By Emily Murray

According to a new study, there may be even more merit to the age old advice, “eat your veggies.”

For some, the idea of giving up meat and fish may seem unfathomable. For others, the decision to go vegetarian may spring from moral or health motives.

New research shows that forgoing meat, no matter the reason, can greatly reduce your odds of a serious heart condition. In fact, vegetarians had a 32% less likely chance of dying or needing hospital care for heart disease.

So aside from what we are already know about the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and veggies, why else are veggie-eaters likely to stay healthier? Apparently the link to lower risk of complications from heart disease spurs from lower blood pressure, cholesterol and reduced weight when compared to meat-eaters.

The Study

The study took place in England and Scotland and consisted of 44,500 people, with the findings published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers analyzed information from vegetarians and also from those who ate meat and fish for roughly 11 and a half years and concluded when it comes to heart health, it appears vegetarians have the advantage.

Not sure you are ready to go veggie all the way?

The reason that vegetarians reap these health benefits is because  of their overall health. Is it possible

to be healthy and eat meat? Of course, but perhaps keeping in mind your daily requirements for nutrition will help you moderate your meat intake while meeting your veggies needs.

Quick Nutrition Tips

• Adults should have 2 1/2 cups of vegetables per day and 2 cups of fruit/day

• The most healthy veggies are those that are dark green or orange in color
• If you are eating meat, opt for more fish, beans, nuts, peas and seeds since their unsaturated fats are healthier
• Two 8 ounce servings of fish have been proven to reduce mortality from coronary heart disease
• To make meat healthier, bake it, broil it or grill it

Health tips and facts from http://www.foodpyramid.com/mypyramid/