By Eshana Saha
Published Jan 10, 2025

Hindustan Times
Lifestyle

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Pesco-vegetarian diet: Add years to your parents' lives

Did you know a pesco-vegetarian diet could boost life longevity? Studies reveal its incredible benefits, especially for older adults. Here’s what you need to know!

What is a pesco-vegetarian diet? It’s a vegetarian diet where seafood is the only meat included. Eggs and dairy are optional but not mandatory.

The longevity link: A study followed 88,400 participants for 11 years. Pesco-vegetarians showed a significantly lower risk of death, especially in older adults.

Impressive findings: At age 65, vegetarians had an 11% lower death risk. By 85, pesco-vegetarians had a 10% lower risk than non-vegetarians.

Why is fish so powerful? Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients—perfect for supporting brain and heart health in older adults.

Avoid strict vegetarian risks: The study found strict vegetarians had higher risks of stroke and dementia, while pesco-vegetarians showed no such trends.

Healthier aging: Including fish in a mostly vegetarian diet may help reduce long-term health risks and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Encourage your parents to explore a pesco-vegetarian lifestyle—it’s delicious, nutritious, and might just add more healthy years to their lives!