Vegetarian diet is not just good for health but also for the environment, according to the findings of a new study.
Previous studies have established that food systems are a major contributor to global warming. To confirm these findings, researchers from Loma Linda University School of Public Health compared how the dietary habits of about 73,000 vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians affect greenhouse emissions.
Researchers found that switching to vegetarian diets significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a more sustainable environment. The difference was over 33 percent. Apart from this, vegetarians and semi-vegetarians had an 80 percent lower mortality rate than non-vegetarians.
"The takeaway message is that relatively small reductions in the consumption of animal products result in non-trivial environmental benefits and health benefits," said study author Sam Soret in a press statement. "To our knowledge no studies have yet used a single non-simulated data set to independently assess the climate change mitigation potential and actual health outcomes for the same dietary patterns."
The study authors also highlighted other benefits of plant-based diets, which include increased food security and sustainability. They also emphasized on the need to re-examine people's nutritional practices, taking into account environmental challenges and worldwide population growth.
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) classifies vegetarians more specifically in the following ways:
- Vegans or total vegetarians exclude all animal products (e.g. meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products). Many vegans also do not eat honey.
- Lactovegetarians exclude meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but include dairy products.
- Lacto-ovovegetarians exclude meat, poultry, and fish but include dairy products and eggs. Most vegetarians in the US are lacto-ovovegetarians.
According to the National Library of Medicine, contrary to what people think, a vegetarian diet is enough for a person to get all his nutrients. However, to meet all the nutritional requirements, one may need to eat a wide range of food items. The benefits of consuming a plant-base diet include a lower body weight, better cholesterol levels, longer life, lower risk of developing cancer and food borne-illnesses. It promotes stronger bones, eases the symptoms of menopause, gives higher energy levels, avoids toxic chemicals and is more environment friendly. A new study found that a vegetarian diet reduces blood pressure too.
Findings of the current study were American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study was funded by the McLean Endowment.
