Nutrition is one of the most discussed topics in human history. What you put into your body is extremely important for your health and general state of mind.
Of course, there are all kinds of preconceptions about different types of diets. But people don't just choose an alternative diet for the sake of their own bodies or health.
There are also increasingly frequent climate-related or animal welfare concerns about everyday, meat-heavy diets. So what are the different types, and what effects do they have on your body? Below, we outline a few different diets and explain what they mean.
Omnivore:
We will only touch briefly on this category, as it is probably the easiest to explain. Omnivores, as the name suggests, eat everything. They do not restrict themselves in any way, except for personal preferences and tastes, and consume both animal and plant products in a mixed diet.
Vegetarian:
Vegetarianism is probably the most classic of all the different types of diets. The oldest alternative to the classic omnivores has its origins in ancient times.
Initially, a meat-free diet emerged independently in Greek culture and in India. However, recent studies have not been able to identify a consistent form of vegetarianism.
One of the findings, however, was that a low-meat diet already existed in ancient Egypt—although there was enough livestock and fish available, people mainly ate vegetables and grains.
Vegetarianism means consuming only plant-based products and products from living animals. Eggs, cheese, and the like are therefore perfectly acceptable. Studies have shown that vegetarians have a lower mortality rate than the general population.
Pescetarian:
As the name suggests, pescetarianism is a variation of vegetarianism. Pescetarians do not eat meat, but they do eat fish (from “piscis” = Latin for “fish”). Pescetarians are primarily concerned with a healthy diet, which they try to round off with fish products.
However, the English “Vegetarian Society,” the first association of vegetarians for vegetarians, founded in 1847, clearly states that eating fish products is not compatible with a vegetarian diet and with basic vegetarian ethics.
Pescetarians therefore eat fish as a rule, and some also eat other seafood such as crab and shellfish, although opinions are divided on this. The advantages of a pescetarian diet are that the additional consumption of fish provides valuable proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, which are easier to process than their plant-based counterparts.
However, disadvantages include the overfishing of many species and the fact that fish often contain environmental toxins, which in turn affect human health.
Flexitarian:
Flexitarianism describes a dietary culture that includes meat but does not focus on meat consumption. Flexitarians try to avoid meat but are not strict about it if they feel like eating meat. However, they pay close attention to animal welfare and the quality of the meat. The motivation for this is usually health-related.
The proportion of flexitarians is higher in older households than in younger ones. Animal ethics also play a role here. Flexitarians usually advocate species-appropriate animal husbandry and want to counteract the consumption of cheap meat. According to studies, flexitarians generally live healthier lives.
Overall, this group of people eats less meat, which leads to a more conscious and healthier lifestyle. Various conventional doctors claim that a flexitarian lifestyle is exactly “the right thing” because there is no risk of deficiency in certain nutrients. There is also a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Vegan:
Currently, veganism is probably the most widely known alternative diet, alongside vegetarianism. This type of diet is both controversial and beloved. Few topics can turn friends into strangers and strangers into best friends so quickly.
Living vegan does not just mean not eating any animal products; it is more of a way of life and a commitment. Vegans are confronted with prejudice and all kinds of opinions on an almost daily basis.
It is now well known that a vegan diet is perfectly possible without deficiencies, provided you take the necessary care and have a basic knowledge of nutrition. However, many doctors still advise against a vegan diet during certain stages of life, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, and during growth.
At Verival, we offer an extensive range of vegan products. Vegan muesli for breakfast. If you feel like browsing a little, click here!
Frutarian:
Frutarianism, also known as fruganism, is a “radical” fringe group of veganism. This diet consists exclusively of fruit. It is important that the plant is not damaged during harvesting.
Many followers of this diet therefore only eat fruit or nuts that have already fallen from the tree. However, the various rules of this very specific diet are highly controversial. Some fruitarianists consume honey, for example, while others exclude it completely. There are therefore no exact rules.
Nutritionists believe that anyone who eats only fruit is accepting that they will develop deficiencies. Among other things, they are usually lacking in protein, vitamins, calcium, zinc, iron, and iodine. Doctors and nutritionists therefore agree that this type of diet should be approached with caution.
In conclusion, no matter which alternative diet you choose or would like to try, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand. Regular blood tests can reveal whether your body has everything it needs or whether it is lacking anything.
As producers of organic food, we believe that the discussion about different types of diet is very important, especially in view of climate change. Even small changes in consumer behavior can have a big impact if enough people get together.
