Plant-based Nutrition: 
What does current research demonstrate?

1. Vegetarians have reduced risks of certain diseases because of their increased consumption of whole grains, dried beans, nuts, fresh and dried fruits, and vegetables.  Vegetarians are exposed to fewer carcinogens and mutagens because they do not eat meat.

2.  Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts are often less expensive than meat.  Plant foods use fewer natural resources from the environment.

3.  Vegetarians typically enjoy a great variety of plant based foods, international and ethnic dishes.

4. A significant correlation exists between the frequent and long term consumption of high-fat, high-cholesterol animal based foods and the incidence of fatal heart disease, certain types of cancer, strokes, and diabetes.

5. A vegetarian diet provides a greater consumption of phytochemicals and fiber rich foods which help protect from heart disease, several types of cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

- Seventh-day Adventist Dietetic Association