People Who Eat This Diet Are More Likely to Reach 100, Research Shows

A Case for Meat-Eaters: You may have heard people make a case for plant-based eating. It’s true that vegetarians and vegans tend to eat more fiber, a nutrient critically lacking in the diet of most Americans. But new research challenges the idea that a plant-based diet is healthier, showing instead that people who eat an omnivorous diet are more likely to live to 100.  

The Study: Researchers drew on data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The analysis included 1,459 people who lived to at least 100 and 3,744 people who died before reaching that age. Compared with people who ate both plant and animal foods, vegetarians were 19% less likely to reach their 100th birthday. The association was even stronger among vegans, who were 29% less likely to become centenarians. Those who eat some animal foods, like fish and dairy products, didn’t have statistically different lifespans than omnivores.

The Takeaway: Including animal foods in your diet, even if it’s just eggs and yogurt, may offer some protective benefits for your health. 

Keep in Mind: This study isn’t just saying to eat more meat. It emphasizes the importance of protein, from any source, as well as protecting skeletal muscle mass as we age.