Do Vegetarians Live Longer Than Meat-Eaters?

Is it true that vegetarians live longer than meat-eaters? Around the world, there are communities renowned for their longevity and healthy lifestyles, which are closely linked to plant-based diets. For example, among strict vegetarians in the Adventist community in California, men live on average 9.5 years longer and women 6.1 years longer than the general population in California.

These numbers often lead people to think that vegetarianism is the secret to a long and healthy life. But what does the research really show? Let’s take a closer look together.

1. Lifespan: Vegetarians vs. Meat-Eaters

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine (USA) found that vegetarians have about a 9% lower risk of death compared to meat-eaters. However, many other studies did not find a clear difference in lifespan between vegetarians and meat-eaters.

What is the difference in life expectancy between vegetarians and non-vegetarians?

This may be because vegetarians take better care of their overall health, such as avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. These healthy habits, rather than the vegetarian diet itself, are likely the key factors contributing to longer life.

2. Heart Health

Vegetarians have about a 22% lower likelihood of heart disease compared to meat-eaters, according to research published in the British Medical Journal. They also usually have better blood pressure and cholesterol, and are less likely to be overweight. But if a vegetarian diet includes a lot of processed foods, fried foods, not enough protein, or too much sugar, it can still be bad for your heart.

Experts say that the quality of your meals matters most. A well-balanced vegetarian diet includes a variety of vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts, while minimizing the consumption of fried foods, salt, and sugar. This approach is one of the best ways to support heart health.

3. Risk of Stroke

Vegetarians may have about a 20% higher likelihood of stroke compared to meat-eaters, according to data from the British Medical Journal.

This is partly because vegetarians often have very low levels of “bad” cholesterol, and very low cholesterol can make blood vessels weaker, raising the chance of bleeding in the brain. Another reason is not getting enough vitamin B12, which is mainly found in animal foods. If vegetarians do not take enough supplements, this can seriously affect their blood vessels.

A well-balanced and nutritious meal is what truly determines life expectancy.

4. Does a Vegetarian Diet Reduce Cancer Risk?

Data from over 470,000 people in the UK show that vegetarians have about a 14% lower risk of cancer compared to regular meat-eaters. Fish-eaters also have a 10% reduced risk, while those who eat little meat have a slight 2% reduction.

Some cancers are much less common among vegetarians, like prostate cancer in men and breast cancer after menopause in women. This is probably because vegetarians usually have lower body weight and are less likely to be obese, which is known to raise the probability of cancer.

A well-balanced and nutritious meal is what truly determines life expectancy.

4. Does a Vegetarian Diet Reduce Cancer Risk?

Data from over 470,000 people in the UK show that vegetarians have about a 14% lower risk of cancer compared to regular meat-eaters. Fish-eaters also have a 10% reduced risk, while those who eat little meat have a slight 2% reduction.

Some cancers are much less common among vegetarians, like prostate cancer in men and breast cancer after menopause in women. This is probably because vegetarians usually have lower body weight and are less likely to be obese, which is known to raise the probability of cancer.