A vegetarian or vegan diet not only improves overall cardiovascular health, but also specifically reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and premature death.
A new study involving experts from the University of Cambridge examined the effects of a diet free of animal products on the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease, cancer and related mortality. The results can be read in the specialist magazine “PLOS ONE”.
Nutrition and cardiovascular health
Previous studies have already shown that certain diets are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. For example, according to the team, a diet that is low in plant products and high in meat, refined grains, sugar and salt has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of premature death.
It can therefore be assumed that reducing the consumption of animal products and increasing the consumption of plant-based foods can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the overall benefit of such a diet remains unclear, according to the researchers.
To clear up this confusion and deepen our understanding of the potential benefits of a plant-based diet, experts analyzed the results of more than 45 previously published reviews. This research, in turn, summarized the results of numerous previous studies.
When evaluating the study, the researchers focused on possible connections between a plant-based diet and cardiovascular health and the risk of cancer.
What influence does diet have?
A vegetarian or vegan diet was found to be associated with better health across a range of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality, the team reports. The experts cite blood pressure and body mass index as examples.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with a lower risk of ischemic heart disease, gastrointestinal cancer, prostate cancer and premature death from cardiovascular disease, the researchers explain.
The data analysis also found that pregnant women who followed a vegan or vegetarian diet had no advantage in terms of the risk of gestational diabetes and high blood pressure compared to women who did not eat a plant-based diet.
“Our study assesses the diverse effects of an animal-free diet on cardiovascular health and cancer risk and shows that a vegetarian diet can benefit human health and be one of the most effective prevention strategies for the two most important chronic diseases of the 21st century,” concludes the team together in a press release.
Impending vitamin and mineral deficiency?
The problem with some plant-based diets, however, is that they can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in some people.
Therefore, experts warn against generally recommending the plant-based diet until research is completed, even if the results of their study suggest that a plant-based diet is associated with significant health benefits. (as)