Nepedia
Back to Discover
Fluent Reader
📖

Lacto-ovo vegetarianism

language culture Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Some people choose a special way to eat called lacto-ovo vegetarianism. This diet means they do not eat animal flesh. They do not eat meat or fish.

Vegetarian buffet
Vegetarian buffet

They still eat products that come from animals. This includes dairy like milk and cheese. They also eat eggs and honey. This way of eating is very common in many Western countries.

There are many tasty foods in this diet. People can eat fruits and vegetables every day. They also eat grains, legumes, and nuts. Seeds and soy are good choices too.

Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100)
Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100)

Some people use meat substitutes to enjoy different meals. They might have yogurt or cheese for a snack. It is a way to eat many different things.

The name of this diet comes from old words. "Lac" is a Latin word for milk. "Ovum" is the Latin word for egg. These words help explain what the diet includes.

Vegetarian buffet
Vegetarian buffet

In India, people use different names for this. Many follow religions like Hinduism or Buddhism. Some people there are called "eggetarians." This is because they eat eggs but no other meat.

History shows how these ideas grew over time. William Cowherd started the Bible Christian Church in 1809. He believed eggs and honey were gifts from God. This group was a start for the Vegetarian Society in 1847.

Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100)
Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100)

Seventh-day Adventists have also used this diet since the late 1800s. These groups show how many people value this way of life.

This diet can be very good for the body. It can help lower blood pressure for many people. It may also help keep blood and hearts healthy.

Vegetarian buffet
Vegetarian buffet

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans list it as a healthy option. It can even help prevent some diseases. However, people must be careful about iron. A lack of iron is a risk for some.

Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100)
Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100)
302 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (2)
File:Vegetarian buffet.jpg
Vegetarian buffet.jpg
File:Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight meal (43785335100).jpg
Aegean Air lacto-ovo vegetarian in-flight...
More to explore

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.