Two decades of research point to health benefits associated with plant-based diets
Sist anmeldt: 14.06.2024
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Vegetarian and vegan diets are generally associated with better health outcomes across a range of health factors associated with cardiovascular health and cancer risk, as well as a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality, according to a new review of 48 previously published articles. Angelo Capodici and colleagues presented these results in the open access journal PLOS ONE on May 15, 2024.
Previous studies have linked certain diets to an increased risk of heart disease and cancer. A diet low in plant foods and high in meat, refined grains, sugar and salt is associated with a higher risk of death. Reducing the consumption of animal products in favor of plant-based foods has been proposed as a way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, the overall benefits of such diets remain unclear.
To further understand the potential benefits of plant-based diets, Capodici and colleagues analyzed 48 articles published between January 2000 and June 2023, which collected data from multiple previous studies. Following an umbrella review approach, they extracted and analyzed data from 48 articles on the association between plant-based diets, cardiovascular health, and cancer risk.
Their analysis found that, overall, vegetarian and vegan diets have a strong statistical association with improved health outcomes across a range of risk factors associated with cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and mortality, such as blood pressure, blood sugar control, and body mass index.. Such diets are associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, gastrointestinal and prostate cancer, and mortality from cardiovascular disease.
However, among pregnant women following a vegetarian diet, there was no difference in the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension compared with those not following a plant-based diet.
Overall, these results suggest that plant-based diets are associated with significant health benefits. However, the researchers note that the statistical power of this association is significantly limited by many differences between past studies, such as specific dietary regimens, patient demographics, study length and other factors.
What's more, some plant-based diets may cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies in some people. Therefore, the researchers warn that more research is needed before recommending plant-based diets on a large scale.
The authors add: “Our study evaluates the different effects of animal-free diets on cardiovascular health and cancer risk, showing how a vegetarian diet can benefit human health and provide an effective prevention strategy for two of the most important chronic diseases in the 21st century."
The results of the work are described in detail in an article published in the PLOS ONE magazine.