Like two peas in a pod, they are identical. What are the differences? (Image via: This One vs. That One)

Editorial: The Differences between Vegan and Vegetarian

Their name states almost the same. They both contain the word “Vege” within their names. Therefore, both of these lifestyles reject putting meat as their diet. So, what are the differences between the two? Glad you asked, we will break it down for you.

The existence of word “Vege” in both names reflect the abstain of meat in their diet, as it stands for "vegetables". Most people confuse these 2 terms. They think that by being a vegan is the same as being vegetarian and vice versa. Well, not quite right.

The main difference that they hold is that vegans do more than just restraining themselves from the sinful temptation of meat. They also reject dairy product or any animal based products such as milk, egg, cheese, honey, or any kind of food that involves animal in it. Get the idea?

Meanwhile, for vegetarians, such dairy products mentioned above are still considered as edible because dairy products do not involve any animal slaughter in the making process.

Moreover, no offense to the vegetarians out there, but veganism is stricter than vegetarianism. Vegetarianism has a lot of excuses and compromises in their diet. For example, lacto-ovo vegetarians do not consume meat, however, they still consume dairy products (lacto) and eggs (ovo).

Even, there is such diet as pescatarianism, a diet where a vegetarian can eat fish and other seafood, but not other meat. Some vegetarians are still in doubt with it, so some call it semi-vegetarian or flexitarian.

On the contrary, the vegans just cannot stand the sight of it. Let us make ourselves clear, not only can they not eat them, but also vegans reject “every” product that involves animal slaughter. For example, wool from sheep, any beauty products with animal fat, silk, and of course, leather. That is the reason why vegans are often related with PETA.

In brief, vegetarianism rejects meat (sometimes), while veganism rejects all kind of animal slaughtered products. Which one is healthier? From the look and the sound of it, of course, people would choose veganism over vegetarianism, in terms of healthiness.

In terms of fat loss, veganism wins. According to a 2019 research in Nutrition and Diabetes journal, 75 overweight adults lost weight faster with vegan lifestyle. In addition, vegans have lower BMI than vegetarians and most people do.

Both have their own ups and downs. However, for the vegans, we suggest that you should make some exception. Lacto-ovo vegetarians, for instance, get their calcium and omega 3 from dairy products and eggs. While, vegans might be facing the risk of calcium and omega 3 deficiency from abstaining from such products.

So, which one is perfect for you? You decide.

Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325478.php