Vegetarian Diet Linked to Higher IQ

Published by peacebearer | Filed under self improvement, health

Want to get smarter? Take this: Experts say that a vegetarian diet is healthier than an omnivorous one because of the excess of meat eaten by meat eaters. But now it appears that vegetarians may very well be smarter too. A study published by a Southampton University team appears to establish a link between higher than average childhood IQ and becoming a vegetarian in adult life. In their report, the researchers concluded that, “Those who were vegetarian by 30 had recorded five IQ points more on average at the age of 10.” Furthermore, “men who were vegetarian had an IQ score of 106, compared with 101 for non-vegetarians.

On the other hand, female vegetarians averaged 104 compared to 99 for non-vegetarians.” The findings that children with greater intelligence are more likely to report being vegetarian as adults, together with the evidence on the potential benefits of a vegetarian diet on heart health, may help to explain why higher IQ in childhood or adolescence is linked with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease in adult life. So, want to switch your diet now?