Plant-based diet poses potential heart attack risk boost of 65%
Going plant-based doesn't guarantee a healthier heart, folks. A recent study shows that while many plant-based foods are heart-friendly, plenty aren't. The research found that a high intake of unhealthy plant-based foods increases the likelihood of elevated heart attack biomarkers.
The study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed data from over 7,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The participants, aged 20 or older with no heart disease history, reported their diet and had blood samples taken to measure vital heart markers.
These markers of concern were cardiac troponin T, cardiac troponin I, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Troponins indicate cardiac muscle damage, a warning sign of heart attack, while the peptide is associated with heart failure.
The researchers categorized reported foods into three groups: healthy plant-based foods, unhealthy plant-based foods, and animal-based foods.
The analysis showed that following a healthy plant-based diet reduces the likelihood of elevated cardiac troponin I by 49%. On the flip side, those adhering to an unhealthy plant-based diet had a 65% increased chance of elevated cardiac troponin I.
Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease, emphasized that not all plant-based foods share the same heart-friendly benefits. She explained that while many plant-based diets can decrease cardiovascular risk due to their nutritional profile, plant-based meat substitutes can be high in sodium, additives, and processed fats, which harm heart health.
Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist, pointed out that many plant-based burgers have similar amounts of saturated fat (6-8 grams) as a beef patty, thanks to coconut or palm oil added for texture. Both of these oils are high in saturated fats, which can raise bad cholesterol and contribute to heart disease risk.
It's not just about plant-based foods, though. Over-processed foods, whether they're plant- or animal-based, can have adverse effects on heart health. Processed foods may include inflammation-causing additives and gums, diminishing whole food sources' nutritional values.
To stick to a healthy heart diet, go for minimally processed plant proteins low in sodium and saturated fats. Opt for whole, recognizable foods like beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh. Stay clear of long ingredient lists with additives or 'natural flavorings,' and avoid coconut or palm oils. Choose unsalted or lightly salted options when possible and remember fiber helps lower cholesterol.
- Nutrition is a crucial aspect in maintaining heart health, yet going vegetarian or vegan doesn't automatically ensure heart wellness.
- A recent study involving 7,000 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) highlights this fact.
- The research, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, focused on cardiovascular health indicators in participants aged 20 or older, who had no prior history of heart disease.
- Blood samples were taken to measure three key cardiovascular markers: cardiac troponin T, cardiac troponin I, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.
- Troponins indicate cardiac muscle damage, a potential warning sign of heart attack, while the peptide is linked to heart failure.
- The study categorized reported foods into three groups: healthy plant-based foods, unhealthy plant-based foods, and animal-based foods.
- The findings revealed that adhering to a healthy plant-based diet can decrease the likelihood of elevated cardiac troponin I by 49%.
- Conversely, those following an unhealthy plant-based diet had a 65% increased chance of elevated cardiac troponin I.
- Registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein emphasized that not all plant-based foods are heart-friendly.
- She explained that while many plant-based diets can reduce cardiovascular risk due to their nutritional profile, plant-based meat substitutes may contain high levels of sodium, additives, and processed fats.
- Cardiologist Jayne Morgan pointed out that many plant-based burgers have similar amounts of saturated fat (6-8 grams) as a beef patty, due to the addition of coconut or palm oil for texture.
- Both of these oils are high in saturated fats, which can elevate bad cholesterol and contribute to heart disease risk.
- It's not only about plant-based foods, however; over-processed foods can also negatively impact heart health, regardless of their animal or plant origin.
- Processed foods often contain inflammation-causing additives and gums, reducing the nutritional value of whole food sources.
- To promote heart health, opt for minimally processed plant proteins that are low in sodium and saturated fats.
- Whole, recognizable foods like beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh should be prioritized to maintain a balanced diet.
- Avoid food options with lengthy ingredient lists, as well as added additives or 'natural flavorings.'
- Coconut or palm oils should also be avoided, due to their high saturated fat content.
- Choose unsalted or lightly salted options where possible, and remember that fiber can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Science continues to uncover the impact of our diets on other health-related issues, such as other nutrition-related diseases, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.
- Respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, and skin conditions are also influenced by our diets.
- In addition to nutrition, the science of workplace-wellness, medical-conditions, and wellness in the industry, including chronic-kidney-disease, type-2-diabetes, cancer, and mental-health, continue to progress.
- Medical professionals are increasingly focusing on therapies-and-treatments, skin-care, fitness-and-exercise, and autoimmune-disorders such as rheumatoid-arthritis.
- With environmental-science evolving, awareness around climate-change, manufacturing, and its impact on our health is growing.
- Issues like finance, energy consumption, and skin-conditions have also been recognized as essential aspects of health-and-wellness.
- Environmentally-conscious investments in sectors like finance, energy, and real-estate have been gaining traction in the venture-capital industry.
- Personal-finance, debt-management, and smart budgeting are keys to wealth-management, financial independence, and reducing general stress.
- In the realm of technology, advancements in gadgets, smartphones, and digital solutions are streamlining budgeting and financial management.
- Diversity-and-inclusion, leadership, and entrepreneurship are being increasingly valued in the automotive, small-business, retail, and banking-and-insurance sectors.
- Investing wisely in stocks, the stock-market, private-equity, or real-estate can provide long-term financial stability and growth.
- Saving strategically, managing debt, and minimizing expenses are crucial components of one's overall financial well-being, affecting various aspects of life, including healthcare and nutrition.
