A typical vegetarian diet emphasizes plant foods and involves avoiding most animal products such as meat, fish, and poultry. By definition, therefore, vegetarians do not eat fish or seafood.
However, there are various types of vegetarianism, and some include a few animal foods.
What is a vegetarian vs. pescatarian diet?
Some vegetarian diets allow for the consumption of eggs, milk, and cheese while still not eating fish.
Other vegetarian diets, however, may allow small amounts of fish and seafood. For example, the pescatarian is a type of vegetarian diet that is mostly plant-based but involves the occasional consumption of fish and seafood.
Pescatarian diets may offer an advantage over exclusively vegetarian diets in terms of supplying you with more of certain nutrients.
Why might some vegetarians eat fish or seafood?
Although plant-based diets have a lot of nutritional benefits, they can result in nutrient deficiencies due to the lack of meat and animal products. Including some fish or seafood allows some vegetarians to obtain protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12.
The benefits of adding fish to a plant-based diet include the following:
- Protein: Fish are rich in protein, often more than other plant-based sources of protein.
- Omega-3s: Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary to maintain both heart and brain health.
B vitamins: Vitamin B12 is vital for your immune system and nervous system, and this nutrient can be difficult to get enough of if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
In addition, while fish is the flesh of an animal, some people do not consider it meat the same way they do beef or poultry.
Many vegetarians follow this diet due to ethical reasons, such as concern regarding the treatment of animals or the environment. However, some people follow a vegetarian diet simply for health reasons and do not consider it unethical to include fish or seafood.
How much fish or seafood is safe to eat?
Fish and seafood are safe to consume. However, you may consider limiting your intake due to the mercury content in some fish.
Larger fish tend to contain more mercury and other pollutants, which are harmless when consumed in small amounts. However, if consumed frequently, they can cause health problems. Pregnant women and young children should avoid varieties such as king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish, and shark.
Most experts believe that including one palm-sized seafood portion per week is a good way to include fish in your diet. Other fish, such as light tuna, are safer to consume and can be included twice a week.
QUESTION
According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See AnswerCan You Eat Fish and Still be a Vegetarian? https://oceanleadership.org/can-you-eat-fish-and-still-be-a-vegetarian/
Fish. https://vegsoc.org/info-hub/why-go-veggie/animals/fish/
What Is a Pescatarian? https://www.webmd.com/diet/pescatarian-diet-overview
Top Do Vegetarians Eat Fish or Seafood Related Articles
Diet and Nutrition: Fatty Fish That Are High in Omega-3s
You may know that omega-3s are good fats that you get from seafood. But not all fish are equal. The fatty ones are best. WebMD's slideshow shows you the choice picks.
Diet and Nutrition: Protein Sources That Aren’t Meat
Pack your pantry with these high-protein beans, seeds, nuts, and grains.
Is Plant Protein Better Than Meat Protein?
By choosing plant proteins rather than meat proteins, you can expect many health benefits like low cancer risk and low diabetes risk.
Is Tilapia a Good or Bad Fish to Eat?
Tilapia is a mild-tasting fish that's low in calories. However, there are some concerns that it may not be as healthy as other types of fish because of how it's raised.
Why Is Plant-Based So Popular and Is it Really Better for You?
A plant-based is one that is based on eating a variety of different plants. Plant-based diets are popular because they are ethical and they have health benefits as long as the diet is followed correctly.
Vegetarian Diet: Benefits, Meat Substitutions, and Meal Plans
Vegetarian diet plans have benefits like weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Vegetarian diet recipes contain protein from beans, legumes, nuts, eggs, and dairy. Vegetarian diets confer health benefits if you eat this way even once or twice per week.What Are the Negatives of a Plant-Based Diet?
Some negatives of a plant-based diet include giving up foods you enjoy, finding restaurant meals, finding affordable plant-based foods, and getting enough protein.What Disease Can a Plant-Based Diet Reverse?
Following a plant-based diet means you do not eat any animal products like meat, eggs, or dairy. Eating a plant-based diet can reverse and prevent diabetes, heart disease risk factors, and cancer risks.
Best and Worst Seafood Dishes for Your Health
Seafood seems like a healthy choice. But the way it's cooked makes a difference. Find out about the best and worst seafood dishes for your health.