Is Vegetarianism Really Healthier? Don't Miss Essential Vitamins and Minerals

First Posted: Jun 04, 2013 10:27 AM EDT
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Meat may be the main ingredient to many dinners and dishes. However, a new study shows that those who prefer fruits and vegetables may be healthier.

The study looked at all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a group of 73,308 men and women Seventh-day Adventists.

Followers of this faith usually eat a vegetarian diet and adhere to the kosher laws mentioned in Leviticus. They are also advised to abstain from park, shellfish and other foods deemed "unclean" according to the writings of the bible.

Researchers studied dietary patients using a questionnaire that categorized participants into five groups: non-vegetarian, semi-vegetarian, pesco-vegetarian (includes seafood), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (includes dairy and egg products) and vegan (excludes all animal products).

The findings from the study showed that vegetarian groups tended to be older, more highly educated and more likely to be married. They were also less likely to engage in certain legal drugs, including alcohol and tobacco. To add to that, they were more likely to exercise and be thinner.

"Some evidence suggests vegetarian dietary patterns may be associated with reduced mortality, but the relationship is not well established," researchers said, according to the study.

Overall, there were 2,570 deaths among the study participants during an average follow-up time of almost six years.  The overall death rate was six deaths per 1,000 person per year.  Researchers found that vegetarians were 12 percent less likely to die of all-cause mortality compared to non-vegetarians. 

Researchers also found that the vegetarian diet benefited men more than women.  They found that men who were vegetarian were significantly less likely to die of cardiovascular disease and ischemic heart disease.  However, researchers found no significant reductions in these categories of mortality in women.

"Future analysis will evaluate possible effect modification by sex for particular foods or nutrients, which may suggest sex-specific mechanisms," researchers wrote, according to the study.

However, many health professionals caution that a vegetarian diet may not necessarily provide a healthier life, as some vitamins and minerals found in certain foods that are no longer in the diet must be complimented with supplements and a very balanced regimen that models the food pyramid.   

As the Mayo Clinic points out, it's also important to note that there are several different types of vegetarian diets to follow, that don't necessarily exclude all types of meat. However, on the other hand, some exclude meat, dairy and eggs all together. Check them out here, if you are considering a vegetarian life-style.  

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