Clinical Trial: No Difference in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Between Plant-Based and Low-Fat Omnivorous Soul Food Diets

A new randomized clinical trial examining weight loss and cardiovascular disease risk factors among African American adults found that “there were no differences between the groups, and the magnitude of changes overall was small.”

As noted by the study, “more African American individuals die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) than any other chronic disease condition.” Despite this disparity, “African American individuals are underrepresented in nutrition and CVD interventions.”

With that in mind, researchers set out o “compare the effects of an entirely plant-based (vegan) or low-fat omnivorous (omni) diet on change in body weight and lipids during a 2-year intervention.”
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AMC Theatres Begins Carrying Plant-Based Patty Melts, Chicken Sandwiches and Tenders From Dr. Praeger’s

Several new plant-based menu items crafted by Dr. Praeger’s is now being offered at certain AMC Theatre locations.

AMC Theatres in the Northeast have begun carrying three new menu items made with Dr. Praeger’s chicken and burgers, with a plan for a nationwide launch in the near future.

The new “hand-crafted, plant protein-loaded” menu features three new items, including a Chimichurri Plant-Based Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a Patty Melt on Texas Toast and Gourmet Tenders tossed in a choice of BBQ, Buffalo, Gochujang, or Mango Habanero sauce.
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South Wales Restaurant Becomes World’s First Vegan Steakhouse

The Queen Inn in South Wales has become the world’s first vegan steakhouse.

Previously known for their animal-based steaks, The Queen Inn went fully plant-based several months ago, and they’ve now taken the step of drastically expanding their menu in order to become what may be the world’s first ever vegan steakhouse.

In addition to offering a variety of steaks including flank steak, tenderloin and filet mignon, the restaurant offers a plethora of other options including vegan ribs, salmon and shrimp.
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Violife Launches Dairy-Free Sour Cream

 Violife, which is the #1 selling brand of dairy-free cheese in the United States, has launched a dairy-free sour cream alternative in 883 Walmart locations.

Violife Just Like Sour Cream (MSRP: $4.99) offers “a creamy, rich, and tangy taste without the dairy”, states a press release. “The newest innovation is the perfect swap in all recipes that require sour cream – from creamy stuffed potatoes to delicious pound cakes – and can also be used to top your favorite dish, such as nachos, tacos, and chili.”

“It is important for Violife to continue expanding our portfolio to offer delicious dairy-free alternatives for everyone to enjoy,” said Debra Yoo, Senior Brand Manager at Violife. “We created Just Like Sour Cream to have a creamy, cooling, and tangy flavor so fans won’t miss out on what they know and love!”
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California’s Animal Fur Ban Takes Effect

On January 1st a California law that bans the sale and manufacturing of new products made with animal fur took effect.

A mink.

Assembly Bill 44, passed in 2019, makes California the first state in the country to prohibit fur within its borders. The legislation was introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman and was sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States and Animal Hope.

“The year 2023 marks a historic step forward for California with the implementation of a law that truly represents the values of our constituents,” said Assemblymember Friedman. “Californians do not want to see animals live and die in cruel ways for nothing more than fashion, and I’m so pleased that this law will help uphold our state’s animal welfare standards as well as potentially help drive innovation for more sustainable fashion alternatives.”
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McDonald’s to Launch Vegan Double McPlant at All Locations in the UK and Ireland On January 4th

McDonald’s has announced that beginning January 4th their new Double McPlant will launch at over 1,400 locations in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

The new Double McPlant was developed in partnership with Beyond Meat, featuring two 100% plant-based patties with ketchup, mustard, vegan special sauce, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and dairy-free cheese on a sesame-seed bun. A representative from McDonald’s tells us that the vegan burger will be cooked on a separate grill than their meat patties, and employees will use utensils dedicated to having no contact with meat or dairy.

The launch of the McDouble comes a little over a year after McDonald’s launched the original McPlant in September, 2021, a trial that the company calls “wildly successful. McDonald’s says the launch of the new burger is “Just in time for those taking part in Veganuary or those who just simply crave a tasty new burger from McDonalds. ”
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Plant-Based Documentary ‘Revelations Café’ to Premiere Online January 1st, Will Be Free First 8 Days

Revelations Café, the new documentary from the producer of “Forks Over Knives,” will premiere online, free for eight days, beginning Sunday, January 1st exclusively at www.RevelationsCafeFilm.com.

According to a press release, the film traces the journey of an unlikely couple, Mia and Robby Graham, who met in AA 10 years ago and opened a plant-based, faith-based café in 2019 in Lutz, FL with no prior experience running a restaurant. The film explores the power of plant-based nutrition, how it can change lives, and touches on the high cost of medical care, lessons from covid and the benefits of aging wisely—physically and spiritually.

The week-long film premiere will culminate Sunday, Jan 8th with a free, “Faith-Meets-Fitness Health Summit” live-streaming event, featuring interviews with 20 world-class doctors, best-selling authors and experts sharing on the impact of nutritious foods and fiber for overall health, as well as benefits of combining faith and fitness for spiritual and physical renewal.
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Heinz Announces Plant-Based Cream of Tomato Soup and Beanz and Sausages

Heinz has announced that to celebrate Veganuary they will be releasing plant-based versions of its “Cream of Tomato Soup” and “Beanz and Sausages”, two of their best-selling items in the UK.

“Our incredibly exciting (and incredibly delicious) Heinz plant-based innovations have been several years in the making to provide the iconic taste of Heinz, but now plant-based!” says Heinz Brand Manager Manel Jordão.

“We’re sorry it’s been such a long time coming but trust us when we say they’ve been well worth the wait. And just in time for Veganuary too!”
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