Why Vegetarians Have Lower Cholesterol

Why Vegetarians Have Lower Cholesterol

A number of studies show that vegetarians have lower blood levels of cholesterol than people who eat meat. Research from the American Health Foundation in New York found that lacto-ovo vegetarians had blood cholesterol levels that were 14% lower than those of omnivores, and vegans had levels that were 35% lower than those of omnivores. Although leaner people tend to have lower blood cholesterol levels, and vegetarians as a group are more slender than meat eaters, differences in body weight don't seem to explain the reduced cholesterol levels seen in vegetarians. In fact, in one study, vegetarians had lower blood cholesterol even when they were heavier than the meat-eaters to whom they were compared.

 

One major explanation for the lower blood cholesterol levels in vegetarians is the lower saturated fat content of vegetarian diets. (Vegetarian diets are also lower in cholesterol, but this plays only a minor role.) Vegan diets are even lower in saturated fat than lacto-ovo vegetarian diets. Vegetarians consume less saturated fat because their diets are based on whole plant foods that are naturally lower in total and saturated fat and also include higher fat foods, like nuts, that contain more unsaturated fats. Other factors that play a contributing role may help to explain differences in blood cholesterol levels, though.

Vegetarians consume two to three times as much fiber as omnivores and many consume large quantities of soyfoods.

Originally found here

Picture originally found here

Related Articles

More From To Your Health

Which is Better?

There has been some debate among parents regarding whether breastfeeding or using a formula is…
Which is Better?

The Best Form of Health Care

Benjamin Franklin said it best: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
The Best Form of Health Care

Nutrition

The American Dietetic Association has finally conceded—a vegetarian diet can supply all the…
Nutrition

High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure• Eliminate saturated fats, shortening, margarine & refined vegetable oils.…
High Blood Pressure

Health Benefits of Brown Rice

Rice is considered a staple in the diet of many, and a lot of people prefer white rice to brown…
Health Benefits of Brown Rice

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A baffling, frustrating problem for doctors and patients alike, IBS affects as many as 20…
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The Kidneys Part 1

The kidney is a masterpiece of beauty and function. Often I have held a human kidney in my…
The Kidneys Part 1

Fiber, Your Fabulous Friend

Dieting? How would you like to daily enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, plenty of colorful and…
Fiber, Your Fabulous Friend
Photo of rocks stacked on a beach, illustrating the article Balanced Living

Balanced Living

The word "Reasonable" can mean sensible, moderate, or balanced. God expects us to use our…
Balanced Living

Creating Solid Perfume

Did you know that tons of perfumes contain nasty animal ingredients, such as whale barf…
Creating Solid Perfume

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation