Researchers from Cornell University have concluded that long-term vegetarianism can lead to genetic mutations which can raise the risk of being diagnosed with the top two killers in America: heart disease and cancer.
According to the new study, populations that have been mainly vegetarian for generations tend to carry a DNA mutation that makes it easier for them to absorb essential fatty acids from plants. But this is problematic because it boosts the production of arachidonic acid, which is known to increase inflammatory disease and cancer.
"When coupled with a diet high in vegetable oils - such as sunflower oil - the mutated gene quickly turns fatty acids into dangerous arachidonic acid," the Telegraph explains. "The finding may help explain previous research which found vegetarian populations are nearly 40 per cent more likely to suffer colorectal cancer than meat eaters, a finding that has puzzled doctors because eating red meat is known to raise the risk."
The Telegraph also points out that vegetarianism can be particularly problematic for men:
Previous studies have shown that vegetarianism and veganism can lead to problems with fertility by lowering sperm counts.
Separate research from Harvard University also found that a diet high in fruit and vegetables may impact fertility because men are consuming high quan****** of pesticides.
Many vegetarians also struggle to get enough protein, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and calcium which are essential for health. One study found that vegetarians had approximately five percent lower bone-mineral density (BMD) than non-vegetarians.
Though you may eliminate yourself from the gene pool, you also probably won't have diabetes or obesity. Win some, lose some.
According to the new study, populations that have been mainly vegetarian for generations tend to carry a DNA mutation that makes it easier for them to absorb essential fatty acids from plants. But this is problematic because it boosts the production of arachidonic acid, which is known to increase inflammatory disease and cancer.
"When coupled with a diet high in vegetable oils - such as sunflower oil - the mutated gene quickly turns fatty acids into dangerous arachidonic acid," the Telegraph explains. "The finding may help explain previous research which found vegetarian populations are nearly 40 per cent more likely to suffer colorectal cancer than meat eaters, a finding that has puzzled doctors because eating red meat is known to raise the risk."
The Telegraph also points out that vegetarianism can be particularly problematic for men:
Previous studies have shown that vegetarianism and veganism can lead to problems with fertility by lowering sperm counts.
Separate research from Harvard University also found that a diet high in fruit and vegetables may impact fertility because men are consuming high quan****** of pesticides.
Many vegetarians also struggle to get enough protein, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and calcium which are essential for health. One study found that vegetarians had approximately five percent lower bone-mineral density (BMD) than non-vegetarians.
Though you may eliminate yourself from the gene pool, you also probably won't have diabetes or obesity. Win some, lose some.
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