There are 4 main types of vegetarian diets:

• Lacto–ovo–vegetarian consumes dairy products and eggs but no meat, poultry, or seafood
• Lacto–vegetarian eats dairy products but not eggs, meat, poultry, or seafood
• Ovo–vegetarian eats eggs but no dairy products, meat, poultry, or seafood
• Vegan does not eat any animal products, including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products; many vegans will also avoid honey.

Vegetarian and plant–based diets are associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer as well as increased longevity. Vegetarian diets are typically lower in fat, particularly saturated fats and higher in dietary fiber. They are also likely to include more whole grains, legumes, nuts, and soy protein, and together with the absence of red meat, this type of eating plan may provide many benefits for the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.