Vegetarian diets may lower heart disease risk
Vegetarian diets may lower heart disease risk
Adopting a Vegetarian Diet for Heart Health
Adopting a vegetarian diet may benefit heart health. Jen Grantham/Stocksy
In 2019, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounted for 32% of deaths worldwide, with 85% of these deaths attributable to heart attacks or strokes[^1^]. Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and physical inactivity play a significant role in the development of CVD[^1^]. Interventions that address these factors are crucial in reducing CVD rates.
Recent research suggests that vegetarian diets may be effective in preventing CVD[^1^]. However, the impact of vegetarian diets on individuals with or at a high risk of CVD remains uncertain. Therefore, researchers from the University of Sydney and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia, and Brescia University in Italy conducted a study to investigate the effects of vegetarian diets on cardiometabolic risk factors among people with or at high risk for CVD[^1^].
The Study: How Vegetarian Diets Affect Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
The study involved analyzing 20 randomized controlled trials, covering 1,878 participants with either CVD or a high risk of CVD[^1^]. The participants, aged 28 to 64, followed different variations of vegan or vegetarian diets for an average of six months[^1^]. The primary measures examined included blood glucose, LDL levels, systolic blood pressure, and body weight[^1^].
The results showed that consuming vegetarian diets for six months was associated with significant improvements in LDL levels and blood glucose levels[^1^]. Interestingly, individuals at a higher risk of CVD experienced the greatest decreases in LDL levels, while those with type 2 diabetes saw the greatest reductions in blood sugar levels[^1^]. Although participants lost an average of 3.4 kilograms over the study period, there were no significant changes in blood pressure[^1^].
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Dr. Dana Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian not involved in the study, highlighted the benefits of vegetarian diets for CVD and the environment[^1^]. She explained that vegetarian diets are typically higher in anti-inflammatory fiber and antioxidants due to the abundance of fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes, while also being devoid of inflammatory saturated fats found in animal-based foods[^1^]. The combination of these dietary factors helps lower cholesterol levels, body weight, and inflammation, consequently lowering the risk of CVD[^1^].
Limitations of the Study and Expert Opinions
The study acknowledges certain limitations. For instance, the use of medications to manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol may have affected the observed results, potentially underestimating the impact of vegetarian diets on these measures[^1^].
Dr. John P. Higgins, a sports cardiologist at McGovern Medical School, noted that the study did not compare vegetarian diets with other heart-healthy diets, such as the Mediterranean diet[^1^]. Dr. Zahir Rahman, a cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital, emphasized the need for larger randomized trials to confirm the findings of the study[^1^].
Various vegetarian diets were evaluated in the study, including the Ornish diet, lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet, and lacto-vegetarian diet[^1^]. Dr. Clyde Yancy, chief of Cardiology at Northwestern Medicine, stressed that there is no standard vegetarian diet and that a diverse plant-sourced diet provides the most benefits[^1^].
Implications for Cardiovascular Health
The findings of the study imply that a vegetarian diet, when combined with optimal medical therapy, can lower LDL levels, blood sugar, and body weight[^1^]. These factors are all associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease[^1^]. However, becoming vegetarian is not a prerequisite for improving cardiometabolic health. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” plan, which focuses on incorporating more plant-based foods, can be beneficial for individuals aiming to improve heart health[^1^].
In conclusion, adopting a vegetarian diet has the potential to improve various cardiometabolic risk factors, including cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight, particularly among those at high risk of cardiovascular disease[^1^]. While this study sheds light on the benefits of vegetarian diets, future research is needed to validate these findings and compare vegetarian diets with other heart-healthy eating patterns[^1^].
References
[^1^] Adopting a vegetarian diet may boost heart health, Medical News Today.
