Veganism and vegetarianism are collectively emerging as a very distinct subculture characterized by unique nutritional tendencies and beliefs. According to Stepaniak, the main distinction between vegans and vegetarians is that the former strictly avoid the consumption of animal products or foods processed using animal products, while the latter only avoid animal products that involve the killing of animals ( 154). However, both vegans and vegetarians derive their nutrition from similar plant sources. Essentially, a vegetarian cuisine might include animal products such as eggs, milk and honey that do not involve killing animals, while a vegan cuisine should never contain any of these products. Vegans eat strictly plant-based products. The fact that the average human being eats three times a day implies that nutrition is a very important aspect of culture. Veganism and vegetarianism are a subculture that transcends the aspect of eating alone, but which places emphasis on creating and maintaining harmony and balance and discourages brutality for selfish gains. The article examines the factors that motivate individuals toward the subculture, the general characteristics of the subculture, and the health implications of adopting such nutritional practices. Understanding veganism and vegetarianism. According to Iacobbo & Iacobbo, “a subculture is part of a larger culture” characterized by similar beliefs and approaches towards one or more aspects of life (9). These beliefs become major factors distinguishing people of a particular subculture from other subcultures or within a larger culture. There are some distinguishing factors between American culture and the culture of other countries regarding... middle of paper... vegetarian diet which allows animal products such as milk and honey which will provide nutrients such as zinc, magnesium and vitamin D Vegan vegetarians who do not accept animal products may pose health risks due to the lack of these important nutrients in their diet. Works Cited Breier, Davida Gypsy. Vegan and Vegetarian FAQs: Answers to the most frequently asked questions. Baltimore: Vegetarian Resource Group, 2001. Print.Iacobbo, Karen & Iacobbo, Dorothy. Vegetarians and vegans in America today. New York: Greeneenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print.Insel, Paul. Nutrition. Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Print. Jamieson, Alexandra. Vegan living for dummies. New York: For Dummies, 2009. Print.Stepaniak, Joanne. Being vegan: living with conscience, conviction and compassion. California: Contemporary Publishing Group, 2000. Print.