Study: Vegetarian diet leads to healthier heart

February 4th, 2013

Appliance Talk Food Preparation

Lifestyle diseases have become more of a concern in recent years, and most of us of us are trying to do our bit to eat better, get into shape and live longer.

And while juice detoxes may be one of the latest health crazes, new research from the University of Oxford has suggested that vegetarians are less likely to suffer serious heart disease than meat-eaters.

“The results clearly show that the risk of heart disease in vegetarians is about a third lower than in comparable non-vegetarians,” co-author of the study and university professor Tim Key said (January 30).

“Most of the difference in risk is probably caused by effects on cholesterol and blood pressure, and shows the important role of diet in the prevention of heart disease,” lead author Francesca Crowe added.

If this news is enough to encourage you to make the switch to the vegetarian diet, here are out top three appliances that might help you in the transition.

Rice cooker

Grains are a great staple for any vegetarian dish, providing essential nutrients as well as helping to add bulk and flavour to any meat-free dish.

A rice cooker can help take the guesswork out of preparing grains – and don’t let the name fool you! You can also make quinoa, cous cous and even oats in a rice cooker with ease.

The 10-cup capacity Breville BRC600 risotto & rice cooker is advanced enough to whip up fluffy rice, creamy risotto and even a tender slow-cooked meal with just the push of a button. There’s also with a saute/sear setting, allowing you to caramelise your ingredients without the need for a separate pan.

Steam microwave

Sometimes you might just want to keep things simple, and steaming vegetables in one of the best ways to lock in freshness and reduce the amount of fat and oil you’re using in cooking. Not only that, but it is far easier to avoid under- or over-cooking, and steamed vegetables are also easier to digest.

The Sharp AX1100JRS steam microwave has been developed in Australia and offers three functions in one – steaming, grilling and microwaving.

There is a two-layer steam cooking option, and the unit can produce up to 100 degrees Celsius of pure steam continuously thanks to the included water reservoir.  The added advantage of a steam microwave is that they are also more compact and portable than a steam oven.

Produce-saving fridge

Fresh fruit and vegetables make a significant portion of any vegetarian’s grocery bill, so you want your purchases to last as long as they can.

While storing produce in the allocated crisper is one thing, Liebherr‘s BioFresh feature is included in their side-by-side fridges and provides the ultimate technology for all health-conscious food lovers. BioFresh allows fruit and vegetables to retain their vitamin content, flavour and appearance for up to three times longer than in a conventional refrigerator compartment.

With the help of the high humidity setting, celery and watermelon can last up to 27 days, apples and carrots are good for up to 80 days and fresh garlic can be used up to 160 days after its purchase.