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The tenth episode of the 6th season of “The Lion’s Den” is animalistic: three young female founders present their vegan dog food. Can you score with the lions with vegan dog food?

Vegan dog food? This works out!

The vegan diet is now a diet that more and more people live by. Tonight in the “Lion’s Den”, three young female founders want to prove that the renunciation of all animal products can also be applied to the diet of four-legged friends.

Tessa Zaune-Figlar (34), Valerie Hansen (28), and Lisa Walther (29) want to convince the lions with their vegan dog food “VEGDOG” and hope for 150,000 euros. In return, they offer ten percent of their company shares. Will this deal also taste good to the lions?

Healthy dog ​​thanks to vegan dog nutrition?

The inspiration for this unusual business idea was male Nelson: founder Tessa’s dog suffered for years from food intolerance, which manifested itself primarily in the form of gastrointestinal problems and itchy skin. Even after numerous hypoallergenic types of food had been tried without success, the dog owner Tessa, on the advice of a veterinarian, did not feed Nelson animal protein.

At first, the young founder herself was still skeptical: “In the beginning, I thought it was a joke. Feeding a dog vegan – how is that supposed to work? But the desperation was great and so I gave the whole thing a chance.” But the experiment was a success: the food was prepared according to special recipes, and after four weeks the dog was symptom-free and has been on a vegan diet for seven years now.

Vegan dog nutrition – a gap in the market?

However, since cooking for the dog turned out to be very time-consuming, the idea for “VEGDOG” was born. It is the first vegan and grain-free complete feed for dogs that were developed in a one-year development phase in cooperation with specialist veterinarians and specialist laboratories.

The different types of food provide the dog with all the essential nutrients and cover their needs. In addition, only regional, high-quality ingredients are used, which are processed gently and in compliance with the highest quality standards. “VEGDOG” is free from attractants, colorings, and preservatives and does not test on animals.

Happy without meat: Consciously avoiding meat is becoming more and more popular around the world. But what actually happens to our bodies when we give up meat?

The effects of not eating meat are many. The body reacts in the following way:

Weight loss: Those who do not eat meat lose weight more easily and quickly.
Lowering the risk of cancer: Red meat is suspected of being carcinogenic. The body fat percentage also plays a role here.
Healthier intestinal flora:
Better Body Odor:
A disadvantage:

Everyone knows that nutrition affects health. But how do animal products change our personality? The Max Planck Institute examined 9,000 people – with an interesting result.

Vegetarian or meat eater: How are diet and character related?

It turned out that vegetarians had a lower average body mass index than people who consumed animal products. So they were usually slimmer. There can be many reasons for this: On the one hand, the plant-based diet is richer in fiber. This means that vegetarians get full faster, even though they consume less energy. Another reason could be that vegetarians, in general, pay more attention to their diet and fitness, or physical well-being.

It is also interesting that the body mass index also differs within non-vegetarians when it comes to the type of animal products. A distinction is made between primary (mainly meat, sausage and fish) and secondary (eggs, dairy products, cheese and butter) animal products. People who ate more primary products, or even both, had on average a significantly higher BMI than people who ate less or nothing at all. On the other hand, people who still consumed animal products, but mainly secondary ones, had a lower BMI value.

But the personality of the subjects also seems to be influenced by their diet. The study found that people with a vegetarian diet appear significantly less extroverted. “It’s hard to say why that is,” says Veronica Witte, who headed the study. Maybe the vegetarian eating behavior goes hand in hand with a social demarcation or it comes about because introverts in particular tend to have a rather restrictive eating behavior. All just guesses. This is where the study reaches its limits. Because even if she has shown that a difference can definitely be observed, she cannot explain why this is the case. A follow-up study would be needed here.

Diets – which is the best?

While the list of diets continues to grow, the basic principle should be to listen to your own body and find out for yourself which diet works best for you. A familiar body feeling is ultimately still the key to a healthy body.

More and more people are opting for a vegetarian or vegan diet.

6 good reasons to give up meat

“Do you have anything vegetarian?” Not so long ago, this question made the staff roll their eyes in some restaurants. In the meantime, meatless dishes can be found on many menus as a matter of course. Vegetarians and vegans are hardly ever looked at askance. Too many people rely on this diet for that. The reasons for this diet speak for themselves.

