7 Differences Between Vegan and Vegetarian Diet
What is the difference between vegan and vegetarian? Is there really a difference? The answer is yes. Vegan and vegetarians usually know that the differences between the two diets.
If you don’t, here are the top 7 differences between them.
7. Historically
The vegetarian diet is older than the vegan diet. The former has been around for more than 2000 years while the vegan diet has been around recently. Some people consider the vegan diet is the strict version of vegetarianism.
6. Definitions
Both diets depend on eating more plants. The vegetarian diet depends on avoiding meat only while allowing animal products such as dairy products, eggs, and honey while the vegan diet prevents meat and all animal products.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Both diets are low in many nutrients including vitamin B12, heme iron, calcium, zinc, and other elements. However, the vegan diet requires more attention. Vegetarians can have some nutrients from animal products while vegans can’t. (1, 2)
4. Foods to Avoid
3. Food to Eat
Both vegans and vegetarians eat all types of plants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and grains. Vegetarians can eat eggs, dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, and honey. Vegans follow a more restricted diet.
2. Weight Loss
Studies show that vegans have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) than vegetarians and of course, meat-eaters since they don’t consume eggs or dairy products. Other studies show that vegans lose more weight than vegetarians. (3, 4, 5, 6)
1. Which is Healthier?
It is difficult to determine which diet is healthier. Vegans are at more risk for nutritional deficiencies. The health benefits of veganism are more but the risks are higher. On the other hand, vegetarianism does not have too many risks.
Choose what is best for you. (7)
