The few studies directly comparing vegetarian to vegan diets report that vegans may have a somewhat lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and various types of cancer than vegetarians ( 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ).

Overview. Vegetarians don't eat any food products made from meat, fish, shellfish, crustacea (such as prawns or crab) or animal by-products (such as gelatine or rennet). Vegans don't eat any food products that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

Many people still believe that a vegan diet is deficient in essential nutrients, or that it is not sustainable for long-term health. Additionally, vegans may face negative stereotypes, such as being viewed as “preachy” or “judgmental.”

No, You Haven't Lost the Ability to Digest Meat A common misconception about the vegan diet is that you can no longer digest meat properly, causing you to get sick when you eat it. But eating meat again is easier than you think. You might feel a little “heavier” after eating, especially if you have a large portion.