Vegan Cheeses: 3 Good Reasons to Adopt Them
Are you familiar with vegan cheeses? Much more than an imitation of traditional cheeses, these cheeses are 100% vegan, which means they are plant based, and surprisingly delicious!
Not only are vegan cheeses perfect for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan, they are more and more popular with foodies and families who love to try new culinary experiences. Their absolutely exquisite taste can fool even the most hardened skeptics – you can bet on it! Here are 3 good reasons to pick some up the next time you go grocery shopping.
1. Concern for the Wellbeing of Animals
The pre-eminent ethical choice, vegan cheese consumption has been on the rise for some time now. It’s easy enough to endeavor to eat less meat, or even none at all, but many vegans admit that it’s much more difficult to forego the great taste of cheese. Luckily, vegan cheeses have come to the rescue!
Containing no animal products, vegan cheeses are a perfect option for those wish to respect the rights of animals. A Statistics Canada study reveals that there has been a decrease in annual milk consumption per capita in recent years. The exploitation of animals and the presence of antibiotics and hormones in dairy products are certainly factors that partially explain the market growth of alternative, non-dairy milk products, like almond or soy milk.
Completely free of animal products, vegan cheeses are a great way to support the wellbeing of animals without having to renounce cheese in your diet. In fact, there is a wide enough variety of vegan cheeses to please every taste: cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, feta, cream cheese and other spreadable cheeses, as well as a host of other types!
2. Lowered Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
It’s a well-known fact that a healthy diet is key to preventing cardiovascular disease. Foods that are high in saturated fat can certainly increase cholesterol levels and, ultimately, the risk of heart disease. But in addition to meat, did you know that dairy products like whole milk, fatty cheeses, and butter (even light butter) are among the foods that are highest in cholesterol?
Unlike traditional cheeses, vegan cheeses contain no cholesterol. They are an excellent option if you want to appreciate the great taste of cheese without causing your cholesterol levels to rise!
And even better, plant-based cheeses are known for their high content of phytosterols (or plant sterols). These plant lipids, which are structurally very similar to the cholesterol found in animal products, play an essential role in decreasing levels of bad cholesterol in the human body. Vegan cheeses are definitely the winning choice for satiety, cholesterol, and your tastebuds!
3. Taste and Nutrition
Containing oilseed and plant milk, vegan cheeses are rich in minerals (magnesium) and antioxidants, and they possess anti-inflammatory properties, all of which protect against damage caused by free radicals.
Vegan cheese are also very good for intestinal flora and digestion. They are a great alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or vegan and who want to enjoy the taste of fine cheeses, like camembert. It can’t be denied: vegan cheeses do not disappoint!
