The best predictor of mortality is probably not what you would expect. It’s not your age or your gender. It’s not even your social status or your level of physical activity. The best predictor of mortality is your diet. Specifically, whether or not you eat meat and dairy products.
In a recent study of more than 480,000 people, those who ate meat and dairy products more than twice a day had a 31% increased chance of dying from any cause over a five-year period, compared to those who ate such foods less than once a day. The findings were published in The Lancet.1
To be clear, this correlation does not mean that avoiding meat and dairy products will save your life. It just means that if you want to live a long and healthy life, you should probably be avoiding meat and dairy products. Or at least limiting your intake. There are many different types of vegetarian diets, and while all of them avoid the use of animal products, not all of them are created equal. This article will discuss the pros and cons of a vegetarian diet, based on the best available science.
The Pros Of A Vegetarian Diet
There are many advantages to a vegetarian diet. First and foremost, you will cut out all of the saturated fats and cholesterol from your diet. This will lower your risk of developing heart disease and some cancers. It will also make you feel much happier and energetic, and may even help you to lose a little weight.
If you’re a fan of the paleolithic diet, the veggie version is a great alternative. Your body will be getting all of the nutrients it needs from plants and vegetables, without any of the potentially harmful substances found in animal products. The antioxidants in fruit and vegetables can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are highly reactive molecules that can lead to serious health problems. Free radicals are unstable molecules that create oxidative stress when they interact with components of our bodies, such as proteins, DNA, and fats.2,3 This can lead to a number of ailments, from heart disease and cancer to memory loss and skin sagging.
Vegetarians also get all of the nutrients found in meat, without the harmful effects associated with animal products. People who follow a plant-based diet have lower rates of heart disease and some cancers. These diets are also high in fiber, which is important for regular bowel function and keeping your stomach satisfied.4 If you want to live a long and healthy life, you should consider the pros of a vegetarian diet.
The Cons Of A Vegetarian Diet
While there are many advantages to a vegetarian diet, there are also some important disadvantages. If you decide to follow a vegan diet, you must consume all of your nutrients from plants alone. This can be difficult for those who get their protein from meat, since they are normally advised to eat more protein than they need.5,6 If you’re not used to consuming plant-based foods, it can be hard to get all of the nutrients you need from fruits and vegetables alone. This makes it more likely that you will develop nutrient deficiencies, making you more susceptible to disease.7
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables may also promote dental hygiene. This occurs because the natural sugars in fruit and vegetables provide the energy for bacteria in your mouth to produce ammonia, which is both alkaline and good at preventing tooth decay. One possible drawback is that high fruit and vegetable consumption may result in an increased risk of obesity. This is mostly due to the high sugar content in these foods. When you eat food that is high in sugar, you will almost certainly store it as fat, which can cause obesity and related health problems.8 If you want to be around for a long time, it’s probably best to avoid the cons of a vegetarian diet.
Overall Review: Is A Vegetarian Diet Right For You?
In general, the best diet for your health will depend on your personal and medical history. If you’re looking for a change and don’t mind giving it a try, then the pros of a vegetarian diet may outweigh the cons. If you want to live a long and healthy life, then you should probably avoid meat and dairy products, and embrace a vegan diet.