Heart Breaker

Eating More Plants May Lower Your Heart Disease Risk

A large study suggests that eating a plant-based diet can significantly improve heart health. Here’s a breakdown:

Key findings:

Reduced bad cholesterol: Vegetarian and vegan diets lowered bad cholesterol by 10%, total cholesterol by 7%, and a protein linked to bad cholesterol by 14%.

Equivalent to medication: This impact is similar to one-third the effect of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.

Potential long-term benefits: Researchers estimate a 15-year plant-based diet could reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 20%.

Important considerations:

Not a replacement for medication: People with existing heart disease risk should continue prescribed medications.

Quality matters: The study focused on “healthy” vegetarian and vegan meals, not sugary snacks or processed foods.

Balanced diet: Meat isn’t inherently unhealthy, but moderation and variety within your diet are crucial.

Nutrient deficiencies: Plant-based diets may lack certain micronutrients, so ensure a broad and varied selection of foods.

Overall:

While these findings support the potential heart health benefits of plant-based diets, maintaining a balanced and varied diet, including moderate amounts of meat if desired, is essential for overall well-being. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.