In recent years, terms such as vegetarian y Vegan have gained widespread popularity, but are often confused or misused. Although they share some similarities, there are fundamental differences between both concepts that are important to understand. This article comprehensively addresses the Differences between vegetarianism and veganism, also analyzing other related food trends.
What is Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is a diet based primarily on plant-based products. It excludes the consumption of meat, fish and seafood, although in some cases it allows certain products derived from animals such as eggs, dairy products and honey.
The reasons for adopting this diet vary widely, from respect for animals and an ethical stance, to health, environmental or spiritual reasons. According to recent studies, the Vegetarian diets may be associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Types of Vegetarianism
- Ovolactovegetarians: They include eggs and dairy in their diet, in addition to vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes.
- Lactovegetarians: They consume dairy products, but exclude them. eggs, meats and fish.
- Ovo vegetarians: Incorporate eggs, but they do not consume other animal products.
- Api-vegetarians: They include honey, but exclude products such as milk and eggs.
- Frugivores: They base their diet exclusively on fruits, nuts and seeds, although this way of eating can be considered restrictive and lead to nutritional deficiencies if not planned properly.
Benefits and Considerations
Vegetarian diets are recognized to be associated with numerous health benefits. Being based on fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, provide a large amount of fiber, antioxidants and other essential nutrients. However, it is crucial to plan your diet well to avoid deficiencies. iron, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
What is Veganism
Veganism is much more than just a diet; it is A lifestyle and an ethical stance that seeks to eliminate all forms of exploitation and cruelty towards animals. Vegans not only reject the consumption of meat, fish and seafood, but also eggs, dairy products, honey and any other product of animal origin.
In addition, the vegan commitment extends to other aspects of life, such as avoiding Leather, wool or silk garments, and cosmetic or cleaning products that have been tested on animals.
Types of Veganism
- Dietary vegans: They restrict their veganism exclusively to the area of food.
- Ethical Vegans: They adopt a comprehensive stance, avoiding any product or activity that involves animal exploitation.
- Raw vegans: They consume plant foods raw or cooked at low temperatures (less than 42°C), considering that this way they better preserve nutrients.
Benefits and Challenges
Well-planned vegan diets can provide all the necessary nutrients and have health benefits similar to vegetarianism. However, they require special attention to nutrients such as vitamin B12, calcium and iron, which are usually found in smaller quantities in plant foods.
Veganism is also increasingly linked to caring for the environment, as it reduces the ecological footprint by reducing dependence on industrial livestock farming.
Differences between Vegetarianism and Veganism
Although both forms of diet share the exclusion of meat, the Key distinctions between vegetarians and vegans They lie in the breadth of animal products that each group decides to exclude from their lives.
- Consumption of derived products: Vegetarians can include dairy, eggs and honey, while vegans exclude them completely.
- Ethics and philosophy: Veganism transcends diet, becoming a lifestyle that encompasses other aspects such as clothing and everyday products.
- Environmental impact: Both diets have a positive impact compared to those based on meat consumption, but veganism usually has a lower environmental impact.
Other Related Diets
On the spectrum between vegetarianism and veganism, there are other food trends that are also gaining popularity:
- Flexitarianism: Alternate the consumption of vegetable products with meat occasionally, seeking a balance between sustainability and flexibility.
- Pescatarianism: Excludes red meat and poultry, but allows the consumption of fish and shellfish.
- Plant-based diets: They focus on the consumption of plant foods, but do not necessarily exclude all animal products.
Adopting a plant-based diet, whether vegetarian, vegan or another variant, can be a decision that improves both the health and sustainability of the planet, as long as it is properly planned to cover all nutritional needs.