1. Vegetarian diet is good for climate protection

Those who do without meat ensure lower greenhouse gas emissions. According to a study by the environmental protection organization WWF, around 25 percent of the climate footprint of an average person living in Germany is due to their diet.

Animal products account for the largest share (69 percent). Meat in particular should be mentioned here – beef is the most harmful to the climate – but dairy products should also be given more attention here. “Our current food systems pose one of the greatest challenges to our planet and the continued existence of humanity on Earth,” says the WWF study.

2. Meat consumption consumes a lot of resources

About 15 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted worldwide can be traced back to keeping livestock. Cattle, for example, emit large amounts of methane gas. Alongside the energy sector and transport, industrial animal husbandry is one of the main causes of climate change.

The production of one kilogram of beef, for example, produces a good 13 kilograms of CO2 equivalents, while the figure for fruit and vegetables is well under one kilogram. For the production of one kilogram of beef, up to 16 kilograms of grain are required as feed. “Industrial animal husbandry and the cultivation of animal feed take up 80 percent of all pasture and arable land in the world. In Germany, animal feed alone accounts for 60 percent of the arable land,” writes Greenpeace, for example.

If the arable land were used for the production of plant-based food instead, significantly more people could be fed.

3. Meat production uses a lot of water

Animal products contain much more water than plant-based ones. This is also referred to as “virtual water”, the total amount of water used in the manufacture of a product until it ends up on our plate or in our cupboard.

An example from the organization Peta: On average, 2,350 liters of virtual water are needed to produce a 150-gram beef burger, while an average of just over 150 liters of water is needed for a soy burger. The difference is also extreme when it comes to soy milk: just under 300 virtual liters of water are required for one liter of soy drink, while cow’s milk requires more than 1,000 liters.

4. Eating too much meat is unhealthy

Overall, according to the German Society for Nutrition, Germans eat twice as much meat as recommended by health experts. A quantity of 300 to 600 grams of meat per week would be significantly healthier, i.e. half of the current per capita consumption. Processed meat (sausage, ham) is even classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Meat from conventional husbandry is also often treated with medication such as antibiotics. Anyone who eats a lot of meat therefore runs the risk of developing resistance to antibiotics.

5. Vegetarian diet protects animals

The grievances in factory farming have long been known: farm animals are often kept and killed under cruel, undignified circumstances. Keeping dairy cows is also often anything but animal-friendly.

On the other hand, more organic products in the shopping basket and the consideration of replacing some dairy products with vegan alternatives such as oat milk help.

6. Eating meat isn’t “natural” or “necessary”

People who eat meat and other animal products like to argue that it’s “natural” and “necessary.” But much contradicts this claim: not a few people get sick at the sight of blood, let alone a dead animal body. Dead bodies repel us.

In addition, our tooth structure and the human swallowing reflex have the characteristics of herbivores: We do not “tear” our food and do not swallow it in large chunks, but chew and swallow it, as Geo.de writes, among others.

Conclusion: Vegetarian diet has only advantages

In conclusion, it can be said that there is a lot to be said for a vegetarian or vegan diet. A meatless diet is good for the environment, animals and ourselves.

For many, beauty care with natural products is important. That’s why we have an overview of natural cosmetics brands and suppliers, as well as vegan cosmetics for you. We also clarify the most important differences between vegan products and natural and organic cosmetics. As a result, you can easily and safely order natural cosmetics online.

What are vegan cosmetic products?

Cooked cockscombs, ground hooves, or smashed scale insects are often found in beauty care products. Animal ingredients are widespread in conventional cosmetics. Hyaluronic acid is made from cockscombs and the red dye carmine is obtained from scale insects. There are also many other animal substances in our care products.

The difference between natural cosmetics and vegan cosmetics

Natural cosmetics and vegan cosmetics are not the same. The term natural cosmetics is also not protected. Therefore, pay attention to test marks for controlled natural cosmetics. If you rely on controlled organic cosmetics, you will receive products with natural ingredients. But that doesn’t rule out animal substances. Natural substances such as honey, carmine, milk, and wool fat can therefore be contained here. Consequently, these natural cosmetic products are not vegan. Meanwhile, vegan cosmetics are free of such animal ingredients.

