Vegetarianism: discover different diets that value plants

*This text has been written based on information received from health institutions and authorities, hospitals and health professionals. Consult a doctor or nutritionist for better guidance on adopting a new diet.

An important trend in recent years vegetarianism gained more and more fans. The principle of the diet is the reduction of animal suffering and the fight against large animal monopolies, so the masters stop consuming meat daily. The health benefits are also important when choosing a plant-rich diet.

With its popularity, more and more terms are emerging to denote different types of vegetarian diets. Veganism, lacto-ovovegetarianism, flexibility… are you confused? Understand what each term means.

Vegetarian

Literally a vegetarian is a person who does not eat meat or food derived from animals. This includes, for example, milk, eggs and honey. This vegetarianism refuses food that can cause pain or that is produced by the exploitation of animals.

This is because the intensive production of these derivatives is dependent on extreme breeding conditions. For example, chickens are confined to overcrowded cells and given high levels of hormones to help them grow rapidly and lay large numbers of eggs.

The situation is no different with milk. Cows also receive hormone injections and even undergo genetic manipulation to increase production. A person may also adopt vegetarianism for religious reasons.

lacto-ovo vegetarian

In the informality of everyday life, a lacto-ovo vegetarian may declare himself a vegetarian – these differences being more significant among dieters. This diet is often seen as the first step towards a more mindful eating pattern.

Ovolactos, as the name suggests, eat eggs and dairy products, but stop eating any type of meat (red, white, fish or seafood). Because it’s less restrictive, it attracts more people who are concerned about animal exploitation but need time to adapt.

flexible

Flexitarianism has been heavily criticized by supporters of the animal conservation philosophy and cannot be considered a vegetarian diet in the literal sense of the word. But the truth is that these people are the ones who influence meat consumption the most in Brazil and their importance is undeniable.

The flexibles group includes anyone who does not stop eating meat, but reduces their intake of these foods. Those who follow this diet are aware of the problems caused by animal exploitation and want to do their part.

They are also the people who drive the market and the ever-increasing search for cruelty-free products and demand change from companies and products.

Raw and fruity

Two more radical categories, raw eaters and fruit eaters, are vegetarians who also deal with other issues. In general, they try to make the most of what nature has to offer and believe that with the basics, health is possible.

A raw food lover agrees to eat only raw food that cannot be heated above 40ºC, refined, pasteurized or processed. They also reject the use of pesticides. On the other hand, some admit to eating raw fish and eggs.

Proponents believe that during preparation, important enzymes for the diet are eliminated and the food loses its nutritional power. However, following a nutritionist is essential to adopting this diet.

The same applies to fructivores that feed exclusively on fruits – the classification includes some vegetables and oilseeds. This radical diet aims to diversify consumption as much as possible and to make the most of all the nutrients nature has to offer.

vegan

Veganism is not a diet like its predecessors. A vegan is someone who adopts a philosophy of life that preaches against animal exploitation in every field beyond food.

It therefore includes a strict vegetarian diet, but at the same time eliminates the use of other products such as leather, wool or silk clothing and accessories, as well as products that are tested on animals, for example.

In recent years, the ideology has gained more and more followers and the market has responded positively to this trend. Every day, new products emerge that claim to benefit from animals, sought after even by consumers who do not embrace the philosophy but are aware of the problem.

This vegetarianism It has won the tastes of Brazilians, and whoever thinks adopting these diets is a great sacrifice is wrong. There are many dishes made from vegetables, vegetables and various delicious fruits in different cuisines like Italian, Arabian or Indian. In addition, the richness and variety of foods provide health benefits for both humans and animals.