New research from the United States based Physicians committee for Responsible Medicine has shown that by eating a #plant-based diet we can help prevent #asthma as well as manage symptoms. Asthma is a common, chronic #respiratory condition that is characterised by the inflammation of the airways, causing #breathing difficulties. The evidence produced by the research found that whilst #fruits, #vegetables, #grains and other high #fibre foods can benefit asthma sufferers, #dairy products and other foods, high in saturated fats could be harmful.

This time of year sees many people looking to change their diets and adopt a ‘healthier lifestyle’, for some that can mean looking for alternatives to meat. As a result, there is growing interest and development in the creation of meat style alternatives.  Currently only 4% of the UK population are #vegan or #vegetarian, however 70% of buyers of #plant-based meat alternatives are meat-eaters, proving just how mainstream the products have become. People are choosing plant-based diets for a variety of reasons, including concern for the treatment of animals, health reasons, environmental concerns or taste, and if they are well planned, they can support healthy living throughout life. For those reaching for meat alternatives for their perceived health benefits, worrying news has been published by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics regarding the #salt content of many of the products.

One of the greatest challenges for nutritional therapists is finding ways in which to help and encourage people to change their behaviours. The science behind a healthy lifestyle is clearly not enough, if it were as simple as making people aware of facts the current obesity crisis would be simple to solve. World Resources Institute’s Better Buying Lab have written an in depth article into how language and descriptors have been successfully used to motivate people to try a more plant based diet, much of what they have highlighted can be harnessed and used to aid us in nutritional therapy clinics.