Different quality seals for cosmetics at a glance

There are currently no legally binding criteria in Germany or at the EU level that vegan cosmetics must meet. That is why many manufacturers provide their products with their own information on the packaging. However, this information is not always correct. Therefore, it makes sense to take a look at the list of ingredients. Or to look out for seals.

The vegan flower is the most important certification mark for vegan cosmetics. Because it shows which products do not contain any animal substances. In addition, this guarantees that no animal testing was necessary for the development and production. Because vegan cosmetics without a seal are not automatically free of animal testing. You can find a comprehensive list of vegan and animal-free cosmetics on the website of the animal welfare organization PETA.

Order natural cosmetic brands online

The selection of natural cosmetics is large. That’s why we’ve collected the best online shops and natural cosmetics brands for you. This means that you can buy your natural cosmetics brands on the Internet without any worries in the future. You can also make your own shampoo and deodorant without aluminum.

  • najoba.de – Here you will find a large selection of natural, vegan cosmetics and you can conveniently order you’re natural cosmetics online.
  • hautbalance.de – offers various natural cosmetics brands. There are cosmetics of nature for your skin, hair, and make-up.
  • amorebio.de – is an online shop for natural food, natural cosmetics, and organic cosmetics with an extensive range of fresh products.
  • cocopha.de – Wellbeing and Beauty. Exclusive and high-quality natural cosmetics, cosmetics exclusive to pharmacies, and organic beauty, and wellness products. Also with beauty boxes, cosmetic samples, and organic food supplements.

Buy vegan cosmetics online

The list of vegan cosmetics suppliers is now long. Therefore, it is difficult to keep track. As a result, we have selected a few sites for you where you can order vegan cosmetics online. Many of these providers also rely on animal-free products. Since many detergents also contain animal substances, note our ideas for making detergents yourself.

  • 100percentpure.de – The founder was unhappy about the abuses in cosmetics production. Therefore, she decided to produce natural and healthy products herself. These are ecologically sustainable and ethically justifiable.
  • 4peoplewhocare.de – Here you will find plastic-free and sustainable products made from natural ingredients. You will also find a wide variety of hand cream, lip care, and sunscreen products here.
  • naturmaedchen.com – animal testing and artificial substances are taboo here. Another advantage of Naturmädchen is that the products are made in Germany and consist of organically controlled raw materials.
  • blattkultur.com – Offers natural and vegan cosmetics for your skincare. This is also produced without animal testing and uses glass packaging instead of plastic.
  • begreenbebetter.com – sells natural, vegan products that are PETA certified. Here you will find care products for skin and hair. So you can shop here well and sustainably without a guilty conscience.

Reasons for buying natural cosmetics on the Internet

If you rely on vegan or at least natural cosmetics, then the internet is a good source for your purchase. Because there are many more providers and offers here. Furthermore, the following reasons are good arguments for buying on the Internet. you can also make your own natural cosmetics yourself.

  • No time to go into town.
  • Nice gift for good friends
  • You want to make super bargains and volume discounts.
  • A large selection of providers on the Internet is difficult to find in a drugstore.

As a vegan or vegetarian, you can use gelatin substitutes for desserts, sauces and cakes. You can find the best alternatives here.

Gelatine is used in the food industry to bind liquids and create a creamy to firm consistency. For this reason, the gelling agent is used particularly in sweets, desserts, dairy products or sauces and soups. But juices, wines or medicines can also be made with gelatine.

Conventional gelatin is a by-product of slaughter. It consists mainly of collagen, which is found in skin, bones and nails. The remains of cattle or pigs are often used for this. But poultry or fish are also used for gelatine production.

Gelatine is therefore taboo for vegans and vegetarians. You don’t have to do without delicious desserts & co. Because there are herbal alternatives as a gelatine substitute that work very well.

