VEGETARIAN DIET INCREASES THE RISK OF CANCER AND HEART
ATTACK; AND REDUCES FERTILITY
A recent study
done at Cornell University in US has shown a higher risk of cancer and heart
attacks in people eating pure vegetarian food for generations. Scientists have
found that long-term vegetarianism can lead to genetic mutations, which
increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Traditionally, red
meat is known to increase the risk of colorectal (intestine) cancer, however, a
recent research found the reverse, a 40% higher cancer risk among vegetarians!
This study
compared two sets of people- meat eating people from Kansas (USA) and
vegetarian people from Pune (India).
Long term
vegetarian people were found to have genetic mutation that resulted in rapid
metabolism of plant fatty acids, leading to increased amounts of arachidonic
acid (which increases inflammation) and reduced production of protective omega
3 fatty acid. A shift of diet from fish (rich in healthy omega 3 fats) to
vegetable oils (rich in less healthy omega 6 fats) has compounded the problem.
This study has
clearly shown the higher risks of heart disease and cancer in pure vegetarian
people. The message to vegetarians is clear- either eat fish or use olive oil
(low in omega 6) if you cannot eat fish.
Previous studies
have shown other problems with vegetarian diet:
1. Low sperm count leading to
reduced fertility,
2. Low fertility could also be
related to intake of pesticides (used in fruits and vegetables),
3. Vegetarians are also more prone
to deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12.
4. One study found lower bone
mineral density in vegetarians.
Finally, there is
some good news for vegetarians. All is not gloomy. Research has also shown
lower risk of diabetes, stroke and obesity among vegetarians as compared to
non-vegetarians.
DR SUDHIR KUMAR MD DM
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Ph: 040-23607777/60601066
Email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
The article details can be found in The Telegraph:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/03/29/long-term-vegetarian-diet-changes-human-dna-raising-risk-of-canc/
