10 Dietary Restrictions and Preferences to Know
As the world becomes more interconnected and awareness of diverse cultures and lifestyles grows, we encounter an expanding array of dietary patterns and preferences adopted for health reasons or personal beliefs. This article highlights 10 of these diets, helping us better understand and respect the varied dietary choices of those around us.
1. Vegetarianism
A vegetarian diet, or vegetarianism, is the practice of eating solely plant-based foods. It avoids all forms of meat, such as chicken, pork, beef and seafood. Vegetarianism also abstains from byproducts of meat like lard and gelatin. India has the highest percentage of vegetarians in the world, with 24 percent of its population adopting the diet. Health benefits like a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, alongside sustainability and animal rights concerns are common motivators for following a vegetarian diet. Certain cultural and religious traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, might encourage vegetarianism owing to non-violence beliefs.
2. Veganism
Veganism is a derivative of vegetarianism that is stricter in its restriction of animal-based foods. Besides prohibiting meat products, veganism eschews all products derived or produced from animals, including honey, eggs and milk. Animal exploitation is a key factor for opting for veganism. This primarily originates from the production practices of animal products that many vegans view as unethical, such as keeping hens captive in restrictive battery cages and separating calves from their mothers shortly after birth, significantly increasing their distress. Meat and dairy alternatives from plant-based sources, for example legumes and tofu, can be used to make up for iron, protein and other key nutrients lacking in a vegan diet.
3. Lactose-Free
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, about 68 percent of the world’s population suffers from lactose malabsorption. This means that about two-thirds of the world are unable to digest the carbohydrate lactose, causing digestive problems ranging from bloating and flatulence to diarrhoea. A lactose-free diet foregos foods that contain lactose. Because milk and most milk products have lactose, a lactose-free diet typically incorporates products that have already been treated with the enzyme lactase or do not contain the milk sugar.
4. Dairy-Free
A large portion of individuals who are lactose intolerant choose to commit to a dairy-free diet. By definition, dairy products are foods made from or containing milk. Milk, cream, cheese, yoghurt and butter are all items that are classified as dairy. There are increasing alternatives for omitting dairy, like plant-based milk and cheese, that make it easier to transition to a dairy-free lifestyle. Today, the consumption of dairy alternatives continues to rise, driven by changing attitudes towards taste and health, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.
5. Pescatarian
Pescatarians are less common, accounting for about 3 percent of adults worldwide. This dietary practice allocates seafood, particularly fish, as the main source of meat. The remaining eating habits of pescatarians closely align with those of vegetarians. The word ‘pescatarian’ is a portmanteau of the Italian word ‘pesce’, meaning fish, and the English word ‘vegetarian’, denoting its allegiance to a plant-based diet.
6. Halal
Halal is a dietary restriction derived from the religion of Islam. Translating to “permissible”, the Arabic word halal is applied to food items that are considered lawful or permitted according to the rules established in the Quran, the sacred text of Islam. Many countries with a sizable Muslim population have certifications to distinguish halal products from those that are not. Most foods are considered halal unless they contain components that are prohibited in the Quran or Hadith, or do not follow the preparation practices stipulated in Islamic law. This includes pork and alcohol, as well as animals that are slaughtered by strangulation or bludgeoning. Utensils that come into contact with non-halal (haram) ingredients must not be used for halal ingredients.
7. Kosher
Likewise, kosher is a specific diet that conforms to traditional Jewish law, known as kashrut. Three main rules govern eating kosher: consuming permitted animals (excluding pork and shellfish), ensuring blood is fully drained from the meat of animals, and forbidding the mixing of meat and dairy. However, a kosher diet is more complex than this, as food needs to be butchered, washed and sliced with detailed guidelines in mind. The kosher market is expected to reach close to $60 billion in annual sales by 2025.
8. Low-Carb
A low-carb diet is one that is reduced in carbohydrates, a macronutrient found in grains, vegetables, fruits and other food groups. Unlike conventional diets, a low-carb diet is more loosely defined; it does not eliminate carbohydrates entirely but limits their intake significantly. This dietary approach is commonly employed for weight loss and may also offer health benefits such as lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and increasing “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. A ketogenic diet, or keto diet, is a specific type of low-carb diet that emphasises the consumption of foods high in fats and moderate in protein, in addition to low in carbohydrates.
9. Gluten-Free
Maintaining a gluten-free diet is seen as challenging because gluten is present in numerous everyday foods such as bread, pasta and cereal. Research shows that it appears in up to 80 percent of food products. This is because gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and is also a common ingredient in baked goods to help them develop flavour and texture. Moreover, about one-third of Americans try to avoid gluten due to medical conditions or personal preferences. Celiac disease, for example, is a notable reason for avoiding gluten, as consumption of the protein induces digestive problems that can cause long-term damage to the small intestine, leading to malabsorption. On the other hand, gluten intolerance or sensitivity is a non-celiac condition that manifests with symptoms similar to celiac disease, such as bloating and fatigue, also requiring abstaining from gluten.
10. Allergies
Food allergies are an umbrella term encompassing certain foods that trigger an immune response because the body sees them as harmful. Contrary to popular belief, food allergies are not limited to ingestion and can sometimes be provoked by inhalation through airborne particles. Food allergies are a major health issue, impacting about 220 million people globally. They are estimated to affect about 1 in 10 adults, and 1 in 12 children. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the most common food allergies include milk, eggs, fish, nuts, wheat and others. While food allergies are known to cause uncomfortable symptoms such as itching and swelling, they can also prompt dangerous reactions like difficulty breathing, rapid pulse and even anaphylaxis.
Final Thoughts
Understanding various dietary restrictions is crucial for accommodating diverse nutritional needs and cultural practices. From vegetarianism and veganism to gluten-free and halal diets, each approach addresses unique health, ethical or religious considerations. Being informed about these diets can help to better support individuals and communities with dietary requirements, promoting inclusivity and well-being.
Daily Ground is a café tucked away into the charming neighbourhood of Bukit Timah, Singapore with a range of delectable dishes and bakes. We have modern creations and timeless classics adapted to the needs of vegetarians and vegans. Pop by our multi-concept café and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any specific dietary preferences that you might need us to cater to — we’ll be glad to help.
