We thought that the great challenge of veganism was vitamin B12. A study suggests that social relationships are

Whatever there is taken the step to veganismfor whatever reasons, knows that the most difficult thing is not to give up cheese or meat, but to face Christmas dinner with the family or the Sunday barbecue with friends, since food is an event with a great social component. In this way, when someone decides to radically change consumption habits in a predominantly omnivorous worldnot only changes the plate, but also social relations. Now science has determined the tactics these people develop in order to survive social frictions. The data. The study, published in September 2025is not limited to conducting a survey among vegan people to analyze the impact on their social relationships. What they did was exhaustive field work between 2017 and 2022, combining in-depth interviews, observation and netnography, which is the analysis of the behavior of online communities. where debates arise about it. The goal here was none other than to understand exactly where and how everyday interactions are “broken.” And above all how they tried to compensate in an almost innate way. Social fractures. The researchers here identified that tensions in a social relationship do not arise from a simple difference of opinion about the most ethical diet, but from what they have called “relational fractures”, which are divided into three very clear areas: Co-execution: The simple act of cooking with another person, such as a partner, or sharing a meal becomes logistically complex. What was once a fluid ritual now requires planning, separate pans, and constant negotiation to arrive at a common dish. Co-learning: Family traditions, like inheriting grandma’s secret meatball recipe, are short-circuited. This means that the exchange of culinary knowledge between omnivores and vegans often comes to a standstill. Activities that may be everyday activities, such as going shopping or choosing a restaurant with other people, become logistical minefields where one has to balance one’s ethical needs with the preferences of others to choose, for example, a restaurant with a menu that suits everyone. Survival kit. So, if relationships fracture, how do vegans avoid becoming isolated? The researchers here discovered that, to maintain social peace and navigate these turbulent waters, vegans develop four specific “relational competencies” that sometimes appear without them realizing it, which we see below. Decoding. This is the ability to “analyze,” meaning vegans learn to anticipate how others will react to their diet and evaluate whether the environment is safe, hostile, or simply curious. Depending on the impression you have, your behavior will adapt to the environment by being more or less open with the topic. Disengagement. The second pillar is to deliberately separate food from social interaction, as it means that one will eat their vegan plate while another eats animal products, prioritizing company and conversation over dietary friction. Chameleon effect. The third adaptation consists of integrating so as not to attract attention in the group. This may mean, for example, bringing food from home to a social gathering or ordering a basic salad at a steakhouse without comment, all to prevent veganism from becoming the central topic of conversation of the evening. Abandonment. The last adaptation that has been detected in some vegans is where they directly give up different shared plans, such as stopping going to certain restaurants or social events. Even, in extreme cases, a distancing has been detected in an interpersonal relationship, since it becomes toxic due to the tensions that are generated. It is not born from nothing. One of the researchers has been exploring “morality in markets” for years and this led her to talk about indigenous and animal consumption practices. In this way, veganism is something that has been scrutinized for a long time in different studiessince it is not just about choosing what to eat, but it is an ethical stance that the omnivorous environment often perceives as a challenge to its own social and cultural customs. The big conclusion that can be drawn from all this is that the transition to a plant-based diet does not only require learning to read nutritional labels or discovering new recipes, but also requires a profound social and emotional re-education.. The long-term success of a vegan lifestyle depends as much on resilience at the supermarket as it does diplomacy at the dining table. Images | Anna Pelzer Xataka | Protein powder has become the star accessory of modern wellness. Nutritionists have something to say

More than half of the population in Spain has vitamin D. A study now question the benefits of supplementation

Vitamin D, in reality, is not strictly a vitamin. It is a prohormone. Even so, in this article we will continue to identify it as a vitamin by familiarity. Anyway has a fundamental role in the proper functioning of our body. Our body is able to produce it When we expose ourselves to sunlightalthough we can also get it from some foods or Taking supplements. Its importance lies in its ability to favor the absorption of calcium and phosphorus inside our intestine, so without it our bones would become fragile. However, this is not all. It also has the ability to improve muscle function, to activate some defensive cells of our immune system, to regulate blood pressure, and even reduce the level of inflammation of our body. In many regions of Spain, the Sun abounds for a good part of the year, and, even so, more than half of the Spanish population, between 50 and 60%, has an insufficient level of vitamin D (less than 30 ng/ml). This is the percentage defended by a good part of the most recent studies, such as, for example, the one prepared by the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition In 2023, although this figure varies depending on the age and sex of the people collected in the report. Unfortunately many of these studies are not available publicly, but most of them argue that up to 60% of the general population has an insufficient level From this prohormone, as we have just seen. And if we stick to people 65 years of age or older, this figure is triggered until 80%. Vitamin D supplements are in question It is not easy to explain why in a country as sunny as Spain so many people of all ages have an insufficient level of vitamin D, but the most reasonable thing is to assume that it is due to a combination of several factors. On the one hand, many people avoid exposing themselves to sunlight during those hours in which this radiation source is more intense to prevent the appearance of skin cancer. And when they do they protect with solar creams that are capable of blocking up to 95% of the synthesis. In addition, a part of the population has acquired habits that invite you to spend more time at home and less outdoors. The intake of calcifediol supplements is the solution that doctors usually opt for to remedy the vitamin D deficit The diet can help us fight this lack, but the figures given by scientific studies show that in Spain we do not consume with the necessary abundance foods rich in vitamin Dsuch as wild salmon, sardines, cod liver oil or mushrooms. In these circumstances, the intake of calcifediol supplements, which is one of the types of vitamin D that circulate in our blood system, is the solution by which doctors usually opt to remedy this deficit. However, during the last decades Several scientific studies They have questioned the efficacy and benefits of the intake of vitamin D through supplementation. One of the most recent It has been led by Dr. Cynthia Thompson, of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman Public Health College of the University of Arizona (USA), and is very interesting because it tries to statistically evaluate two consequences of taking vitamin D supplements that other studies had only insinuated: the possibility that they reduce the risk of having cancer, but, at the same time, they increase that of suffering a heart disease. This random essay has lasted seven years and involves 36,282 women. Those who were randomly assigned the vitamin D supplementation and calcium supplementation experienced a 7% reduction in the cancer mortality rate. However, those same people also experienced a 6% increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases. These figures are significant From a statistical point of view, but they do not allow us to reach a definitive conclusion in regard to general mortality. According to Dr. F. Perry Wilsonfrom Yale University (USA), vitamin D supplementation probably does not affect mortality, although it could slightly reduce the risk of some forms of cancer. However, it could also increase the risk of heart disease presumably due to the calcification of arteries. Whatever it is important that we keep in mind that the results of this study, and of those who have preceded it, are not conclusive, although, yes, they give us valuable clues that are worth taking into account. Image | Darina Bellonogova More information | Medium In Xataka | We have found some supplements capable of improving memory in the elderly: prebiot promising

