Health benefits of a vegan diet

Many studies have found that vegetarians have a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Fewer studies have examined vegans. British researchers compared 21 vegans and 25 non-vegetarians who were similar in age and Body Mass Index (BMI). The vegans, all of whom had been vegan for at least 3 years, had diets that were lower in saturated fat and higher in polyunsaturated fat, carbohydrates, and fiber than the non-vegetarians. The vegans had lower blood pressure, lower blood triglyceride levels, and lower fasting blood glucose levels. Vegans also had better pancreatic beta-cell function, which means that they were at lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The subjects had similar weights and activity levels; therefore, the differences seen were probably due to dietary factors. These results suggest that a vegan diet can reduce risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Goff LM, Bell JD, So PW, et al. 2005. Veganism and its relationship with insulin resistance and intramyocellular lipid. Eur J Clin Nutr 59:291-98.

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