Gelatin substitute: These are the vegan alternatives

Agar Agar is a vegetable gelling agent and consists of dried seaweed. The vegan gelatine substitute is available as a powder or flakes. Agar Agar is tasteless and rich in minerals and fiber. Before use, it must be heated or soaked in water. The end result is slightly firmer than regular gelatine.
Carrageenan is a gelatin substitute made from red algae. It binds liquid and is particularly used as a thickening agent. Since it stays a little more liquid, it is more likely to be used for jellies or in cosmetics. Carrageenan is suspected of causing allergic reactions, so it should be used with caution.
Guar gum is obtained from the seeds of the guar plant and is also considered a vegan gelatine substitute. It binds the liquid during preparation and is particularly suitable for preparing ice cream, creamy dishes or jams.
Potato or corn starch can also be used as a gelatin substitute. The starch has to be heated beforehand and can then be used as a binding agent. Vegetable starch is used in cakes, soups and sauces, among other things. You can find the vegan gelling agent in organic quality in health food stores.
Pectin is mainly obtained from the cell walls of leftover apples or lemons and is therefore rich in dietary fibre. It has no taste of its own and is particularly suitable for making jam, as the pectin gels particularly well with sugar and lemon juice.

Vegans like to eat avocados. Because the healthy superfood is a delicious substitute for animal foods. Strictly speaking, the avocado is not vegan at all – at least that is what the British television broadcaster BBC claims.

“Which of these foods can you eat as a strict vegan?” presenter Sandi Toksvig asks her contestants on the latest episode of BBC quiz show “QI”. Almonds, avocados, kiwis, a pumpkin and a melon are shown on a screen. The surprising answer: “None.”

Although the food does not consist of animal products, animals are exploited for their cultivation, according to the moderator. Just like honey production, avocado cultivation uses bees in an unnatural way. “The fruits depend on the bees, which are transported long distances across the country by truck,” says Toksvig on the show.

Animals are exploited to grow avocados

The method is called “migratory beekeeping”, in which the bees swarm out to pollinate the fields, then put them back in boxes and transport them to the next cultivation area. The same applies to cucumbers, broccoli, cherries and lettuce.

In fact, when it comes to honey, animal rights activists argue just like the BBC show: According to the animal welfare organization Peta, bees for the honey industry are “victims of unnatural living conditions, genetic manipulation and stressful transport.”

The difference, however, is that honey is produced directly by the bees. When growing avocados (and growing many other fruits and vegetables), the bees are only responsible for pollinating the plants.

Pollination is actually a natural process. On large fields and plantations, however, there are not enough bees to fertilize an entire plantation. The bees are therefore placed artificially on the fields.

So are avocados, almonds & co. vegan?

Media such as Bild.de, bento or Focus online are picking up the story and warning vegans about the allegedly non-vegan types of fruit and vegetables. But what is the truth of the claim?

Ultimately, whether avocados and other fruits and vegetables are vegan depends on how you define veganism. The organization The Vegan Society, for example, contradicts the interpretation of the program “QI”. “Vegans avoid using animals as much as possible,” spokeswoman Dominika Piasecka told the online magazine Plant Based News.

It is clear that in agriculture animals are often harmed indirectly. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to avoid this at the moment, the spokeswoman said. “Vegans go a long way in reducing animal suffering. We welcome any changes in farming practices that support this.”

Avocados: Not only problematic for animals

Apart from that, the avocado is also a not unproblematic food for other reasons. In Germany, for example, the fruit is mainly imported from Peru, Chile, Mexico and South Africa. It covers a correspondingly long transport route in refrigerated containers, which causes emissions twice over and has a negative impact on the ecological balance of the fruit.

In Mexico in particular, environmental organizations also complain that forests are being cleared illegally to make way for avocado fields.

And avocados need enormous amounts of water: an avocado tree needs around 50 liters of water per day, which is already scarce in the rather hot, dry growing areas. Estimates assume that almost 1,000 liters of water are used for one kilo of avocados – that’s often only three pieces.

So whether the avocado is vegan or not is a matter of definition. The fact is: the fruit is not exactly sustainable. If you still don’t want to do without avocados, you should opt for organically grown fruit and also choose avocados from Spain or Israel, because the transport routes are shorter here.

There are many diet trends that are gaining more and more followers these days, and going raw and vegan is one of them. Here you can find out what makes vegan raw food special, how it works and what you should consider when making a change.

