A researcher at Loma Linda University in California wanted to find out if
people who eat plant foods live longer than meat-eaters. So far, the answer seems to be a resounding “yes!”
While the research—which originally
began in 1958 and included various studies on Seventh-day Adventists, who typically eat plant foods because of their religious beliefs—is only partially finished, the results suggest that, on average,
vegetarian men and women live 9.5 and 6.1 years longer, respectively, than their meat-eating counterparts. (Many researchers use the term “vegetarian” when referring to vegans and vegetarians alike, something that was commonly done before the term “vegan” became as well known as it is today.)
The study also indicates that, in general, vegans are 30 pounds leaner—as well as five units lighter on the BMI scale—and less insulin resistant than meat-eaters.
While many Adventists also don’t drink, smoke, or consume caffeine, it’s obvious that their food choices play a significant role in their long lives—
and in the quality of those lives. Countless other studies have shown that
vegans tend to weigh less and are
less likely to suffer from common chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Think about it: Vegan foods are cholesterol-free, generally low in saturated fat, and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates. They contain cancer-fighting
phytochemicals and all the
essential nutrients that the human body needs.
Animal-based foods, on the other hand, are high in artery-clogging cholesterol, saturated fat, and calories. They don’t contain fiber or various vitamins and have been
linked to at least nine diseases. The
hormones, toxins, and antibioticsfound in animal-based foods are also linked to a variety of health problems.
So of course, vegans have a better chance of living longer. They have fewer health problems and, on average, have the
most antioxidants and other biomarkers in their bodies. A
study of more than 70,000 Japanese adults found that people who ate the most plant protein had a 13% lower all-cause mortality rate than those who ate the least.
In addition, those who choose to eat healthy, humane vegan foods save more than 200 animals every year, so it’s a win-win situation for all. In addition to living longer, vegans tend to lead kinder and more fulfilling lives, helping to make the world a better place for everyone.