Vegetarians may live longer than meat eaters, but it’s not just because of their diet.
Question: I’ve adjusted my diet to Heart Foundation guidelines following a stenting, and it’s now almost 90% plant based. However, an acquaintance says I shouldn’t eat any animal products, as the science shows even small amounts increase the risk of death. She believes animal products are only included in the guidelines because people won’t accept a diet without them. What does the science really say?
Answer:
Vegetarians live longer than meat eaters, but probably not because they’re vegetarians. It’s a bit of a paradox, but one that researchers continue to study.
On average, vegetarians are more health-conscious than omnivores, which may explain why they live longer. They are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol excessively and be inactive or overweight. It’s not that meat eaters are slovenly, but rather that vegetarians tend to have a healthier lifestyle.
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