Final answer:
Vegetarians consume only plant-based foods and might include dairy and eggs, while vegans avoid all animal products. Vegans need to combine different plant foods to ensure they receive all essential amino acids. Some follow strict vegetarian diets like Jainism due to ethical or religious reasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the types of food a vegetarian eats, the true statement is that they consume only plant-based foods. Vegetarians do not consume meat, sometimes including fish and poultry. However, some vegetarians might also include dairy and egg products in their diet. It's thus important to note that not all vegetarians are the same; dietary choices may vary from person to person.
Specifically for vegans, they do not eat any animal products, including meats, eggs, or dairy products. Vegans must pay attention to the food they eat to ensure they are getting all the essential amino acids, which might be challenging as single plant sources often don't provide all of them. They can obtain the protein they need by eating a variety of plants to ensure they are getting a complete protein intake.
Those who follow Jainism practice vegetarianism strictly, avoiding meat altogether and even certain plant foods like root vegetables due to their religious beliefs. Vegetarian diets can be quite healthy, providing adequate calories and nutrients, but they do require careful attention to ensure nutritional completeness.