PostsTo eat or not to eat? Eggs, that is. For the most part, there is major confusion in the vegetarian/vegan world as to whether or not they should eat eggs. Since eggs are considered to be an animal byproduct, vegans do not include eggs in their diet. On the other hand, a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet includes dairy products and eggs.
Making the Distinction Between the Vegetarians
To eliminate any confusion, here is a way for you to identify whether a particular diet includes eggs or not:
• Lacto-ovo Vegetarians
Vegetarians generally exclude all animal-based foods from their diet. However, there is a sub-group called lacto-ovo vegetarians. This type of vegetarian includes dairy products and eggs.
• Lacto Vegetarian
This category of Vegetarian is a step stricker then the above group. They eat milk products but they do not consume eggs.
• Vegans
A vegan’s diet includes predominantly plant-based foods. They do not consume dairy products or eggs.
The Disadvantages of an Inadequately Planned Vegetarian Diet
Vegetarians have a goal to achieve a nutritionally balanced diet. By eating vegetables alone, they will have reduced risks of heart disease. They can also veer away from the chronic diseases which are associated with a meat-based diet.
There is a problem however, if a vegetarian diet is not planned properly. They will miss out on having a sufficient supply of the following:
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Calcium
- Selenium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
The Health Benefits of Including Eggs in a Vegetarian Diet
If you are a lacto-ovo vegetarian, here are the advantages that you will get to enjoy from eggs in particular:
1. Improved energy in adults.
2. Improved growth pattern in children.
3. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein.
4. Eggs are the only vegetarian source of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), a fatty acid found in fish oils.
5. Eggs contain vitamin B12 and iron. This prevents the risk of anemia.
6. Eggs prevent zinc deficiency in vegetarians. This is because there are almost no adequate zinc resources which are plant-based. An impaired immune system and reduced fertility are the affects of zinc deficiency.
A Final Word about Eggs
All in all, eggs are considered a highly nutritious food. Lacto-ovo vegetarians can use eggs as their primary resource of protein, vitamin B12 and minerals which are usually found low in a vegetarian diet.
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