May 02, 2024

Study Finds Health Benefits and Risks of Plant-Based Diets for Older Adults

A recent study sheds light on the impact of plant-based diets on longevity and disease risk among older individuals. The research, published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging, highlights the association between adherence to healthy and unhealthy pro-vegetarian diets and the risk of all-cause mortality and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). While a healthy plant-based diet shows a lower risk of death from all causes and CVD, an unhealthy plant-based diet increases these risks. The study also explores the characteristics of each type of pro-vegetarian diet and their implications for overall health. Additionally, the lack of a significant association between plant-based diets and cancer mortality is discussed, with potential explanations for this finding provided. Overall, the study underscores the importance of dietary choices in promoting longevity and preventing chronic diseases among older adults.