Studies Show that the Benefits of Plant-Based Meals Affect All Ages
15 November 2023 – We already know from past studies that consistent plant-based eating, exercise and adequate sleep decrease our chances for many diseases and disorders. We know that increased plant-based eating by humans lowers methane emissions. But now two new studies and two recent reviews bring good news to grocery consumers, pregnant mothers, those who eat a varied plant-based diet and those who prefer plant-based alternatives to milk from other animals.
Grocery Consumption
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prices for many consumer items have increased. According to a new study by the Physicians Committe for Responsible Medicine(PCRM), vegan households paid 16 percent less than those who regularly eat animal products like animal flesh, eggs and dairy.
“We knew that a vegan diet significantly reduces your risk of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity—and now we have proof that opting for beans instead of beef will also lead to significant savings on your grocery bill,” says study co-author Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of the clinical research.
The study involved two groups – one vegan and the other controlled. The vegan group was instructed to follow a low-fat vegan diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes while the control group received no dietary requirements. Neither group was told to watch calorie intake or food costs.
The food costs were based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Thrifty Food Plan for 2021. By abstaining from meat($1.77 per day) and dairy(74 cents per day), the vegan group averaged a 16 percent decrease($1.51 per day). Abstaining from eggs and fat added to the decrease.
These savings outweighed the increased spending on vegetables($1.03 per day), fruits($0.40 per day), legumes(30 cents per day), whole grains(30 cents per day), and meat and dairy alternatives.
Future Mental Health of Premature Babies
The findings of a randomized clinical trial found that when pregnant mothers followed a Mediterranean diet(fruits, vegetables and whole grains) or practiced mindfulness(fully focusing on one thing at a time) they decreased the chances of their premature babies having mental health problems. Those born of the diet group had higher cognitive and social-emotional scores than those of the control group; the development of their nervous systems also benefitted from their mothers’ mindfulness.
Less Heart Problems
Not eating enough whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts caused 2/3 of the diet-related heart problems of more than ½ million adults, according to a recent study in China. Not enough fruit was the leading risk factor for stroke, followed by grains and vegetables.
Decreased Risk of Hip Fracture
A scientific review of 13 prior studies concluded that milk consumption, contrary to statements in dairy commercials, increases the risk of hip fractures. The studies included 486,950 adults and 15,320 fractures overall.
Drinking 5/6 cup of milk per day was associated with a 7% higher risk of hip fracture than drinking no milk, while drinking double that amount raised the risk to15%.
“This research presents a serious challenge to the commercial claim that milk protects against fractures and shows that drinking milk may do the opposite,” says Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Although reasons for the increase aren’t clear, d-galactose, the result of milk’s lactose breaking down, is a possibility. It causes stress and inflammation, which increase the chance of fractures.
More information about the studies is available on www.pcrm.org ,which provides references.
Given the additional benefits, how do you feel about eating plant-based meals?