Nutritionists: Strict Vegetarianism May Be Healthier
Nutritionists generally believe that those who eat only plant-based foods and avoid dairy products are prone to osteoporosis. However, recent findings from American medical researchers are surprising—strict vegetarians, though appearing thinner than average, actually have stronger bones and better overall health.
Strict vegetarians consume only plant-derived foods without cooking, processing, or any alteration to their original structure.
Light Bones ≠ Fragile Bones
The latest issue of the American Journal of Internal Medicine published a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Lead researcher Dr. Luigi Fontana stated that strict vegetarians need not worry about increased fracture risk. Their thinner bones are due to lower calorie intake, not signs of osteoporosis.
“Vegetarians consume fewer calories and proteins, have lower BMI, and reduced body fat,” Dr. Fontana wrote in the report. “Traditionally, people believed low-BMI individuals have lighter bone mass and thus higher fracture risk, whereas obese individuals are less likely to fracture.”
Better BMI
Dr. Fontana’s team studied 18 strict vegetarians aged 33 to 85. These individuals ate only unprocessed vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, and grains, with an average duration of vegetarianism of 3.6 years. Researchers compared them with 18 average Americans. The vegetarians’ average BMI was 20.5, versus 25 for the general American population.
Healthy Body Elements
Before the study, Dr. Fontana expected strict vegetarians, lacking dairy, would have low vitamin D levels. But results showed their vitamin D levels were significantly higher than average.
When exposed to sunlight, the skin produces vitamin D—a key factor in maintaining strong bones. “Vegetarians are smart,” said Dr. Fontana. “They often get sun exposure to obtain sufficient vitamin D.”
Results also showed vegetarians have lower levels of C-reactive protein, an element linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, their levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are much lower, indicating a reduced risk of breast and prostate cancers.
Dr. Fontana does not advocate everyone becoming strict vegetarians. His research merely proves that people should eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce cancer risk.