VEGAN DIET FOR LONGEVITY

Many experts worldwide encourage a vegan diet for longevity. Americans and people from around the world strive to find the best diet. We want a diet that promotes our good health, agility, and longevity; as well as makes us look and feel younger than our age. Research and studies continue to unlock the secrets of longevity and unfold findings as to the type of lifestyle to adopt in order to live long. Diet shines as the most common ingredient amount most studies. Dietary choices that include a vegan or near vegan diet claim the strongest advantage toward a long and healthy life.

What is Vegan Diet?

A vegan diet is simply a plant-based diet. It is a diet that is based on vegetables, fruits, legumes (such as beans and lentils), whole grains, seeds, nuts, and avocado. A plant-based diet does not include eggs, meat, and dairy. The value of this type of diet is not limited to healthy living and longevity, but also brings about a healthy planet and the protection of animals.

It has been found that a plant-based diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes extends the life of an element (cell organelle) called telomere which is attached to our cell chromosomes. These telomeres have the ability to prevent the fraying and alteration of the genetic codes that are present in our chromosomes. This is of utmost importance because this genetic material in our cells shortens with age as it enhances the aging process. However, living on a healthy plant-based diet will slow down shortening process of these genetic materials and thereby slow down the aging process.

People who adopt a plant-based diet lifestyle are generally known as vegetarians. There are four types of vegetarians: vegans, who eat no animal products; semi-vegetarians, who eat meat only once weekly; pescovegetarians, who eat fish, but rarely meat and lacto-ovo-vegetarians, who consume dairy products and eggs.

Studies on Vegan Diet for Longevity

A number of studies have been conducted that indicated that a vegetarian reigns as superior to a non-vegetarian one. One such study, conducted on 73,000 people, was published in the June 3 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The study compared the longevity of meat-eaters to that of the four types of vegetarians earlier mentioned. The result showed that pesco-vegetarians live longest, followed by the vegans. Next in longevity came the lacto-ovo-vegetarians, while the semi-vegetarians come last, according to the study. All the participants happen to be members of the Seventh-Day Adventist church. On average, the vegetarian groups showed a 12% lower risk of dying over the study period when compared to the meat-eaters.

Healthy food concept. Hands holding healthy salad with chickpea and vegetables. Vegan food. Vegetarian diet. royalty free stock image

These results are supported by previous studies which have revealed that vegetarian diets are associated with decreased risk of numerous chronic diseases like hypertension, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and circulatory disease.

Seventh-Day Adventists have been known for their peculiar lifestyle.

The SDA lifestyle encourages a plant-based diet, exercise and forbids the use of tobacco. AN earlier study has revealed that Seventh-Day Adventists in California live, on average, four to seven years longer than other Californians as a result of their typical lifestyle.

However, researchers could not discern between associations and cause-and-effect links. The question arises as to whether the healthier outcome is as a result of the absence of meat, or the presence of a health-conscious attitude shared by many vegetarians. Most professionals believe both the vegan food choices and lifestyle choices, both contribute to overall health.

The Mediterranean Diet

Researchers at Harvard believe that the Mediterranean Diet is the best diet for longevity. The diet promotes consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats from olives and olive oil, seeds, nuts as well as very minimal consumption of wild-caught fish, grass-fed yogurt, and cheese. This diet, popular in Greece and Southern Italy, where the animals are fed on natural food, differs from the average in the U.S. However, the Mediterranean Diet might best be consumed as a vegan. Avoiding any form of animal products offers additional benefits. Many researchers believe that the effectiveness of the food lies in the high amount of plant-based foods consumed rather than the animal products component.

The Blue Zones Studies Showcase a Vegan Diet for Longevity

The Blue Zone island of Ikaria, Greece adopts a different version of the Mediterranean Diet. They lay emphasis on beans, vegetables, fruits, olive oil, small amounts of dairy and meat products, and moderate alcohol consumption. The Blue Zones actually consist of five regions in Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the U.S. which have been identified as having the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world by researchers. Specific regions include Okinawa, Japan; Ogliastra Region, Sardinia; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. In addition, these communities also have to be largely free of afflictions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, in order to qualify as a Blue Zone.

Do you want to live up to 100 years? The study says you should eat plant-based foods and take it easy with meat. Let us consider certain facts about some members of the Blue Zone that set them apart in terms of longevity, from other people in other parts of their nation or the world at large.

Blue Zones Website

1. Loma Linda, California:

This community encompasses a large population of Seventh-day Adventists. They follow a “biblical” diet that focuses on grains, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Most drink mainly water, herbal teas, and other natural drinks. Actually, 60% of their diets consist of vegetables and fruits while 12% is from legumes and soy. They shun eating “unclean” foods like shellfish and pork. They consume less than 4% meat and poultry. In their total diet Furthermore, they consume a very low amount of sugar, salt, and processed food.

2. Okinawa, Tokyo Island:

1. About 34 centenarians per 100,000 people live in Okinawa, the home of the living longest woman in the world. In fact, many people in this community remain active into their 80s and 90s.

What is the diet of this world’s longest-living people? It consists mostly of sweet potatoes. 32% of their diet features vegetables with sweet potatoes as the most prominent. An excellent source of carotene and Vitamin A, sweet potatoes utilize this powerful antioxidant source. It helps retard the aging process and fights free radical damage. In addition to Vitamin A, sweet potatoes provide a source of Vitamin C, potassium, copper, manganese, niacin, and the B vitamins.In addition to sweet potatoes, grains and beans constitute 23% and 16% respectively of their diet. Less than 15% of their meal emanate from meat, fish, and egg. Animal products originally provided less than 2% prior to the introduction of the Western lifestyle into the community after the 2^nd World War. This increase resulted in the doubling of the rate of breast, lung, and colon cancer in the community. While other factors may contribute, diet clearly strongly affects health.