The vitamin that can help prevent cataracts and glaucoma

Wearing sunglasses when we leave the house or avoiding exposing ourselves to long periods of time in front of screens with a high luminosity index can be “good” strategies to take care of our health. eye health. However, and despite the benefits that these actions provide us, there is an element, as simple as it is complex, that can help us protect our eyes and strengthen them at the same time without making greater effort: lutein. This component, belonging to the family of carotenoidsplays an important role in our body due to its properties antioxidants that help us prevent diseases, delay aging and improve the immune system. Lutein is capable of reducing the appearance of glaucoma.Credit: Michael Morse | Pexels In addition to all of the above, and to the surprise of many, the lutein It also has important advantages for eye health that can help us, among many other things, to strengthen eye tissues from light damage. But what other benefits have this item in your eyes and how can we get it? The benefits of lutein in the eyes According to the specialized site Tua Saúdethe lutein It works as a kind of light filter that helps protect the eyes from the ocular tissues. In addition to the above, this vitamin It also has the ability to improve the eye health of those people who do not have good night vision, also called night blindnessor that they see in low light. Likewise, and as revealed by the same site, the lutein It is capable of reducing the appearance of glaucoma, one of the most common diseases among the population and which appears due to eye pressure due to a failure in the eye drainage system. Similar to the above, and thanks to the large amount of antioxidants it contains, this element has the ability to prevent the formation of cataracts because it absorbs UV light. The difference between retinal age and biological age implies a higher risk of death.Credit: Unsplash Separated from eye health, lutein also has benefits in other aspects of the body such as skin health, improved memory and cognitive processes, as well as prevent various types of cancer because it prevents the damage caused by free radicals to cells. Regarding the recommended dose, experts point out that it should be between 10 mg to 20 mg. However, and in order to avoid complications, it is best to ingest this element under the supervision of a doctor who prescribes the correct amount. Continue reading: Fennel Tea: natural ally to combat bloating and improve digestion The fruit you should eat before sleeping to rest better 4 food and alcohol combinations to avoid

Protect your eyesight with Lutein: The vitamin that fights eye diseases

Although his name may sound unknown to many, Lutein is a natural yellowish pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family.. This compound, recognized for its powerful antioxidant action, plays a crucial role in our body, especially in protection and care of eye health. lutein acts as a natural light filterprotecting ocular tissues from damage caused by sun exposure. This pigment is mainly concentrated in the macula, a central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Thanks to its ability to block ultraviolet rays and high-energy blue light, Lutein helps preserve visual health and prevent damage to the retina. Natural sources of Lutein Lutein is found in a variety of foods, especially brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Among the richest sources are: Spinach kale Broccoli Pumpkin Carrots Eggs (particularly the yolk) Corn Including these foods in a balanced diet can increase lutein levels in the body and enhance its benefits. Recommended dosage and supplementation For those looking to supplement their diet, Experts suggest a daily dose of lutein ranging between 10 mg and 20 mg. It is important to consume it together with a meal that contains healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, to improve its absorption. However, supplementation should be done under the supervision of a doctor, as the ideal dosage may vary depending on health status and individual needs. Eye health benefits According to the specialized health portal Tua Saúde, lutein offers a wide range of benefits, among which are prevention of cataracts and macular degenerationso it helps reduce the risk of these age-related conditions. In addition, can improve night visioncontributing to a better adjustment of vision in low light conditions. This vitamin also reduces oxidative stressprotecting eye cells from damage caused by free radicals and, finally, delays the progression of eye diseaseshelping to slow the progression of various conditions that affect visual health. Lutein has been established as an essential element for eye health, especially in a time where exposure to screens and blue light is constant. Whether through a diet rich in carotenoids or through supplements, this powerful antioxidant can make a big difference in quality of life and visual health. Beyond eye health In addition to its effects on vision, lutein may also have additional benefits for overall health. Studies suggest that its antioxidant action may contribute to protection against cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Keep reading:

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