A Health Study

In a European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study on 37,875 men and women between the ages of 20–97 years of age, the body mass index (BMI) was compared between four diet groups. BMI indicates body mass and as weight increases, the probable risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers intensify.

Meat Eaters: Had the highest cholesterol levels.

Fish Eaters: Fish eaters and vegetarians had similar BMI.

Vegetarians: Had lower cholesterol levels than meat eaters.

Vegans: Had the lowest total cholesterol.

According to the American Heart Association website (heart.org), too much LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque which can clog arteries and cause a heart attack or stroke to occur. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) called “good” cholesterol helps remove the bad LDL cholesterol as a way to balance your body’s cholesterol levels. A good balance in HDL cholesterol is important in order to avoid being at a high risk for heart attacks and strokes. HDL cholesterol works as a scavenger that eats away the LDL cholesterol in your body.

            The study found that vegans have the highest nutritional deficiencies. Going vegan, you must be aware that you need to consume foods that contain different amino acids over the course of the day that the body needs. Vitamin B12 supplements should be taken on a daily basis to avoid having anemia and nervous system damage, both caused by low B12 intake. Foods like beans, lentils, and vegetables such as spinach contain iron. A vegan diet included lower intakes of protein and higher intakes of fiber. Obesity rates were lower in vegans than any other diet groups. An increase in plant foods may help prevent getting overweight and obese as well.

            I had my body fat measured before I was a vegan (November 6^th, 2015) and the percentage was 2.7%. I am curious to know my body fat percentage now that I’m a vegan. I always had this feeling after eating meat that I was not only full but I was tired as well. I don’t miss that feeling of fatigue. I can humbly but proudly admit to having more energy now. I discovered this when I did push-ups some weeks back. I could do more reps without feeling sore as quickly as I did before. My willpower has sharpened in regards to desiring a large meal.

Spencer, E A, et al. "Diet and body mass index in 38 000 EPIC-Oxford meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans." International Journal of Obesity 27.6 (2003): 728. Academic OneFile. Web. 14 Feb. 2016.
http://ezhost.utrgv.edu:2193/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA188456421&sid=summon&v=2.1&u=txshracd2633&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=bc65753a4898c3563c711e2bf5909339

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp#.VsDqzVLngVR