Final answer:
The different types of vegetarian diets include Vegan, Lacto Vegetarian, and Lacto-ovo Vegetarian. Lactose Intolerance is not a diet type but a condition. Vegetarian diets can offer health and environmental benefits, but proper planning is necessary to meet nutritional requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several types of vegetarian diets that differ based on which animal products, if any, are included:
- Vegan: This diet excludes all animal products including meat, eggs, dairy, and often other animal-derived substances.
- Lacto Vegetarian: This diet includes dairy products but excludes meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian: Individuals following this diet avoid meat, fish, and poultry but do consume dairy products and eggs.
Being lactose intolerant is not a type of vegetarian diet, but rather a condition in which a person has difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. For those choosing any vegetarian diet, it is essential to select a variety of foods in order to obtain all necessary nutrients, including combining different plant proteins to ensure a complete amino acid profile.
Vegetarian diets can have various benefits for health and the environment. A plant-based diet typically requires less energy in food production compared to a diet that includes meat. This shift can also translate into cost savings and a positive environmental impact. It's vital to research and plan these diets to ensure all nutritional needs are met.