According to the definition from the Gießen Raw Food Study, raw food nutrition is a form of nutrition that largely or exclusively contains unheated plant-based (sometimes also animal) foods. The raw vegan diet also avoids animal products such as raw milk and dried meat and is therefore a special form of veganism.

Vegetables and fruits, lettuce, herbs and other edible leafy greens as well as nuts, mushrooms, seeds and seeds can be consumed. The main aim is to preserve the heat-sensitive vitamins, trace elements and minerals in the food, which is why they must not be heated and processed at more than 45 degrees.

Behind the decision to eat raw vegan is often an increased awareness of their own consumption of food – most raw vegans therefore pay particular attention to eating seasonal and regional food of organic quality.

It is better not to eat these foods raw

Although raw foods are usually on the menu even with a conventional diet, caution is required when consuming raw foods, especially for raw vegans who are just starting out.

Not all plant-based foods can be consumed raw: this is especially true for potatoes, aubergines, beans, rhubarb, elderberry, legumes and cassava – they must be heated before consumption. One of the few legumes that can also be eaten raw is the mangetout.
In addition, the consumer advice center warns against a high nitrate content in rocket, lamb’s lettuce and lettuce and the consumption of raw spinach and chard.
You should be particularly careful when you go looking for wild herbs and mushrooms that you want to eat raw later – there is often a high risk of confusion with poisonous specimens.
Note: Consuming only raw foods puts more strain on your teeth than a traditional diet. You should therefore make sure that you eat fruit and vegetables not only whole, but also grated or pureed.

Of course, you can continue to enjoy all foods that you usually eat raw when you switch to raw vegan food without hesitation – or try one of the various preparation methods of raw vegan cuisine.

Raw Vegan Diet: Methods of Preparation and Processing

Raw vegans don’t just nibble on raw vegetable sticks, they have a more varied diet than you might think: the various preparation methods, all of which do not require excessive heating, result in an amazing wealth of raw vegan recipes.

Soaking: This method is mainly used for nuts and seeds. On the one hand, they can be processed better, on the other hand, certain seeds start to germinate after a certain soaking time, which should have a positive effect on digestion if consumed in moderation.
Drying: Food is dried for several hours in a dehydrator or at a maximum of 45 degrees in a convection oven, thus preserving it. Among other things, vegetable chips and raw food bread can be made in this way.
Pureeing fruit and vegetables: You can no longer avoid smoothies and vegetable juices made from all imaginable ingredients. Many raw vegan soups are also prepared in this way.
Fermenting: pickling vegetables in water and salt. All nutrients are retained during the fermentation process and lactic acid bacteria are formed, which promote a healthy intestinal flora. White and red cabbage are particularly often fermented, but basically all types of vegetables are suitable.
If you’re planning on sticking with the raw vegan diet for a longer period of time, it’s worth getting certain kitchen appliances, like a food dehydrator or a good blender. If you’re just starting out with raw vegan food, or aren’t sure yet if you want to stick with it, you can make most recipes without these expensive equipment.

Raw and vegan – and still all the nutrients?

A sufficient supply of vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid, selenium and antioxidants has been found in people who eat a raw vegan diet. Deficiency symptoms, on the other hand, existed for vitamins D, B2 and B12 as well as for zinc, calcium, iron and proteins. It is therefore particularly important with a limited form of nutrition such as vegan raw food nutrition to eat a varied diet and in this way to take in as many different nutrients as possible.

You can get enough calcium from a green vegetable juice made from broccoli, fennel or kale.
You can prevent zinc and iron deficiency by eating pumpkin seeds, unpeeled flaxseed and sesame seeds.
You can also get certain essential fatty acids from high-fat foods such as avocados or olives.
Even pure vegans have problems with vitamin B12: The safest way to get it is through animal products. Plant sources are said to be chlorella algae or fermented foods such as sauerkraut – but this has not been clearly proven.
You can achieve a sufficient supply of other minerals and trace elements with mineral-rich water.

