A famous study conducted in California by Seventh-day Adventists found that men who followed the faith's vegetarian lifestyle lived an average of 7.28 years longer than other white adults in the state, but men who lived on a vegetarian diet lived an average of 7.28 years longer than other white adults in the state. found that Adventist women lived 4.42 years longer than average.
Eating a vegetarian diet has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer compared to non-vegetarian diets.
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Looks good if you want to extend your years of service. But for many people, giving up meat is not the beginning. Luckily, if you don't like eating kale salad, don't worry. Another study found that keeping some meat in the diet also extends lifespan.
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Conflicting studies show that almost anything can be debated. And while the American Lung Association says it goes without saying that smoking increases the risk of cancer, respiratory disease, and heart attack, some smokers only quit if their survival depends on it.
“Many people use smoking as a way to strengthen social bonds and reduce stress,” says Chelsea Azarkon, a naturopathic physician (NMD) in the Greater Sacramento area. “I've seen patients who didn't want to break the habit because it was the only thing they knew how to do with their friends.”
But what about activities that are touted to have life-prolonging effects? Are they worth it? We've looked at some lifestyle habits that are said to extend your lifespan, if you're willing to participate.
Does anyone play tennis?
Swimming, running, and walking are all cited as ways to extend your life, but according to the Mayo Clinic, playing tennis can add an incredible 9.7 years to your lifespan.
Of course, there are drawbacks as well.
Janet Pisanic, a 63-year-old mortgage broker and lifelong tennis player, has multiple tennis-related medical conditions, including knee surgery, tennis elbow, and other pain. Still, she's willing to accept the side effects for her overall good, including her health and active social scene.
