Eating no or little meat could add years to your life, so a recent report from the Center of Cancer Research in Germany (DKFZ) suggests. The DKFZ studied more than 2,000 vegans, vegetarians, and occasional meat-eaters for 22 years. Compared with the general population, the study revealed a significant increase in life expectancy. For every 100 deaths in the general population there was just 59 in the study group. However, the results showed that shunning all animal products, such as vegans do, or turning vegetarian and eating a totally meat and fish free diet is not necessarily the best way of extending life. For every 100 deaths among vegans, there were just 66 among vegetarians, and 60 among occasional meat-eaters.

The study also examined the effect of other factors such as smoking, drinking, and exercise, on longevity. Results showed that smokers had a 70% higher risk of death compared to non-smokers, while participants who exercised the most had a 30% lower risk of death compared with those leading a couch-potato lifestyle. The researchers were unable to make any clear conclusions about the impact that moderate alcohol consumption has on longevity.

SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.reutershealth.com on the 10th March 2003