New Study: Vegetarian diet beneficial to both health and environment

All the more reason to go vegetarian: an updated paper from the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is citing the numerous benefits of a vegetarian diet to an individual’s health and the environment.

According to the paper, embracing a vegetarian diet can reduce the likelihood of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer as compared to a non-vegetarian diet. In fact, an appropriately-planned vegetarian or vegan diet (i.e. one that adequately meets all your nutritional needs) is beneficial and suitable for all age groups. If you’re considering putting your child on a vegetarian diet, consider this: embracing a plant-based diet earlier on in childhood can actually reduce their risk of chronic disease later in life!

The evidence and statistics? Adopting a plant-based diet can:

• reduce your overall risk of cancer by 18%
• lower the risk of prostrate cancer by 35%
• reduce your risk of heart attack and heart disease by 32% and 29% respectively
• lowers the likelihood of type 2 diabetes by a significant 62%
• lower your BMI and cholesterol levels
• allow better control of blood pressure and blood glucose levels

Additionally, these diets are significantly more environmentally friendly and sustainable than non-vegetarian diets. In fact, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by – get this – up to 50 percent! This is because less water, fossil fuel resources, pesticides and fertilisers are used to farm foods like plants, grains and so on. Healthy eating with a conscience? We’re sold.

Healthy… If Well-Planned

However, as beneficial as a vegetarian diet can be to your health, you may be at risk of compromising on essential nutrients your body needs, if not planned well. A 2014 study found that a vegetarian diet may be linked to an increased risk of allergies, cancer and mental health disorders, due to the lack of essential nutrients from animal products. It is therefore essential that you consult a nutritionist or take steps to ensure that all your dietary needs are met before you adopt a vegetarian diet!

Sarah Khan

Photo: Getty Images

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