Vegetarian diets refer to those who exclude certain foods from their diet. These types of diets are usually accompanied by an ethical standpoint. A vegetarian person who adheres to this diet is considered a vegetarian. Other distinctions can be made among various categories of vegetarianism.
Some vegan diets are plant-based and exclude all meat, seafood, poultry and eggs. Some vegan diets are animal-free and exclude only milk, cheese and eggs. A few plant foods are vegan; these include all fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Some plant foods, such as sugar cane, are permitted on occasion. The macrobiotic diet, which excludes all animal protein except for fish, is another common type of vegan diet. A few other specific dietary restrictions include avoiding honey and refined sugars.
In addition to providing numerous health benefits, the vegan diets provide a sense of pride for many individuals following this type of eating pattern. The lack of animal product consumption results in fewer animal sweats, a reduction in stress levels and contributes to an overall feeling of well-being. Vegans are generally encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet, which includes vegetables and fruits.
While there are many documented health benefits of veganism, it is also important to note that there are some environmental health benefits as well. Veganism can be seen as an act of solidarity with animals, as well as an expression of responsibility. As most animal agriculture is conducted in an industrialized fashion, animal rights are not always protected. For example, many farmers use excessive pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, which can have detrimental effects on humans.
Although the consumption of animal products may seem to run counter to nature, this is not always the case. Many people may choose to reduce or eliminate animal agriculture due to religious beliefs, but many others follow this lifestyle because they enjoy the taste of plant-based foods. Additionally, most vegetarians and vegans do not consume very much of dairy and eggs, which are widely consumed in animal agriculture. This does not mean that these people do not take good care of their bodies; it simply means that they choose to focus on a plant-based diet.
There are many different types of vegan diets, but the two most common are the vegan and vegetarian diets. Both of these diets focus on replacing animal-based foods with plant-based foods; however, vegan diets tend to have a much stronger vegan community. Some vegan groups will even go as far as abstaining from chocolate and other high-acyclical foods. Other vegan groups focus on being completely plant-based and may not allow themselves to eat animal products at all.