Vegan Diet
People, who follow a vegan diet (also: veganism), live without all animal products in the comparison to the vegetarian diet which only resigns from meat. It doesn’t matter whether these products are taken from dead or living animals. Milk, milk products, eggs or honey as well as animal by-products such as gelatine are not part of the diet of a vegan.
The reason for a vegan diet is usually the ethical intention to protect animals from exploitation and suffering. Ethically motivated vegans often do without animal clothing, cosmetics and other products for which animals may have been tortured as well.
The vegan diet is a peaceful and respectful nutrition, which corresponds to our current spirit of the time. Especially in recent years, the number of people who eat vegan has risen sharply.
Active health care
Switching to veganism is virtually a health programme for the whole body. It is relatively easy to implement and does not require any further steps apart from the change in diet.
Body and head benefit from a wholesome nutrition. Fruit and vegetables are proven to have a positive effect on the risk of disease. Cardiovascular diseases, overweight, obesity, diabetes or autoimmune diseases can thus be avoided.
20 years ago the German nourishing scientist Professor Claus Leitzmann could already prove that humans, who renounced the consumption of animal products, were less frequent affected by dangerous tumours. Numerous studies confirming this result followed.
The vegan nutrition has a variety of positive side effects, which are reaching from a balanced metabolism over a strong immune system up to anti-aging effects.
Components of a vegan diet
Water
Water is the basis of a healthy vegan diet. It is recommended to consume 1-2 litres of water and other non-alcoholic, low-calorie beverages per day. It is also recommended to drink mineral water rich in calcium. Herbal and fruit teas and well-diluted juices are preferable to other drinks rich in calories.
Vegetables and fruit
A mixture of three portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit a day, supplemented with moderate portions of dried fruits and juices, is the ideal source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and secondary plant ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventing effects. Dark green vegetables such as kale, savoy cabbage and lamb's lettuce provide a great amount of calcium.
Proteins
Pulses are considerable good sources of protein and should be on the menu several times a week or even daily. Various types of beans, low processed soy products such as tofu, lentils, peas, chick peas and peanuts provide complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, minerals and secondary plant ingredients. Meat alternatives like wheat protein or lupin protein as well as substitute products from soy also contribute to a good protein supply.
Cereals and potatoes
Whole grain products such as pasta and bread, as well as rice, potatoes, quinoa, amaranth and millet supply the body with carbohydrates, important proteins, minerals, vitamins and fibre. Whole grain products provide particularly complex carbohydrates, which can only be broken down and processed slowly by the human body and thus ensure long saturation and high performance.
Oils, fats and salt
When selecting oil, quality should be used instead of quantity. Linseed, rapeseed and walnut oils are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and should therefore be used preferably. Salt should also be used sparingly. Sea salt with iodine-containing algae additives or iodised salt serve as a good source of iodine. Iodine-containing algae can easily be added to many recipes.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, cashews, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also part of a balanced vegan diet because they contain proteins, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.
Sweets and alcohol
Sweets, chips, ready meals and alcohol are often vegan (since they do not contain animal products), but should only be consumed consciously and in moderate portions. They are not needed for a healthy diet!
By the way: all our products are vegan! While our nut bars consist of nuts, dried fruits and spices and are sweetened with agave syrup and coconut blossom sugar, sunflower oil is added to our spread as well. Our fruit gummy is made from fruit puree and fruit juice concentrate. It's sweetness comes exclusively from the fruit. We use pectin as a vegan gelling agent.
Photo credit: © Alexander Raths / Fotolia