All the intelligence, accomplishments and experiences of a person’s life constitute the ultimate resource. Death is final waste of these unique qualities. Therefore, if being a vegetarian prolongs or enhances life, then endless possibilities exist to improve the environment and do the world’s work during a longer, more productive life span. Unfortunately, boundless research exists to support both that vegetarians live longer and that they do not.
According to a 25 year study carried out by the German Cancer Research Center (www.healingcancernaturally.com), vegetarians had a substantially lower mortality rate. “100 deaths to be statistically expected in the age group of study participants are matched by only 59 real deaths in vegetarians”. A study conducted by the Seventh Day Adventists (www.orveg.veggroup.org) among its California members in 2005 concluded that vegetarians lived from 1 ½ to 2 years longer than non vegetarians. They also noted enhanced overall health that would make those extra years more enjoyable.
On the other side of the coin, there are just as many studies suggesting that a vegetarian diet does not specifically prolong life. They shread the pro-vegetarian statistics by questioning the subject groups as being all initially healthy, from middle to upper class, and representing first world countries. The longevity statistics are also twisted because vegetarians also tend to make better life-style choices. They are generally non-smokers, non-drinkers and even exercise nuts. These activities tend to lower deaths from certain diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Therefore, it is those same peripheral behaviors that swing the balance. A vegetarian seems to care more about her body and makes choices to nurture it. If that is why they live longer, even by a few years, then we should heed Albert Einstein who said: “Vegetarian food leaves a deep impression on our nature. If the whole world adopts vegetarianism, it can change the destiny of humankind.”
By Shannon Vincent
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