Vegetarians less likely to develop cancer, heart disease

More than 177,000 adults were analysed in the major study conducted by scientists at the University of Glasgow, to find out whether their dietary choice affected the level of disease markers in their bodies.

Scientists at the University of Glasgow analysed more than 177,000 adults in the UK to find out whether their dietary choice affected the level of disease markers in their bodies.

The 4,000 vegetarians in the group had significantly lower levels of 13 biomarkers when compared with meat eaters, the scientists found. The biomarkers were for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and renal function.

Vegetarians who were obese, smokers or drinkers were found to have lower levels of these biomarkers, suggesting diet is a more important influence on the risk of developing serious illnesses.

The participants were aged between 37 and 73, and filled out questionnaires on what they ate. They had not radically altered their diet in the five years prior to the study.