Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet

Just a Few Quick Examples of How a Plant-Based Diet May Be Beneficial

Terms:

Vegetarian (not eating animal flesh but eating dairy and eggs)

Vegan (no animal flesh, dairy, or eggs, completely plant based)

Obesity

Obesity rate among the general U.S. Population: 18 percent

Obesity rate among vegans: 2 percent

Average weight of vegan adults compared to non-vegetarian adults: 10-20 pounds lighter

Heart Disease

Risk of death from heart disease for vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians: HALF

Average cholesterol level in the United States: 210

Average cholesterol level of U.S. vegetarians: 161

Average cholesterol level of U.S. vegans: 133

Blood Pressure

Patients with high blood pressure who are able to completely discontinue use of medications after adopting a low-sodium, low-fat, high-fiber vegetarian diet: 58%

Incidence of high blood pressure among senior citizens in the United States: More than 50%

incidence of high blood pressure among senior citizens in countries eating traditional low fat predominately plant based diets: Virtually None

(adapted from John Robbins book, The Food Revolution)

For More Statistics Read

The Food Revolution - How Your Diet Can Help Save Your LIfe and Our World

By John Robbins

Vegetarian Foods: Powerful for Health

Return to Moving Toward a Plant-Based Diet

or Continue with the Next Topic - What Do I Mean by Plant-Based Diet?