The risk is higher than that of meat-eaters: doctors called the terrible consequence of vegetarianism
'22.04.2022'
Source: Air force
Diets of vegans and vegetarians reduce the risk of heart disease, but increase the likelihood of a stroke, scientists found.
During a large-scale study that lasted 18 years, scientists observed the diet and lifestyle of 48 thousand people. The results of this work are published in the British Medical Journal, writes Air force.
In terms of a thousand people, among vegans and vegetarians there were fewer cases of diseases of the cardiovascular system registered in 10 than among meat-eaters, who, in turn, had three less strokes.
According to nutritionists, whatever the diet of people, the most beneficial for health is to combine different types of foods.
What new was revealed during the study?
The study was conducted jointly by the European Program for the Study of the Relationship of Nutrition and Oncology and the University of Oxford. Half of the participants involved in the study from 1993 to 2001 year ate meat, about 16 thousand people were vegans or vegetarians, and 7500 people attributed themselves to pesketarians (that is, there is fish in their diet).
Volunteers were asked to describe their eating habits at the beginning of the study and then again in 2010. Medical history, smoking habit and physical activity were also taken into account.
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A total of 2820 cases of cardiovascular disease and 1072 cases of stroke were recorded, including 300 cases of hemorrhagic stroke. Among pescetarians, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease was 13% less than that of meat eaters, and among vegans and vegetarians, it was 22% less. But people who ate only plant-based diets had a 20% higher risk of stroke.
Researchers are inclined to believe that this may be due to the low content of vitamin B12. However, they point out, further studies are required for final conclusions. It is possible that this is not due to the diet of people who refused meat, but to their daily habits.
So vegan and vegetarian food is unhealthy?
Frankie Philips, representative of the British Dietetic Association, does not think so, because the study was based on observations, not direct study.
“They watched what people ate for a number of years, so it's more about correlation than causation,” she explains.
“The main message is that it is most beneficial to follow a carefully thought out diet and diversify your diet as much as possible,” the expert adds.
According to Frankie Philips, it cannot be argued that the diet of meat-eaters is more diverse, because they sometimes eat meat and potatoes for dinner every day, completely neglecting vegetables and herbs.
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Have people changed their eating habits since the start of the study?
In 2010, researchers again asked participants about their eating habits. Frankie Philips claims that the diet of vegans and vegetarians has changed.
“This is data that was collected two decades ago. It is likely that the average vegetarian diet today will be very different from what vegetarians and vegans ate 20 or 30 years ago. The variety of vegetarian and vegan instant meals has increased significantly. They have become more widespread and affordable, ”she says.
And now more is known about the health risks lurking in the excessive consumption of processed meat products and red meat, which increase the risk of developing bowel cancer.
So what is the most healthy way to eat?
The recommendation of the British National Health Service provides different food combinations, regardless of a person's preferences:
- Consume five servings of various fruits and vegetables per day
- Prepare meals based on foods high in starch such as potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta
- Do not forget about the protein found in meat, fish, seafood, legumes, tofu or unsalted nuts
- Include milk or milk replacer products in your diet
- Foods high in fat, sugar, or salt should be consumed less frequently and in smaller quantities.
But some vegans and vegetarians still need to add certain nutrients to their diet.
For example, people who eat meat, dairy products and fish receive enough vitamin B12, which is necessary for blood circulation and the nervous system. Vegans may miss this vitamin, although it is found in foods like fortified breakfast cereal or spread from yeast extract.
It should also be noted that iron is absorbed worse in plant foods, so people who refuse meat should include products such as bread and bread products from wholemeal, dried fruits and legumes in the diet.
Recently, vegans have also been called on to enrich their diet with a nutrient such as choline, which is essential for a healthy brain.
