In general, the term vegetarian refers to people who do not consume any animal products. Almost all vegetarians avoid meat, but you may be wondering if they eat eggs. Are eggs allowed in a vegetarian diet?
A vegetarian diet is often defined as avoiding eating animal flesh, including meat and muscle. Therefore, even if many vegetarians exclude themselves from eating beef, chicken and fish, they still consume eggs in their diet.
However, many people do not consider eggs suitable for a vegetarian diet. Because, the egg is formed as a result of the mating of a chicken and a rooster, and if it gets the chance, it will turn into a chicken. Hence, a vegetarian is against eating any kind of animal, even eggs.
Another thought that is opposite to the above thought is this: if the egg is not fertilized, it will never become an animal. As a result, it is considered a herbal product. Therefore, eggs are not considered as an animal by-product like milk and butter.
Most commercially produced eggs available in grocery stores are not fertile. However, some religions that encourage people to eat vegetarian food, such as Hinduism and Jainism, do not consider eggs suitable for a vegetarian diet and forbid eating them.
Because eggs are not technically meat, they are typically considered an acceptable food in a vegetarian diet. But eggs that are fertilized and actually have the potential to become chickens may not be the right type for vegetarians.
In addition to moral or religious concerns, some nutritional considerations can lead a person to consume eggs in vegetarian diets; Eggs are a highly nutritious food, with more than 6 grams of high-quality protein as well as several vitamins and minerals in one large egg. Also, egg yolks are one of the best sources of choline. A nutritious and essential substance for the natural functioning and health of the body.
Therefore, some vegetarians may choose to include eggs as a main source of nutrients in their diet simply to have more variety in protein-rich food choices, especially if they avoid eating meat and fish. They refuse. But on the other hand, eggs are sometimes considered unhealthy due to high cholesterol.
Of course, a lot of research has been done in this field, but some studies link cholesterol intake to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. However, other studies believe that dietary cholesterol has no statistically significant relationship with the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, studies show that egg consumption does not raise cholesterol in up to 70% of subjects, but in those who respond strongly to dietary cholesterol, it does lead to a slight increase in total LDL (bad) cholesterol. .
Hence, the conflicting research that has been conducted over the years may cause some vegetarians to avoid eating eggs, while others are indifferent to this news and consider it to be They choose as part of their diet.
Some vegetarians may choose or avoid eggs according to their diet. Eggs are rich in protein and micronutrients, and of course, they also contain cholesterol. Some studies have linked its consumption to an increase in cholesterol levels – although this increase does not necessarily mean an increased risk of heart disease.
Although vegetarians who eat eggs are still considered vegetarians, they have a different name.
Here are some different names for vegetarians based on whether they eat eggs or dairy:
Lacto-vegetarian: refrain from eating eggs, meat and fish, but consume dairy products.
Ovo-vegetarian: refrains from eating meat, fish and dairy products, but consumes eggs.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian: avoids eating meat and fish but consumes eggs and dairy products.
Vegan: They avoid eating all animal products and animal by-products including meat, fish, eggs, dairy and even products like honey.
Vegetarians who eat eggs are still called vegetarians, but they have a different name than the group that avoids eating eggs.
Even if many vegetarians avoid eating meat and fish, they still have eggs in their diet.
People who eat eggs and dairy products are known as lacto-ovo vegetarians, and people who consume eggs but avoid dairy products are called ovo-vegetarians.
However, depending on moral, religious or health reasons, some vegetarians may avoid eating eggs.