Skip to content
search
Wellness Vegetarian vs Vegan: What's The Difference And Which One Suits You Best?

Vegetarian vs Vegan: What's The Difference And Which One Suits You Best?

Vegetarian vs Vegan: What's The Difference And Which One Suits You Best?
Photo: Pexels
By Christine Andas
By Christine Andas
March 23, 2021
Delve into the differences and benefits of vegetarianism and veganism

Health has been everyone's priority for the past few months, and the rise in interest for plant-based options proves this. Terms such as vegetarian and vegan have been loosely used years before, but even more so since the prevalence of an invisible threat that we call COVID-19. While both ways of living are beneficial for our health and the environment, vegetarian and vegan diets are quite distinct. For one thing, you may approach it from the perspective of diet, or as a new way of living. So if you have been contemplating taking on a healthier way of life, for the sake of all, read on to get the lowdown on veganism and vegetarianism.

Read more: The Wholesome Table Has A New Menu For 2021, Founder Bianca Elizalde Shares

Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash

Vegetarian

WHAT IS CONSIDERED VEGETARIAN?

A vegetarian is an individual who follows a diet that consists of plant-based food and beverages, excluding meat, fish, and poultry - no animals that were once living. You may consume dairy, eggs, and honey. Simply put, a vegetarian diet does not include any type of food which comes from slaughter.

Vegetarians follow this form of diet either because of many reasons but more often than not due to their health conditions or religious beliefs. Because people have varied motives for being vegetarian, different types of this particular diet have formed. These are pure vegetarian, eggetarian or ovo-vegetarian, Jain diet, and Lacto-vegetarian, for example.

Pure vegetarians often eat vegetables and stay away from all sorts of animal products. Ovo-vegetarians can eat vegetables, fruits, eggs, and milk but not meat, seafood and their derivatives. Those who follow the Jain diet consume vegetables, milk, eggs, and anything grown under the soil such as potatoes, onions, garlic. Lacto-vegetarians, on the other hand, will eat anything of vegetable origin, milk and derivatives, but not eggs, meat, and fish.

Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels
Photo: Unsplash
Photo: Unsplash

Vegan

WHAT IS CONSIDERED VEGAN?

Veganism excludes all sorts of exploitation and consumption of animal products for food, items, or forms of entertainment.

A vegan diet only consists of plant-based products. This means meat, seafood, poultry, dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatin cannot be consumed by someone who practices veganism. Those who adopt veganism strictly cannot consume byproducts that come from animals.

But while most people think of veganism as a "stricter form of a vegetarian diet", veganism is basically "a lifestyle rather than a diet". Vegans empathise with all kinds of animals as they "follow a principle of kindness and empathy into all facets of life" and believe that animals also feel pain. Having said this, veganism goes beyond diet which means products that directly or indirectly involve animals, from leather, wool, silk, fur, to cosmetics should not be used by vegans.

Photo: Pexels
Photo: Pexels

WHICH ONE IS FIT FOR YOU?

Cutting down on your meat, poultry, and fish consumption is more than just an attempt to be fit. For vegetarians, it is often either a form of respect for religion or in support of preventing animal cruelty. For vegans, it can be an advocacy for both the animals and to protect the environment.

Whichever you choose, know that you are making an indelible mark on the planet and contributing to the future, one plate at a time.

Read more: Healthy Eating Tips From Chef And Doctor Linda Shiue

Tags

Wellness Dining Vegan Vegetarian Healthy Food Health

clear
keyboard_arrow_up

In order to provide you with the best possible experience, this website uses cookies. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

close