It’s only a few more sleeps until Christmas! Like us, you have probably been very busy this week with last-minute Christmas preparations. If so, our weekly news bulletin will provide you with the top vegan news stories from around the web in quick, bite-sized chunks…

Study finds going vegan may prevent cognitive disabilities in old age

A recent study has reiterated how switching to a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in old age. The study was conducted by the University of Barcelona and the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES).

Lead author of the study, Cristina Andres-Lacueva, has stated: “A higher intake of fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods provides polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline due to ageing,”

The study has revealed that various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, can potentially be avoided by a healthy change in diet and lifestyle, including a diet rich in plant-based foods.

The study was conducted over 12 years and involved more than 800 people over the age of 65. The research was published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research journal.

Lewis hamilton

Vegan celeb Lewis Hamilton to receive knighthood

Vegan Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is receiving a knighthood this week for services to motorsports. He was named on the Queen’s New Year Honors list in December last year and is the fourth F1 driver ever to receive a knighthood.

Lewis has been vegan since 2017 and regularly uses his substantial social media platform to discuss the ethics around animal exploitation and cruelty and to encourage his followers to go plant-based.

* Image by Jen_Ross83 on Wikimedia Commons 

 

Former Hollyoaks stars launch vegan donut store in the UK

Two former Hollyoaks stars are together launching a vegan donut store in Chester, UK. Married couple Emmett Scanlan and Claire Cooper have gone into partnership with local baker Stephanie Reid to launch the vegan-friendly business.

They have been selling donuts online since April, but customers can now purchase delicious, homemade and completely plant-based treats fresh in-store. According to Claire Cooper, her and her husband have always dreamed of opening a drop-in shop. They have already won an award from PETA for ‘Best Vegan Donuts’ for The Doughnut Whisperer.

Scanlan played Brendan Brady in the soap but is just as famous for his role in Peaky Blinders, while his wife is well-known for her role as Jacqui McQueen in Hollyoaks.

Cardi B tells 20 million Twitter followers she wants to go vegan

US rapper and songwriter Cardi B has expressed interest in switching to a vegan diet. Following health concerns, she reached out to her 20 million followers on Twitter to ask about going vegan and query the taste of vegan meat replacement products.

The tweet read: “I want to go vegan, but I love meat.. are vegan meat replacements similar to meat in taste or not really?”

To this, she received thousands of responses which amounted to a mixed reaction. She received tons of messages of support, including some from famous vegan names, including Beyond Meat. PETA and Veganuary. She received plenty of advice and offers of freebies to help her get started. However, some respondents expressed a more negative opinion of veganism, suggesting that being vegan isn’t a healthy option.

In truth, you can get all the nutrients you need on a vegan diet and even improve your health. We wish Cardi the best of luck if she decides to give veganism a go, along with all those who have signed up for Veganuary 2022.

Survey reveals a third of Brits want to go plant-based in 2022!

A survey commissioned by vegan dairy brand Nurishh has revealed a third of Brits want to go plant-based in 2022. The survey included 2,000 British adults and looked at attitudes towards going plant-based.

The biggest reason cited for wanting to go plant-based was saving the planet. 53% of those surveyed believe that a plant-based diet is a healthier option. 43% agreed that eating meat is unnecessary, while 30% want to try something new. Interestingly, almost a quarter of participants think that going vegan would boost their online following.

Participants cited cost, taste and missing their favourite dishes as the main obstacles to going vegan. 38% are not optimistic about their ability to stick it out, instead believing they will fail in the first two weeks.

The results of this survey provide yet more evidence that veganism, as a movement, is growing at a phenomenal pace. We look forward to welcoming many more vegans into our community in 2022!

 

That brings an end to this weeks’ news. We hope you have a fabulous week in the run up to Christmas!