Which one is right? are they both wrong.?

Question

`my uncle says vegetarians look younger than they actually are

`my mom says vegetarians look older for their age

which one is true or are they both wrong

Answer 1

Both are true. Both are false. There are too many factors involved beyond those generalizations.

Answer 2

I think they're both wrong. Eating flesh doesn't make you look older/younger, nor does not eating it.

Answer 3

Diet is just one factor, so neither is right.

I look younger than my age, but then I did when I was an omnivore.  I have good skin, but then so does my omni mom.  I've been mistaken for 10 to 15 years younger than I am, but I'm sure being vegan is only one small factor in that.

Genetics, sun exposure, whether or not you smoke, and other lifestyle choices affect how old or young you look.

Answer 4

Both are generalizations that won't hold true for the entire vegetarian population.  How someone ages depends on a lot of factors.  A healthy diet is one of them (and vegetarianism neither guarantees a healthy diet nor precludes it.)  Genetics are also a major factor.  Environment plays a role, whether or not someone smokes or drinks, etc... There are far too many factors to pinpoint.

Personally, no one has EVER guessed my age correctly.  I'm 38 and only recently have people started to guess 30.  I get carded regularly.  But, I attribute that to good genes - my mom has always looked much younger than she is (she was a full-fledged meat eater for about 45 years and has been a pescetarian for the last 20 or so.)  I'm sure a healthy diet on both our parts doesn't hurt.

Answer 5

I don't think it matters.  It depends on a lot more factors than what you eat.  For instance, if a person smokes, drinks, works a really hard job, is under a lot of stress, over-eats, under-eats or lives in a polluted environment.

The person's genetics also play a big part.

It all just comes down to the fact that everyone has an opinion and they want people to agree with them.

It seems like your uncle likes or at least respects people that are vegetarians.  It also seems like your mother is just trying to bash them or is repeating stereotypical comments that she has heard about vegetarians.  I have yet to see a vegetarian who looks older than they really are.

Don't listen to either one of them and form an opinion from your own experience.  People have so many preconceived notions.  It is better to enter an experience clean-slated and free of opinions that you may already have:)

I hope that helped.  I am vegan and look a few years younger by the way.  People say I look 18 when in fact I am 25.  My husband is mistaken for being in his mid twenties and he's in his mid 30's.  He has been a vegetarian for going on 14 years.  He has become vegan this month:)

Answer 6

neither is right nor wrong.. this falls under the cliche "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

Answer 7

Well, by appearance, you can't always tell who's older and younger. Genetics play a large role. However, vegetarians consume a lot of nutrients and anti-oxidants that slow down the aging process by reducing oxidative stress. I would say that your uncle is right.

Answer 8

if a person doesn't get enough food or nutirients they will look older..but a true veg who eats a variety of fresh foods without preservatives will look younger.

Answer 9

Both are right.

I have seen some that look younger - some that look older.

Diet has something to do with it - but genetics, type of diet (too much junk food that is vegetarian is still junk).  Take into consideration exposure to the sun and if they protect while in it.  Does the person take good care of their skin in general - moisturize, use quality soap that doesn't dry out the skin?  Things like stress in their life is going to have an effect, as well as living in a big city where there is more pollution vs. a small town where there is much less.

All these things have something to do with it - plus a host of other things that I am sure that I haven't put down here since I am doing this off the top of my head - not just diet alone.

Answer 10

it would depend on their diet. i am a veggie and im 23 and always get asked for ID to show im over 18 which i take as a compliment (i used to get offended!)

But a lot of older veggies i know are hippys and they look a bit raggled for their age, but thats probably from all the weed they smoke all these years! :-)

Answer 11

I have seen vegetarians who look old, and I have seen vegetarians who look young.

It depends on the person, their genetics and how well they take care of themselves.

I haven't seen very many vegetarians who smoke or drink to excess, but I have seen a lot of vegetarians who don't get much exercise. Some vegetarians eat a lot of junk food. They aren't always healthier than meat eaters.

Answer 12

its not just a function of diet - so neither is right or wrong

there are lots of ways people look younger or older - and ways you might not think,

outdoor loving folks with freckly fair skin will show age more rapidly than mediterranean olive skinned folks regardless of diet.

a person who exercises to strenuously or to excess will show age in their hands and feet (raised veiny old lady hands) more than a person who carries a few pounds and doesnt really exercise.  (check Sarah Jessica Parker & Madonna's hands!)

a vegetarian with a balanced diet of fats, grains, protien and PLENTY of veggies will look better than someone who  calls themselves vegetarian simply because they avoid meat, but instead eats mostly carbs, and gets less than 5 servings of veggies..

Answer 13

I definitely say it depends on diet and lifestyle. If you're vegetarian and eat a "junk food" diet, smoke, and spend too much time in the sun without sunscreen, then more than likely you'll look a lot older and age faster.

But if you a healthy diet, rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and proteins, live a healthy lifestyle...no smoking, get plenty of exercise, and a good night's sleep, I'd say you will definitely look and feel younger.

Answer 14

I have always thought that the vegetarians who don't eat enough fatty acids, proteins and enough calories look pretty haggard. You also have to take into account their genetics and sun exposure. Also, if they smoke or drink.