Veganism and vegetarianism are collectively emerging as a very distinct subculture characterized by unique nutritional trends 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 from animal products, while the latter only avoid products of animal origin. of animal origin which involve the killing of animals (154). However, vegans and vegetarians get their diet from similar plant sources. Essentially, a vegetarian cuisine can include animal products like eggs, milk and honey that do not involve the killing of animals, while a vegan cuisine should never contain any of these products. Vegans eat exclusively plant 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 diet alone, but emphasizes the creation and maintenance of harmony and balance and discourages brutality for selfish ends . 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 toward one or more aspects of life (9). These beliefs become the primary distinguishing factors between people of a particular subculture and those of other subcultures or within a broader culture. There are some distinguishing factors between American culture and the culture of other countries regarding...... middle of article...... vegetarian diet that allows the use of animal products such as milk and honey which will provide nutrients such as zinc, magnesium and vitamin D. Vegan vegetarians who do not allow any animal products may pose health risks due to the lack of these important nutrients in the diet. Works Cited Breier, Davida Gypsy. Vegan and Vegetarian FAQ: Answers to your frequently asked questions. Baltimore: Vegetarian Resource Group, 2001. Print. Iacobbo, Karen & Iacobbo, Dorothy. Vegetarians and Vegans in America Today. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Insel, Paul. Nutrition. Massachusetts: Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2011. Print. Jamieson, Alexandra. Living vegan for dummies. New York: For Dummies, 2009. Print. Stepaniak, Joanne. Being vegan: living with awareness, conviction and compassion. California: Contemporary Publishing Group, 2000. Print.