Vegan raw food: tackle the change in diet the right way

There are many reasons to consider switching to a raw vegan diet: Because it largely avoids processed foods, the raw vegan diet is considered extremely healthy. Avoiding animal products is also advantageous in terms of the environment and animal welfare. Last but not least, people are also increasingly concerned with their own consumer behavior and are taking more time for eating again.

However, you shouldn’t rush the switch to a raw vegan diet: It’s better to increase the proportion of raw food in your usual diet step by step – this way you don’t immediately overwhelm your digestive system. Stomach complaints, a feeling of fullness and diarrhea are typical symptoms of switching to raw food too quickly.
Inform yourself well beforehand about the type of diet by exchanging ideas with others or by buying a guide book with detailed tips and information.
If you suffer from chronic deficiency symptoms or illnesses, discuss the change in diet with a doctor.
In general, every person is different and every body has different needs. If you notice that you don’t feel comfortable with an exclusively raw vegan diet, you can also reduce the raw food proportion as you wish. It is important to eat a wholesome diet, in which you pay just as much attention to your own health as to the well-being of animals and the environment.

The vegan diet has many advantages – but also risks. We explain what you have to consider if you eat vegan, what the rules are and how the environment and your health can benefit from them.

Many people label a vegan diet as “radical” or “extreme.” For them it is often not clear why people eat vegan. After all, if you don’t want animals to be slaughtered, you can also eat vegetarian food.

Vegans, on the other hand, not only do without meat and fish, but also all products of animal origin. This also applies to eggs and dairy products, for example.

Why are vegans so strict? Because products other than meat also kill animals. For example, only female animals are necessary for the production of eggs. When the offspring hatch, the male chicks are often gassed or shredded directly. The female chicks are used as laying hens.

The situation is similar with male calves: Since they cannot give milk, they are often slaughtered prematurely. The killing of the young males is closely linked to the production of milk and eggs.

In addition to the killing of many animals, the husbandry conditions are also a common reason for eating vegan. Most farm animals experience suffering and stress when they are kept and raised in factory farms. Many animals are also injured during transport.

Is a vegan diet healthier?

It is not easy to make statements about how healthy a vegan lifestyle is. On the one hand, this is due to the fact that vegan nutrition has not been researched for long. On the other hand, vegans may generally pay more attention to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. What we know:
According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), vegans have a lower risk of diseases caused by poor nutrition. Examples include obesity and diabetes.
A plant-based diet can lower cholesterol. This can prevent heart disease, for example.
A vegan diet can help treat obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
The World Health Organization has confirmed that red and processed meat increase the risk of developing cancer. That’s why you should avoid it.
For whom a vegan diet is suitable and for whom it is not depends on the individual. The most important aspects:
A vegan diet in children is controversial and associated with risks. If you want to feed your children vegan, you should inform yourself in detail beforehand and preferably speak to a doctor.
Veganism can also be risky during breastfeeding and pregnancy because nutrient deficiencies can harm your baby. In these phases of life, you should therefore only eat vegan after consulting a doctor.
Eating a purely plant-based diet does not affect performance. Many competitive athletes eat vegan, for example the American professional boxer Mike Tyson.
Like everyone else, vegans must ensure that they eat a varied and balanced diet. The vegan food pyramid can help you with this.

Vegan diet: prevent deficiencies

Certain nutrients occur more often or only in animal products. If you decide to follow a vegan diet, you should find out exactly which plant sources you can get these nutrients from – otherwise you may develop deficiency symptoms. This applies in particular to the following nutrients:
Vitamin D,
essential fatty acids,
calcium and
Iron.
Under the linked articles you can read about the foods in which the substances are found.

It is more difficult with vitamin B12: The vitamin is mainly found in fish, but also in dairy products and eggs. Therefore, if you follow a vegan diet, you may need to take vitamin B12 supplements. Clarify this with your family doctor.

