Tag

Vegetarianism

All articles tagged with #vegetarianism

Weight and protein, not meat avoidance, influence 100-year odds for those over 80
health-and-medicine7 days ago

Weight and protein, not meat avoidance, influence 100-year odds for those over 80

A Chinese study of more than 5,000 adults aged 80 or older found that non-meat eaters were less likely to reach 100, but this only applied to participants who were underweight. Those who included modest amounts of animal-source foods such as fish, eggs, or dairy had similar odds of becoming centenarians as meat eaters, suggesting that maintaining adequate protein and key nutrients to prevent malnutrition and loss of lean mass is crucial in late life. The study is observational, so it shows associations rather than causation, and it emphasizes that nutrition needs change with age: for the very old, sustaining muscle and preventing frailty may matter more than long-term disease prevention.

Vegetarian Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Five Cancers, Large UK-US Study Finds
healthcare7 days ago

Vegetarian Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Five Cancers, Large UK-US Study Finds

An Oxford-led study of 1.8 million people finds vegetarians are up to a third less likely to develop five cancers than meat eaters, with 21% lower risk of pancreatic cancer, 9% lower risk of breast cancer, 12% lower risk of prostate cancer, 28% lower risk of kidney cancer and 31% lower risk of multiple myeloma; however vegetarians and vegans show higher risks for oesophageal and bowel cancers, potentially due to nutrient gaps. The researchers suggest meat itself may be the trigger and advocate diets focused on whole grains, pulses, fruit and vegetables while avoiding processed meat; the study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, analyzed UK/US data over two decades and was funded by the World Cancer Research Fund.

Debunking Common Vegetarianism Myths
health-and-wellness4 months ago

Debunking Common Vegetarianism Myths

The article debunks common myths about vegetarianism, emphasizing that plant-based diets can provide sufficient protein, energy, and muscle-building nutrients, are budget-friendly, socially adaptable, and not all-or-nothing. It encourages starting with small changes, planning for key nutrients like iron and B12, and viewing diet as a supportive tool rather than a perfectionist pursuit.

Ultra-Processed Food: A Battle Between Vegetarians and Meat-Eaters
health1 year ago

Ultra-Processed Food: A Battle Between Vegetarians and Meat-Eaters

A study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that vegetarians and vegans tend to consume slightly more ultra-processed foods compared to red meat eaters, with vegetarians consuming 1.3 percentage points more. This trend is attributed to the reliance on meat substitutes and convenience foods, which are often high in additives and unhealthy ingredients. The study emphasizes the importance of focusing on minimally processed foods when transitioning to plant-based diets, as ultra-processed foods can negatively impact health. The findings highlight the complexity of defining ultra-processed foods and the need for balanced dietary choices.

"Genetics Influence Health Outcomes in Vegetarians"
health1 year ago

"Genetics Influence Health Outcomes in Vegetarians"

A study from the University of Georgia, published in PLoS Genetics, reveals that genetic variations significantly influence individual health outcomes on a vegetarian diet. While vegetarians generally have lower cholesterol and reduced risks of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, they may also experience lower Vitamin D levels and higher triglycerides. The research underscores the importance of personalized nutrition, considering genetic factors to optimize health, and identifies specific gene variants that affect calcium metabolism, hormone levels, and kidney function.

"Chicken Run 2: Bond Villain-style Roast Revolt Sparks Excitement"
entertainment2 years ago

"Chicken Run 2: Bond Villain-style Roast Revolt Sparks Excitement"

Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman Animations, has clarified that the new film Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is not a statement against eating meat or factory farming, but rather an entertainment. However, the film does engage the audience with the chickens as heroes and makes them care about their plight against those who want to eat them. Activists have praised the film for its approach, with some seeing it as a morality tale highlighting the realities of poultry farms. The sequel features a James Bond villain-style chicken nugget factory run by the evil Mrs Tweedy, and familiar heroes must rescue a trapped chicken. The film was released in selected cinemas and is available on Netflix.

Personality traits shape dietary choices, reveals groundbreaking study
health-and-lifestyle2 years ago

Personality traits shape dietary choices, reveals groundbreaking study

A recent meta-analysis published in Appetite has found that individuals who identify as vegetarians or vegans tend to score higher in the personality traits of Openness and Agreeableness compared to omnivores. The study, which included data from 69,576 individuals across various countries, also revealed that Openness was the only significant personality trait difference between vegetarians and vegans, with vegans scoring higher. However, there were no consistent associations between other personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness) and dietary choices. The study suggests that Openness and Agreeableness are key personality traits linked to vegetarian and vegan diets, but further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms behind these connections.

