Vegetarian

Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from the consumption of meat (red meat, poultry, seafood, and the flesh of any other animal), and may also include abstention from by-products of animal slaughter.

History

Vegetarianism can be traced to ancient India and Greece, but the English word 'vegetarian' came into use in the 19th century to refer to those who avoided meat. The term was coined by the founders of the Vegetarian Society in Manchester, England, in 1847.

Types of vegetarianism

There are several types of vegetarianism, each of which excludes certain foods:

• Lacto vegetarianism: A vegetarian diet that includes certain types of dairy, but excludes eggs and foods which contain animal rennet.
• Ovo vegetarianism: A vegetarian diet that includes eggs, but excludes dairy.
• Ovo-lacto vegetarianism: A vegetarian diet that includes eggs and dairy.
• Veganism: A diet that excludes all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey.

Health effects

A vegetarian diet can be healthy, but vegetarians need to make sure they get enough protein, vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies have shown that vegetarians have lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

Environmental impact

Vegetarian diets can be more environmentally sustainable than diets rich in animal products because they use fewer natural resources and are associated with much less environmental damage.

See also

• Veganism
• Pescetarianism
• Flexitarianism
• Semi-vegetarianism

Vegetarian Resources
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