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How do lacto-vegetarian diets differ from lacto-ovo vegetarian diets?
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vegetarianism
A vegan food pyramid, which excludes meat and animal products.
The primary difference between these two dietary practices lies in the inclusion of eggs. Both diets exclude all forms of animal flesh, such as meat, fowl, and seafood, while incorporating plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, grains, and nuts.123
- Lacto-vegetarian diets: These include dairy products in addition to plant-based foods but specifically exclude eggs.23
- Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets: These include both dairy products and eggs alongside plant-based foods.13
While many vegetarians in Western cultures typically consume both dairy and eggs, most vegetarians in India traditionally exclude eggs from their diets. Choosing to adopt a vegetarian diet is often rooted in ethical, environmental, or nutritional considerations, reflecting a commitment to minimizing harm to sentient creatures and promoting sustainable living.3