VT Exclusive: study proves benefits of going veg - scoop

In the largest study of its kind ever, Gary Null, PhD, author and Pacifica Radio talk show host, has found that the health benefits of a vegetarian diet exceed all previous expectations. In his Vegetarian Lifestyle Study of 11,000 Americans conducted over an 11-year period beginning in 1990, Null's researchers found that up to 85 percent of participants who adhered to the program experienced significant improvements in heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other major illnesses.

Among other findings of the study, done in Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, DC, and Morristown, New Jersey:

* Overweight participants who had tried other diets lost weight and kept it off.

* Diabetics achieved normal blood sugar levels, reducing insulin requirements.

* Participants with high blood pressure diminished or eliminated their blood pressure medications because blood pressure was normalized.

* Participants with high cholesterol lowered cholesterol levels.

* In a majority of participants with elevated homocysteine, levels were reduced, which is an improvement, without the use of medication.

* Overall endurance, strength, stamina, energy and sense of well-being improved.

"When beginning many years ago, we expected some improvements but were pleasantly surprised as the data unfolded," says Martin Feldman, MD, of New York City's Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, who served as the medical reviewer of the study. Besides objective gains in weight loss, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, "subjective data on such measures as energy level, endurance, immune system function such as frequency of infection, mental functions such as attention span and concentration, digestive system and joint systems were positive." Clearly, "this is a very important study for vegetarians as well as the society as a whole."

The regimen, identical for all participants, included a vegetarian diet, exercise and stress management, and recommended supplements, including common vitamins and minerals.

"This study clearly and unequivocally proves that a healthy vegetarian lifestyle can prevent, improve and reverse disease," Null says.

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