Difference between Vegan and Vegetarian
When it comes to ‘the eating conscience’, you must have definitely heard of two classes of people – one type who consumes animal products and those who do not. However you might not be familiar with the two subdivisions of the latter class – vegan and vegetarian. People often regard the non-meat eaters as vegetarians. However there is also another category of non-meat eaters known as vegan. In fact vegans are much more than just non-meat eaters. The following part of this article explores the subtleties in the meanings of the two terms – vegan and vegetarian.
Definitions
A vegetarian is the one who consumes a diet which does not contain meat or any other product of animal slaughter (e.g. gelatin). In other words, the diet of a vegetarian is mainly a plant based diet which may include dairy products and eggs as well. Vegan is a term derived from vegetarian but it goes way beyond the eating habits. A person who follows the principles of veganism is known as vegan. The originators of the veganism define it as the principles of living without exploiting animals to one’s advantage as far as it is possible and practical. Thus a vegan’s decisions and practices in any sphere of life are based upon the logical implications of this principle in that regard.
Difference in Diets
As stated earlier, the vegetarian diet is mainly a plant based diet that does not contain meat or any other product of animal slaughter. However vegetarian diets are of many kinds in regard to the inclusion of diary products and eggs – the one which includes dairy products but eggs (lacto-vegetarian diet), the other kind which includes eggs but dairy products (ovo-vegetarian), the one which includes both (lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet) and the one which includes none of these. On the contrary, the vegan diet does not at all include any animal product be it eggs, dairy products or even honey! Sometimes, the term ‘veganism’ is used to refer to the practice of eating this kind of diet only. However the vegans criticize this restricted usage of the broad term.
Reasons for Adoption
Vegetarianism is a practice confined to the food intake by human. On the contrary veganism is a principle applicable in every sphere of life. Besides food, the adherents of veganism seek to avoid the usage of animal derived products even in clothing, cosmetics, etc. A vegan aims to promote the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of one and all. Veganism and vegetarianism are adopted by people mainly due to ethical reasons, religious reasons, health concerns and aesthetic reasons.
Summary
- A Vegetarian is the one who feeds upon a plant based diet with or without dairy products or eggs.
- The term Vegan refers to a person who adheres to the principle of Veganism which forbids any form of exploitation of animals for any purpose to the extent it is possible and feasible.
- Vegetarianism is confined to the eating habits of human.
- Veganism is not just limited to eating habits but it encourages the use of animal-free alternatives wherever possible.
