Vegan vs Vegetarian: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

Nowadays, the debate between vegan vs vegetarian diets has gained attention as more and more people are exploring plant-based lifestyles. While both diets emphasise plant-based foods, they differ regarding restrictions and philosophies. Understanding these differences can help you decide which best suits your health goals. Please read the article below. 

What is a vegetarian?

A vegetarian does not eat meat, poultry, and fish. However, you need to know about several types of vegetarians. First, some lacto-vegetarians consume dairy products but avoid eggs. Then, some ovo-vegetarians eat eggs but do not consume dairy products. Then, some lacto-ovo vegetarians consume dairy products and eggs. 

Some vegetarians also avoid animal-derived gelatin and rennet. From this, it can be concluded that a vegetarian bases his diet on vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds. Many choose this diet for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.

What is a vegan?

Unlike vegetarians, a vegan avoids consuming all animal products. This includes those from meat, dairy products, eggs, and honey. On top of that, vegans also don't use products made from animals, such as leather or wool. 

Vegans consume only plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Many people follow a vegan diet for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. Some people believe that if this diet is implemented, it can reduce harm to animals and reduce environmental impact.

Health benefits

Adopting a vegan and vegetarian diet has been found to offer tons of health benefits. Both diets are typically rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Furthermore, plant-based diets are also associated with decreased high cholesterol levels and better digestion. 

Vegans may experience additional benefits from not consuming animal products at all, such as lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation. However, both diets require careful meal planning to ensure adequate nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin B12 intake.

Which is healthier?

Vegan and vegetarian diets can be healthy for the body if they are balanced. A vegetarian diet may provide more calcium and vitamin B12 from dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet can eliminate cholesterol and offer more fibre and antioxidants. However, vegans need to ensure that they get enough essential nutrients. 

Both diets can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and increase longevity. The choice depends on individual health needs and food preferences.

Which is better for weight loss?

Vegan and vegetarian diets can help with weight loss due to their high fibre content and lower calorie density than omnivorous diets. Vegans may have a slight edge in weight loss due to not consuming calorie-dense animal products like cheese and butter. However, weight loss ultimately depends on overall calorie intake and food choices. 

For example, a vegetarian or vegan diet that is high in processed foods and refined carbohydrates may not result in weight loss. Incorporating whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight on either diet.

Tips for vegetarians and vegans

• Eat a variety of plant-based foods to get essential nutrients.

• Include protein-rich foods like beans, lentils, tofu and nuts.

• Choose whole grains over refined grains to get more fibre and energy.

• Take vitamin B12 supplements if avoiding animal products.

• Read food labels to check for hidden animal content.

• Plan a balanced meal to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vegans eat eggs?

No, they don't. The reason is that vegans do not consume eggs, which are products that come from animals. Vegans, on the other hand, do not consume all foods derived from animals, including eggs, honey, and dairy products.

Can a vegan eat fish?

Do vegetarians drink milk and eat eggs?

Conclusion

In fact, vegans and vegetarians are similar but differ in their views on animal products. Vegetarians can consume dairy products and eggs, while vegans avoid all animal products.

However, both offer health benefits and can support weight loss. Therefore, which one you choose depends on your body's needs. But don't forget to pay attention to your food nutrition to fulfill the body's nutritional needs.

If you are a vegan and want to enjoy a varied meal, you can visit Brother Bon Restaurant. We have a variety of vegan foods that are nutritionally balanced and offer great taste.