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.
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.
The researchers, from the University of Southampton, tracked the
fortunes of more than 8,000 volunteers for 20 years.
They found that those who were vegetarians by the age of 30 had
recorded five points more on average at the age of 10.
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.