A new study from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, published in JAMA Network Open, reveals that a low-fat vegan diet not only offers health benefits but also reduces food costs significantly, leading to substantial annual savings.
The study involved participants who were divided into two groups: one followed a low-fat vegan diet, and the other, the control group, made no dietary changes. The vegan diet included fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.
Researchers linked the participants’ dietary records to food price data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Thrifty Food Plan, 2021.
The findings showed a notable 16% decrease in food costs for the vegan group, equating to a saving of $1.51 per day. Over a year, this amounts to over $500 in savings. This cost reduction mainly came from spending less on meat and dairy.
While there were increased costs for vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and meat/dairy alternatives, these did not offset the overall savings.
Health Benefits Observed
Besides the financial advantages, the study also highlighted health benefits.
Participants on the vegan diet experienced weight loss, improved body composition, and better insulin sensitivity, making it a compelling option for those looking to manage their weight and reduce the risk of diabetes.
Implications for Diet Choices
This research adds to the growing evidence that a plant-based diet can be both economically and health-wise beneficial. It challenges common perceptions about the affordability of healthy eating and suggests that a vegan diet can be a cost-effective choice.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a low-fat vegan diet not only promotes better health outcomes but also proves to be more wallet-friendly compared to diets that include animal products.
This insight may encourage more people to consider plant-based diets as a viable and economical option for improving health and saving money.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies that olive oil may help you live longer, and vitamin D could help lower the risk of autoimmune diseases.
The research findings can be found in JAMA Network Open.
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