Numerous people believe like I did that vegetarians are of one homogeneous group that just does not consume meat. However this is far from the truth, for there are different categories of vegetarians equally diverse as the reasons for becoming a vegetarian in the first place.

A vegetarian is commonly defined as an individual who does not consume meat. However an individual who is vegetarian could conceivably consume dairy products such as milk, eggs and cheese. A lacto ovo vegetarian does not consume meat, fish or poultry, but does eat eggs, milk or cheese. A lacto vegetarian consumes milk and cheese products, but does not eat eggs.

A vegan is an individual who does not eat any animal product or by-product, this includes dairy food. They consume merely vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and legumes. Plus they do not use animal products, such as leather. Vegans also do not use white sugar since they are often processed with a substance derived from animal bones that whitens the sugar.

There are some more categories within the vegetarian community. For instance fruitarians, who like the name suggests only consume fruit. Their principle is that fruits, including fruits such as tomatoes, are self-perpetuating and do not need to be planted to create the food source. They believe it is a way of consuming that is most in balance and harmony with the earth, the mostly natural.

All of the above will consume cooked vegetables, fruits and legumes. There is also a developing movement towards consuming only raw or living foods. This is established on the assumption that the process for cooking food loses most of the essential nutrients out of it. Therefore to acquire all the nutritional value, vitamins and amino acids from food, it is better consumed raw, or juiced. If cooked at all, it should only be cooked to slightly over a hundred degrees; therefore the nutrients are still retained.

The more restrictive you get with your diet, the more educated you need to become. This way you are certain that you are acquiring all the essential proteins and vitamins that you need to maintain healthiness, especially when it concerns your muscles and heart health.

Happy Learning

J. Walker is a designer, publisher and researcher. If this article interests you, visit her website here: Vine of Words

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com