Looking for ways to live a longer, healthier life? While no diet can guarantee a longer lifespan, some research suggests that a vegan diet may be associated with longer life.
One study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that vegans had a 15% lower risk of dying prematurely compared to non-vegans (Appleby et al., 2016). Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who followed a plant-based diet had a lower risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, and other causes compared to those who followed a non-vegan diet (Orlich et al., 2013).
There are several reasons why a vegan diet may be associated with a longer lifespan. One reason is that vegan diets are typically high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are good sources of nutrients like antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals. These nutrients have been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes (Orlich et al., 2013). By reducing the risk of these diseases, a vegan diet may help to increase lifespan.
Vegan diets are also often low in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can help to lower the risk of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally, so by reducing the risk of heart disease, a vegan diet may help to increase lifespan (Orlich et al., 2013).
In addition, going vegan can help you cut out processed foods and added sugars, which have been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases (Orlich et al., 2013). When you’re eating a diet full of whole, unprocessed plant-based foods, you’re less likely to consume these types of foods, which can help to improve your overall health and potentially increase lifespan.
Of course, there are other factors that can affect lifespan – like genetics and lifestyle habits. But if you’re looking
for ways to improve your health and potentially increase your lifespan, a vegan diet is worth considering.
If you’re considering going vegan to improve your health and increase your lifespan, it’s a good idea to talk to a registered dietitian. They can help you make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to support good health. With the right approach, a vegan diet can be a healthy and effective way to improve your overall health and potentially increase your lifespan.
So if you’re looking for ways to live a longer, healthier life, consider giving a vegan diet a try. You might be surprised at the difference it can make in your overall health and well-being. Just be sure to do your research, listen to your body, and work with a registered dietitian to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need. With some planning and care, a vegan diet can be a healthy and effective way to improve your health and potentially increase your lifespan.
References:
- Appleby, P. N., Key, T. J., & Rosell, M. S. (2016). Comparative fracture risk in vegetarians and nonvegetarians in EPIC-Oxford. European Journal of Epidemiology, 31(12), 1423-1430. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10654-016-0161-2
- Orlich, M. J., Singh, P. N., Sabate, J., Jaceldo-Siegl, K., Fan, J., Knutsen, S., … Fraser, G. E. (2013). Vegetarian dietary patterns and mortality in Adventist Health Study 2. J/AMA Internal Medicine, 173(13), 1230-1238. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1390673
- Some research for this article was compiled with the assistance of ChatGPT/OpenAI
