Vegans Unhealthier, More Unhappy Than Meat Eaters: Study

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A new study from Austria suggests that vegetarians are more unhealthy and mentally-disturbed compared to meat lovers.

The population of vegetarians is growing. There is no doubt that a plant-based diet is healthier than meat -- at least, this is how we are taught. A previous study from Oxford University learned that vegetarians have been leading a healthier lifestyle than meat eaters.

However, this might not be the case at all times because, according to an Austrian study, people who only consume greens are more sickly than meat eaters, Beef Magazine reported.

CBS Atlanta reported that vegetarians are more physically active, they drink less alcohol and smoke less tobacco. However, their low consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol and increased intake of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products increases their risks of cancer, allergies and mental disorders.

The scientists from the University of Graz in Austria evaluated the data from Austrian Health Interview Survey and European Health Interview Survey. There were 1, 320 people who were sorted into four groups including vegetarians, meat-eaters with lots of fruits and vegetables, little meat-eaters, and big meat eaters.

After examining the data, the researchers concluded that vegetarians have twice as many allergies compared to big meat-eaters. They also show 166 percent higher cancer rates and 150 percent higher rate of heart attacks.

Per the reports, the scientists examined 18 different chronic illnesses and learned that vegetarians were hit harder in 14 of the 18 illnesses compared to big meat-eaters. Among the illnesses considered were asthma, diabetes, migraines and osteoporosis.

Overall, this study debunks the past studies emphasizing the health risks associated with red meat and a carnivorous diet. It notes that vegetarians are at higher levels of risk from disorders, chronic diseases, anxiety and depression.

Per Beef, the results were confirmed by the University of Hildesheim, which revealed that vegetarians are more prone to depression, anxiety, psychosomatic complaints and eating disorder.

"Our study has shown that Austrian adults who consume a vegetarian diet are less healthy (in terms of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders), have a lower quality of life, and also require more medical treatment," the researchers concluded.

"Therefore, a continued strong public health program for Austria is required in order to reduce the health risk due to nutritional factors. Moreover, our results emphasize the necessity of further studies in Austria, for a more in-depth analysis of the health effects of different dietary habits"