A recent article in Science
Daily highlights a review by physicians from the Mayo Clinic titled “Is
Meat Killing Us? The physicians examined large-scale studies involving more
than 1.5 million people and found all-cause mortality is higher for people who
eat meat. The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association published their findings.
Specifically, they looked at six different studies that assessed
the effects of meat-heavy and vegetarian diets on mortality. Their goal was to enable
primary care physicians to provide evidence-based guidance to patients on the
question of meat consumption.
One of the studies followed more than 1 million people. The
researchers found a 3.6-year increase in life expectancy for people on a
vegetarian diet for more than 17 years compared to shorter-term vegetarians.
The review concluded that “physicians should advise patients
to limit animal products when possible and consume more plants than meat.
Dr. Brookshield Laurent, D.O., states:
This data reinforces what we have known for so long—your diet has great potential to harm or heal. … This clinical-based evidence can assist physicians in counseling patients about the important role diet plays, leading to improved preventive care, a key consideration in the osteopathic philosophy of medicine.
Meat is not only detrimental to our health; it’s also literally
killing
our planet and causing unthinkable animal suffering.
For delicious recipes and tips on adopting a compassionate
vegan diet, click here.