Vegetarians can eat dairy and eggs. Animal products eaten by these eaters can further divide them.
Vegans avoid animal products. They avoid leather, wool, silk, soaps, and food. They also avoid casein-containing latex, animal-fat cosmetics, and animal-testing companies.
Vegetarian diets have more vitamins C and E, fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, and phytochemicals. Whole food diets can reduce obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and several cancers.
Despite eating a lot of nutrient-rich foods, vegetarians and vegans may not obtain enough iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D.
Discuss your health and nutritional needs with your doctor or dietician. They may suggest fortified foods or supplements.
You can go cold turkey or slowly add days to the new diet.
Tofu or tempeh may let you cook your favorite dishes. Recipes can use vegetable broth. Cheeses and milks have dairy substitutes.
Animal components have various names. Learn about hidden animal product sources by reading labels.