Is a vegetarian diet good for your heart health? Read on to learn what a recent study says about vegetarian diet benefits.
A recent study has shown that vegetarianism may have excellent heart health benefits. Adding more plant-based foods to your meals can positively impact your heart.
A healthy heart is a prerequisite for overall health and well-being. Whereas the Mediterranean diet is well-known for supporting heart health, a recent study reveals that vegetarianism can also benefit. This study examined whether a vegetarian diet can help people with or at risk of heart problems. The encouraging results show that a vegetarian diet can improve cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and manage weight. Continue reading to learn about vegetarian diet benefits for heart health and more.
Read here about Mediterranean diet components.
Is Vegetarian Diet Good For Your Heart?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the Mediterranean diet has always been linked with better heart health. It says a healthy dietary pattern includes a diet focused on minimally processed plant foods, fish, seafood, and low-fat dairy products. However, a recent meta-analysis reported by the American Heart Association in July 2023 differed from this previous study. It revealed that a vegetarian diet could also be good for heart health.
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Vegetarian diet benefits for heart health
The researchers analyzed data from 20 different studies involving 1878 participants. The participants included people with heart disease, diabetes, or multiple heart disease risk factors. These studies lasted around six months. The objective was to examine how a vegetarian diet could impact key heart health markers.
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Vegetarian foods can improve cholesterol levels
One promising finding was the positive influence of a vegetarian diet on “bad” cholesterol levels, called low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Participants who had a vegetarian diet for about six months experienced an impressive reduction of around 6.8 mg/dL in their LDL-C levels. This reduction is important as high LDL-C is a major risk factor for heart disease.
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Eating a vegetarian diet can control blood sugar levels
The meta-analysis also examined long-term blood sugar levels, measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). The results revealed that those on a vegetarian diet had an average improvement of 0.25% in HbA1c levels. This is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. Therefore, a plant-based diet can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes-related complications.
Weight loss benefits of a vegetarian diet
Maintaining a healthy weight is good for heart health. The study showed that participants who followed a vegetarian diet for about six months lost an average of 3.4 kg. Though this might not seem like a lot, it’s meaningful because excess weight is a potential risk factor for heart disease and related conditions.
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The research suggests that a vegetarian diet is beneficial and can significantly improve heart health for people with or at high risk of heart disease.
Lowering LDL-C levels, better blood sugar control, and even modest weight loss all contribute to better heart health.
However, more research is required to understand thoroughly the long-term benefits of vegetarianism for heart health. Before you make any major dietary changes, it’s best to check with your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.
Including more plant-based foods in your diet, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, is an excellent step toward heart health. By following a diet high in wholesome plant foods, you can proactively protect your heart and achieve overall health.
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