ELIANNE PRANGE

Carbohydrates are one of the essential macronutrients in our diet, alongside fat and protein. They can be categorized into simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates. This article focuses on simple carbohydrates, specifically monosaccharides and disaccharides, and explores their chemical composition and digestion process. Simple carbohydrates can be further classified into monosaccharides and disaccharides. Monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose, while disaccharides are composed of combinations of these monosaccharides. The disaccharides commonly found in our diet are maltose (two glucose molecules), sucrose (glucose linked to fructose), and lactose (glucose linked to galactose). Galactose is primarily present in our diet as part of lactose, found in milk and dairy products. Monosaccharides, due to their simple structure, can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream without the need for further digestion. However, disaccharides require hydrolysis, a proc

Hello, in this post, I would like to discuss the chemistry of minerals. From a chemical standpoint, dietary minerals are inorganic molecules that do not contain any carbon atoms. This sets them apart from vitamins, which are all organic molecules defined by the presence of carbon atoms.  Our food contains various minerals, some desired and others unwanted. But when does a mineral become a dietary mineral? The group of dietary minerals consists of chemical elements that are essential for the human body. In fact, a more suitable term for dietary minerals would be "dietary elements," although this phrase is not commonly used. Out of the 118 known chemical elements listed in the periodic table, only 21 are essential components of our diet. Once we exclude the four elements found in common organic molecules (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen), we are left with 17 chemical elements that make up the dietary minerals.  Based on their abundance in our body, dietary minerals are f

The term "vitamin" was coined by Casimir Funk in 1912 when he isolated the anti-beriberi factor. It was a fancy name at the time and has endured, despite the realization that not all essential substances are amines (organic forms of nitrogen). Funk was not the sole researcher investigating these unknown substances we now know as vitamins. The early 1900s saw the expansion of research in animals, initially conducted by Eijkman and later by Grijns and Pekelharing, which laid the foundation for further exploration.  In England, between 1906 and 1912, Hopkins from Cambridge conducted experiments on rats and discovered that a diet consisting solely of pure protein, fat, and carbohydrates made the rats sick and resulted in their death. However, adding less than one-third of a teaspoon of milk per day to the purified diet proved to be life-saving for the rats, highlighting the presence of organic substances in milk.  In 1911, independently of the European studies, Hart and his colle

In this post, I would like to introduce you to the concept of vitamins. While you may already know that vitamins are important molecules, let's explore what they truly are. Chemically, vitamins are organic compounds composed of carbon atoms arranged in chains. Nutritionally, they are essential compounds needed in small quantities to support normal metabolism, growth, and overall well-being. Vitamins differ from macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and fats, as they are required in smaller amounts. Most vitamins are not produced in sufficient quantities by our bodies, which is why we need to obtain them through our diet. When our intake of vitamins is insufficient, it can lead to deficiencies and related health issues. Despite being present in minuscule quantities, vitamins are as crucial to our health as macronutrients. The discovery that vitamins are essential for a balanced diet was a groundbreaking scientific revelation that revolutionized our understanding of nutrition.

Hello! It's been a while since we last spoke but I think this post will be a good one to catch up ;) This summer I went to Central America including Cuba. As you could probably guess by now, this is a what I ate there as a vegan. As predicted it was quite hard. For one, Cuba doesn't really have import, therefore they only eat what they can grow. Secondly, Cubans looooove their meat/fish and cheese. Luckily there is this space age technology now called the internet. So I could do all my stalking beforehand. The one I'm going to talk about first was based in Vinales called  Finca Agroecológica El Paraiso AKA  organic farm. We arrived after cycling thirty minutes in 40 degrees celsius heat up a steep hill. The view was amazing and made it all worth it. We were sat at a table overlooking the valley and organic farm where birds flew from palmtree too palmtree. After asking if we could have the lunch vegan they gave us a so many plates full of fresh organic food. Includi

Hey food truck lovers, it's me again with a new review of vegan food. On June 1st two fellow vegans and I went to Rollende Keukens Festival in Amsterdam. It was located outside Westergasfabriek. Prime location for organizing such an event, especially with the beautiful weather we had! The day was filled with consuming food joyfully without any suffering involved. We tested 10 of the Best Vegan options. Critiquing them on looks, overal taste, low waste and the ability to somehow consume it with grace. 1.0 Friethoes vergane glorie Okay we can all see this burger is very aesthetically pleasing, no need to further discuss that. You just want to inhale it in one go. Although that wasn't entirely possible because it was a bit messy to eat. The jackfruit was made into an actual burger, not just some loose pieces you sometimes find. Topped with delicious kerrie mayo, crispy onions, sriracha and some veg. The burger bun was plain but it paired beautifully with the burger. Now

Hey Sushi lover! You've come to the right address if you want to read about me devouring some sushi. I saw a Facebook event named vegan sushi event en needn't know more. I was going. It was held in de stad tuin in Utrecht. The place was small but perfect for the occasion. We started off with a buddha bowl. (last pic) it had orange and purple sweet potato, soy crisps, vegetable and some great sauces. We drank Saki with it, which was served warm.  After that sushi round one came. (middle left) It consisted of mango/wasabi, avocado/guacamole, cucumber/sweet potato/sweet sauce, cucumber/carrot/spicy sauce maki. Im not the biggest fan of wasabi but if you are that one would probably be your favorite. I basically liked all the others. Next round had purple sweet potato/beet mayo, cabbage/curry, soy/sweet sugar maki. (middle right) They were all delicious and gone in no time. It paired perfectly with my mannen liefde beer.  Third came the beyond meat sushi burger. I