Tag: Types of vegetarianism

According to recent studies, vegetarianism is a growing dietary choice worldwide, with a significant increase in recent years. Knowing the different types of vegetarian foods is key to navigating this diverse eating style and understanding the various levels of animal product exclusion.

According to a 2018 Gallup poll, 5% of U.S. adults identified as vegetarian, but that simple label encompasses a wide spectrum of dietary choices. While many people are familiar with vegans, they are only one of the **7 types of vegetarians** who follow distinct sets of rules regarding animal product consumption. Understanding these variations is key to exploring the diverse world of plant-forward eating.

According to the Vegetarian Society, the term 'vegetarian' can be used to describe several variations of a plant-based diet, but the specific name for someone who eats eggs and milk while avoiding meat is 'lacto-ovo vegetarian'. This is the most common form of vegetarianism in many Western countries. The name comes from the Latin words 'lacto' for milk and 'ovo' for eggs.

According to a 2020 Gallup poll, 5% of US adults identify as vegetarian, but this broad category includes several variations. Understanding the nuances, such as what is the difference between a vegetarian and a lacto-vegetarian, is crucial for anyone exploring plant-based lifestyles.

According to the Vegan Society, the term 'vegan' was coined in 1944 to differentiate from vegetarianism, making it the definitive answer to what is another name for a strict vegetarian. While many variations of vegetarian diets exist, the practice of avoiding all animal products—including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey—is specifically known as veganism.

Studies have shown that vegetarian diets can lead to a lower body mass index and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A lactovegetarian diet specifically is a plant-based eating pattern that includes dairy products while intentionally excluding meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.