Healthy Plant-Based Diets Lower Risk Of Death From Cardiometabolic Disorders, Finds Study

A new study suggests that adopting a healthy plant-based diet can help people with cardiometabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease live longer. Cardiometabolic disorders are currently the leading cause of death globally, with unhealthy diets low in fruit and vegetables playing a significant role. The research, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, analyzed data from nearly 78,000 people with cardiometabolic disorders in the UK, US, and China.

Those who consumed a lot of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes, while limiting sweetened or refined products and animal-based foods, had a lower risk of death from any cause, cardiovascular disease, or cancer. Conversely, participants with a higher intake of refined grains, potatoes, sugary drinks, and animal-based foods had an increased risk of death. Lead author Zhangling Chen emphasized the importance of increasing healthy plant-based foods, reducing unhealthy plant-based foods, and limiting animal-based foods for overall health benefits.