Vegetarian diets produce fewer greenhouse gases and increase longevity, say new studies

[bananas]

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140625145536.htm

Vegetarian diets produce fewer greenhouse gases and increase longevity, say new studies
Date: June 25, 2014
Source: Loma Linda University Medical Center

Summary:
Consuming a plant-based diet results in a more sustainable environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while improving longevity, according to new research. Based on findings that identified food systems as a significant contributor to global warming, the study focuses on the dietary patterns of vegetarians, semi-vegetarians and non-vegetarians to quantify and compare greenhouse gas emissions, as well as assess total mortality.

<snip>

The mortality rate for non-vegetarians was almost 20 percent higher than that for vegetarians and semi-vegetarians. On top of lower mortality rates, switching from non-vegetarian diets to vegetarian diets or even semi-vegetarian diets also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The vegetarian diets resulted in almost a third less emissions compared to the non-vegetarian diets. Modifying the consumption of animal-based foods can therefore be a feasible and effective tool for climate change mitigation and public health improvements, the study concluded.

<snip>

"The study sample is heterogeneous and our data is rich. We analyzed more than 73,000 participants. The level of detail we have on food consumption and health outcomes at the individual level makes these findings unprecedented," Soret said.

The analysis is the first of its kind to use a large, living population, since previous studies relating dietary patterns to greenhouse gas emissions and health effects relied on simulated data or relatively small populations to find similar conclusions.

"To our knowledge no studies have yet used a single non-simulated data set to independently assess the climate change mitigation potential and actual health outcomes for the same dietary patterns," said Joan Sabate, MD, DrPH, nutrition professor at Loma Linda University School of Public Health and co-author of the studies.

<snip>

Journal References:

1. S. Soret, A. Mejia, M. Batech, K. Jaceldo-Siegl, H. Harwatt, J. Sabate. Climate change mitigation and health effects of varied dietary patterns in real-life settings throughout North America. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2014; 100 (Supplement_1): 490S DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.113.071589

2. J. Sabate, S. Soret. Sustainability of plant-based diets: back to the future. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2014; 100 (Supplement_1): 476S DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.113.071522

[bananas]

1. Vegetarians live 20% longer, according to massive study

http://www.treehugger.com/health/vegetarians-live-20-longer-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions-33-according-massive-study.html

Vegetarians live 20% longer, according to massive study
Zachary Shahan (@zshahan3)
July 9, 2014

Let me put it out there right away: I was born and raised vegetarian. As someone who came to vegetarianism by default, I have spent most of my life keeping quiet about it. I consider it a very personal matter and somehow feel like it's too deep of a topic to be evangelical about it. Furthermore, I can't even imagine what it's like to be raised on meat and how I would have responded.

That said, I grew up with people repeatedly questioning the health of vegetarianism and asking me ridiculous questions like, "where do you get your protein?" Even today, after decades of research, after a vegetarian/vegan was named Sportsman of the Century and Olympian of the Century, many people still have odd ideas and think a vegetarian diet isn't an adequate or healthy diet. (A few people have made comments to me along these lines just within recent weeks.) That gets old.

From all the research and science I've read on the matter, the findings of a new study from Loma Linda University don't surprise me at all. As I stated in the headline, it found that vegetarians (and also "semi-vegetarians&quot live 20% longer than omnivores. In addition, it found that they create about 33% less greenhouse gas emissions.

Since much of what I write about (solar energy, biking, and electric vehicles) I have become interested in out of a desire to stop global warming, I now feel a public obligation to cover the climate benefits of a vegetarian diet as well. Accounting for 18% to over 51% of greenhouse gas emissions (based on which study you consult), livestock production is a huge matter to tackle.

<snip>

[IronGate]

2. I'm still not giving up my meat.

There's nothing like a medium rare steak, mashed potatos, gravy, salad to satisfy the palate.

[Duckhunter935]

3. That is soo good

A good smoked brisket is awesome too.

[cprise]

4. Not giving it up... or not giving up ANY?

Interesting distinction there.

Paul McCartney started a movement called Meatless Monday that encourages meat eaters to eat vegetarian one day each week. They have a lot of good recipes on their website.

FWIW, I know you mentioned beef, but that's the one I won't eat anymore but 2 or 3 times per year. Beef stands way out as the most unsustainable meat product.

[IronGate]

5. I could give up eating meat once or twice a week if needed,

but as I'm in perfect health, I don't see the need to at this time.
Maybe in the future.
I have no problem with those that prefer going vegetarian, that's there choice, it's just not for me.
We don't eat hardly any store bought meat, my wife and I are hunters who prefer wild game over the factory farmed animals, much healthier and tastier.

On Edit: I didn't say beef, I said steak, as in venison steak. Guess I should have been clearer on that.

[supernova]

6. I eat a high fat carbohydrate restricted diet

to keep blood glucose levels normal. And also to feel better and have sustained energy without feeling annoying cravings for food.

I get a majority of my calories from fats such as butter, coconut oil, and olive oil. I eat an adequate amount of meat, poultry or fish (usually just one serving a day) and a cup or two of low glycemic veggies.

Vegetarianism would not work for me.

[navarth]

7. good news for me!!

plus I feel like I'm not participating something I consider evil. pays off double.

[roguevalley]

8. weird science news has a study that shows plants feel. they prodced chemical reactions when

Someone played the sound of a caterpillar eating a plant next to them, a reaction of concern. I always figured if you live you feel. Even plants.

[bananas]

9. The Secret Life of Plants

A classic book:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Secret_Life_of_Plants
http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Life-Plants-Fascinating/dp/0060915870

It was made into a movie, soundtrack by Stevie Wonder:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078217/

Watch it online free:
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-secret-life-of-plants/

[roguevalley]

11. the older I get, the less meat I eat but its hard to listen to vegetarians talk about

how their choice is painless. I had a forest fire 7 miles from my house this June. It was the size of Manhattan and Chicago combined. I felt morose, extremely morose for a week until it dawned on me it was the trees dying. I wasn't the only one in my town to say that either.

[packman]

10. It's fairly easy to reduce meat intake

but a caveat, I have a heart condition. After my third "episode" of my defib going off, I decided to get serious about meat intake. Now it's vegs, vegs and more vegs between 3 meals with no heavy late-night eating. Fruit intake increased. The meat I do have is limited to one meal during the day with veg and salad sides and it is controlled, not the 1lb. steak or two pork chops. I would say that my diet has gone from a heavy meat to more of a veg/fruit orientation and I am happy about it.

But still, damn I miss those Italian sausages on a roll covered with greasy peppers, onions slightly fried and the whole thing smothered in cheese.