Plant-based diet linked to heightened heart attack risk by a staggering 65%
Switching to a plant-based diet doesn't automatically mean superior heart health, warn experts. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University discovers that an unhealthy plant-based diet can lead to an increased risk of heart attack signifiers.
This research analyzed data from 7,708 participants, without a history of heart disease, from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants reported their food intake for a 24-hour period while blood samples were taken to measure key heart attack biomarkers such as cardiac troponin T, cardiac troponin I, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.
The study found that adherence to a healthy plant-based diet decreased the likelihood of elevated cardiac troponin I levels by 49%. However, on the flip side, those following an unhealthy plant-based diet were 65% more likely to have this same risk. No strong association was discovered between healthy or unhealthy plant-based foods and the other cardiac biomarkers.
Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein emphasizes that not all plant-based foods share the benefits typically associated with such diets, like being low in saturated fat, high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants. Cardiologist Jayne Morgan advises caution when considering plant-based meat substitutes. Many of these options can be high in sodium, saturated fats, and additives, which can negatively impact heart health.
Cardiac specialist Morgan further clarifies that coconut oil, often added for texture in plant-based meat substitutes, can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease risk. This issue with processed food, regardless of the source, is a significant concern, as highly processed foods tend to be less beneficial for heart health than whole or minimally processed foods.
Incorporating processed or seasoned foods into your plant-based diet can introduce inflammation-triggering additives and tactfully eliminate beneficial components found in less processed plants. To maintain a healthy heart, the goal is always to prioritize nutrient-rich foods with minimal processing.
To achieve this, opt for plant-based foods low in saturated fat and sodium, with minimal additives and preservatives. Choose whole food sources such as beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh, rather than relying on heavily processed meat substitutes. Additionally, be mindful of unrecognizable, lengthy ingredient lists that may include hidden additives or "natural flavorings."
This study serves as a reminder that while plant-based diets can offer numerous heart health benefits when followed properly, one must be wary of the unhealthy pitfalls often hidden within processed food products, no matter their source.
- A vegan or vegetarian diet doesn't guarantee superior heart health, experts warn, as a recent study shows an unhealthy plant-based diet can increase heart attack risk.
- The study, conducted by Johns Hopkins University, analyzed data from 7,708 participants without heart disease history.
- Participants reported their food intake for a 24-hour period, and blood samples were taken to measure heart attack biomarkers.
- Adherence to a healthy plant-based diet decreased the likelihood of elevated cardiac troponin I levels by 49%.
- Conversely, those following an unhealthy plant-based diet were 65% more likely to have this same risk, with no strong association found for other cardiac biomarkers.
- Dietitian Michelle Routhenstein highlights that not all plant-based foods may share the benefits often associated with such diets.
- Cardiologist Jayne Morgan advises caution when considering plant-based meat substitutes, as they can be high in sodium, saturated fats, and additives.
- Coconut oil, commonly added for texture in plant-based meat substitutes, can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease risk.
- Processed food, regardless of source, is a concern for heart health due to its negative impact, as these foods tend to be less beneficial than whole or minimally processed foods.
- Incorporating processed or seasoned foods into a plant-based diet can introduce inflammation-triggering additives and eliminate beneficial components found in less processed plants.
- To maintain a healthy heart, focus on nutrient-rich foods with minimal processing, such as beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh.
- Opt for low-sodium, low-saturated-fat plant-based foods with minimal additives and preservatives.
- Be mindful of unrecognizable, lengthy ingredient lists that may include hidden additives or "natural flavorings."
- This study underscores the importance of following a balanced, nutrient-rich plant-based diet for heart health.
- A Wellness program in the workplace can educate employees about proper plant-based diets for heart health.
- Medical-conditions such as chronic diseases, type-2 diabetes, respiratory conditions, and chronic kidney disease can be managed with the help of a well-planned plant-based diet.
- Fitness-and-exercise, in combination with a healthy diet, is crucial for overall health and wellness.
- Mental-health also plays a significant role in maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and it should not be overlooked in workplace wellness programs.
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- Cooking at home can help control the types and amounts of ingredients used, allowing for a customized healthy diet.
- A healthy lifestyle involves paying attention to food and drink choices, including global cuisines, food and dinner options, and beverages.
- Dining out can be enjoyable, but it's essential to make informed decisions to maintain a healthy diet and stick to healthy cooking methods.
- Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a plant-based diet and focusing on nutrient-dense foods, can help manage weight and improve cardiovascular health.
- Weight management is crucial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and type-2 diabetes.
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- Sport participation can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits, with options such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis available.
- Lifestyle choices, including a healthy plant-based diet, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health care, skin-care, nutrition, and healthy cooking, all play a significant role in maintaining overall health and well-being.
