A study conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that a low-fat vegan diet can reduce joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Participants who followed a plant-based diet experienced a significant decrease in joint pain, with a 53 percent reduction in swollen joints. Other health benefits observed during the vegan phase of the study included weight loss and improved cholesterol levels.

This study adds to the growing body of research supporting the positive effects of a plant-based diet on arthritis and other illnesses. Conversely, research has shown that consuming animal products, especially in high amounts, can have detrimental effects on health. Studies have linked the consumption of meat and dairy products to an increased risk of developing diseases such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. Overall, a plant-based diet has been shown to promote longevity and overall health, while diets high in animal products can lead to a shorter, less healthy life.