Risk of Heart Attack Soars by 65% with Unhealthy Plant-Based Diet
Swapping animal-based meals for plant-based alternatives doesn't always translate to a heart-healthy diet. A recent study reveals that while many plant-based foods are beneficial for the heart, a significant portion can lead to heart issues, just like less wholesome animal-based options.
The Johns Hopkins University researchers analyzed data from 7,708 participants in the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found that a healthy plant-based diet lowers the risk of elevated cardiac troponin I levels by 49%. However, those following an unhealthy plant-based diet observed a 65% greater risk of elevated cardiac troponin I levels.
Michele Routhenstein, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease, points out that many plant-based diets help reduce cardiovascular risk thanks to their nutritional profile. They tend to be low in saturated fats, high in fiber, high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants. However, not all plant-based foods share these benefits.
Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist at Hello Heart, emphasizes that plant-based meat substitutes can be high in sodium, heavily processed, and packed with additives such as coconut oil or palm oil, which are high in saturated fats and contribute to heart disease risk. According to her, some plant-based burgers can have similar saturated fat levels as a beef patty.
To maintain a heart-friendly plant-based diet, swap saturated fats with healthy plant-based fats, opt for whole, minimally processed plant foods, focus on fiber-rich options like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, and limit refined grains, added sugars, and processed plant products with long ingredient lists.
- Despite the common assumption, not all plant-based diets lead to a heart-healthy nutritional profile, as a significant portion can actually increase the risk of heart disease.
- In a study analyzing data from 7,708 participants, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that a healthy plant-based diet could lower the risk of elevated cardiac troponin I levels by 49%, but an unhealthy plant-based diet could increase it by 65%.
- Registered dietitian Michele Routhenstein highlights that while many plant-based diets are beneficial for heart health, their nutritional profile often includes low saturated fats, high fiber, high potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants.
- Conversely, cardiologist Jayne Morgan warns that some plant-based meat substitutes are high in sodium, heavily processed, and packed with additives like coconut oil or palm oil, which can contribute to heart disease risk and have saturated fat levels similar to beef patties.
- To ensure a heart-friendly plant-based diet, it's recommended to swap saturated fats with healthy plant-based fats, choose whole, minimally processed plant foods, focus on fiber-rich options like lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, and limit refined grains, added sugars, and processed plant products with long ingredient lists.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, science continues to emphasize that while plant-based diets offer numerous benefits for overall health, making informed choices and adhering to a balanced, nutritious nutrition plan remains crucial for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.
