pimples. When expensive skincare products fail, it may be time to look at zinc intake. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the US, affecting about 50million Americans. One 2020 review found people with acne tend to have lower zinc levels than people without it. The researchers also found that zinc can help quell your breakouts, leaving you with fewer zits. This could be because zinc has anti-inflammatory properties; similar to how it helps with wound healing, it reduces swelling and redness in the skin. It has also been shown to fight bacteria that cause acne and regulate the production of sebum, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Additionally, people with zinc deficiencies have more eczema flare-ups, rashes, and xerosis - dry and scaly skin. These flare-ups occur because the uppermost layer of skin contains the most zinc compared to deeper skin layers. Chronic disease and infections Some evidence also suggests a lack of zinc may fuel chronic diseases. Zinc plays a role in insulin synthesis, storage and secretion, so low amounts of it could inhibit the pancreas from producing enough insulin. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, eventually causing type 2 diabetes. Zinc may also help reduce oxidative stress and strengthen the immune system by increasing the activity of T-cells and natural killer cells, key defenders that protect the body against infections. Recent research has suggested zinc supplementation may help treat common infections like pneumonia. Vision loss Even your eyes may suffer if you don't get enough zinc. Zinc aids in communication between the retinas and the brain. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of nerve tissue in the back of the eye that receives signals and sends them to the brain. Without this line of communication, patients may suffer blurry or distorted vision that can eventually lead to complete blindness. Zinc also helps vitamin A create a pigment called melanin, which protects the eye against UV radiation. Zinc levels in the eyes naturally decline with age, but there is some evidence that supplements, when used in combination with antioxidant vitamins, slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), vision decline that comes with age. Loss of taste If your favorite foods suddenly taste a little off, zinc deficiency could be the reason. Because zinc is required for cell growth and repair, a deficiency would slow the regeneration of taste buds, which naturally break down over time. Fewer taste buds overall decreases the amount of taste receptors in the mouth, which can alter taste. An enzyme called carbonic anhydrase VI, found in saliva, is also dependent on zinc, so this may also disrupt taste perception. And not getting enough zinc disrupts communication between the brain and these diminished taste receptors. Stunted growth Zinc may not get much spotlight, but without it, growth in children can stall. It is essential for healthy growth because of its influence on DNA replication and protein translation. Without enough, cells can't properly divide to make a child grow. Zinc also stabilizes the structure of zinc finger proteins, which are transcription factors that bind DNA and control which genes are turned on or off. This process is essential during bone formation, tissue growth and repair and embryonic development in the womb. A lack of it can slow down growth and development, and deficiency-related symptoms, like loss of appetite and diarrhea, can compound the problem. The mineral may also boost how well vitamin D supports bone health by helping bone cells make more DNA.
The Sun
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cadbury confirms its discontinued much-loved biscuit treat
CADBURY has discontinued its Bournville fingers in spite of rave reviews from fans. The crispy biscuits were a popular item within Cadbury's Bournville range, which features dark chocolate products. 1 But manufacturer Cadbury this week confirmed it has ended the treat, having originally launched it in October 2020 as a lockdown treat to share at home. The Fingers were praised for being less sweet than the ordinary Dairy Milk fingers, meaning you could eat more of them at any one time. One fan said on the Asda website: 'I used to enjoy the regular chocolate fingers but since I've tried these I'm a convert! They are soo delicious especially with a cup of tea, and because they aren't as sweet as the usual chocolate fingers, they are also very moreish! 'Would recommend for everyone!' Another added: 'Just delicious. I'm a plain chocolate person, so made up with these.' A third said: 'Can't believe how nice they are. Were sadly gone in minutes.' The product had been particularly popular with vegans, as it did not contain milk, but there was disappointment in 2022 after skimmed milk powder was included in the recipe. Cadbury's owner Mondelēz International said: 'We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and our business. "Our Cadbury Bournville Fingers were discontinued this year. However, we still have plenty of other delicious products for consumers to enjoy, such as our Cadbury Bournville Giant Dark Buttons and our classic Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Fingers.' It's not the first time a discontinued product has caused upset. Cadbury has also confirmed it has discontinued its Fry's Coffee Cream bars, while dark chocolate Toberlones have also gone. Meanwhile, Aldi has axed its Dairyfine Blonde chocolate bar, leaving fans upset as they struggle to find their favourite sweet treat. DISCONTINUED DARK CHOCOLATE It comes as Brits have had to wave goodbye to a number of dark chocolate bars. Toblerone axed the dark chocolate version of the bar earlier this year. Mars axed its dark chocolate Bounty in 2023, leaving customers heartbroken. At the time shoppers said the moves was "bad for their mental health". Others were quick to share their pain with one fan saying: "Noooooo. Dark chocolate Bountys beat milk chocolate Bountys hands down. And it's not only dark chocolate fans getting bruised, a number of beloved chocolate bars have vanished from shelves in recent years. Nestlé confirmed two years ago that it had axed the Caramac bar, first launched in the late 1950s, due to "low sales". But the treat has been spotted sporadically at bargain retailers since. However, it's not all bad news sometimes iconic chocolate bars make a return. Milky Way Crispy Rolls returned earlier after they were discontinued three years ago. Why are products axed or recipes changed? ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders. Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether. They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers. There are several reasons why this could be done. For example, government regulation, like the "sugar tax," forces firms to change their recipes. Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs. They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable. For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018. It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version. Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks. While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
