We’re constantly told that eating more plants is good for our health. But how far should we go? Is eating mostly plants enough, or would giving up meat, fish, eggs and dairy help us live even longer?
In this episode of One Health Tweak a Week, we examine the evidence from large studies comparing the longevity of omnivores, vegetarians, pescatarians and vegans. And some of the findings might surprise you.
Pescatarians repeatedly show some of the lowest mortality rates, while going fully vegan doesn’t appear to offer additional longevity benefits.
But there’s more to a healthy diet than avoiding animal products. Research involving nearly a million participants reveals a striking difference between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets, with the latter associated with a higher risk of premature death.
We also explore an unexpected twist: the longevity advantages of vegetarian diets appear to diminish as we get older. Could declining appetites, increasing protein needs and the growing risk of frailty explain why the best diet at 75 might differ from the best diet at 45?
Finally, we’ll share three practical ways to optimise your diet for a longer, healthier life, without unnecessary restrictions or sacrificing the foods you enjoy.
