|
Written by Jenny
|
|
Monday, 21 January 2008 |
|
 Interested in some statistics about vegetarian diets? Studies have shown vegetarians to be at less risk for high blood pressure, cancer and heart disease. Here are some of the long-term advantages of plant-based diets:
- The prevalence of hypertension among vegetarians is about one-third to one-half that of non-vegetarians. A study with Caucasians found hypertension in 22% of omnivores, but only 7% of vegetarians. Among African Americans, the prevalence was 44% of omnivores and 18% of vegetarians. Adopting a vegetarian diet significantly lowers blood pressure in both normal and hypertensive individuals.
- Cancer rates for vegetarians are 25 to 50% below population averages, even after controlling for smoking, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. One study found that people who include generous amounts of fruits and vegetables in their daily diets have lower rates of cancers of the lung, breast, colon, bladder, stomach, mouth, larynx, esophagus, pancreas, and cervix compared to people who avoid such foods.
Obesity is a major contributor to many serious illnesses, and is much less common among vegetarians, compared to the general population. Vegetarians are, on average, about 10% leaner then omnivores. Plant-based diets may encourage a later menarche, which has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of breast cancer in epidemiologic studies. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant substances, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids, which protect cells against oxidative damage, which is related to cancer risk and other health problems. The multitude of phytochemicals found in various fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts are thought to protect against heart disease and cancer.
|
|
