Can eating a plant-based diet set you up for a longer, healthier life? New research shows that it can, as a review of thousands of vegetarians versus meat eaters shows that avoiding meat sets you up to have healthier biomarkers than meat-eaters. The new study looked at data from more than 166,000 adults in the UK, with the findings true across adults of any age and weight and regardless of whether they smoked or drank alcohol. Our findings offer real food for thought , Celis-Morales, Ph.D., the lead researcher at the University of Glasgow, said in a statement about the significance of the study, which was presented at the European Congress on Obesity, a virtual event earlier this month.