What is Vegetarianism?

Vegetarianism is a diet that avoids consuming the meat of any animal (poultry, red meat, fish, seafood or any other animal killed for its meat). This is the most basic definition of vegetarianism.

Vegetarians generally avoid consuming animal by-products such as gelatin, or other animal parts that are processed and used in food. In practice, however, a vegetarian can have more specific rules.

Vegetarian, dieters will never eat meat, fish or poultry. Instead, they rely on a variety of plant-based foods for health and food enjoyment. People of all ages and backgrounds can adopt a vegetarian diet.

Vegetarianism is not a new fad or a temporary trend. In fact, it is estimated that the first vegetarian society was established in England in the mid-1800s, and this diet is perhaps much older.

Vegetarianism is the theory or practice of living solely on vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes and nuts - with or without the addition of dairy products and eggs - often for ethical, reclusive, environmental or dietary reasons.

All types of meat (meat, poultry, and seafood) are excluded from all vegetarian diets, but many vegetarians use dairy products; Vegetarians in the West generally consume eggs, but most vegetarians in India do not.

Vegans who completely exclude animal products (and likewise avoid animal products such as leather, silk, honey, and wool) are known as vegans.

Those who use dairy products are sometimes called lacto-vegetarians, and those who use eggs are called lacto-ovo vegetarians.