{"id":7553,"date":"2021-03-03T10:05:37","date_gmt":"2021-03-03T10:05:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.food-blog.co.za\/durban\/?p=7553"},"modified":"2021-03-10T12:43:06","modified_gmt":"2021-03-10T12:43:06","slug":"power-up-and-yes-were-talking-plants-samfa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.food-blog.co.za\/durban\/power-up-and-yes-were-talking-plants-samfa\/","title":{"rendered":"Power up! And yes we\u2019re talking plants\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is so much power in the plant kingdom for health and healing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

And from vibrant fruits and vegetables, irresistible nuts and grains, to wonderfully delicious and umami-rich mushrooms, it\u2019s all really good eating!<\/p>\n

Sunday March 7, 2021, is International Plant Power Day, which serves to encourage all of us to champion plant-based foods, especially fungi, in our daily meals.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That does not mean you have to turn vegan or vegetarian for a lifetime, or even a day.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

Setting the record straight, Kathy McManus, who is the Director of the Department of Nutrition and Director of the Dietetic Internship at the Brigham and Women\u2019s Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School in Boston USA, explains that:<\/p>\n

Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. It doesn\u2019t mean that you never eat meat or dairy. Rather, you are proportionately choosing more of your foods from plant sources.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But why choose grilled mushrooms over a beef burger, you may ask, even if it\u2019s only occasionally?<\/span><\/p>\n

Well the health benefits of eating mushrooms and other plants are scientifically proven and well documented.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Permanente Journal<\/em>, which aims to advance knowledge in scientific research, clinical medicine and innovative health care delivery, in a recent nutritional update wrote: \u201cResearch shows that plant-based diets are cost-effective, low-risk interventions that may lower body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They may also reduce the number of medications needed to treat chronic diseases.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t want to forgo animal products, mushrooms really are an amazing companion food to meat or an excellent meat-substitute due to their meaty texture and adaptable taste profile. They are also easy to find and prepare, making mealtimes a cinch.<\/p>\n