Heather Moore

The PETA Foundation

Big news: Researchers have found the fountain of youth! It’s in the produce section at the local grocery store. Seriously.

A new study involving 840 people with various eating styles indicates that vegans have the most cancer-fighting antioxidants in their bodies, likely because they eat more fruit and vegetables than people who eat animal-derived foods. The vegan study participants also had higher levels of other compounds that can reduce inflammation and protect against cardiovascular disease, dementia, osteoporosis, and other age-related diseases.

The study, which was published in The Journal of Nutrition, showed that the vegan participants also had lower levels of fat and higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, kidney beans, broccoli, soybeans, and other plant foods.

Previous research has suggested that, for every 3 percent increase in calories from plant protein, one’s risk of death decreases by 10 percent. So, if you want to live longer–or just feel better–bypass the meat and cheese counter and head for the produce aisle. For vegan recipes and product suggestions, see www.PETA.org.