3. Sardinia, Italy:

Sardinia, Italian island in the middle of the Mediterranean boasts the home of the longest-lived man. Moreover, at least 371 of the present population of this community attain the age of 100. This 100 years mark is 20 times greater than what obtains in the U.S.

In this community, 47% of their diets consist of whole grains like barley, oats, and brown rice. Barley provides a rich source of manganese. This element helps guard against and treat depression and anxiety. Manganese also promotes skin integrity and bone production. Also, it helps control blood sugar levels. Furthermore, it is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. Manganese also protects against aging, asthma, cancer, and atherosclerosis, and lowers blood cholesterol. Sardinians consume beans and peas frequently. However, fish, meat, and poultry constitute only less than 5% of their diet.

The China Study, a Surprise for a Vegan Diet for Longevity

The China Study compared the different diets and living styles across different regions of China. It then drew a relationship between diet and disease. The authors concluded that eating animal protein leads to high rates of heart disease, cancer, and many other Western world afflictions. They provided evidence to show that dairy is as bad, and in some cases worse than meat. They, therefore, advocate a vegan diet.

The China study concluded that a vegan diet provided the best health benefits overall. However, they did not set out to prove that. In fact, the findings surprised the researchers, one of whom was raised on a dairy farm.

Dr. Fuhrman Studies Showcase More Health Benefits of Vegan Diet

Dr. Fuhrman’s Studies connected greater intake of colorful fruits and vegetables to a longer life. The studies reported that a carotenoid-rich diet will result in the likelihood of longer telomeres (DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes). Carotenoids are a group of pigments responsible for the rich color in many fruits and vegetables.

Thee length of telomeres is also associated with aging. The shorter the telomere length, the faster the aging of the cells. A number of studies have revealed a healthy lifestyle and diet as directly connected to longer telomeres. Data analyzed from 3660 U.S. adults in one study showed significant results. The groups of serum carotenoids and leukocytes with the highest alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin levels showed 5-8% longer telomeres than the rest of the group with lower level of each carotenoid.¹

As each cell of the body divides, the length of the telomere shortens. This ultimately leads to a state of senescence, where the cell is no longer able to divide. The enzyme telomerase aids in slowing the aging process by regenerating telomeres. Additionally, studies show that lifestyle and environmental factors affect the activity of the enzyme telomerase. ,

Researchers are of the opinion that the protection of telomeric DNA from oxidative damage is enhanced by higher carotenoid levels and this leads to protection against aging and chronic diseases.

Carotenoid levels

High levels of carotenoids such as lycopene, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene in the blood, have been associated with longer life.² The following examples of carotenoid-rich foods reveals how a healthful diet is indicated by circulating carotenoids:

Lycopene: red/pink fruits and vegetables (tomato, guava, grapefruit, papaya)

Lutein and zeaxanthin: leafy greens (kale, spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, collards)

Beta-cryptoxanthin: orange/red fruits and vegetables (butternut squash, persimmon, papaya, tangerine, red peppers)

Alpha-carotene: orange and green vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, collards)

Beta-carotene: orange and green vegetables (sweet potato, carrots, spinach, collards)

All these are colorful, telomere-lengthening foods that are good for your body; you can indulge yourself in them.

The McDougall Studies Take a Slightly Different Approach to Plant-Based Diet

Dr. McDougall promotes a starch-based vegan diet for longevity and health. A February 2014 McDougall Newsletter (Volume 13, Issue 2) reported that there is strong evidence that a plant-based diet reduces the risk of premature death from chronic and degenerated diseases. This includes those that are rich in whole grains and legumes. Studies indicate the McDougall diet may reveal the secret of longevity of some plant-based communities.

Current studies show that popular carbohydrate-restricted diets are harmful to the body. For example, low-carbohydrate diets elevate LDL cholesterol and impair endothelial function. Impairment of endothelial function promotes vascular diseases and the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Evidence abounds regarding the hazardous effects of diets rich in animal foods. Additionally, studies strongly indicate the beneficial effect of plant-based diets in promoting longevity. However, replacing animal foods should include minimally refined plant foods for the achievement of maximum benefits. This may partly explain why the benefits of a vegetarian diet appear more profound in the Seventh-day Adventist community than in other populations.

In conclusion, the totality of the evidence supports the hypothesis that appropriately planned whole foods, plant-based diets help promote longevity. Further, total lifestyle modifications offer additional benefits to a vegan diet for longevity.

However, living longer, but not healthier offers little to our lives. You might enjoy reading these other articles on promoting overall health as you pursue a vegan diet for longevity:

More information on Preventing and Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

References

Shardell MD, Alley DE, Hicks GE, et al. Low-serum carotenoid concentrations and carotenoid interactions predict mortality in US adults: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nutr Res 2011, 31:178-189.
Min KB, Min JY. Association between leukocyte telomere length and serum carotenoid in US adults. Eur J Nutr 2016.
“The Adventist Health Studies”. Loma Linda University. Retrieved 2008-05-31.
Buettner, Dan (November 2005). “Longevity: The Secrets of a Long Life”. National Geographic Society. Archived from the original on 21 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-31.