Vegetarian or vegan is a lifestyle that is increasingly popular in society. Many are interested in trying it as an effort to live a healthier life. But what is the difference between vegetarian and vegan? Even though they sound similar and their diet rules almost seem similar, vegan and vegetarian are two different lifestyles. Find out through the following vegetarian vs vegan article!
What is Vegetarian?
A vegetarian is someone who does not eat meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish, or the byproducts of animal slaughter.
A vegetarian diet contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts. A vegetarian can still consume animal products such as milk, honey and eggs depending on the type of diet followed.
What is Vegan?
Veganism is defined as a way of life that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty as much as possible. Not only animal meat, but eggs, milk and ingredients derived from animals such as:
- Jelly
- Honey
- Whey
- Casein
- Karmin
- Pepsin
- Some forms of vitamin D3
On the other hand, vegans believe that animals have the right not to be used by humans, whether for food, clothing, science, or entertainment. Therefore, they avoid all animal byproducts, regardless of the conditions in which the animals are bred or housed.
Difference Between Vegetarian and Vegan
Basically, people who live a vegan and vegetarian lifestyle both choose a diet that comes from plant sources. However, some people who follow a vegetarian diet still consume milk or eggs.
People who live a vegetarian lifestyle are against killing animals for food. However, they consider the consumption of animal by-products, such as milk and eggs, acceptable as long as the animals are kept in good condition.
Meanwhile, people who live a vegan lifestyle believe that animals have the right to be free, either from being consumed or from other uses by humans. Therefore, they also try not to wear animal by-products, such as silk, wool, or animal skin clothing.
There are various types or types of vegetarians. Vegetarians can see the differences between the following types.
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian: vegetarian who avoids meat but consumes milk and eggs.
- Lacto vegetarian: vegetarian who avoids meat and eggs but still consumes dairy products.
- Ovo vegetarian: a vegetarian who avoids all animal products except eggs.
What to Consider before Becoming Vegetarian or Vegan?
Vegetarians and vegans provide benefits for the body. But vegan and vegetarian diets also carry the risk of causing health problems, for example, anemia and protein deficiency.
This is because these two diets prohibit people who follow them from getting food from animal sources.
Foods of animal origin, such as meat and fish, are an important source of protein and iron to prevent anemia and protein deficiency.
Therefore, if you plan to become vegan or vegetarian, keep the following in mind:
1. Make sure You Eat Nutritious Food
Make sure your daily nutritional needs are fulfilled, especially protein, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
2. Consult to a Doctor
You should also discuss with your doctor if you want to adopt this diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
3. Regularly Check your Medical Status
Because you tend to experience nutritional deficiencies, you can do a lab test to determine whether you lack blood or other vitamins.
Choose the Right Diet!
To reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies, adopt a healthy vegetarian diet to maintain body health. If you have certain medical conditions, you should first consult a doctor before adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet.
Arummi cashew milk is a plant-based milk. So, a vegetarian and vegan can consume it!