Researchers from Oregon State University (USA) found that adherence to vegetarianism and veganism does not extend life. They are the consequences shared In the Navy (BioMed Central).
Cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and cancer are the leading causes of premature death for many people. One of the main factors that increases the risk of developing these pathologies is malnutrition. Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained significant popularity in recent years, especially due to their health and environmental benefits. Vegetarianism is believed to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and diabetes by normalizing blood cholesterol levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Plant foods contain large amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals and biologically active compounds. Additionally, its saturated fat content is lower than animal products. Scientists tried to find out whether these beneficial properties would have an impact on human life expectancy.
117,673 middle-aged and elderly participants were included in the study. Scientists collected information about the subjects’ health conditions and eating habits. Based on data on diet type, the volunteers were divided into four groups: vegans, ovolacto-vegetarians (they consumed dairy products and eggs), pescatarians (their diet included fish and seafood) and meat eaters.
During the 18-year follow-up period, 39,763 participants died. Preliminary results showed lower rates of all-cause mortality due to deterioration in pescatarians. However, this difference disappeared after adjusting for smoking status and year, alcohol consumption, ethnicity, education, BMI, and comorbidities. Additionally, the other two types of vegetarian diets had no significant effect on the risk of premature death from all causes.
In future studies, the researchers plan to investigate whether there is a link between longevity and duration of a vegetarian diet.
It was like that before discoveredthat vegans and meat eaters have different character traits.