![Following a plant-based diet can significantly lower a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or dying from cardiovascular causes, according to new research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.[1] The study’s authors emphasized that a person can still occasionally eat meat, fish or dairy products and still see substantial benefits—the key is to keep such things to a minimum and embrace fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, teas and coffees.](/sites/default/files/styles/top_stories/public/2019-06/fruit-2305192_960_720.jpg.webp?itok=Fp0A6eiO)
Eating plant-based dinners is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Researchers examined data from nearly 28,000 participants, comparing what each individual typically ate for breakfast and dinner. Participants who reported eating a dinner high in refined carbohydrates and animal protein faced a higher risk of CVD than participants who followed the same kind of diet for breakfast instead.
In addition, eating an especially high amount of “low-quality carbohydrates” was associated with a heightened risk of angina and myocardial infarction when compared to eating a low amount. Eating an especially high amount of animal protein was tied to a heightened risk of angina and coronary heart disease.
“Meal timing along with food quality are important factors to consider when looking for ways to lower your risk of heart disease,” co-author Ying Li, MD, PhD, a professor at Harbin Medical University in China, said in a statement. “Our study found people who eat a plant-based dinner with more whole carbs and unsaturated fats reduced their risk of heart disease by 10%. It's always recommended to eat a healthy diet, especially for those at high risk for heart disease, but we found that eating meat and refined carbs for breakfast instead of dinner was associated with a lower risk.”
The full study is available here.
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.