The China Study is a comprehensive survey of diet and health in China. It was conducted by Dr. Colin Campbell of Cornell University and Dr. Richard Peto of Oxford University, in collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine. The study began in 1975 and involved over 6,000 Chinese adults in rural areas of China.
The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for chronic disease, specifically cancer and heart disease. The study looked at a variety of dietary factors, as well as other lifestyle habits such as smoking and exercise.
After following the participants for over 20 years, the researchers found that those who consumed the most animal-based foods had the highest rates of cancer and heart disease, while those who ate mostly plant-based foods had the lowest rates. These findings were consistent across all age groups and both genders.
The China Study is often cited by vegetarians and vegans as evidence that a plant-based diet is best for health. However, it should be noted that the study did not specifically test veganism or any other type of diet; rather, it simply observed associations between different dietary patterns and health outcomes.