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Meat Eaters May Live Longer, Study Suggests
24 Feb
Summary
- Meat-free diets linked to lower chances of reaching 100.
- Study focused on adults aged 80 and older.
- Underweight participants avoiding meat saw reduced longevity.
New research indicates that including meat in one's diet might contribute to a longer life, particularly for individuals aged 80 and above. A comprehensive study tracking over 5,000 Chinese adults since 1998 found that those who abstained from meat showed a decreased likelihood of reaching their 100th birthday.
This finding contrasts with some historical associations of vegetarian diets with improved health outcomes. However, the study suggests that as the body ages, its nutritional requirements change, making adequate protein intake, often sourced from animal products, increasingly vital.
Researchers highlighted that the reduced probability of reaching 100 among those avoiding meat was specifically noted in underweight participants. Older adults who maintained a healthy weight seemed unaffected by their meat consumption habits regarding longevity.
Furthermore, participants who consumed dairy, fish, or eggs but no meat had similar chances of reaching 100 as those who ate meat. This suggests that incorporating moderate amounts of animal-derived foods can help prevent malnutrition and muscle mass decline in advanced age.
