As we saw some time ago, there are apparently vegetarian / vegan foods that can hide animal-derived fats. Likewise, many of the products we use every day for the personal care or for the repairs and housekeeping can hide substances derived from the killing of animals and, therefore, in full contrast with the philosophy and ethics of vegetarians and vegans.
When on Labels of products we read words such as stearic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid or oleic acid, we must in fact be aware that these substances, generally present in soaps, cosmetics, drugs, inks e various foods, are borrowed da grassi and oils that can be of both vegetable and, in some cases, animal origin. Among the sources of animal fats more common, for example, is the tallow, which comes from cows, sheep e pigs.
Index
Stearic acid
It is present in numerous fats of animal and vegetable origin, from tallow tococonut oil, of palm, di soy e di sunflower. It is used in numerous industrial processes, often in combination with other fatty acids. Among its uses we find soaps, detergents, deodorants stick, candles, shampoo e strengthening products for hair, lotions for hands, shaving creams. It acts as a lubricant and emulsifier and is also used in production of PVC and tyres for cars.
Myristic acid
It is a fatty acid found in nutmeg, In the semi of palm, In 'coconut oil, but also in derivatives of XNUMX cups milkand in the fatty tissues of sperm whales e whale. It is widely used in the production of cosmetics and some drugs.
Oleic acid
It is present in theolive oil, In 'oil of peanuts, In 'sesame oil, but also in many animal fats, such as those of chicken e turkey. Derivatives of oleic acid are usually used intextile industry, in that tanning and in cosmetics, as well as in the preparation of lubricants.
Palmitic acid
It is found in numerous animals and plants. The name derives from the fact that it is present in thePalm oil, other sources are the XNUMX cups milk and its derivatives and the meat. It is commonly used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, drugs, foods e cosmetics.
Lauric acid
It is present in thecoconut oil, of palm and in many others tropical oils. Among its animal sources, however, there is the XNUMX cups milk. Among the different uses, we can find it in soaps,detergents e coatings.
Glycerin
Derivative of glycerol, can be of synthetic origin or extracted from plants (usually, soya beans) or animals (tallow). It is present as an additive in numerous foods and is used in soaps, cosmetics product(As lotions, scents, creams for the skin), toothpastes, mouthwashes, pharmaceutical products(for example, cough syrups e ointments). It is also used in the production of inks,hill, Plastics e lubricants.
Having said that, a question arises: is it realistic to think that it is possible to completely avoid the use of animal products?
The most reasonable answer is that, even if it is complicated being 100% vegan and vegetarian in a world that uses animal parts to produce anything, this does not mean that you cannot do your best to avoid "suspicious" ingredients whenever possible, maybe inquiring from the producers with regard to the animal or vegetable derivation of the acids and substances used. We must not forget that they exist on the market guaranteed vegan and vegetarian products to cope with almost all daily needs.
Luisa
