Unravel the nuances between veganism and vegetarianism. Explore the ethical, health, and environmental implications of these dietary choices. Understand the key distinctions that set these two plant-based lifestyles apart.
Differences between Veganism and Vegetarianism
Veganism is stricter and also prohibits dairy, eggs, honey, and any other items that derive from animal products, such as leather and silk.
- Vegetarians typically consume a range of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and pulses, as well as meat substitutes and byproducts derived from animal slaughter. Vegetarians do not consume meat, poultry, fish and shellfish, eggs or animal byproducts.
Scientific research suggests that vegetarian and vegan diets may offer several health benefits
A 2017 study examined the effectiveness of a plant-based diet in 49 adults who were overweight or had obesity and also had at least one of the following conditions
- The researchers randomly assigned participants to either normal diet and care or a low fat, plant based diet program comprising low fat whole foods, which did not involve calorie counting or mandatory regular exercise
- At the 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, participants in the diet group had significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol levels compared with those in the normal care group
Eating a plant-based diet does not guarantee good health
A large 2017 study found that plant based diets consisting of unhealthful foods can increase a person’s risk of coronary heart disease
A 2019 review cites evidence suggesting that plant-based diets may offer a number of cardiovascular health benefits for endurance athletes
These benefits include:
- A 2019 study also found an association between a healthful plant based diet and a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- Another 2016 observational study found that vegetarians living in South Asia and America were less likely to develop obesity than nonvegetarians.
Veganism
Veganism is a stricter form of vegetarianism that prohibits the consumption or use of any products that come from animals, including dairy, eggs, honey, leather goods, wool, and silk.
- Vegetarians and vegans generally eat plant-based diets, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and pulses.
Healthful Vegan Lifestyle
A healthful vegan lifestyle includes: consuming a whole food, plant based diet
- Exercising daily
- Drinking more than eight glasses of water a day
- Getting regular sunlight exposure.
- Vegetarians and pescatarians can obtain EPA and DHA more easily from eggs and seafood.
A cross-sectional study from 2006 involving 21,966 participants and a 2014 review of three prospective cohort studies involving Adventists in North America both suggest that vegans generally have a lower BMI than vegetarians and meat eaters
A possible explanation for this trend might because vegans do not consume eggs or dairy products.
- In a 2018 study, researchers randomly assigned participants to either follow a low fat, vegan diet or continue their current diet, which could include animal protein.
