Exploring the Link Between Diets and Physical Activity: A Comprehensive Study Among Austrian Tertiary Students

This summary looks at the benefits of vegan diets from a research study conducted at colleges and universities in Austria. The study was done to see how different diets, including vegan diets, were connected to exercise and activity levels in students and staff.

The Benefits of Vegan Diets

Vegan diets have been shown to have many health benefits. They can help prevent and even treat some chronic diseases. Studies have found that people who eat vegan live longer, with up to 34% lower risk of dying early compared to people who eat meat. Vegans also typically have a healthier body weight.

One reason for this is because vegan foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in fat, sugar and calories. Animal foods like meat and dairy tend to be higher in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Eating this way helps control weight.

Research has also found that people who eat vegan or vegetarian diets live other healthy lifestyle habits like exercising more. They are also less likely to smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. This contributes to the health benefits seen in these groups.

However, it is important for vegans to make sure they get proper nutrition. As long as they are eating a variety of whole plant foods and getting the recommended intakes of nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, vegan diets can provide great health.

The study done looked specifically at how active vegan students and staff were compared to vegetarians and meat eaters. They wanted to see if vegans exercise and play sports more than the other groups. Previous studies have shown this to be true in adults from the general population.

More research still needs to be done. But what we know so far shows clearly that well-planned vegan diets can lead to better health. The combination of good nutrition from wholesome plant foods along with regular physical activity provides protection against many chronic diseases.

Wirnitzer KC, Motevalli M, Tanous DR, Wirnitzer G, Wagner KH, Cocca A, Schätzer M, Kirschner W, Drenowatz C, Ruedl G. Study Protocol of "Sustainably Healthy-From Science 2 Highschool & University"-Prevalence of Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets Linked to Sports & Exercise among Austrian Tertiary Students and Lecturers/Academic Staff. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 19;19(22):15313. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192215313. PMID: 36430039; PMCID: PMC9690980.