The definitions of vegetarianism & vegetarian food
Most people may know the term “vegetarian,” but do they know what its exact meaning is? In short, they don’t eat meat. There are also many ways vegetarians define and classify meat.
Each has a different kind of vegetarian diet.
Vegetarian
If you become vegetarian, you will not eat meat, poultry, or fish. These categories of eaters can be further segmented by animal products that you choose to eat.
• Lacto-Ovo vegetarians eat both eggs and dairy products.
• Lacto vegetarians don’t eat eggs but only dairy products.
• Ovo vegetarians don’t eat dairy products. However, they eat eggs.
Vegan
If you are vegan, you do not eat meat, poultry, fish and dairy products, eggs, or other animal products such as gelatin or honey.
Partial vegetarian
Partial vegetarians eat animal food but not meat.
• Pescatarians avoid all meat but eat fish.
• Pollotarians do not eat other meat and fish, but only poultry.
Flexitarian
Some people follow anti-vegetarianism or flexible diets. These people’s diets are mostly based on eating plant foods, but sometimes, they can eat meat, dairy products, eggs, poultry, and fish (Marcin, A. 2018).
Why do people become vegetarians?
There are many reasons why people become vegetarians. It can be for health reasons, for religious or ethical beliefs, or for preference for vegetables (Kali, M. 2017).
The effects of a vegetarian diet on the body.
The advantages of vegetarianism
- It’s good for heart health.
- It reduces cancer risk.
- It prevents type 2 diabetes.
- It lowers blood pressure.
- It reduces asthma symptoms.
- It improves bone health.
The disadvantages of vegetarianism
For those who don’t eat many vegetables, having a vegetarian diet signifies dependence on starchy foods and carbs. High-carb diets are linked to a high blood pressure, which makes it unhealthy and more likely lead to developing type 2 diabetes.
Another disadvantage of a vegetarian diet is vitamin deficiency, especially vitamins that come from meat. Without supplements, many vegetarians will have low levels of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids (Adereyko, O, 2020).
Conclusion
A vegetarian diet helps make our body healthier and reduce the probability of complications if we keep the right amount and nutrient levels for our body. However, if you eat only the vegetables you want to eat without thinking about nutrients, you may end up having worse health due to nutritional imbalance.
Reference
Adereyko, O. (2020). Pros and Cons of Vegetarianism: The Beginner’s Guide to a Vegetarian Diet. [online] Flo.health – #1 mobile product for women’s health. Available at: https://flo.health/menstrual-cycle/lifestyle/diet-and-nutrition/pros-and-cons-of-vegetarianism [Accessed 2 Jun. 2022].
Kali, M. (2017). What Does It Mean To Be Vegetarian? [online] Healthy UNH. Available at: https://www.unh.edu/healthyunh/blog/nutrition/2017/08/what-does-it-mean-be-vegetarian [Accessed 2 Jun. 2022].
Marcin, A. (2018). The Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Vegetarian. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/becoming-vegetarian [Accessed 4 Jun. 2022].
