Veganism might just be the answer to everything
Do your research before making the switch to a plant-based diet
Veganism is nothing new. But in the last few years, there seems to be a notable rise of the plant-based diet, made even more ubiquitous as meat has been linked to numerous diseases and contributing to climate change. However, giving up a lifelong habit of eating meat and animal byproducts isn’t as simple as you think. If you’re considering making the switch, it would be best to do your homework first. Doctor, cardiologist and former senatorial candidate Dr. Willie Ong has had over 25 years of experience in the field, sharing to his millions of online followers how to live a healthy life. He reveals that he isn’t too concerned about patients going vegan. “Actually, I’m not too worried about the vegan diet, since there is very little prohibited. I’m more concerned about things like the the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting,” he says.
As a cardiologist, he says that patients who have undergone heart disease will benefit enormously from going vegan. “If a patient has had a heart bypass, it can help improve the blood flow,” he starts. “The coronary arteries have something called collaterals— small arteries coming out of a blocked artery. Think of it like a tree. If you cut one of the roots, others will come out. This is possible for the heart if you make the switch to go meat-free.”
Many of us might be thinking, What exactly is it that is wrong with meat? Dr. Ong recalls a World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation on processed meat, which categorizes it as a class one carcinogenic, meaning it is a substance capable of causing cancer. In addition to this, going vegan would also be better for the environment, as the production of meat heavily contributes to climate change, if you didn’t already know. “I’m happy that a lot of young people are more concerned with the environment and their bodies. My own daughter went vegan for health reasons,” Dr. Ong shares.
And If you’re not sure where to get your protein, here’s some good news: the plant-based diet offers food rich in protein and other nutrients your body needs—from nuts and beans to tofu. Speaking of soy-based products such as tofu, it is recommended to take it in moderation, as some bodies may be more sensitive to it. Another thing to take into consideration is whether you’re getting enough iron.
“The most important supplement a vegan should take is Vitamin B12, something most people get from consuming meat. You need it for your red blood cells and nervous system. But I think if someone were to take a multivitamin with B12, that should be fine,” says Dr. Ong.
A quick search online would show you studies on the numerous benefits of going plant-based—from reducing your risk of cancer to helping you life longer. But remember, each body is different; what works for someone else may not work best for you. An example of this would be an athlete, who should be concerned about getting more protein in their diet. If you’re seriously committing to going vegan, it would be best to consult a nutritionist to make sure you’re getting your nutrients.
And if you’re not ready to go completely vegan? “You can do it gradually and still eat things like eggs or cheese—but you should also be careful with eating too much of that. Everything in moderation is best. Personally, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with eating fish once in a while,” Dr. Ong shares. He reminds us once more that whether you go completely vegan or not, a varied diet rich in all kinds of vegetables, nuts, seeds and other food is best.
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CAN DO IT GRADUALLY AND STILL EAT THINGS LIKE EGGS OR CHEESE... EVERYTHING IN MODER ATION IS BEST
Las Flores has been a staple restaurant for anyone looking for a taste of Spanish cuisine. This season, we are in for a treat as the brand’s new Spanish chef, Ignacio Alcala, creates an exclusive menu that is a mix of new dishes and popular Las Flores staples.
The menu starts the culinary journey through Spain with the Bocadito con Anchas with Anchovies and the classic Conos de Tartar de Salmon; both dishes are an explosion of flavor, highlighting the freshenss of the fish. For extra indulgence, there’s the Angus & Foie minis, Las Flores favorites, that round out the starters.
For the mains, the star would undoubtedly be the perfectly cooked Fritura Pulpo, octopus laying on a bed of eggplant and honey purée. This is followed by the sea bass, which has a meltin-your-mouth quality contrasted nicely by the slightly bitter Vermut sauce. The meat course ends with the Costillar de Cordero, a rack of lamb encrusted herbs that enhances the meat’s natural flavors. For dessert, there’s the Tarta Fina de Manzana, a puff pastry with green apples on top of rosemary ice cream.
Las Flores has always been known as a restaurant that makes you feel like home, but this degustacion menu proves that it is also a restaurant that can take you to fantastical places. Each dish in the menu was proof that the Las Flores has more exciting things to offer. Las Flores degustacion menu is by reservation only at P3,500 per pax. Follow @lasfloresph on Instagram for more information.