Environmental balance of a purely plant-based diet

A vegan diet requires significantly fewer resources than one that includes animal products. An example explains why this is so:
In order to grow vegetables and grains, the crops must be grown, watered regularly and finally harvested after a few months.
The situation is different with meat or animal products: an animal needs water and feed regularly for years, which in turn has to be cultivated first.
For example, one kilogram of beef contains:
about 5 kilograms of grain,
approx. 15,000 liters of water (for the feed and also for the animal itself)
a usable area of ​​27 to 49 square meters.
The digestion of the cow also produces 22 kilograms of greenhouse gases per kilogram of meat. With a vegan diet, on the other hand, you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Many vegans are accused of polluting the environment by consuming soy products. For this it can be stated:
In fact, the cultivation of soy is often not ecological. According to the WWF, soybeans are mainly imported. 80 percent of the soy used as animal feed in Germany comes directly from South America.
Parts of the rainforest are cleared for cultivation. After the soy has been harvested, the areas mostly lie fallow.
But it is also a fact that most of the soy (98 percent) is used as feed for animals in factory farming. The beans are a popular feed for fattening animals because they gain weight particularly quickly.
Only two percent of the soy grown worldwide is processed into tofu or soy milk at all.
The soy that is processed into food for humans usually grows in Europe. Organic soy often comes from Germany.
Factory farming thus contributes significantly to the deforestation of the rainforest. This is driving species extinction and we are losing an important carbon store on earth.

Nevertheless, not every vegan product is automatically sustainable:
Vegan foods generally cause fewer greenhouse gases than animal products. However, if you buy fruit and vegetables out of season, the environmental footprint of your vegan diet will deteriorate. Because the food has to travel long distances by plane or is grown in heated greenhouses.
For example, when tomatoes (PDF) are grown in a heated greenhouse in winter, they emit ten times more greenhouse gases than locally grown tomatoes during the season.
Even heavily processed meat substitute products are not very ecological. They are processed in many energy-intensive steps and cause packaging waste. Therefore, you should not eat such products too often. In addition, meat substitutes often contain a lot of fat, sugar and unhealthy additives.
Caution is also advised when it comes to trendy superfood: avocado, chia seeds and the like are healthy, but are often flown in from far away. As a rule, there are regional alternatives for these foods, such as flaxseed or hemp seeds.

Is beer vegan? Sure, you might think, but it’s not that simple. We explain what you need to know about beer as a vegan.

Beer consists mainly of water, hops and barley. So it’s purely plant-based and therefore vegan, right?
Unfortunately it’s not that easy. Because many drinks, including some types of beer, contain flavorings or colorings that are of animal origin. For example, they are obtained from scale insects. Some beverages, such as wine, are also clarified with gelatin and casein.

During clarification or fining, clarification agents from beer and wine are used to bind suspended matter that can cloud the liquid and filter it out. The problem here is that clarifying agents are regarded as auxiliary agents and therefore do not have to be on the label. So there is no clear indication of whether the drink is vegan or not.

German beer is mostly vegan

Vegans in Germany can drink local beer with peace of mind, because it does not contain any animal substances. The reason for this is the Purity Law, which stipulates that beer may only be brewed from water, hops, malt and yeast. Yeast is vegan because this unicellular microorganism has no central nervous system and therefore does not feel pain. Therefore, yeast is not assigned to the animal kingdom.

With German beers, you are also on the safe side with the clarification agent: the beers are clarified with kieselguhr and not with animal products. This substance consists mainly of fossil diatoms. Incidentally, naturally cloudy beers or cellar beers are not filtered at all. You can also read about it on the website of the German Brewers’ Association. Only the labels on the bottle may have been attached using glue of animal origin. Then theoretically, depending on the type, not every bottled beer would be vegan.

As a vegan, you can be sure that German beer is vegan, with the exception of the label. However, the situation is different with mixed beer drinks or types of beer from abroad.

Is beer vegan? exceptions

The Purity Law does not apply to beer that is not brewed in Germany. Depending on the manufacturer, these may contain ingredients of animal origin. For example, some beers contain honey to create a more aromatic taste, or they are clarified with the help of animal products. However, a rethink is slowly taking place here as well. For example, Guinness from Ireland no longer uses animal products.

With beer mix drinks like Radler, it always depends on what else is mixed with it. Because lemonades or fruit juices are often clarified with gelatine, they are therefore not vegan. Check with the manufacturer if you’re unsure if your beer is vegan.

Whether vegan beer or not: Enjoy it in moderation. Because even a little alcohol shortens life expectancy.