This study by the Medical University of Graz in Austria should cause some discussion. It was reported on CBS Atlanta and can be read and viewed @ http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2014/04...althy-lower-quality-of-life-than-meat-eaters/ I'm proud to say that, after a great dinner salad with Ranch, I enjoy a nice piece of Prime Rib, medium rare, with a baked potato [butter, sour cream and chives thank you] and veggies. If that offends Veggies, that's their problem, not mine. - - - Updated - - - And, then comes this: Eating More Vegetables Can Almost Halve Your Risk of Dying Alexandra Sifferlin, April 1, 2014 So, who knows WHICH to believe. As indicated above, I'll take the middle road. Story @ http://time.com/45790/eating-more-vegetables-can-almost-halve-your-risk-of-dying/
This is counter to everything I've ever read on veg* diets. There could be some correlation instead of causation here, if this study even has any merit. People with health problems are often recommended a veg* diet. And you can get plenty of healthy saturated fats as a veg*. I'm eating coconut oil now. From the actual study: http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0088278#abstract0 Stuff on veg* diets: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/nutrition/resources/antenatal_vegan.pdf The American Dietetic Association: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/705344 The American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4777 Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140964.php http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4777 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/12/021202072124.htm http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/26/health/webmd/main1837927.shtml
AKR - I can't argue with you about this. I just posted it as a possibility to consider. I know, for a fact, that certain plants have beneficial health properties. As an example, the leaves of the Prickly Pear cactus is quite helpful to diabetics in reducing high blood sugar levels and even stimulating the body's production of insulin. And, the old-time medicine healers knew the advantages of eating all sorts of plants.
Human beings are omnivores. Human digestive systems are much shorter than herbivores (who often have several stomachs). Pre-human ancestors were eating meat 1.5 million years ago. B-12 is a vital vitamin that cannot be gotten from vegetables. Vegans are deficient in Creatine which is a muscle and brain nutrient. Carnosine is a powerful anti-oxidant which provides protection against degenerative processes and is only found in amimals foods. DHA and EPA are active forms of Omega-3 found mostly in amimal foods. The plant form (ALA) of Omega-3 is harder for the human body to process. More here http://authoritynutrition.com/7-evidence-based-health-reasons-to-eat-meat/
What matters most is avoiding diets high in simple carbohydrates (sugars). Simple carbs are what will mess up your health more than anything.