
Vegetarians Live Longer
The battle has long been waged, and will certainly continue in spite of this study. Are humans designed/evolved to eat everything and at risk of malnutrition as vegetarians? Or is vegetarianism the healthy and ethical choice? The most impressive data arises from a study of 1904 vegetarians over 21 years by the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsche Krebsforschungszentrum). The study's shocking results: vegetarian men reduced their risk of early death by 50%! Women vegetarians benefit from a 30% reduction in mortality.
Long-term Study of Vegetarians
The participants of the the German Cancer
Research Center study included 60 vegans (no
animal products consumed), 1165 vegetarians
(eating eggs, milk but no meat) with the
remainder described as "moderate" vegetarians
who occasionally ate fish or meat. The health of
these study participants was compared with the
average German population. Living longer seems
not to be exclusively related to eating meat,
though, as the results for moderate vegetarians
was not statistically different from those for
vegan or strict vegetarian diets.
To the argument that it is not vegetarianism but a general interest in a healthier lifestyle which leads to such notable results, scientists reply with evidence that the majority of vegetarians do not cite health reasons for their lifestyle, but make their choice based on ethical commitment, environmental concerns or simply personal taste.
Vegetarians and Malnutrition
Research by a team led by Professor Ibrahim
Elmadfa at the University of Vienna found a much
better than average intake of Vitamin C,
Carotinoides, Folic acid, fiber and unsaturated
fats. Where shortcomings may arise is for
Vitamin B12, calcium und Vitamin D in a vegan
diet. Astoundingly, however, study participants
did not suffer from diseases, such as
osteoporosis, typically related to inadequate
intakes of these micro-nutrients.
More on Vegetarians
How to Become a Vegetarian
Hollywood's Sexiest Vegetarians
Jessica Simpson Offends Vegetarians
Cut Back On Carbon By Cutting Back On Meat
Via
Die Welt (german)
Image: copyright Getty images
