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Some meat eaters disgusted by meat

A new study published in Appetite found that nearly 7% of meat eaters experience a strong disgust response to images of meat dishes, which could be leveraged to encourage reduced meat consumption. Researchers suggest harnessing this 'yuk factor' may be more effective than relying on willpower.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAppetite·DateMay 7, 2021

Veg 'nudge': an extra vegetarian option cuts meat consumption without denting food sales

A study found that doubling vegetarian options reduced meat-rich purchases by 40-80%. The results suggest tweaking food availability can influence people's decisions for human health and environmental preservation. No rebound effect was detected, meaning opting for a veggie lunch didn't lead to a compensatory meat-heavy dinner.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Extinct vegetarian cave bear diet mystery unravelled

A recent study reveals that the direct ancestor of the cave bear had a similar diet to its descendant, suggesting a dietary specialization in vegetal matter. The researchers used geometric morphometrics and micro-CT scanning to analyze ancient fossils, providing new insights into the evolution of Europe's iconic species.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateJul 26, 2018

People who feel threatened by vegetarianism more likely to care less about animals

A study found that individuals who perceive vegetarianism as a threat to their way of life tend to exclude certain animal categories from their moral circle. Human supremacy beliefs and perceived vegetarianism threat both predicted the exclusion of fewer animals, with stronger human supremacy beliefs leading to broader exclusions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 20, 2018

Study: SNAP benefits aren't enough to afford a healthy diet

A new study from North Carolina State University and the Union of Concerned Scientists found that SNAP benefits only cover 43-60% of the cost of a healthy diet. Lower-income households face significant challenges in affording a balanced diet. The study highlights the need for more affordable food options to support vulnerable populations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateSep 7, 2017

Vegetarian diets almost twice as effective in reducing body weight, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that vegetarian diets are more effective than conventional low-calorie diets in reducing body weight. Vegetarian diets also improve glucose and lipid metabolism, which is particularly important for people with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJun 12, 2017

A plant-based diet boosts weight loss twice as effectively as a traditional diabetes diet

In a controlled study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, participants who adopted a vegetarian diet lost nearly twice as much weight compared to those following a traditional diabetes diet. The study found that the plant-based diet led to greater reductions in subfascial and intramuscular fat.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJun 12, 2017

Eating green could be in your genes

A genetic variation, known as an allele, has been found in populations that have historically favored vegetarian diets, such as in India and parts of East Asia. This adaptation allows these individuals to efficiently process omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is essential for early brain development and controlling inflammation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 29, 2016

To shed weight, go vegan

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that vegetarian diets lead to significant weight loss, with vegan diets showing the greatest results, and benefits attributed to high intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2015

Vegans' elevated heart risk requires omega-3s and B12

A review of vegetarianism's biochemistry suggests that vegans may be at higher risk for blood clots and atherosclerosis due to low levels of essential nutrients. Increasing dietary omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can help mitigate these risks, particularly through sources like salmon, walnuts, and fortified milk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 6, 2011

Why must we compensate after buying gifts that threaten our identities?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that gift-givers who choose gifts that contradict their own identity experience discomfort and are more likely to choose alternative products. The researchers investigated how social closeness affects this process, revealing that those with stronger bonds experience greater discomfort.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010

ADA releases updated position paper on vegetarian diets

The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on vegetarian diets, concluding they are healthy and nutritious for adults, infants, children, adolescents, and pregnant individuals. Vegetarian diets have been linked to lower blood cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease, and improved cancer rates.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJul 1, 2009