According to a recent study by a group of researchers at the Medical University of Graz in Austria, vegetarians generally have poorer health and a lower quality of life than those that eat meat.
The study used data from the Austrian Health Interview Survey. It found that vegetarians tend to be less healthy than those in other dietary groups. Although vegetarians are more physically active and avoid things like alcohol and tobacco, they also have an increased risk of cancer, allergies and mental health disorders.
Twice as many vegetarians in the study reported having allergies. They were also 50 percent more likely to develop cancer or have a heart attack. The study also found that vegetarians are less likely to seek preventative health care measures such as vaccines.
The study did claim, however, that more research will need to be done before they can reach a definite conclusion. “No statements can be made whether the poorer health in vegetarians in our study is caused by their dietary habit or if they consume this form of diet due to their poorer health status.”
The researchers also admit that they would need to measure caloric intake more carefully in future studies.
The research does show that a carnivorous diet rich in fruit and vegetables may be the healthiest way to eat. It showed that vegetarians were also the most likely to develop conditions including osteoporosis, migraines, bronchitis and cataracts.
Although the study is not conclusive, it does provide a jumping-off point for future research. While most research into vegetarian diets focuses on the health benefits of being a vegetarian, it is interesting to see what health benefits may be related to sticking with meat.
[Source: Medical University of Graz]