Kevin Bacon's Surprising Dietary Shift: From Bacon Lover to Plant-Based Power Pancakes
lifestyle2 years ago

Kevin Bacon's Surprising Dietary Shift: From Bacon Lover to Plant-Based Power Pancakes

Actor Kevin Bacon has revealed that he no longer eats bacon or other meat from pigs due to his personal connection to the animals he keeps on his farm. Bacon, who lives on a farm in Connecticut with his wife Kyra Sedgwick, has decided to keep pigs and goats and feels uncomfortable consuming them. He also grows fresh produce on his farm and enjoys the experience of eating vegetables that he has grown himself. Bacon emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment and having control over what he puts in his body. While he enjoys eating out, he prefers to dine at home for more control over his food choices.

Cracking the Code: How Genetics Influence Vegetarian Diets
health2 years ago

Cracking the Code: How Genetics Influence Vegetarian Diets

A study conducted by Northwestern University has found that certain genetic variations related to lipid metabolism and brain function may influence an individual's choice to follow a vegetarian diet. The study, which analyzed over 330,000 genomes, identified 34 genes potentially involved in vegetarianism. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in determining dietary preferences and may help nutritionists develop personalized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetic makeup. Further research is needed to explore the physiological pathways underlying vegetarianism and lipid synthesis and metabolism in vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians.

Genetic Influence: Vegetarianism Linked to DNA, Study Reveals
health2 years ago

Genetic Influence: Vegetarianism Linked to DNA, Study Reveals

A new study suggests that genetics may play a role in people's ability to adhere to a vegetarian diet. Researchers compared the DNA of 5,324 vegetarians and identified 34 genes that may be associated with following a strict vegetarian diet. Of these genes, two are involved in lipid metabolism. The study highlights the potential influence of genetics on food choices and the need for further research to determine critical genes and variants. The findings also suggest that even reducing meat consumption can have significant health and environmental benefits.

The Genetic Link: Vegetarianism and Your DNA
health2 years ago

The Genetic Link: Vegetarianism and Your DNA

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that genetics may play a significant role in vegetarianism, with four genes associated with adherence to a vegetarian lifestyle. The study found that some people may be genetically better suited for a vegetarian diet than others. The research highlights the connection between genes and dietary choices, potentially leading to personalized dietary recommendations based on genetic predispositions in the future. However, the study's limitations include a homogenous sample of White participants, limiting its applicability to the whole population.

Genetic Influence on Vegetarianism Explored
health2 years ago

Genetic Influence on Vegetarianism Explored

A study suggests that the ease or difficulty of sticking to a vegetarian diet may be influenced by three key genes related to the processing of fatty nutrients. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to crave the fats found in meat, making it harder for them to adopt a strictly meat-free diet.

Vegetarians face 50% higher risk of hip fractures, study finds
health2 years ago

Vegetarians face 50% higher risk of hip fractures, study finds

A large-scale study conducted at the University of Leeds in the UK has found that both men and women who follow a vegetarian diet are 50% more likely to suffer a hip fracture compared to regular meat eaters. The study, which analyzed data from over 400,000 participants, is the first to indicate that vegetarian men also face an increased risk of hip fracture. The reasons behind this elevated risk are still unclear, but low body-mass index (BMI) may be a contributing factor. While the health benefits of a vegetarian diet, such as a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, may outweigh the increased risk of hip fracture, it is important for vegetarians to ensure they maintain a balanced diet with enough protein and maintain a healthy BMI to support bone and muscle health.

food-and-health2 years ago

"The Impact of Going Vegetarian: Global Rates and Personal Health Effects"

India has the highest rate of vegetarians, with nearly 24% of the population following a vegetarian diet, followed by Mexico, Brazil, and Taiwan. Vegetarianism is influenced by cultural beliefs, such as non-violence towards animals, and health-conscious choices. Countries like Croatia and Chad have significant differences in vegetable consumption per capita, reflecting efforts to maintain health standards and agricultural abundance. Vegetarianism is considered a sustainable food choice, but it is still not as popular globally, with 86% of respondents surveyed in 21 countries stating that their diet contains meat. Several companies, including Beyond Meat, Kellogg Company, and Tyson Foods, are innovating to create meat alternatives and cater to the growing demand for vegetarian products.