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The decision to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet is influenced by various factors, including health, ethics, and environmental concerns.

The Difference Between Vegan and Vegetarian

A vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, fish, and by-products of animal slaughter. Vegetarians can be further categorized based on their consumption of dairy and eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians consume both dairy and eggs, lacto vegetarians consume dairy but not eggs, and ovo vegetarians consume eggs but not dairy. In contrast, a vegan diet is more restrictive, avoiding all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and even honey. Vegans also avoid other animal-derived ingredients like gelatin and certain forms of vitamin D3.

Benefits of a Vegan Diet

A vegan diet offers numerous health benefits. 

Research indicates that vegans typically have lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol in their diets, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. Vegans also consume higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall better health. 

Studies suggest that a well-planned vegan diet can help prevent type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and other chronic conditions. Moreover, veganism often extends beyond diet, encompassing lifestyle choices that avoid animal exploitation in clothing and cosmetics, thus promoting broader ethical and environmental benefits.

Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarian diets also offer substantial health benefits. 

Similar to vegans, vegetarians tend to have a lower intake of saturated fat and cholesterol and a higher intake of beneficial nutrients from fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts. This diet has been associated with lower risks of heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. 

Additionally, vegetarians often have better weight management and lower body mass index (BMI) compared to meat-eaters. While vegetarians do consume some animal by-products, they still contribute positively to environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for meat production, which has a high environmental cost.