A new research study into risks of ischaemic heart disease and stroke has been reported in a number of media outlets, with many of the articles focusing on the increased risk of stroke in vegetarians relative to meat-eaters.
The articles in question appear to have overlooked the reduced risk of coronary heart disease in vegetarians compared with meat-eaters, and ignored the fact that this reduction is greater than the increased risk of stroke (3 more cases per 1000 population over 10 years). This gives vegetarians an overall benefit for coronary heart disease and stroke combined.
Professors Mark Lawrence and Sarah McNaughton, writing in the British Medical Journal editorial, say vegetarians and others should keep the reported stroke risk in perspective. It is based on results from just one study, and the increase is modest relative to meat-eaters.
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