Switching to a vegetarian diet can prevent heart disease and diabetes
A new study determined that changing dietary patterns toward plant-based foods benefits planetary health by reducing environmental impact and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality.
In a recent study published in BMC Medicine, researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of substituting animal-based foods for plant-based alternatives on cardiometabolic health and all-cause mortality.
The research titled “Substitution of foods of animal origin for foods of plant origin on cardiometabolic health and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies”, shows the positive impacts that this change in diet could have both in human health and in the environment.
The study addressed the significant pressure that the current food system, based largely on animal products, places on the Earth’s resources, exacerbating climate change and contributing to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. (T2D), main causes of death worldwide.
The shift towards dietary patterns based on plant-based foods has been presented as a key strategy to counteract these problems. This change not only benefits planetary health by reducing environmental impact but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and premature mortality.
The meta-analysis focused on prospective studies that analyzed the substitution of animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives and their effects on cardiometabolic health and mortality. The results revealed that replacing processed meat with nuts, legumes or whole grains, eggs with nuts, and butter with olive oil were associated with a lower incidence of total cardiovascular disease.
These findings, supported by moderate certainty of evidence, suggest that small changes in diet can have significant impacts on health.
Replace the consumption of processed meat
Regarding coronary heart disease, the study found that replacing processed meat with nuts showed a lower risk, although the evidence was low for other substitutions. For type 2 diabetes, moderate-certainty evidence indicated a lower risk when replacing red meat with nuts or whole grains, processed meat with nuts, and poultry with whole grains.
One of the highlights was the association between animal food substitution and all-cause mortality. Moderate-certainty evidence supported a reduced risk when substituting red meat, processed meat, and dairy for nuts or legumes; eggs with nuts or legumes; and butter with olive oil. However, the certainty of the evidence for other associations was low or very low, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
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The study, which covered data collected over an average period of 19 years, identified some limitations inherent to observational studies, such as the possibility of residual confounding and measurement errors in dietary assessment.
Despite these limitations, the results underscore the importance of considering dietary changes as a viable strategy to improve cardiometabolic health and reduce mortality.
While the research offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of transitioning to a plant-based diet, scientists urge more studies to fully understand the impact of this substitution on human health and the environment.
The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing food-related challenges and highlights the importance of considering more sustainable options for global well-being.
