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According to some findings which have recently been presented at the Unite to Cure Fourth International Vatican Conference, a vegetarian diet might prevent a third of all early deaths. The researchers from Harvard who conducted this study are saying that unfortunately, people nowadays underestimate the benefits that a plant-based diet can have on the health. Official numbers are saying that in the United Kingdom, about 200,000 lives might be saved yearly if only more people gave up on eating meat.
Dr. Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Medical School and this study’s lead author says that their main focus point was to make calculations. Also, to find out how many lives a healthier diet could save. This doesn’t mean going completely vegan but shifting towards a more plant-based diet. Their result was that a vegetarian diet could prevent about one third of all early deaths. Moreover, what’s even more interesting is that the team did not take into account not smoking and physical activity. Also, that total number is of all deaths, not just cancer-caused ones. Moreover, it did not include obesity. Taking this into account, the number of lives that could be saved might be even higher.
Going vegetarian might save your life
According to Professor David Jenkins, who developed the glycemic index that says how much carbs impact blood sugar, the incredible benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle have been underestimated for decades. He also says that a “simian” diet might be better for humans. This is the one similar to gorillas who only eat stems, vines, leaves and fruits. On the other hand, a “paleo” diet that cuts carbs but allows meat, similar to cavemen, is not that good.
Jenkins explained that they meant this study as a way to show people that they have a choice. Taking pills to solve their health problems is not really the best way. Especially when you have an easier alternative of prevention.
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