Heart disease risk dramatically lowered in vegetarians

A new study shows that heart disease risk is dramatically lowered in those who follow a vegetarian diet.

Researchers at Oxford University found that vegetarians are 32 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than meat eaters.

“The main message is that diet is an important determinant of heart health." said study author Venessa Crowe, reported BBC.

"Vegetarians probably have a lower intake of saturated fat so it makes senses there is a lower risk of heart disease.”

The study looked at data involving over 15,000 vegetarians and nearly 30,000 meat eaters, said Men's Health.

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The study tracked the participants over 11 years.

During the trial 169 people died of heart disease and over 1000 needed treatment for it.

Of those people, far less vegetarians needed treatment or died from cardiovascular issues.

Researchers were cautious in advocating a vegetarian diet as certain vitamins and minerals found in meat may need to be supplemented, said the Telegraph.

In particular, vegetarians need to watch their intake of iron, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, calcium, zinc and protein.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.