We know eating fruits and vegetables is healthy, but is a plant-based diet best to avoid heart disease? A new report suggests that it is.
According to a recent report available in Cardiovascular Research, plant-based diets are the best way to avoid heart disease. Unfortunately, many Americans eat ultra-processed foods that are convenient and affordable over healthier options.
Foods high in sodium, sugar, and trans fat can lead to inflammation and insulin resistance in the blood vessels. In contrast, by lowering your intake of salt, sugar, and refined carbs, you reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A diet rich in whole foods and plant-based food contains vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, eggs, poultry, and more. Moreover, plant-based diets are not necessarily vegan; you can eat animal-based foods so long as most food comes from plants.
The research shows that by adopting a plant-based diet, you can effectively reduce your cardiovascular disease risk. Indeed, some people have even been able to put their diabetes, angina, and high blood pressure into remission. Furthermore, while a lot of fad diets tend to fail, plant-based diets can be followed long term.
Starting A Plant-Based Diet
Getting started is the hardest part, so begin by gradually eat less processed and red meat. You can make the transition easier by replacing them with other protein sources like legumes, nuts, fish, and poultry.
While red meat and processed meat (hot dogs, ham, sausage) can increase heart disease risk, poultry (chicken, turkey) does not. Moreover, the research shows there’s no difference between low-fat and full-fat dairy regarding health outcomes, so choose what you like.
Other Healthy Diets
If you’re currently on a diet plan that works for you, feel free to adapt it to support heart health. For example, in a low-carb plan, you can eat high-quality carbs that come from vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
One of the most popular low-carb diets is the high-fat keto diet and some research suggests ketone production is good. In a 2020 review study, researchers show that keto diets may help lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.
However, if you’re following a keto diet, make smart choices and don’t eat foods that increase heart disease risk. Instead, eat foods like poultry, seafood, vegetables, yogurt, avocado, and healthy oils instead of red meat and butter.
The Outlook
As you work to improve your heart health, making better food choices should be at the top of your list. By following a plant-based diet, you can decrease the risk of heart disease and lead a healthier life.
You can also take daily heart supplements like L-arginine Plus to help get an extra boost. Give your heart health the support it deserves and take L-arginine Plus along with your new, healthier diet.