Plant-based diet may enhance likelihood of heart attacks by a staggering 65%
Going plant-based doesn't automatically equal a healthy heart. A recent study shows that while many plant-based foods are indeed heart-friendly, others can be just as bad as their animal-based counterparts.
The research, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, found that a diet high in unhealthy plant-based foods was linked to a higher risk of heart attacks. Eating too much of these unwanted plant goods can boost the level of a key heart attack biomarker.
So, what exactly are these "bad plant foods"? Well, processed plant-based meat substitutes often contain high levels of sodium and are heavily processed, both of which are harmful to heart health. As a reminder, maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium is crucial for optimal cardiovascular function.
Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease, warns that just because something is plant-based, it doesn't guarantee it's healthy: "Many plant-based diets can reduce cardiovascular risk due to their nutritional profile, such as being low in saturated fat, high in fiber, high in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants. However, not all plant-based foods share these benefits."
On the flip side, Jayne Morgan, a cardiologist at Hello Heart, points out that "meat substitutes often contain additives, such as coconut oil, which are high in saturated fats and can contribute to heart disease risk."
Typically, all foods, regardless of their source, can be unhealthy if they are heavily processed. Therefore, when it comes to plant-based meat substitutes, it's essential to choose products minimally processed with recognizable ingredients.
Luckily, Morgan suggests opting for wholesome, less-processed options like beans, legumes, tofu, and tempeh to replace animal proteins. Additionally, try to avoid items with long ingredient lists, additives, natural flavorings, and red flags like high sodium content, coconut or palm oils, and other saturated fats.
In conclusion, choosing a healthy plant-based diet is not about completely avoiding animal products; it's about making informed decisions. It's all about selecting healthy options, learning to prepare meals intelligently, and keeping overall cardiovascular health in mind.
- While many plant-based foods offer heart benefits, others can be just as harmful as animal-based foods, as shown by a recent study.
- A diet high in unhealthy plant-based foods may lead to an increased risk of heart attacks due to the high levels of key heart attack biomarkers.
- Processed plant-based meat substitutes, which are often high in sodium and heavily processed, can be harmful to heart health, according to research.
- A balanced diet low in sodium is crucial for optimal cardiovascular function, as emphasized by Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietitian specializing in heart disease.
- Not all plant-based foods provide the same health benefits, such as being low in saturated fat, high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants.
- To maintain a healthy plant-based diet, it's important to choose minimally processed plant-based meat substitutes with recognizable ingredients and avoid products with long ingredient lists, additives, and high sodium, saturated fat, coconut oil, or palm oil content.
