A recent study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has revealed some interesting findings regarding the cost of different dietary approaches. The research compared the cost of a low-fat vegan diet to a standard American diet that includes meat, dairy, and other animal products, as well as a Mediterranean diet. The results showed that a low-fat vegan diet can save individuals 19% on food costs, amounting to $1.80 per day, compared to the standard American diet.
Furthermore, the study found that a Mediterranean diet costs 60 cents more per day than the standard American diet. In total, the vegan diet was 25% cheaper, saving individuals $2.40 per day compared to the Mediterranean diet. These cost savings can add up significantly over time, potentially saving individuals over $650 per year compared to the standard American diet and over $870 compared to the Mediterranean diet.
Dr. Hana Kahleova, the lead author of the study and director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, emphasized the potential health benefits of a vegan diet in addition to the cost savings. She stated that a vegan diet could not only save money but also save lives by helping to prevent or improve conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
The cost savings on the vegan diet were primarily due to lower expenses on meat, dairy products, and added fats. These savings offset the slightly increased costs of vegetables, grains, and meat alternatives on the vegan diet. The study also compared the outcomes of a low-fat vegan diet to a Mediterranean diet in terms of weight, body composition, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol levels. The results showed that the vegan diet had better outcomes in these areas compared to the Mediterranean diet.
The research utilized data from participants’ dietary records and linked it to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Thrifty Food Plan to assess food costs. This database contains national food prices calculated from data collected for the consumer price index. Previous research by the Physicians Committee had already shown a 16% decrease in food costs on a low-fat vegan diet compared to a diet including meat, dairy, and other animal products.
This study sheds light on the potential cost savings and health benefits of adopting a low-fat vegan diet. Individuals looking to save money on groceries while improving their health may want to consider making the switch to a plant-based diet. The findings of this research could have significant implications for individuals looking to make dietary changes for both financial and health reasons.
