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Vegetarianism
Definition:
A vegetarian diet is one that excludes all or most animal products, particularly a diet that excludes any food that requires the death of an animal. There are many variations, including the following: - Vegan: Diet consists of only foods of plant origin.
- Lacto-vegetarian: Diet consists of plant foods plus some or all dairy products.
- Lacto-ovovegetarian: Diet consists of plant foods, dairy products and eggs.
- Semi- or partial vegetarian: Diet consists of plant foods and may include chicken or fish, dairy products, and eggs. Excludes red meat.
Alternative Names:
Lacto-ovovegetarian; Semi-vegetarian; Partial vegetarian; Vegan; Lacto-vegetarian Text Continues Below
Function:
A vegetarian diet may be adopted for a variety of reasons, including religious, moral or political beliefs, economics, or the desire to consume a more healthful diet. The American Dietetic Association states that a well-planned vegetarian diet can be consistent with good nutritional intake. Dietary recommendations vary with the type of vegetarian diet. For children and adolescents these diets require special planning, because it may be difficult to obtain all the nutrients required for growth and development. Nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian's diet are protein, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, riboflavin, calcium, zinc, and iron. Eating protein, which is made up of smaller chemicals called amino acids, is necessary for good health. There are two types of proteins: complete and incomplete. Complete proteins contain adequate amounts of the essential amino acids needed for health and are found in animal products such as meats, milk, fish, and eggs. Incomplete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids, but not in adequate amounts. These proteins generally have one amino acid in insufficient quantity, referred to as the limiting amino acid. Grains and beans are sources of incomplete proteins.
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