What is a Vegetarian Vegan? Differences

Vegetarianism is rooted in the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). The guiding principle of Veganism is based on compassion for animals and prevent cruelty to animals

Vegetarian

Were Indians always vegetarians? ate beef?

According to Vegetarian society, 'a vegetarian is someone living on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, honey, vegetables and fruits. Vegetarians may or may not eat dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustaceans, or slaughtered animal by-products

Lacto-vegetarian is a vegetarian who eats plant foods and dairy products. The cheese must not be made with Rennet, an enzyme derived from the fourth stomach of young calf. Majority of India is Lacto-vegetarian.

Ovo-vegetarian is a vegetarian who eats plant foods and eggs. The eggs must not be fertilized so they can not be hatched

Lacto-Ovo vegetarian is a lacto-vegetarian who also eats sterilized eggs

Demi-Vegetarians and Pecto-Vegetarians

Demi-vegetarian is a lacto-Ovo vegetarian who eats fish. Pecto-vegetarian is a Demi-Vegetarian who also eats Fowl.

This is highly controversial. Vegetarian Society does not recognize either Demi-Vegetarians, or Pecto-Vegetarians as vegetarians. There are several reasons for this.

- Many vegetarians are fishermen who live on costal regions. Fishing is their livelihood

- Christianity does not consider fish as meat. During lent while meat is shunned, fish is allowed on Fridays.

- Fish did not come under the original intent of Ahimsa (non-violence). It was nether hunted (blood-sport), nor used as animal-sacrifice

- Lately, nutritionist have sided with Demi-vegetarians because fatty fish contains Omega 3 an essential fatty acid good for health.

Vegan

The term 'Vegan' was invented by Donald Watson, founder of Vegan Society in 1944 to publish 'Vegan News'.

Vegan is vegetarian living on a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits.

Vegan does not eat any meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustaceans, insects, slaughtered animal by-products, dairy products, eggs, honey, figs.

Vegans are allowed to eat fungus products such as yeast.

Vegan don't use leather, wool, down, silk

Vegans must be vigilant for animal by-products. Examples: Gelatin used in making desserts, Isinglass used in processing wines, Vitamin D3 used as a supplement or food fortification, Bone-charcoal used to filter some of the cane-sugars, animal-fat based de-foamers in making Maple syrup, Dried Mexican beetles used as natural color (Cochineal/carmine) in making lipstick.

Basic difference between a Vegetarian and Vegan

Vegetarianism is rooted in the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) to prevent actual killing of the animal. The Veganism is rooted in the principle to prevent cruelty to animals, where the animal may not even be killed.

One does not slaughter a cow or the calf to milk the cow. Vegetarians drink the milk. Dairy industry deprives the young calf of nutrients in their own mother's milk. The young calves may be slaughtered and kept in confined quarters. Vegans don't drink milk.

Bees are not intentionally killed to harvest honey from the beehives. Vegetarians eat Honey. Bees are deprived of using honey for their own nutrition. Vegan don't eat honey.

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