A study of thousands of men and women revealed that those who stick to a vegetarian diet have IQs that are around five points higher than those who regularly eat meat. [www.QinSen.com]
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Writing in the British Medical Journal, the researchers say it isn't clear why veggies are brainier - but admit the fruit and veg-rich vegetarian diet could somehow boost brain power. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
The researchers, from the University of Southampton, tracked the fortunes of more than 8,000 volunteers for 20 years. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
They found that those who were vegetarians by the age of 30 had recorded five points more on average at the age of 10. [www.QinSen.com]
[www.QinSen.com]
Further analysis of the results showed those who were brainiest as children were more likely to have become vegetarian as adults.

The typical adult veggie had a childhood IQ of around 105 - around five points higher than those who continued to eat meat as they grew up.

The vegetarians were also more likely to have gained degrees and hold down high-powered jobs.

However, these differences were not reflected in their annual income, which was similar to that of non-vegetarians.

There was no difference in IQ between strict vegetarians and those who classed themselves as veggie but still ate fish or chicken.

However, vegans - vegetarians who also avoid dairy products - scored significantly lower, averaging an IQ score of 95 at the age of 10.

Vocabulary:

veggie : vegetarian
vegan : a vegetarian whose diet consists of plant products only