Chinese researchers analyzed data from 5,203 participants in a study aged 80 and older from a centralized medical database. All participants were free of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Of these, 80% included meat in their diet, while the remaining participants followed a vegetarian diet with rare consumption of animal products.
In addition to examining the diet, the researchers assessed the body mass index of the participants. The results showed that 24% of underweight vegetarians lived to be 100 years old, while among those who ate meat, this figure was nearly 30%. Moreover, the likelihood of reaching longevity increased for those who consumed meat daily.
The researchers explain this phenomenon by stating that meat is an excellent source of protein, which helps strengthen muscle mass and bones, particularly important for older adults and those with low weight.
Experts recommend that older adults maintain a balanced diet that includes a sufficient amount of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The authors of the study emphasize that both meat-based and vegetarian diets can have both positive and negative effects on health, depending on their nutritional value and the individual health characteristics of each person.
