In a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, authors Dr. Joan Sabaté and dietitian Michelle Wien, both with the Loma Linda University School of Public Health in the USA, sought to discover beneficial food patterns to prevent obesity, which is a growing concern for youths both in the US and throughout the world.
Comparing vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, the researchers found that vegetarians consistently had a lower body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat and overall health. In fact, vegans had the lowest BMI of all. The authors concluded that the nutrient and fiber composition of vegan fare made it the most sensible choice for preventing obesity in children as they stated, “Plant-based dietary patterns should be encouraged for optimal health and environmental benefits.”
Our appreciation, Dr. Sabaté and dietician Wien for your factual findings that encourage a plant-based diet for the best health. May more and more parents, schools and governments safeguard the vitality of our youths with wholesome and humane vegan foods.
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/91/5/1525S http://www.medfinds.com/healthnotes.php?org=medigrative%2Cmedigrative&page=newswire/newswire_2010_04_29_3.cfm