Eating an omnivorous diet, one that includes both animal products and plant-based foods, may lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers tracked 37,000 participants for over 16 years, finding that those who followed an omnivorous regime had a lower risk of disease than those on plant-based or animal-based diets. The balance of nutrients in omnivorous regimes appeared beneficial to overall health. However, moderation is important, as too much red meat or processed meat was linked to an increased risk of certain diseases.

Omnivore Diet May Lower Risk of Certain Diseases, Study Finds

According to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, an omnivore diet may lower the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

What is an Omnivore Diet?

An omnivore diet is one that includes both animal products and plant-based foods. This type of diet allows for a variety of sources of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is important to note that not all omnivore diets are healthy, as they can include highly processed and unhealthy foods.

The Study

The study followed over 37,000 participants for more than 16 years, tracking their diet and health outcomes. The researchers found that those who followed an omnivore diet had a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes compared to those who followed a more plant-based or animal-based diet. This was true even after adjusting for other factors such as age, sex, smoking status, and physical activity level.

The study also found that those who consumed a primarily plant-based diet had a lower risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but not cancer.

Potential Reasons for the Results

The researchers suggest that the variety of nutrients provided by an omnivore diet may be beneficial for overall health. Animal products provide important nutrients such as protein, iron, and vitamin B12, while plant-based foods provide fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, some animal products such as fish and poultry are considered lean proteins and have been shown to have positive effects on cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Important Considerations

While the study found a correlation between an omnivore diet and lower risk of certain diseases, it is important to note that this does not prove causation. Other factors, such as overall lifestyle and genetic predisposition, could play a role in the results.

Furthermore, it is important to approach an omnivore diet with balance and moderation. Consuming too much red meat or processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, consuming too much saturated fat and cholesterol can also negatively impact heart health.

Conclusion

Overall, the study suggests that an omnivore diet may be a beneficial approach to maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of certain diseases. However, it is important to approach this type of diet with balance and moderation, and to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods.

FAQs

What is an omnivore diet?

An omnivore diet is one that includes both animal products and plant-based foods.

What are the potential benefits of an omnivore diet?

An omnivore diet may provide a variety of sources of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which may be beneficial for overall health and reducing the risk of certain diseases.

What are some important considerations when following an omnivore diet?

It is important to approach an omnivore diet with balance and moderation, and to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods. Consuming too much red meat or processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, consuming too much saturated fat and cholesterol can also negatively impact heart health.

What are some potential reasons for the results found in the study?

The researchers suggest that the variety of nutrients provided by an omnivore diet may be beneficial for overall health, and that certain animal products such as fish and poultry may have positive effects on cholesterol levels and blood pressure.