Do Vegans Live Longer Than Vegetarians and Other Non-Vegans?

Surprisingly enough, you may find out that being a vegan can have many health benefits, as many of us know that science has proven, but there are more important facts that are actually being researched that are showing results that vegans can actually live longer than the standard meat eaters. This large study included over 800 people that were vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians (egg and dairy eaters), pesco-vegetarians (a seafood eating vegetarian), semi vegetarians (also known as flexitarians since they occasionally consume meat), and omnivores (non-vegetarian eaters – our natural human dietary nature). They took blood, urine, and fat samples to test antioxidant, saturated and unsaturated fat levels, as well as vitamin levels.

What The Results Showed

The results of the tests shows that vegans had a higher level of antioxidant levels isoflavones, and enterolactone which is a natural anti-inflammatory in our bodies. This anti-inflammatory can decrease risks of numerous diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Not only that, but vegans were able to withhold more Omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies when they were eaten by vegan foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and nuts. This is something that totally out-trumped the frequent pesco vegetarians either, who eat fish in their diet regularly.

What About Semi-Vegetarians?

Flexitarians actually had a diet that had drastically less meat, but since they did occasionally consume it, they had numerous biomarkers which were pretty similar to meat eaters. They had higher levels of antioxidants and some vitamins, but still had a pretty close levels of other vitamin levels as meat eaters when it came to their vitamin and fat intake.

Vegetarians

While both lacto-ovo and pesco vegetarians had a little higher saturated and unsaturated fat levels because of the consumption of fish, dairy, and eggs, they actually showed pretty similar results to the same biomarkers in just about every level as complete vegans.

How Does This Mean Vegans Can Live Longer?

Many of the vitamins and antioxidants, as well as the other ingredients and macronutrients that a vegan eats are generally higher than those that aren’t. Therefore, studies have shown that these age and disease fighting chemical makeups were higher in vegans than meat eaters. You’ve heard of the famous “Blue Zone” that is home to many of the world’s centennials (people who live over a hundred years). You may note that while they may eat meat once in a while, it’s extremely rare (and its usually fish, seafood, or eggs).

The Blue Zoners usually stop when their stomach is about 80 percent full so they don’t gain a lot of weight, and they usually eat a hearty breakfast full of vegetables and fruits, and then eat a lighter lunch or dinner. Blue Zoners are primarily vegetarian and they’ll only eat meat in small portions about once a week. And of course, don’t forget the whine (most centennials admit to having at least 1-2 glasses of red wine or a hearty wine per day).

Conclusion – Do Vegans Live Longer Than Non-Vegans

With everything under the radar as far as primary contradiction and a statistical argument, nobody can actually argue with the results of numerous studies in the world that have proven to increase longevity and healthy living. That being said, it’s no wonder why vegans have a higher chance of living longer than those who eat meat on a regular basis.

Ready to start? Check out these meal replacement shakes to help you easily help you kick start your vegan diet.