Are Vegetarians Healthier?

Could veggie burgers increase your lifespan? Many experts insist that switching to a vegetarian lifestyle can greatly increase overall health, leading some to ditch their pork rinds like an old smoking habit. Still others swear by an omnivorous diet, saying that occasional New York steak never hurt anyone. Is a fresh helping of tofu just what the doctor ordered, or only a lot of empty calories?

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Regarding Argument

Longevity: Strong Evidence Supporting Plant-Based Diet Healthiness

- From International Vegetarian Union

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Quantity AND Quality

I think many vegetarians and vegans also have a higher quality of life than meat-eaters. Being less bogged down by the health and ethical implications of meat-eating can lower your quality of life.

Go vegan for a better life :)

- ElaineVigneault October 8, 2008 10:58AM

Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Yes

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- edit - remove "less" in second paragraph
  
  typo, sorry
  
  - ElaineVigneault October 8, 2008 10:59AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (0) Side: Yes
  
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- Unethical....maybe....but not good for you?
  
  I agree on the ethical aspect...but in regards to healthier? Biology and evolution would disagree. Eating a lean piece of chicken is good for you. This is known.
  
  - philgbear October 8, 2008 11:28AM
  
  Reply to this Recommend (3) Side: Uncommitted
  
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  - the china study
    
    convincing studies have suggested otherwise. Check out the china study for one example.
    
    http://www.thechinastudy.com/about.html
    
    Another thing to keep in mind is that studies usually are comparing a lean piece of chicken to some other diet, and that other diet is important. If it's compared to a diet of processed food (soda, doritos, McDonalds, etc) then it is better, but that does not mean that it is the healthiest or that it does not have negative effects.
    
    - reckoner October 8, 2008 8:27PM
    
    Reply to this Recommend (2) Side: Yes
    
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Related Debates

Experts on "Yes" Side

PETA
People for Ethical Treatment of Animals See arguments
International Vegetarian Union
Promoting Vegetarianism Worldwide See arguments
PCRM
Encouraging Higher Standards in Research See arguments

Experts on "No" Side

Weston A Price Foundation
for Wise Traditions See arguments
Scott Gold
Author: The Shameless Carnivore See arguments

Most Objections

Fact: Meat is Good For You
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