Vegetarianism has been around for generations, though it hasn't always received the positive support that the practice has been getting in recent years. Previously, it was believed that giving up red meat, poultry, and fish caused people to develop deficiencies of certain vitamins, minerals, and protein. As more research has been done on the nutritional aspects of a vegetarian diet, studies have found that those necessary nutrients can be found in a variety of plant based foods from fruits and vegetables to nuts, berries, and whole grains.Today, millions of people have begun to follow a vegetarian diet, but not all of them do so for the health benefits. Religious and financial concerns can also play a part in the decision to give up eating meat. While vegetarianism simply involves the decision to not eat meat, some choose to continue eating poultry and seafood. Vegans, on the other hand, won't eat any meat, or any products derived from the farming of animals. This means products such as milk, cheese, eggs, and gelatin are off limits for a typical vegan.
