**Historical Development**:
– The concept and practice of lacto-vegetarianism originated in ancient India.
– Key figures like George Cheyne, Heinrich Lahmann, and Elmer McCollum promoted lacto-vegetarian diets in different historical periods.
– Danish physician Mikkel Hindhede’s lacto-vegetarian diet during WWI led to decreased mortality rates in Denmark.
– Dietetic fads between 1890-1914 and Gandhi’s speech on vegetarianism in 1931 are notable historical events related to lacto-vegetarianism.
**Religious Influence**:
– Lacto-vegetarian diets are popular among followers of Eastern religions like Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
– The core belief behind lacto-vegetarianism in these religions is the principle of non-violence.
– Hinduism and Jainism consider vegetarianism as essential for spiritual progress.
– Sikh sects like Namdharis and Damdami Taksal advocate strict lacto-vegetarian diets.
– Guru Granth Sahib endorses vegetarianism and cow protection in Sikhism.
**Nutritional and Health Aspects**:
– Review on the perfect food, milk, and the impact of dietary protein in vegetarian diets.
– Spiritual nutrition and its foundations in lacto-vegetarianism.
– Role of amino acids in vegetarian diets and the health benefits associated with vegetarianism.
– Impact of religious beliefs on meat consumption in India and the removal of eggs from Hindu schools’ menus.
**Comparison with Veganism**:
– Vegans avoid dairy products due to animal welfare concerns, while lacto-vegetarians consume dairy but avoid other animal products.
– Both diets have ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, with vegans believing dairy production causes harm and lacto-vegetarians finding dairy consumption acceptable within their ethical framework.
**Literature and Cultural Influence**:
– Jainism’s strict vegetarian standards and avoidance of root vegetables and honey.
– Sikh perspective on flesh and meat, vegetarianism in Sikhism, and Namdhari Sikhs’ testimony on vegetarianism.
– Notable literature and publications related to lacto-vegetarianism, including works on nutrition, animal advocacy, and vegetarian ethics.
– Various resources, media, and notable figures in the vegetarianism movement promoting lacto-vegetarian diets.
Lacto-ovo vegetarianism or ovo-lacto vegetarianism is a type of vegetarianism which forbids animal flesh but allows the consumption of animal products such as dairy and eggs. Unlike pescetarianism, it does not include fish or other seafood. A typical ovo-lacto vegetarian diet may include fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, meat substitutes, nuts, seeds, soy, cheese, milk, yogurt and eggs.
In India, such vegetarians are known as "eggetarian," which is a portmanteau of egg and vegetarian as "vegetarianism" usually refers to lacto vegetarianism in India.