What is the sustainable food culture that vegetarians are spreading?

A vegetarian refers to a person who mainly eats plant-based foods and avoids animal meat and fish. Even in a word "vegetarian," the styles vary, and which foods to eat differs by individual thinking and choice. Reasons for changing one's diet also vary — consideration for health and the environment, animal welfare, and more. Amid rising health-consciousness and interest in sustainability, it has become one of the lifestyles drawing attention worldwide.

Types of vegetarians

Even in a word "vegetarian," the styles vary. Broadly divided, there are types like the following.

Lacto-ovo vegetarian: They don't eat animal meat or fish, but do consume dairy and eggs. This type is the most common.

Lacto-vegetarian: They avoid meat, fish, and eggs, but do eat dairy.

Ovo-vegetarian: They avoid meat, fish, and dairy, but do consume eggs.

Vegan: A style that avoids all animal foods, eating nothing of animal origin at all, including dairy, eggs, and honey.

Vegetarian styles change by how far they permit the intake of animal foods. Which style one chooses differs by each person's values and lifestyle.

What foods can vegetarians not eat?

Exactly which foods are avoided differs by type. Below are examples of animal foods mainly avoided by vegetarians.

Meats: Animal meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and lamb are avoided by all vegetarians.

Seafood: Seafood such as fish, shrimp, and crab is also avoided.

Eggs and dairy: Some vegetarians (ovo-vegetarians and lacto-vegetarians) consume eggs and dairy, but vegans and certain vegetarians avoid these too.

Gelatin of animal origin: Gelatin, often used in sweets and desserts, is made by processing animal bones and skin, so it's a food vegetarians avoid.

Some vegetarians also avoid honey and certain additives (when they contain something of animal origin). Also, seasonings and soups you might consume in daily life can contain animal-derived components, so checking the ingredient list is essential.

Why become a vegetarian?

There are many reasons and motives behind the vegetarian choice. Based on personal beliefs and lifestyle, many people choose to be vegetarian for reasons like the following.

Ethical reasons: From the standpoint of animal welfare, some avoid eating meat and fish. It's the thinking of respecting animals' rights and practicing a diet that doesn't take life. 

Religious reasons: In some religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, a vegetarian diet has traditionally been encouraged, and some become vegetarian based on their faith.

Environmental protection: Because livestock farming consumes large amounts of water and feed and emits a lot of greenhouse gases, more people choose a vegetarian diet to reduce the environmental burden.   Vegetarianism is chosen by people concerned with environmental issues as one part of a sustainable diet.

植物性食品を中心とした食生活は、栄養バランスや腸内環境の観点から見直す人が増えています。食物繊維やビタミン、ミネラルが豊富な食事は、バランスのよい食生活につながると考えられています。

Being a vegetarian is not merely a style of eating but something that reflects each person's values and way of life.

Growing food diversity

The vegetarian population is increasing worldwide, and in Japan too the culture is gradually spreading. With rising tourist numbers, situations calling for vegetarian- and vegan-friendly meals are increasing too. In that context, Japan's traditional "dashi" can also be provided as plant-based by making use of dried vegetables.  

Toward the further diversification of food culture, incorporating such tweaks and spreading a Japanese cuisine everyone can enjoy is called for.

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