Ovo vegetarianism

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Ovo vegetarianism is a type of vegetarianism which allows for the consumption of eggs but not dairy products. The term "ovo-vegetarian" is derived from the Latin word "ovo", meaning egg. This diet is contrasted with lacto vegetarianism, which allows dairy products but not eggs.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Ovo vegetarians, also known as "egg vegetarians", consume vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and eggs. They abstain from consuming meat, fish, dairy products, and often, honey. The reasons for choosing this diet can be related to health, ethical, cultural, or religious beliefs.

Health aspects[edit | edit source]

Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, nutrients that are often lacking in a vegetarian diet. However, they are also high in cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess. It is recommended that ovo vegetarians balance their egg consumption with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods.

Ethical considerations[edit | edit source]

Some people choose ovo vegetarianism for ethical reasons, believing that it is wrong to kill animals for food, but that it is acceptable to consume eggs because they do not involve the death of an animal. However, this view is controversial, as the egg industry is often associated with poor treatment of hens.

Cultural and religious beliefs[edit | edit source]

In some cultures and religions, such as Hinduism and Jainism, eggs are considered vegetarian. However, in others, such as Buddhism, they are not. This can lead to differing interpretations of what constitutes a vegetarian diet.

See also[edit | edit source]

Ovo vegetarianism Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD