Vegetarianism, dietary fiber, and mortality.

High consumption of vegetarian diets may decrease the likelihood of dying from heart disease.

This study evaluated the association between regular ingestion of vegetarian and high-fiber diets and mortality risk. Using validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers collated and analyzed dietary data of 10,943 subjects for 7 years. The mortality hazard ratio of each participant in this study was also determined.

Researchers observed a low incidence of deaths from ischemic heart disease and cerobrovascular disorders in subjects who consistently consumed vegetarian diets, especially among males, and wholemeal bread respectively. However, increased consumption of diets high in fibers was found to have little or no effect on mortality risk in this study. The findings of this study reveal that increasing the frequency of consumption of vegetarian diets may decrease an individual’s chances of dying from heart disease.