The new patrons praised the painter so highly that they provided him not only with a salary, but also the right to receive a fee for each finished painting.

Having painted the portrait of the couple, he was immediately appointed court painter. Rubens House Museum, AntwerpĪt his home, Rubens was introduced to the stadtholders of the Spanish Netherlands - Archduke Albrecht VII of Austria and his wife, Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia. 'This is because it can be restrictive in big food groups so studies show vegans are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, omega-3, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and high-quality protein,' says Monique.Īs a result, she advises that 'it’s important that if you choose this way of eating to work with a dietitian to help guide you on reaching your nutrient requirements, potentially checking for deficiencies with blood tests, and guiding you on supplementation as and where needed.Peter Paul Rubens, Self-Portrait (1623). She says this is because it can lead to a lower intake of other minerals that your body needs.

'Now while there are health advantages, we do have some of the concerns of vegan eating.' However, even with all these benefits, the dietitian says there can be concerns about the vegan diet. 'A diet rich in fruit and vegetables may thus help manage our weight, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers, and improve gut health.' 'Fruits and vegetables are naturally rich in healthy nutrients, contain gut-healthy fibre, are low in energy/calories, and are virtually free from less desirable nutrients like cholesterol, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. The dietitian says a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is a great option. READ: Save the planet: Why a plant-based diet is a better option

'Low veggie intake is estimated to case just under 810 000 heart disease deaths and over 210 000 stroke deaths,' she adds. Low intakes of fruit is linked to over 520 000 heart disease deaths and more than 1.2 million stroke deaths globally each year,' says Monique. 'We know that in general we eat too little fresh fruit and vegetables. Monique Piderit, a registered dietitian at Nutritional Solutions, says there are several benefits of the diet. Have you been considering the vegan diet and wondered if it poses any health risks?

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